Through a range of in-home and community based services, the Early Childhood Development Programs help build parental capacity to support the healthy development of children beginning prenatally and through their early years.
Services are offered in the communities of the North Thompson valley from McClure through to Blue River and most recently, Lillooet. Please download our fillable and printable ECD referral form if you, or someone you support, is interested in our services. Please note that you do not need to complete the referral form to participate in the drop in programs. Just join in when you can!
The Prenatal and Early Years Home Visiting Program provides home visits to pregnant people or parents of children under school age. The program provides information about healthy living and how to develop secure, nurturing relationships with infants and children.
Parents work with the Home Visitor to develop personal and family goals, support networks and strong parenting skills to create healthy, safe & secure home environments for children. The Home Visitor can also provide:
This program is available in the North Thomson Valley from McClure through to Blue River. Please use the referral form at the top of the page to access this service. This program is free to families and is funded by the Province of British Columbia.
Outcome Measurement Reports for our programs are available for you to download and read 2023 Annual HV Report
Please contact: Bobbi Strachan Phone: 250.674.2600 ext. 226 Text: 778.208.7436 Email: Bobbi Strachan Address: 612 Park Drive, Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N1
The Supported Child Development Program (SCDP) helps families whose children need extra support to access community settings, like daycare. Typically we work with children under 12 years but services may be available for older children.
Supported Child Development operates under the principles of inclusion and family-centered practices and uses a multi-disciplinary team approach. Parents may self-refer or come from community service providers including child care settings.
We believe that:
Inclusion means:
Families know their children best and have the right and responsibility to make choices in the best interest of their children and to have those choices respected. We honor the family as a whole and work collaboratively with families to meet their unique needs.
Some of the supports we provide are :
This program is available in the North Thompson Valley from McClure through to Blue River. Please use the referral form at the top of the page to access this service.
This program is free to families and is funded by the Province of British Columbia.
Outcome Measurement Reports for our programs are available for you to download and read 2023 Annual SCD Report
Contact: Jenna Wilson - Clearwater & Barriere Phone: 250.674.2600 ext. 258 Text: 778.208.2979 Email: Jenna Wilson 612 Park Drive, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N1
Playgroups are a free and fun drop in program for young children and their families to socialize, have a healthy snack, play games, make crafts and participate in other age-appropriate activities. Our friendly Playgroup Facilitators provide a casual but structured setting with weekly themes and we offer this program in multiple locations throughout the North Thompson including Barriere (called Weekly Family Drop In), Squam Bay, Clearwater, Vavenby and Blue River. Come join the fun!
Clearwater: Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 at the Dutch Lake Community Centre. Summer sessions are usually outdoors at various locations in the community. Contact us for a current schedule.
Vavenby: Twice a month on Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 at the Vavenby Elementary School. No summer sessions. Contact us for current schedule.
Blue River: Twice a month at the Blue River Elementary School. Contact us for current schedule. No summer sessions.
Outcome Measurement Reports for our programs are available for you to download and read 2023 Annual EYSP Report
Denica Kelly, Early Years Service Provider – Clearwater & Barriere Phone: 778-208-8533 Email: Denica Kelly
Follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date news “Yellowhead Community Services Early Years Services”
The Autism Services program offers behaviour consultation and intervention services to families with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from infancy to age 19. We work collaboratively with you and your child's team to create plans that address your priorities and target a wide range of skill development in a variety of home and community settings.
Our team consists of a Behaviour Consultant who is registered on the RASP (Registry of Autism Service Providers) who will oversee the plans and guide our Behaviour Interventionist, who will work directly with you and your child.
Nikki Vincent - Clearwater-Barriere Phone: 250.674.2600 Email: Nikki Vincent
Our Infant Development Consultant works with families who have worries that their child is not reaching milestones such as sitting, playing with toys walking or talking.
Families work with the consultant to develop goals that encourage development of physical, emotional, language and cognitive skills. Parents are their child's best teacher and making the most of the first three years is critical. Together we find ways to support learning through a range of fun play based activities.
The IDP Consultant can also complete assessments, provide home visits and support families in group settings.
The program is free to families and is funded by the Province of British Columbia.
Outcome Measurement Reports for our programs are available for you to download and read 2023 Annual IDP Report
Jenna Wilson - Clearwater-Barriere Phone: 250.674.2600 ext. 258 Text: 778.208.2979 Email: Jenna Wilson Address: 612 Park Drive, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N1
Infant Development Consultant - Lillooet 155 Main Street, Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0 T.250.256.2277 C.778.209.7550 F.250.256.2299
Janet Verbeeck Infant Development Consultant - Merritt New Location coming soon..... Cell: 778-208-8371