EARLY LEARNING RESOURCES
EARLY LEARNING RESOURCES PROGRAM
Early Learning Resources is a specialized program that supports families and Early Childhood Educators with children who have diverse abilities. To be eligible for this service, children must be enrolled or enrolling in a licensed child care program, including licensed before and after school programs.
Resource Consultants provide services throughout the District of Algoma from Hornepayne in the North to Spanish in the East.
Our goal is to have the family, Resource Consultant, and educators working together as a team for the successful inclusion of every child. This goal is achieved through the provision of support, education, consultation, and co-teaching to child care centres. The Early Learning Resources Program also supports the children’s therapy needs to further enhance their development, socialization, and readiness for school.
ROLE OF THE RESOURCE CONSULTANT
The primary methods of consultation include coaching educators, modelling use of strategies, and providing education.
The role of the consultant may include, but is not limited to:
- Providing professional development
- Attending child care staff meetings to discuss children they support
- Acting as a service coordinator and liaison between team members
- Brainstorming solutions to problems and barriers
- Developing best practices for inclusion
- Providing enhanced support where needed
- Researching, gathering, and sharing resources
- Supporting developmentally appropriate programming
- Assisting educators in adapting or modifying activities or experiences
- Completing developmental screens and making further referrals if necessary
- Facilitating the transition to school process
- Leading meetings and writing minutes
- Assisting in goal setting and the development of Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
ROLE OF THE EARLY LEARNING RESOURCE ASSISTANT
ELR Assistants collaborate with the educators at the child care centre under the direction of the Resource Consultant. The Resource Consultant will work with the supervisor of the child care centre and/or the Professional Services Manager-ECE to determine the number of hours of support provided.
The role of the ELR Assistant may include, but is not limited to:
- Facilitating the full inclusion of children who have special needs
- Facilitating the reduction of classroom stressors
- Alternating duties with child care staff (may include following a rotating schedule)
- Modelling inclusive practices
- Assisting educators in meeting the needs of all children
- Assisting implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
- Assisting educators in programming
- Naturally embedding goals into daily routines
WHEN TO REQUEST SERVICE?
Request service if a child is experiencing barriers in one or more of the following areas of development: physical, social, emotional, communicational, intellectual, and/or behavioural domains.
Referrals can be made through your child care center or by calling THRIVE directly.
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Bates
Professional Services Manager – Early Childhood Education
at (705) 759- 1131 or 1-855-759-1131, Ext. 209,
or by completing the contact form below.