sponsored programme providing support services for 20 years to families with preschool children in Bermuda.

CDP was started in 1978 through the vision of the late David Critchley and Mansfield (Jimmy) Brock, the then-Permanent Secretaries for Health and Social Services and Education.

The programme was called the Child Development Project since it was a pilot programme. It was eventually established in 1994 under the Ministry of Health and Social Services and comes directly under its Department of Child and Family Services.

"Basically the agency began 20 years ago as a one-room operation with six staff that has grown into a full house with 18 staff,'' said Conchita Ming, who has been CDP's coordinator since its inception.

The aim of the project was to prevent and/or minimise developmental problems and to reduce the possible negative effects of environmental deprivation of young children.

The services of the project began in one parish, Devonshire, and were expanded in 1982 to service the entire Island. An evaluation of both the Devonshire and the Island-wide services was conducted by a research team from Yale University and the University of Virginia. The results of these evaluations have determined, to a large extent, the CDP's direction.

The programme believes that early intervention can enhance the ability of parents to support and foster the healthy and optimal development of their children.

Ms Ming, who has a Master's degree in education from the University of Manitoba in addition to a teaching certificate in early childhood education, said the project's goals were encompassed in its mission statement, which reads: "We are committed to working in partnership with families to enhance the development of children from birth to four years of age.

"CDP helps families to identify their needs and goals, provides support and information, and enhances parenting skills. We believe in encouraging families to use personal and community resources in order to realise their child's potential.'' The CDP includes home-based services with an interdisciplinary approach in working with families to assist with: Speech and language development; Behaviour concerns; The needs of children with special developmental challenges; Overall developmental enrichment through play; and Family issues.

Ms Ming also praised her team, saying it was well qualified and dedicated, kind and enthusiastic.

The agency, which is based at 37 Tynes Bay House, Palmetto Road, Devonshire DV05, provides free service to all children in Bermuda from birth to age four.

"The big focus is on the developmental needs of the child, as well as, addressing many parenting issues,'' she said. "One of the key things we aim to achieve is to work in partnership with the parent. We also put parents in touch with other helping agencies.'' Services of the CDP are offered on a referral basis for children before the age of two and to all families when their children reach two years of age.

The demand for CDP is on the rise. In a typical year, 800 to 900 children are born in Bermuda and approximately two-thirds are screened. Referrals are on the increase and CDP has received about 100 this year for the under twos.

"Our referrals come from numerous sources such as physicians, parents, care givers, and family friends,'' explained Ms Ming.

CDP currently assists 40-50 children with developmental delays and medical challenges. Speech language is a heavily subscribed service.

"Parents today have many stresses. Child care, housing and finances are the majors. Alcoholism and substance abuse are problematic and challenging.

"We provide a support service to work with parents as a partnership to bring out the best in our children. Our mission is to empower the parents,'' concluded Ms Ming.

The cottage premises of CDP, which are over 200 years old, have recently been totally renovated.

The purpose of the renovation was to maximise the internal space. Major repairs have been done to the wiring, roof, porch, etc. through Works and Engineering who contracted the work to the architectural firm of Onions, Bouchard & McCulloch.

Ms Ming reported: "OBM showed great sensitivity in keeping the integrity of the historic building.'' TEAM EFFORT -- Conchita Ming, far right, and staff who make the Child Development Programme successful.

HELPING CHILDREN -- Conchita Ming, Coordinator of The Child Development Programme.