The Child Development Project services families with young children. Our aim is to prevent or minimise developmental problems in our children and to support parents in their parenting role.

The Child Development Project began in 1978 as a pilot project through the collaboration of the Ministries of Health and Social Services and of Education. We provide an assessment service for preschool children which helps to identify those with special needs and offers services to the families to address those needs. We also provide general information about child development, support and numerous resources to all families with preschool children involved in the service. The programme has been in operation for over 12 years and has demonstrated its value by providing services that make a positive difference for the young children of Bermuda and their families.

Underlying all services of Child Development Project is the assumption that parents, at one time or another, require resources and information to assist them as they raise their children. Providing them with information and skills about child development and parenting equips them with the tools needed for them to be effective parents. The Child Development Project offers: 1: SCREENING/ASSESSMENT SERVICES.

2: EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES.

3: GENERAL RESOURCE INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND PARENTING SCREENING/ASSESSMENT SERVICES.

A development screening is offered in the home for all two-year-olds on the Island. Prior to age two screening are offered on a referral basis. If the child has not mastered any one of the three areas of development evaluated by us of the screening instrument (i.e. cognitive, language or behavioural) then the child receives a more comprehensive assessment. Family Coordinators also interview parents about child and family concerns after screening.

PROGRAMME INTERVENTION The various intervention services of the Child Development Project are assigned to families based on the child and the family's needs. Based on this need the family may be assigned to one or a combination of interventions. The programmes can run from 10 weeks to three years during the preschool years depending on the need and/or severity of the problem.

LANGUAGE PROGRAMME A language programme is offered to children with significant language delay, phonology or fluency problem.

PORTAGE HOME VISITING PROGRAMME This programme is modelled after the internationally known Portage Programme from Wisconsin, USA. It is a structured syllabus tailored to the individual needs of children who manifest an overall development delay. Because of the severity of some of the developmental delays or handicapping conditions the Portage programme is sometimes offered for three-four years starting as early as six months of age.

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME The programme is based on a programme development by Dr. Rex Forehand (Ga., US) which is designed to teach parents how to modify problem behaviour of their children.

VERBAL INTERACTION PROGRAMME This programme is based on the early intervention programme development by Dr.

Phyllis Levenstein (L.I., N.Y.). The programme is a general enrichment programme that is supportive to families with young children. The home visitors are trained to promote "positive parenting'' and to show the parents, during play sessions, how to interact verbally with their child to enhance conceptual and social-emotional development.

RESOURCE INFORMATION The Child Development Project offers two centre-based programmes: 1: Playgroup and Parent Discussion group -- a group play experience for children aged two to four years and a support and information sharing group for parents -- offered once per week for 25 weeks.

2: Parent with infant group -- a support/information-sharing group for parents with infants -- offered once per week for six to eight weeks.

All families involved with the Child Development Project are offered the general support services. These include: TOY LIBRARY: toys and books for parents are available on a loan basis.

DEVELOPMENTAL BOOKLETS: a set of four information booklets produced by the Child Development Project are sent to each family. They include information on normal child development, health care, community services and learning activities.

PARENT DISCUSSION GROUPS: educational and informative group meetings are held monthly for any parent who is interested.

NEWSLETTER: a C.D.P. publication with interesting information and tips about child development and parenting. This is produced four times per year and mailed to each family.

The services of the Child Development Project are generally provided until the child is four years of age. At times support is provided until the child is five years of age.

If you have a two-year-old and have not been contacted by our department inviting you to participate in our programme please call us at 295-0746. Our office is located on Palmetto Road in Devonshire.

Next week we will talk about how you can help your child grow to their maximum potential.