Health Minister Patrice Minors and Shadow Education Minister Neville Darrell were two of the well-known names attending an open house at the Child Development Programme (CDP) yesterday.

The event was held to highlight the services offered by the CDP, said new co-ordinator Jennifer Manders.

Originally a project jointly run by the Health and Education Ministries, the CDP now serves more than 600 children annually.

While the CDP is perhaps best known for screening children aged two and up for developmental challenges, Ms Manders said during its 25-year evolution it has expanded to offer much more.

Now there are follow-up programmes which target problems facing children who are flagged as being developmentally challenged in some way, as well as programmes helping parents learn to do what the CDP views as the most important job in the world: parenting.

The oldest of the programmes targeting children is the Verbal Interaction Programme, which uses play as a means of general stimulus for children. "It's our foundation programme," said Ms Manders.

There is also a Portage Programme which specifically addresses children with special needs. For two years now that programme has been running with an occupational therapist, and a new physiotherapist has started just this week. "The disciplines work together," said Ms Manders.

The CDP also offers a Language Programme focusing more on language than speech, and a Behavioural Management Programme addressing issues of difficult behaviour. "These are often related to other things," said Ms Manders.

If a child does not appear to have any developmental problems the CDP can still be a valuable resource for parents, Ms Manders said.

With literature, libraries and a support network the CDP can help parents understand what to expect from their children. "Parenting is critical to child development. Yet there is no special education for it. We are here to provide resources and support parents to do the best job they can."

The CDP also offers special parenting courses. Parents enjoyed the courses, Ms Manders said, however time constraints were an issue. However, she added the 20 staff at the CDP were willing to answer questions parents have. "This is one staff that is truly at Bermuda's service," she said. "They have made this happen."

"I would encourage the public to visit first hand and see what is available (at the CDP)," said Ms Minors at the open house yesterday.