Logo
Special Needs Resource Program & Quality Supports
The Special Needs Resource Program supports children in a wide range of programs across Bruce County.
We support children in:
- Licensed child care centres
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres
- Authorized camps
- Recreation and skill-building programs for children
Our goal is to ensure all children can participate fully, learn, and grow in inclusive environments.
We offer three levels of service:
Parental consultation and consent is required for Exploration and Intensive services.
To make a referral please complete the referral form
We recognize that parents are the single most important influence in their child’s life. Your involvement and participation is important in planning and implementing your child’s program. Together with parents and educators, our Resource Consultants will develop recommendations and goals based on your child's developmental needs and the priorities of your family.
More information can be found in this brochure
Explore our other supports and services below:
The Ages and Stages Questionnaire® (ASQ™) is available to all families attending Bruce County child care and early years programs.
ASQs helps parents and caregivers to celebrate milestones and provides information on what to look for next. ASQs are available for children 1 month to 5 years.
To receive age appropriate ASQs for your child(ren), please reach out to your Bruce County Licensed Child Care Setting or email childcare@brucecounty.on.ca for more information.
More information can be found in our Journey Through the Ages and Stages Parent/Guardian Information Package
Data gathered from the ASQ is also valuable in understanding and prioritizing services and programs that meet the needs of children in Bruce County. This proactive approach allows the child care system to be responsive to children’s learning, development, and well-being.
The Early Learning Coordination Program enhances quality and builds capacity in licensed child care programs. The Coordinator collaborates, mentors, and supports educators and organizes professional learning opportunities. These opportunities provide educators reflection on their current practices to enhance and align with Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years ‘How does Learning Happen?”. According to "How Does Learning Happen?“, children who attend high-quality child care are happier, less anxious and more motivated to learn, providing a foundation for a brighter future.
“How Does Learning Happen?” Ontario’s Pedagogy is a professional learning resource which supports program development and pedagogy in a variety of early years settings. The "How Does Learning Happen?" framework is based on four foundations Belonging, Expression, Engagement and Well-Being. These foundations guide children, educators and families as viewing themselves as competent, capable, and curious individuals. Professional learning opportunities allow educators to learn how to enhance their practices to align.
The Positive Early Childhood Education (PECE) Program is a training program that builds on the capacity of early learning and child care staff in supporting children of all abilities. The program encourages responsive care and rich learning opportunities to promote children’s social and emotional skills, and interest in learning. Bruce County Children’s Services offers the PECE Program to licensed child care programs.
The PECE programs helps educators to:
- Manage common classroom behavioural difficulties and address developmental concerns
- Improve communication with co-workers and parents about behaviour or related concerns
- Reduce stress associated with child care responsibilities
The Community Learning Library (CLL) offers online learning for families as well as professionals working with children and youth living in Bruce County, Huron County, Simcoe County and York Region. This online learning platform is always open and can be accessed for learning at the learner’s convenience. The CLL offers a variety of virtual educational materials which enhances knowledge and practice of professionals and families.