Early Childhood Psychology

The early identification and treatment of developmental and behavioral problems in young children is known to be an essential way to promote the health and well-being of all. The Early Childhood Psychologist provides a crucial portion of the evaluation of an at-risk child's cognitive and social skill formation.

Diagnostic information, intervention strategies, and program recommendations are provided to parents, other health and social service professionals. Guidance and direction is offered to intervention therapists and day care workers. When needed, assistance is provided to school administration and staff to implement special education program provisions so a child can gain early stimulation and focused skill training.

Common Preschool Problems Addressed

• Developmental:
  • immaturity in any basic skill formation, delayed language (poor listening, talking & comprehension), perceptual lag (slow to walk, build, understand shapes), general cognitive delays as well as those due to possible syndromes, e.g. Down Syndrome, autism, etc.
• Behavioral:
  • poor sleep patterns, toileting concerns, difficulty relating to others, limited attention span, excessively active, aggressive, immature play with peers.

Description of Services

• Direct Clinical Services:
  • assessment to determine the extent and nature of a preschool child's delayed development using a variety of techniques, standardized procedures and activities.
  • counseling to parents of preschool children with developmental and/or behavioral concerns aimed at helping parents deal effectively with the stressful demands of parenting a child with special needs.
  • therapy in a few special circumstances providing individual sessions with a child, parent and case worker to examine specific developmental / learning opportunities that are needed to address special concerns with a child.
• Consultation:
  • is provided to support, enhance, and promote programs and services for preschool children. This assistance is offered to a wide variety of groups, other professionals, service agencies and child care providers (such as early childhood intervention programs, physicians, day care centres, playschools and parents).
    
    The information provided through consultation is child specific and focuses on issues in development, behavior and parenting. Consultation services are provided that concern normally developing children as well as those with special needs.
• Preventative Educational Services:
  • are available to the community at large. The goal of this service is to provide preschool child caretakers with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to identify, prevent and/or solve potential problems in child development, behavior, and parenting.
    
    When possible, information may also be distributed through a variety of formats, including presentations, workshops, discussion groups, and media venues.

Contact

Weyburn Mental Health Community Health Services Building 900 Saskatchewan Drive P.O. Box 2003 Weyburn, SK S4H 2Z9 Tel: 306-842-8665 Toll Free: 1-800-216-7689

Appointments are scheduled in Weyburn, Carlyle and Estevan.

For new referrals within the health region, please contact the Intake Office at 306-842-8665 or toll free 1-800-216-7689.

Population Served

Early Childhood Psychology (ECP) services are directed to preschool age children (0 - 5 years of age) who are:

• delayed in one or more of the major areas of development (mental, social, language, motor, and self-help); or
• who are at substantial risk for delayed development or learning problems; or
• who are developing normally, but present significant challenges in behavior and parenting to their families.