ECIP celebrates its 40th Anniversary
By Annie Duncan
The West Central Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) celebrated its 40th anniversary last Saturday, September 17, at the Kindersley Alliance Church with a come-and-go celebration for current and past families to come and join the celebration.
ECIP is a provincially funded network of home-based programs that provide visits and services to families with children under six who experience or may be at risk for a developmental delay. Ideas are provided to families to aid parents in teaching their children the skills they need to succeed through activities to enhance childhood development, providing support families may need and offer community connections.
PHOTOS BY ANNIE DUNCAN, click for larger images and captions
“I have enjoyed working with the families and children for the past 28 years,” says Arlene Goosen, Executive Director of West Central ECIP.
When the position became available, Goosen took her passion for children with differing abilities and her degree in education and jumped on the opportunity to offer as many children as possible the fundamentals they need to succeed.
“We tackle all levels and areas of a child’s development to help them gain the skills they need to continue to grow and do the best they can,” says Goosen.
What started as a group of parents speaking up about the need for services more accessible to residents in the area receiving funding for only five children has grown into a program with enough funding to support as many children as possible who may require services in the area and beyond.
In addition to their celebration, West Central ECIP joined 13 other ECIP programs across Saskatchewan in celebrating Early Childhood Intervention Week from September 11 to 17.