ECIP Core Services

Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) services are offered in 14 regions across the province. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education funds ECIP to provide specialized services to families of young children between birth and school entry who are either at risk for, have a diagnosis of, or exhibit developmental delay.

Early Childhood Program Core Services

An individual Family Service Plan is developed in collaboration with each family. Consultation, information, support and services designed to meet the individual needs of each child and family are delivered in the child’s home and may extend to community based programs. 

1. Family Support and Capacity Building

ECIP services build family capacity by providing participatory caregiver experiences and opportunities that supplement the parenting knowledge and skills required to parent a child with a delay, and promote a positive sense of parenting competence and confidence. At the heart of this family‐centered process is the recognition that families can identify their own concerns, resources and priorities. ECIP staff work to support the family in their natural caregiving and decision‐making roles, ensuring they have the information and resources they need to be successful advocates and strong supports for their child and family. Toy and Resource Lending Libraries augment the resources of families.

2. Child Development

ECIP support families in enhancing their child’s development through the following services:

1. Information gathering and observation including developmental screening.
2. Development of a child profile across various settings.
3. Ongoing modeling and coaching of developmental activities and strategies within everyday routines.
4. Assess, monitor and report on child progress utilizing the Assessment Evaluation & Programming System (AEPS) in addition to other tools, if necessary.

3. Case Coordination and Transition Support:

ECIP services are part of a range of community‐based services and supports designed to strengthen families, augment parenting skills and foster healthy child development. The following case coordination and transition support services are provided:

1. Facilitating service coordination including referrals and application processes for services or funding.
2. Facilitating regular review and revision of service plans with families and team members.
3. Coordinating multi-disciplinary assessments or planning meetings if applicable.
4. Providing consultation in community settings (e.g., childcare programs and schools).

When a child moves from one setting to another, such as from home into a childcare program or into school, it is a stressful time of change for both the child and the family. ECIP services assist in the transition process through systematic planning and the preparation of the child, the family and the receiving setting. ECIP staff prepares reports and documentation as well as assist in getting necessary resources through grant applications and advocacy when needed.

4. Community Development and Partnerships

ECIP’s facilitate and contribute to community development in order to build or strengthen the continuum of supports and opportunities available to families whose children experience or are at risk for developmental delays. This can include joint events to engage families and/or children, systemic advocacy to address barriers or gaps in resources, presentations to increase public awareness, and involvement with early childhood coalitions. 

5. Referrals

ECIP services have an open referral system, where referrals can be made directly by the family or on behalf of the family with their consent. Eligibility for services is determined through an initial screening process and home visit. The eligibility criteria for services include a developmental delay or a risk for developmental delay based on documented biological or psychosocial risk factors.