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The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centers and the Ministry of Children and Family Development continue to support Aboriginal Infant Programs in B.C. (AIDP) The Office of the Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal Infant Development Programs gives support and educational information to AIDP workers throughout the province in regards to aboriginal infant development programs.
AIDP are supported by an AIDP Provincial Advisor; AIDP Provincial Assistant; plus five AIDP Regional Advisors throughout the province that include the following regions:
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Coastal
Fraser
Interior
North
Infant Development Programs are...
Aboriginal Infant Development Programs in British Columbia offer support to families of infants who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with developmental delays. Programs are voluntary, family centered, and primarily focused on children ages 0-3 (in some communities 0 - 6). Aboriginal Infant Development consultants support families by providing home visits, activity planning, and developmental and family needs assessments in culturally sensitive and meaningful ways. Consultants also assist families in accessing other health, social, and community services.
By supporting early identification of needs and early intervention for children and families at risk, Aboriginal Infant Development Programs are an integral piece of the early childhood development puzzle. The need for Infant Development services is growing as more and more Aboriginal communities in British Columbia develop comprehensive early childhood services. Consultants' needs are also growing: To best serve Aboriginal families, consultants require ongoing, culturally relevant expert support and training.
History & Background
While Infant Development Programs have been offered in BC since 1972, the need for culturally sensitive Aboriginal Infant Development programs has only recently been recognized. In 2002, thanks to the efforts of the Provincial Advisor for Infant Development Programs, Dana Brynelson, and support from the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development, an independent Office of the Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal Infant Development Programs was established.
Today, 29 Infant Development programs are running in Aboriginal communities in BC. Of these 29 programs, 14 programs who were surveyed reported to be serving over 400 infants and their families.
About the AIDP Provincial Advisor...
The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society and the Ministry of Children and Family Development were pleased to announce the appointment of Diana Elliott as the Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal Infant Development Programs (AIDP) on August 18, 2003.
Diana is a Coast Salish-Cowichan Tribes band member who also has family roots from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth-West Coast Tribes. Diana has 15 years of experience in the Child and Youth Care field as well as in program management, the last ten years with the Cowichan Tribes Infant Development Program.
Diana understands the importance of learning in the early years of life and the benefits of family and parenting support. She appreciates the cultural teachings of her Elders and incorporates these into her daily work.
In accepting the position of Provincial Advisor for AIDP, Diana stated, "My first priority will be to work with all Aboriginal infant development programs to achieve a common vision for infant development that will result in a brighter future for our youngest resource, our children." Diana also says in the next six months she will focus on making the AIDP Provincial Office "a useful, relevant and valuable resource" for the infant development and Aboriginal community.
As Provincial Advisor, Diana’s role will be to contribute to the overall coordination, training, resources and support for infant development programs and services to Aboriginal children and families in British Columbia. The Provincial Advisor is the key point of contact and provides expert advice, consultation, support, information, resources, coordination and leadership for Aboriginal Infant Development Programs and for Infant Development consultants practicing infant development with Aboriginal children and families. Other responsibilities include raising awareness and building capacity, strengthening partnerships and program and policy development.
Diana Elliott can be reached at 250-388-5522 or cell phone number 250-732-4846, or via email at .
Participating on the Aboriginal Infant Development Program Steering Committee are representatives from all regions of the province bringing with them a broad range of knowledge, expertise and support from within the Aboriginal communities and Infant Development programs.
Present members of the AIDP Steering Committee are: Anita Zakresky; Candace Robotham; Carl Mashon; Connie Deane; Dana Brynelsen; Diana Elliott; Esther Shackelly; Horacio Valle Torres; Jackie Watts; Marc Lalonde; Nadine Gagne, Suzanne Sterling; Lisa Martin, and Frazer Smith.
In accepting the position of Provincial Advisor for AIDP, Diana stated, "My first priority will be to work with all Aboriginal infant development programs to achieve a common vision for infant development that will result in a brighter future for our youngest resource, our children." Diana also says in the next six months she will focus on making the AIDP Provincial Office "a useful, relevant and valuable resource" for the infant development and Aboriginal community.
