Program goals
The program supports the early identification of children age birth to six years at risk for poor developmental outcomes. The program also supports children in receiving appropriate referrals, coordinated services and the attainment of the expected healthy child development outcomes of the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program.
Program strategies/activities
The Toronto Public Health Early Identification program delivers a number of service components including:
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Workshops
Early Identification workshops are provided for health care professionals and early years service providers. These workshops include information on: early brain development, Nipissing District Developmental Screen, and Toronto Public Health programs supporting Early Identification.
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Partnerships
In partnership with Toronto Public Health programs, community agencies and primary health care practitioners, strategies are developed to promote Early Identification initiatives. Some examples of partnerships include Toronto Best Start, Ontario Early Year Centres and Mothercraft-CITYKIDS.
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Early Identification screening
Educational sessions on the importance of Early Identification and available screening tools are provided to health care professionals, early years service providers and families with children birth to six years. Screening is provided by Public Health Nurses through the Early Year Centres, Healthy Babies Healthy Children program, various Toronto Public Health parenting programs, and other initiatives with community partners.
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Coordinated services
Families are referred to appropriate services in the community to support early identification and early intervention.
Toronto Public Health works collaboratively with community agencies, health care professionals, and early years service providers. A seamless process for families to access programs and services is developed to reach as many families with children 0 – 6 years of age as possible.
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Public awareness
A public awareness campaign "Don't wait and see with a child's development" was launched in collaboration with Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services to promote the importance of Early Identification.
For more information or to refer a client, please call
Toronto Health Connection
416-338-7600
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Last updated January 2013
