Pathways | Child and Youth Development and Disability Services

Child and Youth Development and Disability Services - The Centre for Child Development

Abuse / Neglect, Condition Specific Support, Disability Services, Family / Parenting, Healthcare Providers, Medical Equipment, Mental Health - Child & Youth, Services for Children, Services for Youth, and Victim Services

Provided by The Centre for Child Development

Provides a wide range of therapeutic services to children with a range of abilities and conditions throughout the South Fraser Region.

The Centre offers the following services:

Casting and Splinting: The team fabricates custom casts and splints designed to maintain proper positioning of the arms or legs and to support children in overcoming activity limitations, such as difficulties with standing and walking. As children grow and their needs change, new customized casts or splints are created to support ongoing development. Replacements may be required every few weeks or months, depending on the child’s individual progress. The team consists of an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, and a therapy assistant..

Childcare: The child care programs are play-based, fully inclusive, and open to children both with and without additional support needs. The team works in partnership with families, caregivers, and other professionals using a family-centred approach to support each child’s individual needs. The educational environment and positive teacher-child interactions acknowledge diverse learning needs and styles, promoting the overall growth and development of each child. Eligibility: Infants, toddlers and preschoolers ages 0-5, Children without special needs and Children with special needs. Cost: $10/day child care/.

Communication Therapy: Speech-language pathologists work with families and caregivers to support children in developing their communication skills and enhancing their ability to participate in family life, preschool, and peer relationships. Services are play-based, incorporating activities that are both fun and purposeful to maximize functional outcomes. Depending on the child's individual needs, this training may take place in group settings or one-on-one with the parent or caregiver present. Click here to see eligibility.

Early Years Program: In collaboration with Sources Infant Development Program, the early years team provides free, family-focused services and support to children 0 – 6 years old and their families in Surrey. No appointment, registration, or referral is needed.

Equipment Team: The team includes an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, and a rehabilitation equipment supplier. Together, they help customize mobility devices to support each child’s unique mobility needs, enabling full participation at home, in school, and in the community. The team works collaboratively with the child, their family, therapists, physicians, hospitals, and equipment suppliers to address functional positioning and mobility goals, while monitoring for growth and physical changes. Click here to see eligibility.

Feeding & Nutrition: This intensive program is designed for some of the youngest and most medically involved children whose feeding safety or nutritional intake is compromised due to developmental disabilities. The team provides comprehensive feeding assessments, offers recommendations on positioning, equipment, and food options, and supports the development of safe swallowing skills. The team includes a developmental pediatrician, a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, and a dietitian. Click here to see eligibility.

Family Services: Family-centred support services are provided based on the individual needs of each family. Support may involve working directly with the child or youth, as well as with family members, schools, and community agencies. These services are typically short-term, lasting approximately six months, and may include:

Providing information
Assisting with behaviour strategies or life skills
Connecting families to community services
Supporting families in meeting their own needs and those of their child

Educational groups are also offered to parents and caregivers of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders. These sessions cover topics such as lifespan development, advocacy, accessing resources, and caregiver self-care.

Key Worker: Key workers provide family-centred support services for children assessed and diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and related conditions. The program supports children and youth with conditions such as Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions (CDBC), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), or other conditions presenting similar challenges. Eligible participants typically experience delays in multiple areas of brain functioning, including self-control, daily living skills, attention, decision-making, and planning, resulting in significant developmental delays. A formal diagnosis is not required to be referred to the Key Worker program.

Occupational Therapy Department: Occupational therapists work with families and caregivers to support children and youth in developing fine motor control and improving their ability to function effectively at home, in school, and within the community.

Physiotherapy Department: Physiotherapists work with families and caregivers to help children and youth reach their gross motor potential and promote independence across various environments. Services are play-based, incorporating fun and purposeful activities to maximize functional outcomes. Physiotherapy support may include:

Home exercise programs
Parent and caregiver education
Recommendations for play or recreational activities
Participation in individual or group therapy sessions

Psychology: A team of psychologists and parent support workers provides services to children living in Surrey who have a developmental disability and a significant behavioural or mental health condition. Services include:

Consultation and support for families experiencing behavioural concerns
Counselling for children, youth, and families
Assistance for parents addressing challenges with toilet training and/or sleep
Support for parents aiming to improve their children’s daily living skills
Group programs for parents and siblings of children with disabilities, offering shared experiences and peer support

Recreation Therapy Services: Recreation services are available for children aged 0-19 living in Surrey, Delta, White Rock, or Langley who display a developmental disability. They are designed to support children in developing gross motor skills, independence, and communication through a variety of programs. These services accommodate a wide range of abilities, including coordination challenges, gross motor delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular disorders, and orthopedic conditions.

Sophie's Place: Sophie’s Place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre are for children and youth ages 0-15 living in Surrey. Children and youth who have been physically and/or sexually abused dedicated to supporting children and youth who have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse. It provides a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can share their stories and access the appropriate support services.

Supported Child Development: The Supported Child Development (SCD) team provides early intervention support to children living in Surrey who have a developmental delay or disability, with the goal of enabling full participation in inclusive community childcare settings. Eligibility: Children aged 0–19 living in Surrey or White Rock. Services include:

Individualized planning to promote each child’s development
Training and information for families and childcare providers
Access to resources such as books and specialized equipment
Referrals to therapists or specialists
Additional staffing, when needed, to support inclusive participation

604-584-1361 (Surrey)

Website: https://the-centre.org/

9460 140th Street, Surrey, British Columbia, V3T 0T1

604-619-9488 (Early Years Hub, Surrey)

Public email: earlyyears@the-centre.org

Website: https://the-centre.org/early-years-hub/

#204, 7327 137 Street, Surrey, British Columbia, V3W 1A4

Entrance is next to Save-On-Foods

604-533-3088 (Langley)

#102, 20641 Logan Avenue, Langley, British Columbia, V3A 7R3

604-594-0488 (Delta)

11405 84th Avenue, Delta, British Columbia, V4C 2L9

Cost: Fees may apply

Referral options:

Self-referral
Family physician or nurse practitioner referral

Details: To apply, complete either the Online Referral Form or the PDF Referral Form and submit it to the office by fax at 604-583-5113 or by mail to 9460 140 Street, Surrey, BC V3V 5Z4.