Services for Children with Special Needs

What does "special needs" mean?

A child who has special needs means a child whose cognitive, physical, social emotional or communicative needs, or whose needs relating to overall development, are of such a nature that additional supports are required for the child.

Visit the Government of Ontario website for more information.

Do you have questions about your child's development?

The Ministry of Children and Youth Services provides parents with information about infant hearing programs, speech and language programs, infant development and more.

Every child belongs

The Children's Services division, in partnership with community agencies, provides enhanced services to child care programs so every child who needs extra support can actively participate in a licensed child care program.

We are committed to an inclusive child care system that promotes positive and healthy environment for all children.

What does inclusive child care mean?

• access to early learning and care programs, just like other families
• a welcoming environment for their child, where they are treated in the same thoughtful and respectful way as all other children

Child Care Fee Subsidy

If you or your child has a documented special need, you may qualify for a Child care fee subsidy Your doctor, agency or other professional with ongoing involvement with your family must provide written documentation of your child's special needs or the special needs of the parent or guardian.

Visit our Child Care Fee Subsidy page to learn more.

Supports and services

There are many local programs and services to help children and families with special needs. For more information, see the development resource guide below.

Community partners

Speech and language, gross and fine motor skills, sensory and social development

• Five Counties Children's Centre
• Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy, Pediatrician
• Specialized Clinics and Services
• Ontario Early Years Centres

Vision

• Family Doctor
• Nurse Practitioner
• Optometrist
• Tre-Regional Blind Low Vision Program

Preschool speech and language screening

• Five Counties Children's Centre
• Health Unit

Hearing

• Five Counties Children's Centre
• Audiologist

Growth and development

• Community Living Kawartha Lakes
• Five Counties Children's Centre
• Health Unit
• Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes
• Ontario Early Years Centres
• Big Brothers Big Sisters for KL-H

Premature birth or medically fragile

• Five Counties Children's Centre
• Community Living Kawartha Lakes
• Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes
• Health Unit
• Ontario Early Years Centres

Parenting supports

• Health Unit
• Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes
• Five Counties Children's Centre
• Community Living Kawartha Lakes
• Ontario Early Years Centres
• CHIMO Youth and Family Services

Multiple needs

• Community Living Kawartha Lakes
• Five Counties Children's Centre
• Health Unit
• Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes
• Tri-County Community Support Services

Behaviour issues

• Health Unit
• Tri-County Community Support Services
• Ontario Early Years Centres
• Community Living Kawartha Lakes
• Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes