There is still much uncertainty regarding the future of Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 Starbright Children香蕉视频直播檚 Development Centre and what its potential closure may mean for the families that rely on its specialized services.
Although Starbright has received transitional funding from the province to remain open until the end of June, what happens after that is unclear.
香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e heartbroken,香蕉视频直播� said Dr. Rhonda Nelson, executive director. 香蕉视频直播淥ur agency has been a hub of services for decades, and we know how to structure services to meet the needs of children.香蕉视频直播�
Starbright, which is a non-profit agency, has a service agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development that funds all its services, which are free to families. They include early intervention therapies, infant development program consultation, and supported child development,
Part of Starbright香蕉视频直播檚 mission statement is to 香蕉视频直播溝憬妒悠抵辈ウsupport the growth and development of children with exceptional developmental needs through early intervention services and empower their families香蕉视频直播ο憬妒悠抵辈
That mission is now in jeopardy after the provincial government changed the service delivery model that supports neurodivergent children and their families.
READ MORE: B.C.香蕉视频直播檚 new autism funding model a disappointment says Autism BC
Pilot programs for Family Connection Centres (FCCs) will serve the Central Okanagan (Kelowna), and three other regions starting in the spring, with province-wide implementation set for 2024 if the pilot proves successful.
Starbright did submit a request for proposals months ago to become one of those FCCs.
香蕉视频直播淲e were aware that with such a massive change we needed to put forward a workable proposal that would be something that the province could consider,香蕉视频直播� added Nelson.
It was Jan. 5 this year that Starbright learned the contract for the FCC was awarded to Arc Programs, a for-profit business, and Starbright香蕉视频直播檚 funding will now be directed to that organization.
香蕉视频直播淭his has been very upsetting to families and Starbright staff,香蕉视频直播� said Nelson. 香蕉视频直播淭hey香蕉视频直播檙e extremely worried.香蕉视频直播�
One of her major concerns if Starbright were to close, is support and services for children up to six years old, especially as they transition to the school system.
香蕉视频直播淭o grow the best that they possibly can, to acquire the skills that they will need.香蕉视频直播�
She suggested the solution could be a twinning of services, an FCC for kids up to six and another for those six and older.
香蕉视频直播淭hat solution has been posed by different groups, by families, by other service providers, so we香蕉视频直播檙e hoping.香蕉视频直播�
Parent Mohini Singh, who is also a city councillor, is a staunch supporter of Starbright.
The organization provided support for her daughter 17 years ago when she was five.
香蕉视频直播淭he intensive work they did helped my daughter, helped me, helped my family. In a year she started going to kindergarten,香蕉视频直播� she explained.
Singh added she was shocked to learn Starbright is likely closing.
香蕉视频直播淎 lot of parents are going through a lot of anxiety. This centre is truly a lifesaver.香蕉视频直播�
Over the years Singh, along with other community members and groups, including the Kelowna Professional Firefighters Association, have raised funds for Starbright to cover the cost of equipment and other items not provided through provincial funding.
香蕉视频直播淲hen I turn to anybody to ask for support for Starbright, no question because this centre does such good work,香蕉视频直播� she added. 香蕉视频直播淲e bought into the success of Starbright.香蕉视频直播�
Nelson has invited Premier David Eby to visit Starbright to see the support and services it provides to families.
READ MORE: 75% of B.C. autism service providers say care will be compromised under new hub model
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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