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Infant & Child Development Program

Infant & Child Development Program

Infant & Child Development Program

Starting April 1, 2025!

The Infant & Child Development Program (ICDP) supports children who live in the Niagara Region from birth to school entry. ICDP is primarily a home visiting program that aims to support the growth and development of children who either have a developmental disability or are at risk for developmental delays.

Using a family-centred approach, an infant development consultant partners with families to provide a variety of services based on each child’s and family's unique needs.

ICDP is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and is administered by the Niagara Children’s Centre. This program is a member of the Ontario Association for Infant and Child Development (OAICD). For more information, visit the province's official page.

What do services look like?

An infant development consultant will partner with you and your family to: 

  • Provide developmental screening and assessments, identifying your child’s strengths and needs in movement, communication, thinking abilities, social-emotional development and self-help skills
  • Develop an individual Family Service Plan based on goals most important to you that will support your child’s development
  • Monitor your child’s development and give everyday suggestions on ways to support ongoing development during daily routines
  • Share educational information and resources
  • Assist you in accessing other services and supports
  • Work together with other services and professionals involved with your family

Eligibility and Referrals
Families in the Niagara region with infants and children birth to school entry who:
  • were born prematurely
  • have a diagnosis that could impact their child’s development
  • were multiple births such as twins, triplets
  • experienced challenges at birth or early in life
  • Are experiencing developmental differences

Referrals can be made online by parents or legal guardians, health care professionals, or other community partners using our online ICDP Referral Portal.

If you want to speak with someone directly, call one of our Intake Coordinators, at 905-688-1890 x110.  

Resources
  • Pathways – A website with developmental checklists and resources to help your support your child along the pathway of development
  • Zero to Three - Resources focused on early childhood development
  • The Hanen Centre - Tips for building your child’s language, literacy and social skills
  • Tummy Time Video - Discover the importance of tummy time, and how you can make the most of it.