Success by 6 has been operating in this community since 2004 but many people still don’t know about the program or what it does, says Heather Adamson.
The coordinator of the local program wants to change all that and give it a higher public profile.
“I want to get more information abut the importance of the first six years of life to the child’s health and wellbeing to the community,” she said.
Adamson gave as an example a taxi voucher system that is available for families that need it with children under the age of six.
A transport service is also available through Building Block Daycare for those who require daycare.
A health and developmental screening event is planned for May 5 at Dutch Lake Community Centre. A variety of health professionals will be available to check youngsters for problems such as hearing.
“Screen early and screen often – don’t wait until you have problems,” was her advice to parents.
The Lift the Lip program seeks to get consistent dental care through the local dental clinic for young people.
Success by 6 continues to support the development of a splashpark.
It is the type of infrastructure that shows the community is interested in the wellbeing of its youngest residents, Adamson said.
For those who want to get more involved, Success by 6 holds a community round table once a month to get grassroots input.
Anyone interested should give Adamson a call at Yellowhead Community Services, 250-674-2600.
Adamson, who has been the local coordinator pretty well since the program began in Clearwater, recently was promoted to be in charge of the regional programs as well.
She will continue to oversee what is happening in Clearwater, she added.
