Early intervention can help prevent a child's problems escalating, says Lovell
Intervention in the early stages of a child's development can prevent behavioural, cognitive and emotional problems later in life, according to Lovette Lovell, of Government's Child Development Programme.
The guest speaker at a meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, yesterday, Ms Lovell appealed for support of the group by highlighting work that the CDP does to ensure that Bermudian youth grow up to be fully functioning adults.
"An infant's interaction with objects and humans are vital nutrients for the growing and developing brain," said Ms Lovell.
The CDP currently offers seven intervention services for children and parents: a verbal interaction programme, portage programme, behaviour management, family counselling, speech and language therapy, occupational and physiotherapy.
"The Child Development Programme's mission is to work in partnership with parents to enhance the development of children from birth to four years of age," said Ms Lovell.
She added that additional services provided by CDP include the toy and book library, parent education workshops and newsletters.
While the CDP offers many services for children and their parents, Ms Lovell said that people are most familiar with their screening and assessment services.
"This programme includes the developmental screenings offered to all 24-30-month-old residents of Bermuda," she said.
"The screening evaluates the child's cognitive, language and motor skills.
"Additionally, it explores any behavioural concerns the parents may have in addition to examining how parents are coping with their parenting responsibility."
Before finishing her speech, Ms Lovell requested the support of the Rotary Club and the Island.
"Encourage your coworkers, employees, family and friends with children from birth to four to utilise our services," she said.
"Also, make a personal commitment to support not only the intellectual growth of Bermuda's children, but their social, emotional health in your own personal way. In doing so, we will be able to build the Bermuda that we all want to enjoy."
