Community Partnerships
It takes a village to raise a child. There are many resources out there in our community and sometimes they are difficult to find! One of our goals as Early Childhood Educators at Warman Happy Tots is to share helpful resources as we understand preschool is only one piece in holistic childhood development. As a mother who has navigated complex systems while advocating for my children’s needs, I want to share any information that may be helpful. With both of these things in mind, we have compiled a list of people who are there to support your child if you have concerns or questions.
These resources can be public (through our healthcare system, require a referral from your doctor, walk-in doctor, chiro, or nurse practitioner and sometimes with a significant wait time) or private (contact directly to ask questions about their process). Some of these private services are covered by insurance, others are not. If you are interested in any one of these services, we recommend contacting companies to ask specific questions. We are here to support you and your family however we can and if you find yourself needing a resource, we are happy to share whatever knowledge we can!
RESOURCES
Occupational Therapist: An occupational therapist can help in various ways, assisting with developing fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil, improving hand-eye coordination, enhancing sensory processing, promoting self-care skills like dressing, and supporting social and emotional development. Occupational therapists work with children to enhance their overall functional abilities and independence in daily activities. From her website: "Occupational therapists (OTs) work to support children in their day to day activities. Goal areas are identified by families and an OT may help your child build new skills and suggest strategies to help improve their participation and success at home, school and in the community”. Julia Halford, occupational therapist, provides occupational therapy for children in Warman and surrounding areas. She may be able to answer questions or direct you further. https://www.playfulheartsot.ca/
Speech and Language Pathologist: For language and communication support, literacy support, and speech delays, an SLP can work with your family to set goals for you and your child. https://www.spectrumyxe.ca/
PhysioTherapist: Their role is to assist physical concerns through movement and exercise. If your child has struggled with toileting, aren't sure where to start or are in general just needing some guidance, take a look. https://warmanphysio.com/
Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan: Their mission is to "promote the education, employment, wellness and human rights of those with learning disabilities and ADHD." https://ldas.org
Play Therapist or Theraplay: We know that children learn the best through play! This service focuses on using play to reduce social, emotional, or behavioural concerns. It can be beneficial to work through emotional or challenging times as well. https://www.creativeexpressionsarttherapy.com/art-therapy
Art Therapy: The emphasis is on self-expression and communication during art therapy. Art Therapists incorporate art into therapy sessions for assessment, encouraging communication, and resolving conflicts. These are individualized to your family’s needs. https://www.creativeexpressionsarttherapy.com or https://www.selfwellnesswarman.ca/
Autism Services: From their website: “Any family having an individual with characteristics or a diagnosis of autism, or any other disorder on the Autism Spectrum, may qualify for service.” https://autismservices.ca/
Early Years Family Resources: This service is free! They offer a drop in play space, music/art/literacy programs, parenting resources, and more. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559333474627 or the Martensville/Warman location https://www.mwfamilycentre.ca/
You may not need these resources now, or later, but consider it as a "quick list" to refer to if you or your child are needing some support.
