About The Starting Points
Working together to support Richmond children and families.
The Richmond Kids Service Finder tool uses the information parents and caregivers provide to direct them to a "starting point" service provider. This service provider may or may not be the one to provide service to the child or family. They may also not be the only one to provide service to the child or family. Each starting service provider will work with the family and connect them to the programs and services that best meet their needs.
Many of the service providers listed in this tool run waiting lists. Service may not be immediate. The Richmond community has lots to offer to support children and families, including those on waitlists for services. During the COVID-19 emergency, physical program sites are closed. However, many early learning and family support programs are providing activities, outreach and support through social media, over the phone, by email and through video conferencing. Visit the Early Learning and Play and Parenting and Family Support pages of our program directory for links to program websites and contact information.
The Richmond Kids Service Finder Tool may connect you to the following local service providers:
Provides nursing services to answer questions about mother, baby, or family health and provide access to public health services. Services include prenatal support, after birth care of a new baby, breastfeeding support, parent and infant groups, telephone support and advice, capacity building parenting support and referral to developmental screening.
Referral form: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Richmond-Childhood-Public-Health-Services-Referral-Form.pdf
Comprehensive hearing services for Richmond residents age 0-19 years. Services may include: full hearing assessment and screening; hearing aid assessessment, sales, fitting and follow-up; and/or counselling and client and family education.
Referral form: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Richmond-Childhood-Public-Health-Services-Referral-Form.pdf
Program for families whose child has a developmental delay, at risk for one, or has a diagnosis which could lead to a developmental delay. Using a family-centred approach, IDP consultants assist families in the identification of their child’s needs and provides an integrated approach that is parent-led. Consultants provide home visits and help connect families to other community services, programs and activities. Services are available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Referral form: https://rscl.sharevision.ca/Surveys/_layouts/Survey/NewSurvey.aspx?SID=15
SCDP Works in partnership with families and other professionals to support children with developmental disabilities/delays to successfully participate in community child care setting. The program serves families with children from birth to age 19 years. We partner with community licensed child care programs to offer a range of options for Richmond families whose children require additional supports to attend preschool, day care and out-of-school care.
Referral form: https://www.richmondkids.ca/download_file/view/320/1088
Works with families and communities to assess and treat behaviour problems in children 0-5 years of age. Assessment and treatment is provided in the context of the child’s family and in collaboration with other community service providers as needed.
Families must ask their family doctor for a referral to the Richmond Early Childhood Mental Health Program.
Referral form (to be completed by doctor): https://www.richmondkids.ca/download_file/view/321/1088
Speech-language pathologists provide assessment and therapy to children who have trouble talking, understanding others, pronouncing speech sounds, having a healthy voice or talking without repeating words and sounds. Services are available to infants and children until Kindergarten entry. Activities, such as games, books, and toys, are used to assess each child's speech, language, and communication needs, and to help them improve their skills in these areas.
Referral form: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Richmond-Childhood-Public-Health-Services-Referral-Form.pdf
Dental Hygienists focus on prevention and early intervention of Early Childhood Dental Disease. Preventive public health dental services are for children 1-5 years. Services include risk assessment, dental screening, oral health information and/or fluoride application.
Referral form: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Richmond-Childhood-Public-Health-Services-Referral-Form.pdf
BCCFA Offers a full spectrum of interdisciplinary therapy services to support the needs of children and youth, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy and social work services. Founded on research, clinical best practice, evidence, and compassionate care, BCCFA helps families enhance their child’s development and successfully navigate life transitions.
Referral form: https://www.richmondkids.ca/download_file/view/306/1088
The PACE Program provides a range of early intervention as well as treatment services to young children and their families, where there may be ongoing concerns about the child’s emotional well-being and/or challenging behaviours. This continuum of services ranges from support within neighbourhood childcare settings, to more intensive services for children and families who have experienced significant distressing events in their life. The support to childcare settings is available in both Richmond and Vancouver. The more intensive services are for those families living in Vancouver. PACE believes in providing a “wrap-around” service to families, working in partnership with parents, caregivers and other professionals.
Referral form (to completed with child care provider): https://thepaceprogram.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/PACE-OSS-Referral-for-Services-March13.pdf