Our Mission

"Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential"

The Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society (OSNS) is a registered not-for-profit organization established in 1978 so that children in the South Okanagan and Similkameen could access services in their communities. The Society is funded from many sources including substantial support from the community through fundraising activities. This community support forms a crucial partnership that anables the Child Development Centre (CDC) to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Early Intervention Programs enhance the abilities of all children including those who are developmentally at risk. These programs make a difference in the lives of the children and their families.

The mission of the Okanagan Similameen Neurological Society (OSNS) Child Development Centre is to promote the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of children in the South Okanagan and Similkameen regions by providing:

- Assessment

- Education

- Rehabilitation

- Prevention

- Early Intervention

- Program Consultation

Our services are child-oriented, family focused and community-based.

The OSNS Child Development Centre is commited to:

-Early identification of children at risk in their development.

-Providing services to enable children to enhance their learning and maximize growth.

-Treating children and families with respect, honouring their individual qualities.

-Recognizing the family as the most important influence in the child's life. The family is encouraged and supported to be actively involved in all aspects of service.

-Providing effective and efficient services to families through a collaborative team approach.

-Enhancing the child's success in all environments by working in partnership with the community.

-Promoting awareness and providing education regarding child development in the South Okanagan and Similkameen.

About OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN NEUROLOGICAL SOCIETY

SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY provides service to children who are referred for possible communication delays/disorders. Information is provided to caregivers concerning their child's understanding in use of language, as well as speech sounds.

OCCUPATIONAL & PHYSICAL THERAPY programs focus on assessment and development of movement skills, daily living skills, visual motor skills, and sensory processing abilities.

AUTISM TREATMENT SERVICES include a Behaviour Coordinator, Speech/Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Behaviour Assistants and offer a variety of individualized services to children up to 6 years of age who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Some services are also available for school-aged children.

Our CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST provides assessment, counselling and therapy to children and their social network to achieve positive development in cognition, emotion, health and behaviour. Our Family Support Worker acts as a resource and coordinator.