Child and Youth Services offers programs for Nuu-chah-nulth children, youth, and their families that help strengthen abilities and expand community and family supports.

Early Years Outreach Programs

Nuu-chah-nulth Early Years Outreach Programs (EYOP) promote and support healthy development during pregnancy, infancy and childhood. Services are offered through home and community visits.

Infant Development (0-6 years)

The Infant Development program supports parents and others caring for Indigenous children ages 0–6 years with typical and non-typical development.

Services for families with children at risk of developmental delays include:

• Parenting support
• Developmental screening and assessments
• Referrals to speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pediatricians, nursing services and counselling services
• Growing Great Kids – A program designed to nurture a child’s social and emotional development by building skills and encouraging self-regulation.  The program is delivered through home visits and actively engages parents, helping to build secure attachments and strengthen parenting techniques.

The Infant Development Program is available in all Nuu-chah-nulth communities as well as Port Alberni, Tofino, and Ucluelet.

Supported Child Development (0-18 years)

This program enables children ages 0-18 years with developmental delay or disability to participate in community programs and activities. Services include:

• Assessments
• Resources
• Education and training
• Funding and training for daycare staff and families
• Information and support for caregivers
• Referrals to occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, pediatricians, and child development centers

Services are available in Kyuquot, Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, Uchucklesaht, Tseshaht, Hupacasaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Ucluelet, Toquaht, Ahousaht, and Hesquiaht.  Services are also available to Indigenous families who live in Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni.

Moe the Mouse (3-5 years)

This program uses Indigenous toys and stories to enhance language development in children age 3 to 5 years of age. Activities are offered as part of the regular learning and child care program. The program helps to develop:

• Social language use
• Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Pronunciation
• Discrimination of speech sounds
• Knowledge of preposition words
• Ability to express feelings and ideas.

Moe the Mouse is offered in Zeballos, Nuchatlaht,  Ehattesaht, and Port Alberni.