Who We Serve
Who We Serve
Since 1953, The Centre for Child Development of the Lower Mainland has worked to overcome societal barriers for those with disabilities and empower vulnerable children and families throughout the South Fraser Region.
A child is part of their family and their community. As we work with each child’s challenges to help them achieve their goals, we are also aware that we need to care for them holistically. When a therapist works with a child, they also work with the family. Interpreters are brought in, resources are shared, and referrals made to ensure the family have the best opportunity to help their child to belong to their community.
The Centre provides comprehensive medical rehabilitation programs and multi-disciplinary therapeutic services to children with a wide range of abilities and conditions, as illustrated below.
Demographics – 2023
Clients Served by Age
Clients Served by Gender
Languages Spoken
Other Languages Spoken
Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion
The Centre has long committed to, and continues to advance, a barrier-free, safe, and welcoming space for people of all abilities, ethnicities, races, nationalities, cultural heritage, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and social and economic backgrounds. We acknowledge the need for deliberate and persistent reflection and refinement of our practices to ensure our services continue to become more accessible and culturally responsive.
Our practice of conscious inclusivity, cultural sensitivity and equitable access respects and values everyone’s differences and unique experiences. We honour, respect and adhere to all United Nations declarations on the rights of peoples, and federal and provincial statutes on human rights. The Centre respects and honours the culture and heritage of all persons, including Indigenous peoples in accordance with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and BC’s Recognition & Reconciliation Protocol on First Nations Children, Youth and Families.
We recognize and work to overcome barriers to access including systemic and structural discrimination, social disparity, and economic status. We actively facilitate partnerships and work with community leaders to help solve the issues facing children and families from all backgrounds.
Where We Are
Our many programs serve children from birth to 19 years and most services are funded through BC’s Ministry of Children and Family Development. The Centre also provides several programs that are unique to the South Fraser region and not usually delivered by a Child Development Centre, such as our Feeding & Nutrition Program or our Casting & Splinting Program. For these, we are grateful for the donations and sponsorships from generous supporters.
We served over 7,000 clients this past year and the demand for our services grows as fast as the population for the region.
Our Approach
The F-words emphasize your child's strengths, interests and your family's values. They remind us to focus on what children CAN do.
They highlight the importance of all the elements of a child's health and well-being, including social relationships and meaningful participation at home, in school, childcare and in the community.
Based on research & built on the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework. www.canchild.ca/f-words
- Kids live & thrive with their families
- The family is the expert on the child
- What activities do you want to do together?
- How can our team help your child participate fully in those experiences?
- Fun is an essential part of childhood
- What activities does your child enjoy most?
- What activities would your child like to try?
- Building supportive friendships & positive social relationships are important for all children
- Talk about the social connections in your child's life so our team can help you grow those relationships
- Function = the ability to do an activity with or without support
- Do activities without focusing on the outcome
- Talk about how your child plays and functions in daily life
- Health is related to staying physically & mentally fit
- What makes it easy or hard for your child to become and stay active & healthy?
- Child development = keeping your child's future in view
- What are your family and child's dreams?
- What are your expectations about the future?
Questions about our services? Need help completing your online referral or PDF referral form? We're happy to help!
Call us at 604-584-1361 or send us an email.
Therapy, care and support under one umbrella
We provide outpatient medical rehabilitation services to help children reach their potential.