Earlier today, Mackenzie Health along with service partners the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions received an Award of Excellence from the Child, Youth and Family Services Coalition of Simcoe County (Coalition).
The Award was received for the development and implementation of a new elementary school program in Barrie, which provides families and students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) the supports they need in one location.
Launched during the 2015-16 school year, the FASD classroom services elementary age students who have struggled with traditional classroom placements. The program helps students integrate back into their home school environment and program staff support the students during the transition to their home school.
The program includes the following services:
- teacher, child and youth worker and behaviour technician who provide curriculum and help students accomplish learning outcomes
- professional development to the schools involved, and
- regular case conferences with staff and parents determine progress and establish next steps.
The Coalition’s recognition program celebrates the efforts of Coalition members as they work to positively impact the lives of children, youth and families in Simcoe County. The Award of Excellence is presented to one project/initiative annually that demonstrates significant alignment with the Coalition’s goals and priorities, and involves collaboration between at least two member agencies.
Quotes:
“We are very proud of the services offered by Mackenzie Health’s Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences. We pride ourselves in working with community leaders to build partnerships and develop innovative solutions to create impactful programs for clients and their families.”
Altaf Stationwala
Mackenzie Health, President and CEO
“I wish people could see how far my son has come from Kindergarten to grade 7, the great supports and how well the team has worked to make such a successful classroom for children like my son. It has been nothing but an amazing, great experience, and I am so thankful that my son has the opportunity to participate in this classroom.”
Amanda Laws
Parent with a child in the program
“The Coalition exists to bring organizations together so we can collaborate and align our resources in support of youth and their families. The FASD Classroom is an excellent example of the power of collaboration and innovation. The program is youth-and family-centred. Staff from various organizations are working together to make sure families are receiving the best support possible in the most convenient way.”
Philip Hough
Coalition Chair
For more information, contact:
Stefanie Kreibe
Communications and Public Affairs Consultant
Mackenzie Health
Tel: (905) 883-1212 ext. 7498
E-mail: stefanie.kreibe@mackenziehealth.ca
Suset Silva
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Mackenzie Health
Tel: (905) 883-1212 ext. 7484
E-mail: suset.silva@mackenziehealth.ca
Quick Facts at a Glance:
Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences
Mackenzie Health's Centre for Behaviour Health Sciences provides care for individuals living in York Region or Simcoe County who have a developmental disability with a significant cognitive delay, autism or are living with the effects of an acquired brain injury. Services are offered within the community to individuals living in York Region or Simcoe County.
Service is determined by evaluation of needs and may be provided through individual and/or group support. Behaviour intervention is provided to children and adults through a comprehensive assessment followed by positive-based teaching and programming. The Centre offers care for a full range of challenging needs including general management issues, aggression, self-injury, skill promotion and social problem solving.
Mackenzie Health
- Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional healthcare provider which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services.
- Nationally recognized for its commitment to safety and quality patient care, Mackenzie Health was also awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, the highest rating a Canadian healthcare provider can receive.
- Guided by a vision to create a world-class health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future.
- With over 500,000 residents in Southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada.
- The groundbreaking for the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital was held on October 25, 2016.