Cumberland UEY - "HELP Directory"

Amherst Pre-School

Heartz Hall
1 Ratchford Street
Amherst, NS B4H 1X2
(902) 667-7731

A part-time early education and child development program for 4-5 year old children.

Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority

5940 South Street
Halifax, NS
B3H 1S6
(902) 424-8500

APSEA serves children and youth (birth to 21) who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, blind or visually impaired. Services are available to preschool children and their families with a diagnosed or suspected hearing loss or visual impairment. Through regular visits and support in preschools, a trained parent educator works with the family and other professionals to create the optimal learning environment for each child.

Bright Beginnings Child Care Centre

25 Park Street
P.O. Box 785
Amherst, NS B4H 2R6
(902) 667-7857

The centre offers full day early education and child care for preschool children from age 18 months, and early morning, lunch hour and after-school care for elementary students.

Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association (CANSA)

24 Crescent Avenue
Amherst, NS B4H 1V1
(902) 661-1509
cansa@eastlink.ca

Although not directly involved with early childhood programming, CANSA offers a library of books and resource materials to assist families of young children who are interested in exploring cultural heritage.

Cumberland Early Intervention Program (CEIP)

P.O. Box 997
15 Victoria Street
Amherst, NS B4H 4E1
(902) 667-8244
gowerceip@eastlink.ca

CEIP serves families with children, birth to school entry, who are developmentally delayed or who are at risk for delay due to various diagnoses and biological risk factors. CEIP provides home and community visits, support, resources, assistance in contacting other professionals involved in the child's care, assistance in transitions to new programs and to school, and access to developmentally appropriate equipment, toys, games, books and activities. All services are provided free of charge utilizing a family-centered model of service. Anyone with a concern about a child's development can refer to our agency with the parent's consent.

S.M.I.L.E.
S.M.I.L.E. is a partnership of the Cumberland Early Intervention Program and the Cumberland YMCA. It is a Saturday morning gym and swim program for children with special needs aged 3-21. This one-on-one program provides recreational experience and developmental support as well as a respite opportunity for parents and caregivers.

Cumberland Health Authority

34 Prince Arthur Street
Amherst, NS B4H 3B3
(902) 667-1090
http://www.cha.nshealth.ca

The Cumberland Health Authority (CHA) provides a wide range of services including four primary health care centres with a nurse practitioner available in each. The CHA also operates five healthcare facilities in the county.

Primary Health Care Centres

Advocate and Area Primary Health Centre
3721 Highway #209
P.O. Box 65
Advocate Harbour, NS B0M 1A0
(902) 392-2734

Parrsboro Primary Health Centre
Parrsboro Professional Centre
76 Jenks Avenue
Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
(902) 254-3317

River Hebert Primary Health Care Clinic
D.M.Cochrane Memorial Health Centre
River Hebert, NS B0K 1G0
(902) 251-2260

Springhill Primary Health Care Centre
All Saints Hospital
10 Princess Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-2374

Health Care Facilities

All Saints Hospital
10 Princess Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3773

Bayview Memorial
Advocate, NS B0M 1A0
(902) 392-2859

Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre
19428 Highway #2, R.R. #6
Amherst, NS B4H 1N6
(902) 667-6306

North Cumberland Memorial Hospital
260 Church Street
Pugwash, NS B0K 1L0
(902) 243-2521

South Cumberland Community Centre
50 Jenks Avenue
Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
(902) 254-2540

Cumberland Mental Health Services (CMHS)

33 Havelock Street
Amherst, NS B4H 4W1
(902) 667-3879
www.cha.nshealth.ca/mentalhealth

Under the auspices of the Cumberland Health Authority, CMHS provides a range of services for adults, children, and youth with behavior problems, attention deficit, hyperactivity, depression, anxiety, sexual aggression and other emotional, behavioral or mental health issues and for their families. Child/youth services are available at the main centre in Amherst and at satellite clinics at the health care centres in Parrsboro, Pugwash and Springhill. Home and school visits are provided as required. Child/youth services include outpatient services, specialized services for preschoolers with autism (see below), and community outreach and consultation. Inpatient psychiatric services for children and adolescents are accessed through the IWK Health Center in Halifax when needed. An early intervention, distance-based program called Family Help (see below) which uses telephone coaching is also available for certain issues through a partnership with IWK/Dalhousie University.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Service
Cumberland Mental Health Services
(902) 667-3879

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Service provides intervention for young children with autism to maximize their development. ASD Service provides support to the families as they learn the approaches to help their children and to the preschool, daycare and other staff who are involved. Early intensive behavioral intervention with a "pivotal response" approach to learning is used.

Family Help
Cumberland Mental Health Services
(902) 667-3879

Family Help is a distance program designed to help families with young children deal with common childhood problems of mild to moderate severity in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Education and treatment is provided by trained coaches through telephone contact, written manuals, videotapes and audiotapes. Modules include Disruptive Behaviour & Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity (3-12 years), Enuresis (5-12 years), Anxiety (6 to 12 years) and Pain - recurring stomach-ache and headache(5 to 12 years).

Family Help is a partnership program of Cumberland Mental Health Services, IWK Health Center and Dalhousie University.

Cumberland Regional Library

Headquarters:
21 Acadia Street
P.O. Box 220
Amherst, NS B4H 3Z2
(902) 667-2549
www.crl.library.ns.ca

The regional library service offers books for all ages, multi-media materials, free internet access, books by mail, interlibrary loans, reference services, book clubs, and programs for young children such as "Once Upon a Time" and "Babes in Bookland".

Branch Libraries:

Advocate Library
93 Mills Road
Advocate Harbour, NS B0M 1A0
392-2214

Oxford Library
22 Water Street
Oxford, NS B0M 1P0
447-2440

Parrsboro Library
10 Queen Street
Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
254-2046

Pugwash Library
10222 Durham Street
Pugwash, NS B0K 1L0
243-3331

River Hebert Library
2730 Barronsfield Road
River Hebert, NS B0L 1G0
251-2324

Springhill Library
75 Main Street,
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
597-2211

Cumberland YMCA

92 Church Street
Amherst, NS
(902) 667-9112
cumberland@ymca.ca
www.ymcaofcumberland.com

The Cumberland YMCA offers recreational services and early childhood education and care programs in Amherst and at sites across Cumberland County.

Just for Tots
A playgroup for ages 18 months to 3 years. Regular activities include painting, sand and water play, reading books and fun in the gym. Program runs in seven week sessions from September to June at the Cumberland YMCA facility in Amherst.

Preschool
A preschool program focused on socialization with age appropriate activities offered in a play based setting. The program runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00am at the YMCA in Amherst as well as in River Hebert, Oxford and Pugwash.

Childcare
A program for ages 18 months to 5 years. Hours are from 7:00am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday. Located at 141 Victoria Street in Amherst.

Kindergarten
The program focuses on the development of the child physically, intellectually and socially. Full time: 4 days, Monday to Thursday from 1:00 to 3:30; Part time: 3 days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 to 11:30. Offered in Amherst, Oxford, River Hebert and Pugwash.

Family and Children's Services
   -Division of the Department of Community Services

Cumberland District Office
26-28 Prince Arthur Street
Suite 201
P.O. Box 399
Amherst, NS B4H 3Z5
(902) 667-3336
www.gov.ns.ca/coms/families

Family and Children's Services is a provincial agency providing a range of community-based prevention-oriented supports for children and families. Services include adoption, adoption disclosure, child abuse registry, child protection services, children in care, and early childhood development.

Food Banks

Food banks are located in Amherst, Oxford, Parrsboro, Pugwash and Springhill.

Amherst Food Assistance Network
5 King Street Amherst, NS B4H 1W7
(902) 661-0677

The Amherst food bank is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1:30 until 4:00. Clients are drawn from Amherst and surrounding area.

Oxford and Area Food Bank
Main Street (in the parking lot adjacent to the Wild Blueberry and Maple Centre)
Oxford, NS B0M 1P0
Contact: Rufus Black 447-2582
   Heather MacDonald 447-2590

The Oxford food bank is open twice each week: Monday 6-7 pm and Thursday 1:30-2:30. In summer it is open only on Monday 6-7pm. Clients are restricted to those living within the catchment area of the Oxford Regional High School.

Parrsboro and Area Food Bank
St. George's Church Hall
Chapel Street
Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
Contact: Lewis Brown 254-2934

The Parrsboro food bank is open on Friday afternoon from 1:30 until 3:00. Clients are eligible in the area from Parrsboro to Southampton( inclusive), from Parrsboro to Advocate(inclusive), and from Parrsboro to Five Islands (inclusive).

Pugwash and Area Food Bank
Located in the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital
260 Church Street
Pugwash, NS B0K 1L0
Contact: Thomas Aiken 257-2686

The Pugwash food bank is open once each week: Monday 1-3 pm. Clients are restricted to those living within the catchment area of the Pugwash District High School.

Springhill Food and Clothing Bank
51 Mechanic Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3067 (food)
(902) 597-8162 (clothing) by appointment.

The Springhill food bank is open Wednesday and Friday from 10 until 3.

Maggie's Place Family Resource Centre

12 LaPlanche Street
P.O. Box 1149
Amherst, NS B4H 4L2
Phone: (902) 667-7250
Fax: (902) 667-0585
Email: maggies@ns.sympatico.ca
Web: http://www.maggiesplace.ca

Maggie's Place Family Resource Centre offers a variety of programs and services for young children, parents and caregivers throughout Cumberland County.

Maggie's Place Programs for Children

Maggie's Place Family Fun Kits
A free service for families in Cumberland County to provide access to a variety of educational and developmentally appropriate toys. Children can benefit enormously from the exposure to stimulating and educational toys along with play based interaction with parents and caregivers. Each kit contains a wide selection of toys, activities and parent information relating to a particular theme. Family Fun Kits may be borrowed for a two-week lending period.

Maggie's Magic Toy Lending Library
A free service for families in Cumberland County to provide access to a variety of educational and developmentally appropriate toys. The toy library contains a wide selection of toys, including building sets, dolls and puppets, activity toys, games, puzzles, vehicles, sports, musical and scientific toys; available for a two-week lending period.

Kids in the Kitchen
This program is offered free of charge through the summer months to promote independence and pride in children. Each group attends two sessions to learn how to prepare healthy snacks. The group gets to help make their own snack along with enjoying a story, art and songs. Children ages 3-4 and 5-6. Pre-registration is required.

Cool School / School Readiness
This program is offered free of charge during the summer months for children entering primary in September. Each of the ten sessions are two hours long, during which preschoolers are given the opportunity to practice the skills they need when entering the school system such as: socialization, following the rules, team work and taking turns. Pre-registration is required.

Pop-Up (Preschool Outreach Program Utilizing Play)
This weekly program is offered free of charge to communities throughout Cumberland County and is aimed at parents, caregivers and their children aged 0-6. The playgroup meets to make crafts and participate in rhymes, songs, stories, finger plays and to have a healthy snack. A facilitator is available to facilitate the group and to provide information to parents and caregivers on a variety of topics. This program runs in partnership with the Chignecto Central Regional School Board from September to June.

Once Upon a Time
This drop in program is offered free of charge on Wednesday mornings at Four Father's Memorial Library; to promote early learning and to encourage language development in young children. Children and their parents and caregivers can get together to read stories and participate in songs, rhymes, finger plays and a snack.

Friday Morning Fun Times
This drop in program is offered on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 and emphasizes the importance of play and positive interaction between child and caregiver in the healthy development of children. During the weekly playgroup, children and parents or caregivers participate in free play, circle/story time, create art and enjoy a nutritious snack. The playgroup is a great way to meet other families and to learn new activities, games and stories to enjoy at home.

Saturday Fun Days / Special Event Days
This program is offered occasionally (usually on Saturday mornings) and invites children and their parents or caregivers to participate in a special themed playgroup. During the playgroup, children and parents or caregivers participate in free play, circle/story time; special activities such as face painting or parachute play; create art and enjoy a nutritious snack. The playgroup is a great way to meet other families, celebrate special holidays and to learn new activities, games and stories to play at home.

Maggie's Place Programs for Parents

Maggie's Place Resource Library
A free service for families in Cumberland County that provides access to a variety of educational and supportive resources for parents and caregivers. The resource library contains books, videos, pamphlets and handouts dealing with a number of topics of interest to families including: prenatal and postnatal information, nutrition, sibling rivalry, separation/divorce and parenting information. Resources may be borrowed for a two week lending period.

Maggie's Place Idea Kits
Idea kits give parents and caregivers access to a variety of educational and developmentally appropriate information - each relating to a particular theme, such as: "Your Child's Healthy Development" and "Potty Training for Boys and Girls". Idea Kits are available for loan from Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30.

Maggie's Place Clothing Exchange
A place for parents to drop off or take clothing and other items such as books and toys which may be donated. There is clothing available for babies and children; as well as maternity wear. Available in the side entranceway of Maggie's Place, Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30.

Caring Connections: Childcare Information and Support Services
To provide resources and supports that will enhance the accessibility, affordability and quality of childcare for all families in Cumberland County. Contact Sarah MacIntosh - CCIS Coordinator, smacintosh.maggies@ns.aliantzinc.ca

Anger Management
Anger Management is a five-week program with a two hour session per week for parents of preschoolers aged 0 - 6 years. The program is free of charge and a free preschool child development program is offered to participants' children during the sessions. Anger can be your friend or foe; it all depends on how you express it. Pre-registration is required.

Nobody's Perfect
A ten-week parenting program addressing everyday challenges and providing support for parents with young children. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discover new parenting skills and to consider new strategies for coping with everyday challenges. The program is free of charge and a free pre-schoolchild development program is offered to participants' children during the sessions. Pre-registration is required.

Parenting for the Love of Kids
A six week parenting program which addresses many common challenges faced by parents and provides strategies that empower both parent and child. The program emphasizes providing children with choices and encourages parents to guide children as they learn how to think, rather than tell children what to think. The program is free of charge and targets families with elementary school aged children. Pre-Registration is required.

You Make the Difference: Parent-Child Interaction Program
A nine week parent-child interaction program for parents and caregivers of young children aged 6 months to 3 years. The program includes information on how to promote children's ability to socialize and communicate with others - especially with their parents and caregivers. Participants receive a videotape of their interactions with their child to take home with them as a keepsake. Pre-registration is required.

Maggie's Magic Cupboard
An eight week community based skills program which helps explore how to shop for and prepare low-cost nutritious meals. The program emphasizes learning how to get the most from your food dollar, food preparation and cooking, keeping food safe and overall healthy eating and nutrition. The program is free of charge and a free preschool child development program is offered to participants children. Pre-registration is required.

Baby Friendly Drop-In
A program for new parents and caregivers hosted by Maggie's Place and Public Health at Maggie's Place on Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00. Each week Public Health Nurses are available to weigh babies and answer questions for each family on an individual basis. Baby Friendly Drop-In is a great place to meet other new parents and caregivers in the community, plus a great place to talk and share ideas on infant care.

Coffee and Conversation
A weekly program designed to give support to parents and caregivers. This informal drop-in, led by a Maggie's Place staff member, allows the exchange of ideas, information, support, and fun; with a healthy snack provided. The program is free of charge and a preschool child development program is offered to participants' children.

Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)
CPNP offers support and information to expecting parents and parents with babies up to one year old. Groups such as: Babies Come First Club and Snuggle Bugs are held at the Centre and in some outreach locations. Additional services include: home visits, books, breast pumps for loan, as well as milk and nutrition supplements.

Drop in to Maggie's Place and pick up one of our newsletters to get a complete quarterly picture of what's taking place at the Centre and at outreach sites throughout the County. Newsletters are available for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

£ Maggie's Place is a Breastfeeding Friendly Environment

Marion MacLeod Headstart Preschool Association

86 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-2420

A part time child development centre for children ages 3 to 5 years.

Northport Consolidated Elementary Preschool Program

7110 Highway 366
Northport, NS B0L 1E0
(902) 661-2490
nconprincipal@ccrsb.ednet.ns.ca

An activity-based, part-time preschool program sponsored by the Northport Community School for children in the 3-4 year age range.

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) - Cumberland Campus
Early Childhood Development Support Centre

1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-4406
www.ecdns.nscc.ca
sharon.hachey@nscc.ca

Located at NSCC Cumberland campus in Springhill, the centre provides resource and training support for students, early learning and childcare professionals, parents, caregivers and the community throughout the northern region of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) - Cumberland Campus
Early Childhood Learning Centre

1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-4512
jennifer.elliott@nscc.ca

The learning centre offers full time care for children from 3 months to 12 years while functioning as the laboratory setting for the Early Childhood Studies program.

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) - Cumberland Campus
Early Childhood Studies

1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-4512
cuadmissions@nscc.ca
wendy.siddall@nscc.ca

The 2 year project-based diploma program blends classroom study with hands-on practice with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children. The program is also available part-time through Alternate Delivery.

Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centre

18 South Albion Street
Amherst, NS B4H 3W3
(902) 667-1141

NSHSC (Amherst) provides hearing, speech and language services to all adults and children in Cumberland County

Sound Start
Sound Start is a program developed by Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres and supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Health. NSHC personnel anticipate that the program will be starting in Cumberland County soon. Sound Start will ensure all newborns have access to hearing screening (currently only high risk infants are screened); have rehabilitation in place by the age of six months for infants identified with a hearing loss; and offer preschool children early access to speech/ language services.

Parrsboro Headstart

43 School Street
P.O. Box 696
Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
(902) 254-5600

A part time child development centre for children ages 3 to 5 years.

Public Health Services

18 South Albion Street
Amherst, NS B4H 2W3
(902) 667-3319 or 1-800-767-3319
www.cha.nshealth.ca/publichealthservices

Public Health Services work in partnership with individuals, groups, organizations, families and communities to promote and protect health, prevent illness, and achieve well-being. Under the Healthy Beginnings initiative, Public Health offers programs and support for families during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood. Public health nurses, dental hygienists, nutritionists and health educators are available. Services include: prenatal education, home visits, telephone consults and/or office visits, dental health, well baby and immunization clinics, the Healthy Baby program, the Babies' Best Start program, Well Baby Drop-In and the Nobody's Perfect Parenting program. Some programs are offered in partnership with Maggie's Place Family Resource Centre.

Babies' Best Start - Babies' Friendly Drop-In
( held in conjunction with Maggie's Place)
(902) 667-3319
1-800-767-3319
patti.harrison@cha.nshealth.ca
mallory.allen@cha.nshealth.ca

Providing well-baby services, parent support and breastfeeding support for parents and children from birth to 6.

Offered in Amherst every Thursday afternoon from 1 pm to 3 pm
Maggie's Place
12 Laplanche Street,
Amherst, B4H 3G8

Offered in Oxford the 4th Tuesday of each month from 11 am to 12 noon
Oxford Medical Clinic
111 Medawell Street
Oxford, NS B0M 1P0
(902) 447-3078

Offered in Springhill the 4th Tuesday of each month from 3 pm to 4 pm
All Saints Hospital Boardroom,
10 Princess Street,
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

Enhanced Vision Screening Program
(902) 667-3319
patti.harrison@cha.nshealth.ca

This service is provided at each school during Primary registration to detect any potential eye problems in children at school entry.

Dental Health Information Session
(902) 667- 3319
jennifer.poulos@cha.nshealth.ca

This service is provided during Primary registration to all children entering Primary to encourage good oral health.

Nutrition Information Session
(902) 597-2796
trudy.reid@cha.nshealth.ca

This service is provided during Primary registration to all children entering Primary to encourage appropriate nutrition choices.

Prenatal Education
667-3319
1-800-767-3319

Prenatal classes are held for pregnant women in Cumberland County with the location based on client request. The purpose of the program is to provide prenatal, parenting, and breastfeeding education to enable parents to make informed choices about pregnancy, labour and delivery, and parenting.

Immunization Clinics
(902) 667-3319
1-800-767-3319
patti.harrison@cha.nshealth.ca
mallory.allen@cha.nshealth.ca

Immunization is provided to all age groups by appointment or at scheduled clinics. The clinics also provide well-baby support, parent support and breastfeeding support.

Healthy Beginnings Enhanced Home Visiting
(902) 667-3319
1-800-767-3319

This service is provided in homes for parents and their children aged birth to 3 years. A Public Health nurse and/or a Public Health Home Visitor will give ongoing support by providing information on how children grow and behave, by showing activities that can help child(ren) learn, by working with parents to help make their home as safe as possible for young child(ren), by helping parents connect with other support services in the community and by providing parenting information.

Pugwash Village Commission

124 Water Street, P.O. Box 220
Pugwash, NS B0K 1L0
(902) 243-2946
villagecommission@pugwashvillage.com
www.pugwashvillage.com

The village commission offers summer day camps in July and August that are available to preschool children.

Springhill Leisure Services

6 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 763-3000
communitycentre@townofspringhill.ns.ca

Springhill Leisure Services offers summer programming available to preschool children, including summer soccer and "Tot Lot".

Voluntary Pre-Primary Program: Chignecto Central Regional School Board

Cumberland North Academy
R.R.#3 (879 Highway 204, Brookdale)
Amherst, NS B4H 3Y1
(902) 661-2464
cnaprincipal@ccrsb.ednet.ns.ca

A pilot program sponsored by the Nova Scotia Department of Education with the intent of providing opportunities for young children to adapt to social settings and structured programs, so that they can enter Grade Primary better able to learn. In Cumberland County, the voluntary pre-primary program is only available at Cumberland North Academy.

Wentworth Consolidated Elementary Preschool Program

13371 Highway 104
Wentworth, NS B0K 1Y0
wceprincipal@ccrsb.ednet.ns.ca

A part-time (one morning weekly) preschool program operated by the Wentworth Community School Association using community volunteers.