Christchurch Early Intervention Trust

The centre was incorporated in 1989 and has made significant inroads into developing world-renowned programmes and services to assist children with various special needs including Down syndrome, premature birth, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury. All children are referred to the service by a paediatrician and continue to have full access to medical services as needed The centre works with children from birth to school age who have delays in at least two areas of development. This work is done using a holistic model based on a working partnership with the parent or caregiver as first teacher. There are three core components to the work; they are Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Early Intervention Teaching. Depending on age and need, the team may also include a Family Support Worker, music specialist, playroom specialist and a computer supported learning specialist. The Centre also has a specific programme for infants born prematurely.