Preschool Services - Blind/Tactile Learner
Vision Resource Services provides support for children, at least two years of age, who are potential braille/tactile learners.
Preschool services are offered only to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) – Blind Low Vision Program. Referral forms should be completed and sent to Kerri Readings, Administrative Assistant: [email protected]
Children should be assessed by Vision Resource Services as early as possible to:
- Provide support to the Early Childhood Vision Consultant (ECVC) and the child’s family for appropriate programming
- Provide suggestions pertaining to areas of development affecting literacy and numeracy acquisition, using tactile/braille media
- Plan for a successful and positive transition to school
Service-based visits take place in licensed daycare settings. Alternative public settings can be arranged by the ECVC and/or family. Visits cannot take place in the family home.
Following the initial assessment, a consultant from Vision Resource Services develops an assessment report to be shared with the referring person (i.e., ECVC). Ongoing services are flexible and individualized, depending on need, and will take place in conjunction with the ECVC (i.e., follow-up visits, phone calls, teleconferencing, team meetings). These services are generally consultative; providing objectives and suggestions for activities to meet the goals outlined in the assessment report.
In the spring before the child enters school, the consultant from Vision Resource Services completes a transition-to-school report. This report will include goals pertaining to braille literacy and braille math, as appropriate.
Upon school-entry, referrals should be submitted through Vision Resource Services - School-Age Services for Blind/Low Vision. Moving forward, subsequent assessments would be requested by the child’s school.
Note: If a referral is received in the spring from the MCCSS - Blind Low Vision program, for a child who is a potential tactile learner entering school in the fall, then service would only support the child’s transition to school, and a transition-to-school report would be provided.
Preschool Transition to School - Low Vision
Vision Resource Services offers transition-to-school support for preschool-age children, who have low vision, in the year prior to school entry. Please complete a referral package to access these services.