Name:               Pina Giovannitti, RECE, BA Psych, BST        

Position:           Behaviour Consultant

The Behaviour Consultant Supports the inclusion of children with special needs by observing, consulting, training and developing effective behaviour strategies to be implemented in licensed child care programs. Using a team approach, the Behaviour Consultant supports the Resource Consultant with their CISS caseload and manages a caseload through the Positive Outcome Program (POP).  POP is a behaviour program for children who are not eligible for CISS. Continue reading →

Five MOORE MINUTES with Shelley Moore
www.fivemooreminutes.com

Spring was a time of new beginnings for the CISS team. A change in the program name to Children’s Inclusion Support Services and a new manager were among the changes for this busy team.

As the new CISS manager, I would like to briefly introduce myself and to extend a thank you for the warm welcome along with an invitation to contact me with any questions, concerns or suggestions about our program. Continue reading →

Moira D’Aoust has spent her career leading the cause for inclusive access to licensed childcare for children with special needs in the region of Ottawa. Moira’s authentic belief that all children belong in and have the right to quality childcare has positioned her to be a leader not only in the city of Ottawa but as a visionary throughout the province of Ontario. As she prepares to leave Children’s Integration Support Services (CISS), she met with some of her colleagues over a pot of tea and baked goodies to highlight stories of her journey’s challenges and successes as well as her dreams for the future.

Q. Before CISS started 25 years ago, what supports and programs were available for parents in the community? Continue reading →

The role of the educator is to set the stage to support all children in their learning. There are different approaches and ways to teach skills and facilitate outdoor play in order to create a positive and meaningful experience. There are many benefits in planning outdoor play such as:

• Allowing time to explore while practicing gross motor skills.
• Providing a way to release high energy levels.
• Creating opportunities to build independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.
• Supporting the development of creativity and imagination.
• Allowing opportunities for cooperative play, the development of play and social skills.

Continue reading →