Starbright Children’s Development Centre: A Vital Contributor to Its Local Community

Starbright Children’s Development Centre: A Vital Contributor to Its Local Community

Starbright has a long history of positively impacting the lives of children under the age of six with developmental challenges. The impact of the Centre is brought to life through stories of the families it has served. Located in Kelowna, B.C., Starbright has been creating such stories for almost 60 years.

Families using Starbright’s services have always been the best advocates for its role in the community. One parent chose to share her views on the Centre to show her family’s support.

WHY STARBRIGHT IS A KEY COMMUNITY PROVIDER

“My son Gregory is a very young child and while he has a voice he has yet to find his words. He was born early, a late pre-term baby. As a preemie, our Public Health nurse offered to refer us to Starbright. We were glad to take the referral to the Infant Development Program at Starbright as the program provides family-centred services for infants with a developmental delay, a diagnosed disability, or who are at risk for developmental delays,” Anita said.

“During our first visit at Starbright, we were able to share our concerns about Gregory’s left side. The infant development program’s team leader, Betty Teigen, assessed Gregory and showed us exercises to do during tummy time and intentional play to help strengthen his left side. We were also placed in a queue for physiotherapy at Starbright.”

EXPERT STAFF PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

Betty, a long-time employee at Starbright, worked with the family to develop an individualized plan for Gregory. She followed up with information and answered questions Anita and her family had after their initial visit.

Betty’s commitment to Gregory was ongoing. She always made herself available to the family. Gregory continues to see Betty and he has made great progress, both from Betty’s recommendations and through sessions held with Tracey White, his physiotherapist.

Anita’s impression of Starbright’s role in the community is personal. She wants to see the Centre thrive and continue helping families in need.

Dr. Rhonda Nelson, Starbright’s Executive Director, is certainly thankful for parent advocates like Anita.

“She has seen and experienced our services up close and personal. She appreciates what our staff are doing as they help the children and families navigate serious childhood developmental issues. Expertise, information, and loving care are essential to families, and our staff absolutely delivers on those needs,” Rhonda said.

FUTURE ROLE IN COMMUNITY IS DEEMED ESSENTIAL

Anita continues to advocate for Starbright and promote the Centre to other families.

“My son and all the children who need Starbright’s services deserve the very best. Maintaining funding for the Centre to keep its staff and its locations open provides these children with the very best care and opportunity to have a full and happy childhood,” Anita said.

Starbright provides a range of programs to children from birth to school-age entry, including infant development, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, inclusive childcare, counselling, and the services of a behavioural analyst. A child can be referred—with the family's consent—to Starbright by anyone, including a family member, a pediatrician or family doctor, a public health nurse, or a childcare provider. No diagnosis is required.

Learn more at starbrightokanagan.ca