Published 10:53 am Friday, October 16, 2026
The CVCDA’s front entrance offers children and families a cheerful welcome to the building. The Early Years Wellness Program at the CVCDA is just one of many programs supporting local families.
(Lisa Hamilton/Comox Valley Record)
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The Comox Valley Child Development Association’s (CVCDA) Telethon is on Nov. 1 and now is a great time to learn about one of their many programs helping local families: the Early Years Wellness Program
The Early Years Wellness (EYW) Program supports families with young children to build strong relationships, strengthen social-emotional development, and support positive mental health during the early years
The EYW team works with families with children from birth to six years when there are concerns about a child’s social-emotional development, relationships, or mental well-being, or when families are experiencing stress, adversity, or other circumstances that may make this period more challenging
In the last year, EYW received 67 referrals and approximately 130 children and families were supported through new referrals and existing caseloads
Services are provided in families’ homes, in the community, and at the CVCDA centre and include:
- Attachment-focused parent support
- Circle of Security Parenting (COSP)
- Education, guidance, and resources related to social-emotional development, attachment, child development, behaviour, and mental health
- Support for caregivers in understanding and responding to their child’s needs
- Helping families build a team of support around their child
The program is made possible through A Pathway to Hope, British Columbia’s strategic plan for mental health and well-being. Our work focuses on supporting families to build on their strengths, develop practical parenting tools, and create strong, responsive relationships with their children
The early years are a critical time for children’s social-emotional development and mental health. By supporting children and caregivers early, EYW helps families build strong relationships, develop practical tools, and connect with the supports they need
EYW program staff include two Early Years Wellness consultants and one Early Years Wellness consultant/program lead. The EYW team continually build on their knowledge and skills to support childrens’ well-being. For example, since 2025, two EYW team members completed their Infant and Early Mental Health Certificate through Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion(IEMHP) to strengthen their capacity in supporting the needs of infants, children and their caregivers.
EYW’s goal is to work alongside families in ways that recognize their strengths, build confidence, and support positive outcomes for children. Depending on a family’s needs, this may include collaboration with early learning programs, health and mental health services including Child Youth Mental Health (CYMH), schools, and other community supports
To learn more about Early Years Wellness and other programs at the Child Development Association, visit cvcda.ca
Remember to save the date for the upcoming CVCDA’s 51st Children’s Telethon. This year, this Comox Valley community tradition takes place on Nov. 1 from noon to 8 p.m. The telethon is free to attend at the Sid Williams Theatre and will broadcast it live for people to enjoy at home. For more information, call 250-338-4288
