Families across BC have been hearing about upcoming changes to disability and autism funding. While these changes aim to expand access and strengthen community‑based services, we know they also bring questions — especially for families who rely on established, trusted supports. In moments of transition, clarity, connection, and reassurance matter more than ever.
Our focus has always been simple: children thrive when families feel supported, informed, and connected. As the Province rolls out new investments and a new funding model, we want families to know that our Child Development team is here — steady, compassionate, and ready to walk alongside you through whatever comes next.
Meet the Child Development Team
Our Child Development programs support children from birth to age 18 through a range of services, including:
- Supported Child Development
- Infant Development
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- FASD/CDBC Key Worker support
- Respite
- Child & Youth Life Skills
What makes this team special isn’t just their expertise — it’s the way they show up for families, meeting children and caregivers where they feel most comfortable, whether that’s at home, in childcare settings, at StrongStart, or in schools.
One parent shared, “I felt listened to and guided to help my child in the best possible way. Staff took the time to make sure I understood the exercises and gave me the resources to succeed.”
Another told us, “My child knows the SSCS staff are on her side and advocate for her needs. It makes a big difference in her confidence and sense of belonging.”
These reflections speak to the heart of our approach: relationship‑based, child‑centred, and grounded in respect, consent, and cultural safety. Families often tell us that having multiple services under one roof creates a more coordinated, holistic experience where their child’s strengths and needs are understood in context.
What’s Changing And What’s Staying the Same
With the Province’s recent investment, several shifts are underway:
What’s Changing
- More families will be eligible for direct funding, including those who previously received none.
- A new benefit will be based on functional needs, not diagnosis alone.
- Community‑based services — like ours — will receive new funding to expand capacity and reduce waitlists.
- The current Autism Funding Program will continue until March 2027.
What’s Staying the Same
- At‑Home Program medical equipment and supplies
- Community‑based programs (continuing and expanding)
These changes are intended to help more families access support earlier and closer to home.
What Community-Based Programs Mean for Families
Community‑based programs allow families to access services locally, without long travel times or long delays. For families who may not qualify for direct funding under the new model, our Child Development programs provide:
- developmental assessments and home visits
- consultation and strategies for childcare settings
- motor, sensory, and daily‑living skill development
- advocacy, system navigation, and caregiver support
- respite opportunities for families needing a break
- social, recreational, and life‑skills programming
These services are designed to work together, creating a wrap‑around network of support that grows with your child.
As one parent put it, “Everything — from communication to helping me understand my child’s needs — has made our life so much better. I’m not sure where we would be without SSCS.”
We Know Families Are Worried About Losing Trusted Providers
For many families, the biggest concern right now is continuity — especially for children who rely on familiar, predictable relationships.
We hear you.
Our Child Development team is made up of approachable, highly trained professionals who prioritize connection, consent‑based practice, and nurturing relationships. New provincial funding will help us expand our team and reduce wait times so more families can access timely, local support.
One parent shared, “Every single person on the SSCS team we’ve worked with has been absolutely fantastic.” Another said, “Supportive, positive, collaborative, caring.”
These aren’t just compliments — they’re reminders of what families value most: people who show up with warmth, consistency, and respect.
We Advocate For Families Locally and Provincially
Advocacy has always been a core part of our work. In 2023, SSCS co‑led the Community‑Led Collaboration Report, engaging 185 families, caregivers, service providers, and community partners across the Sea to Sky Corridor. Families identified key barriers and shared what meaningful, culturally safe, and equitable support should look like.
This report, along with ongoing conversations with families, continues to guide our discussions with the Province. Our staff participate in provincial dialogue through the BC Association for Child Development and Intervention (BCACDI), where we regularly bring forward the experiences and priorities of families in our region. While we are not decision‑makers in the provincial funding model, we work hard to ensure that Sea to Sky voices are heard as these changes roll out.
Our commitment is simple: we will continue listening, advocating, and amplifying what families tell us they need.
We’re Here to Support You
As more details become available, we’ll continue sharing updates and hosting opportunities for families to connect with our Child Development team.
Join us for our first Meet & Greet on April 21, from 6pm to 7:30pm in the Community Room at the Whistler Public Library.
If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to understand what supports are available, we’re here to help.
Community@sscs.ca
Together, we can navigate this transition with clarity, compassion, and confidence — and continue building a Sea to Sky where every child feels supported, understood, and able to thrive.