The I CAN Early Years Centre was officially opened at Ballynahinch Primary School in Co Down last week. It is only the fifth centre of its kind to open in the UK.
The centre has been set up in partnership between the children's charity I CAN, Down Lisburn Health and Social Services Trust, and the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB). It provides intensive and integrated speech and language therapy and education to up to 20 children who have severe and complex impairments from all over the Down Lisburn Trust and SEELB area.
Kate Freeman, I CAN's development officer for Northern Ireland, said, 'With the opening of the I CAN Early Years Centre at Ballynahinch Primary School, Northern Ireland is leading the way in supporting pre-school children with speech and language difficulties. The region should feel very proud that it is ensuring these children thrive and learn, not fail, at school.'
SEELB chief executive Jackie Fitzsimons said the centre was 'an example of what can be achieved when the statutory and voluntary sector work together'. He added, 'We believe it is an example of good practice in terms of partnership and co-operation.
'The children who attend the centre benefit from the expertise of a nursery teacher, speech and language therapist and leaning support assistant, working together in an integrated manner to address their particular difficulties.'
I CAN aims to have a national network of 20 early years centres by 2003 to meet the needs of pre-school children who have severe and complex impairments.
