Special Needs Programs - Valley Infant-Parent Program

Valley Infant-Parent Program

The Valley Infant-Parent Program (VIPP) is a therapeutic program that supports the development of a healthy attachment between parents and infants. It is an intensive program designed to help strengthen the bond/relationship between parents and infants.

Families come to VIPP for many different reasons. Some examples include:

Parents with anxiety, depression or post-partum mood disorders.
Families who have recently adopted an infant or toddler.
Families with children who have medical or developmental challenges.

The program is staffed by early childhood resource teachers from the Region of Peel Children’s Services and children’s mental health professionals from Peel Children’s Centre.

Every infant and parent is different. Knowing what works for both of you is important. If you have a good relationship with your infant and look after his or her needs, you will help your child’s growth and development in all areas.

Is VIPP right for you?

You can take part in our program if:

You live in the Region of Peel
You have a child who is between birth and 36 months of age, and
You have concerns about your child’s development or your relationship with your child

We can help if you have concerns like these:

I am not enjoying my baby.
I find it hard to look after my child.
I don’t know what my child needs.
My baby cries all the time and I don’t know what to do.
I don’t know if my child is growing or developing normally.

What happens at VIPP?

You will participate in a very small group program located within The Valley Learn.Play.Care Childcare Centre along with a few other parents, babies and toddlers. You and your child will receive intensive support while you play together and learn more about how to support your child’s social/emotional needs and development. You will also have the opportunity meet individually with a Child and Family Clinician either at VIPP or in your home to talk about the challenges you are facing in parenting your child.

VIPP staff can help you to:

Understand and communicate better with your child.
Monitor and encourage your child’s development.
Understand your baby’s temperament or personality.
Learn how to play with your child.
Get to know yourself better as a parent.
Work with other family members and services you are involved with.
Connect with other parents and resources.

How can you find out more about our program?

To find out more about our program, contact Child Care Special Needs Access Point (SNAP)-Peel at 905-791-7800, ext. SNAP (7627) and ask to be referred to VIPP. Once you refer yourself to the program, you will be contacted by a VIPP staff member who will provide you with more detailed information and help you to decide whether VIPP is the right program for you.