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- Intro to ABA Terms - Applied Behaviour Analysis
Intro to ABA Terms - Applied Behaviour Analysis | | Lansdowne Children's Centre Resource Library Intro to ABA Terms - Applied Behaviour Analysis This video is hosted by our Autism Services team. Please click here to continue to the Autism Services video gallery. An introduction to the world of ABA - covering the basics of Applied Behaviour Analysis . Hosted by Courtney and Abbey, autism therapists at Lansdowne Children's Centre in Brantford. Download printable PDF handout/activity pages Intro to ABA Terms - Applied Behaviour Analysis no download available Download Keywords and search terms commonly associated with this resource include: #Terms #ABA #Introduction
- Early Years Milestones - Video Playlist
Early Years Milestones - Video Playlist | EarlyYears | Lansdowne Children's Centre Resource Library Early Years Milestones - Video Playlist Download printable PDF handout/activity pages Early Years Milestones - Video Playlist no download available Download Keywords and search terms commonly associated with this resource include:
- Board of Directors | Lansdowne Children's Centre
The Lansdowne Children's Centre Board of Directors governs the Centre operations, providing oversight to the pursuit of the organization's Mission and Vision, guided by the Values. Board of Directors Board Portal Login Application Form Growing with you... The Lansdowne Children's Centre Annual Report is available to read and download online. Past annual reports are also available, located below the roster of the Lansdowne Children's Centre Board of Directors. 2023+ Strategic Plan Overview 2025-26 Annual Report PDF 2025-26 Annual Report Online Ashley Veldkamp Board Chair, Chair of Long Range Planning Committee More Info Anne Noyes Board Secretary (Leave, July 2026) More Info Jason Lickers Board Member, (Leave, June 2026) More Info Skylar Turkiewicz-DaBreo- Board Member, Acting Secretary More Info Mike Gatopoulos Board 1st Vice Chair, Chair of Capital Steering Comm. More Info Dr. Benjamin Klein, Ex Officio Medical Director, Lansdowne Children's Centre More Info Joe Persia Board Member More Info Vicky Smith Board Member, Chair Diversity Equity & Inclusion SubCommittee, Chair of Prof. Advisory Comm., Vice-Chair Governance Comm. More Info Jennifer Steffler Board 2nd Vice Chair More Info Holly Clark Board Member, Co-Chair Capital Steering Committee (CSC) More Info Kathy Straus Board Member More Info Vincent Vilaca Board Member More Info Justin Wareham Board Treasurer, Chair Finance and Personnel Comm. [F&P] More Info Jamie Toner Board Member, Vice-Chair Prof. Advisory Committee (PAC), (Leave Nov. 2026) More Info Rick Rozak Board Member, Chair of the Governance Committee More Info Will Bucholtz Board Member More Info We need you. Join The Board. APPLY Annual Report Archives 2024-25 Annual Report PDF 2023-24 Annual Report PDF 2022-23 Annual Report PDF (7 Mb) 2021-22 Annual Report PDF (6 Mb) 2023-24 Annual Report Online 2023-24 Annual Report Online 2022-23 Annual Report Online 2021-22 Annual Report Online Learn more about our Lansdowne Mission, Vision and Values. Who We Are Our Strategic Plan What is a board's purpose? The Lansdowne Children's Centre Board of Directors governs the Centre operations, providing oversight to the pursuit of the organization's Mission and Vision, guided by the Values. • The mission is our statement of what the organization does and its intended purpose. Providing safe, accessible and quality family-centred services for infants, children and youth with physical, developmental and communication needs • The vision is our goal for the outcomes achieved when the Centre successfully carries out its mission. Working together to realize optimal potential for infants, children and youth • The values are the philosophies that guide our decision-making. Lansdowne Children's Centre values Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Empowerment & Safety (RIDES) More About Our Board Who are the current board members and committee members? As of June 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1. Board Chair, Ashley Veldkamp 2. 1st Vice Chair, Mike Gatopoulos 3. 2nd Vice Chair, Jennifer Steffler 4. Treasurer, Justin Wareham 5. Secretary, Anne Noyes [Leave, June 2026] 6. Will Bucholtz 7. Holly Clark 8. Jason Lickers [Leave, June 2026] 9. Joe Persia 10. Rick Rozak 11. Vicky Smith 12. Rita Stratford 13. Kathy Straus 14. Jamie Toner 15. Skylar Turkiewicz-Dabreo-Act. Secretary Vincent Villaca Dr. Benjamin Klein, Medical Director Ex Officio Rita-Marie Hadley, Cheif Executive Officer, is a non voting Ex Officio member of all bodies Capital Steering Committee [CSC] Mike Gatopoulos, Co-Chair Holly Clark, Co- Chair John Bradford* Will Bucholtz Mike DeBruyn* Marc Lazenby* Scott Lyons* Ashley Veldkamp Justin Wareham Jacqueline Willson* Cindy Rock* Lynda Henriksen* Diversity Equity & Inclusion SubCommittee Vicky Smith, Chair Patricia Gonzalez* Jason Lickers Joe Persia Sarah Consoli* Alissa Shuker* Finance/Personnel Committee [F&P] Justin Wareham, Chair Skylar Turkiewicz, Vice Chair Will Bucholtz Holly Clark Mike Gatopoulos Jason Lickers Lloyd St. Amand Jennifer Steffler Ashley Veldkamp Sarah Consoli * Cindy Rock* Governance Committee Rick Rozak, Chair Vicky Smith, Vice-Chair Mike Gatopoulos Jennifer Steffler Ashley Veldkamp Vincent Vilaca Long Range Planning Committee Ashley Veldkamp, Chair Will Bucholtz John Bradford* Mike Gatopoulos Tamie Aubin * Sarah Consoli * Cindy Rock* Professional Advisory Committee [PAC] Vicky Smith, Chair** Jamie Toner* Vice Chair (LEAVE, November 2026) Patricia Gonzalez* Casidy Guzar* Dr. Ben Klein Anne Noyes Joe Persia Rick Rozak Rita Stratford Kathy Strauss** Vincent Villaca Jacqueline Willson** Tamie Aubin* Sarah Consoli * Cindy Rock* * Non-Director Committee Member ** liaisons to Quality Mgt. Council ***Also Committee chairs Italics=staff updated June 2026 What are the roles and responsibilities of Board members? an excerpt from the Board Manual, Policy B1-100, Role of Committees and Directors Board Committees provide a forum for broad discussion of issues in order to develop recommendations for board action. The Board is the final decision-making body. Standing Committees of the Board are: • Finance/Personnel Committee [which serves as the Audit Committee] • Professional Advisory Committee • Governance Committee • Long Range Planning Committee • Executive Committee Directors: As stewards of Lansdowne Children’s Centre, Directors are responsible to perform the duties of the Board stipulated by Centre bylaws. Selected to bring individual expertise and a collective skills mix established by the Nominating Committee, Directors have a primary responsibility for the best interests of Lansdowne, representing the children and youth and their families. A Director’s ethical obligation is to support the Mission, Vision and Values in pursuing the strategic direction of the Centre. In addition to personally signing a Code of Ethics and consenting to background checks, Directors collectively ensure adherence to legal standards stipulated by the Corporations Act, and to ethical norms by establishing policies and adherence to Centre by-laws and Letters Patent. What are the guidelines for Board member duties and responsibilities? an excerpt from the Board Manual, Policy B3-20, Board Code of Ethics Recognizing its legal and ethical responsibility for the direction and operations of Lansdowne Children’s Centre, the Board of Directors will keep the following uppermost in all its decision making: a) the health and well being of children and their families; b) the delivery of high-quality services; and c) the welfare of staff. 1.0 Ethical Duties and Obligations 1.1 Directors will exercise reasonable care (care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise in a like position and under similar circumstances) when making decisions as stewards of Lansdowne Children’s Centre. 1.2 Directors will be faithful to Lansdowne’s mission and will not act in a way that is inconsistent with the agency’s central goals. 1.3 Directors will protect the confidentiality of all information acquired in their role as a Board member. 1.4 Directors will avoid conflict of interest (a conflict of interest arises when a director has a personal interest in the result of a decision made by the Board of Directors). Directors will consider the interests of Lansdowne first, and will not use information obtained as a director for personal gain. Directors with a financial conflict of interest will not participate in discussions or vote on matters that affect decisions made by the Board of Directors. 1.5 A Director with a conflict of interest will be responsible for declaring such conflict. 1.6 Directors will present consolidated support for decisions made by the Board of Directors, so as to demonstrate the integrity of the Board. 2.0 Primary Organizational Responsibilities 2.1 The Board of Directors will be responsible for the creation of the mission and purpose of Lansdowne Children’s Centre and review them periodically for accuracy and validity. Each Director will understand the mission and support it. 2.2 The Board of Directors selects and supports the Executive Director through regular performance reviews. The Board of Directors will ensure that the Executive Director has the moral and professional support needed to further the goals of Lansdowne Children’s Centre. 2.3 As stewards of Lansdowne Children’s Centre, the Board of Directors will actively participate with staff in an overall planning process to assist in implementing the agency’s goals. 2.4 One of the Board of Directors foremost responsibilities is to ensure adequate resources for Lansdowne Children’s Centre to fulfill its mission. 2.5 The Board of Directors review and approve Lansdowne’s annual budgets and ensure that proper financial controls are in place. 2.6 The Board of Directors will ensure that programs are consistent with Lansdowne’s mission and monitor their effectiveness. 2.7 As the primary link to the community, the Board of Directors must clearly articulate Lansdowne’s mission, accomplishments and goals to the public, and garner support from relevant members of the community. 2.8 The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms. The Board of Directors will establish pertinent policies and adhere to the provisions of Lansdowne’s Bylaws and Letters Patent. 2.9 The Board of Directors will articulate and make known its needs in terms of its members’ experience and skill to ensure a balanced Board composition. The Board of Directors will help orient new Directors to their responsibilities and to Lansdowne’s history, needs and challenges. The Board of Directors will evaluate its performance and identify and act on areas of improvement needed to fulfill its responsibilities. Who holds Board members accountable? How is their performance evaluated? an excerpt from the Board Manual, Policy B3-40, Board Evaluation In order to monitor the effectiveness of the collective operations of the Board of Directors, a Board Evaluation will be completed annually. The Board Evaluation will be comprised of the following to also evaluate performance of individual board members and of the President: 1. All members of the Board of Directors will complete the Board Effectiveness Evaluation Survey in June of each year except when accreditation is completed in that year. 2. To cultivate a sense of group and individual responsibility for effective Board functioning, the Board will support assessment of Directors’ “fiduciary duty”, namely the Director’s active concerted effort beyond meeting attendance, to be knowledgeable and prepared to provide informed advice and make informed decisions. Individual performance will be assessed by provision of attendance reports and self-monitoring tools to compare activity and discipline to policies in the Board Manual. All Directors except the President will also annually conduct self-assessment by using the Individual Board Member Self-Evaluation Form and offer feedback on colleagues by completing the Self-Evaluation Form for each of their colleagues, as submitted to the President; the President will consolidate results and share them with each Director to support identification of actions to enhance their work 3. President Performance is assessed by the President completing a Self-Assessment annually as well as each Board member completing a President Assessment to be submitted to the Vice-President. The 1st Vice-President consolidates the President Assessments and shares results with the President to support the President to identify actions to enhance their work. 4. A survey of each Board member’s linkages in the community: all Board members will be asked to outline other volunteer or service clubs that they are members of. The above information is presented at the October Meeting of the Board of Directors. This information provides a basis for developing Board development goals for the upcoming planning year. Within the accreditation cycle, governance functioning self-assessment tools will be completed by each member of the Board. How does the Board evaluate the performance of the Executive Director? an excerpt from the Board Manual, Policy B4-60, Executive Director: Performance Appraisal and Salary Review The Chair and two other members of the Board shall conduct in the first year of the Executive Director’s employment a performance appraisal at six (6) months and at twelve (12) months. Thereafter, performance appraisals will be conducted on or about the anniversary of the Executive Director’s commencement date, in accordance with the Centre’s policies for performance appraisals. How does a Board member get started? Each Board member upon acceptance of their position will complete a Onboarding Process. This process includes an Orientation Manual, that includes materials to help a new Board member get more familiar with items including Lansdowne operations, policies, procedures, history and strategic planning. New Board member onboarding also includes instruction on how to gain access to shared board resources using a private website portal. Where can I view the Lansdowne Strategic Plan? The four strategies of the Lansdowne Children's Centre multi-year Strategic Plan are: Culture of Excellence Strengthen workplace culture so it attracts and retains the very best and right fit employees and volunteers State of Art Environment Having the best possible space to provide our changing services in all our locations as well as the other resources needed to support our work Innovation to Enhance Service Engage needed tools and solutions to improve quality, safety and efficiencies. Tell Our Story Clarify, magnify and celebrate our story for greater understanding of what Lansdowne does and its significance Download our 2023 Staregic Plan overview PDF for more information, as shared at our June 2023 Annual General Meeting Where can I view the Lansdowne Communications Plan? The most recent Communications Plan for Lansdowne Children's Centre includes Strategies and desired Outcomes targeting four audiences: Clients and Families Employees Media Stakeholders View the full PDF document here. Join the Lansdowne Board Seats on the Lansdowne Children’s Centre board are currently filled, but we are always excited to connect with enthusiastic community members with diverse skills, backgrounds and perspectives interested in participating on our Board of Directors. Those with experience in the areas of governance and fee-for-service programming are especially invited to inquire. Board Member Application Form For more information please contact us by email at info@lansdownecc.com
- Upcoming Events | Lansdowne Children's Centre
Lansdowne Events Schedule Autism Services Video Game Night ages 10-14 Wed, Aug 19 Brantford REGISTRATION OPENS AUG. 11th at 9 am For children ages 10-14 registered with Lansdowne Autism Services. The ratio of this group is 1 staff for 3 children. We do not have the staff available to supervise clients who have aggressive behaviour or are a flight risk. See All More Info Caregiver Event - Coffee Chat, BRANTFORD Thu, Aug 20 Lansdowne Brantford Lansdowne client parents and caregivers are invited to join an evening of conversation and fun. Limited childminding capacity available (no cost). Please register in advance. +15 more Details Multiple Dates Autism Services Circle Time Group (1) Fri, Aug 21 Brantford Weekly on Friday's from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Children 2-6 registered with OAP with their caregivers More Info Caregiver Event - Bertie the Bus BRANTFORD, school-ready experience Wed, Aug 26 Lansdowne Brantford Lansdowne client parents and caregivers are welcome to introduce children of any age who may be riding a school bus for the first time this fall. Explore and sit on a school bus, before the big first day, in a safe, controlled environment (no cost). Please register in advance. +3 more Details Autism Services Caregiver Orientation Wed, Aug 26 Brantford Virtual information session for caregivers and support persons of children registered with Lansdowne Autism Services. More Info General Strategies to Support Fine Motor Skills Thu, Aug 27 Online Please join an Occupational Therapist from Autism Services to learn about Fine Motor Strategies to help your child increase their independence and participation. More Info Autism Services Summer Science Days ages 10-13 Thu, Aug 27 Brantford REGISTRATION OPENS AUG. 20th at 9 am Children aged 10-13. Registered with Lansdowne Autism Services. The ratio of this group is 1 staff for 3 children. We do not have the staff available to supervise clients who have aggressive behavior or are a flight risk. More Info Autism Services Girl's Night Out ages 11-15 Thu, Aug 27 Lansdowne Brantford For youth ages 11-15 who identify as girls. Registered with Lansdowne Autism Services. Able to participate safely and successfully in a 1:3 support ratio in Centre and in the community. +1 more More Info Autism Services Teen Social Group 14-17 Mon, Aug 31 Lansdowne Brantford For Youth aged 14-17 registered with Lansdowne Autism Services, who can successfully participate in groups with 3:1 support ration (1 adult for 3 youth) See All More Info Lansdowne Children's Centre sites closed Mon, Sep 07 Brantford Lansdowne Children's Centre sites closed More Info Multiple Dates Caregiver Event - Sip and Share, BRANTFORD Fri, Sep 11 Lansdowne Brantford As kids go back to school in September, Lansdowne client parents and caregivers are invited to join supportive conversation and connect in a casual, safe and comfortable environment. Please note, there is no childminding available at this event. See All More Info Fundraising - Heroes Walk and Roll for Lansdowne Kids Sat, Sep 26 Brant Conservation Area, Brant Park Dress up. Team up. Show up. Your fundraising super powers STRENGTHEN ACCESS to programs and supports. BUILD INCLUSION through opportunities where every child belongs. REDUCE BARRIERS for families who need help now. Be a Hero with your kids, for kids. More Info Lansdowne Children's Centre sites closed Wed, Sep 30 Brantford More Info Lansdowne Children's Centre sites closed Mon, Oct 12 Brantford Lansdowne Children's Centre sites closed More Info Fundraising - Benefit Show, Country Greats in Brantford Fri, Nov 20 Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts The Sounds of Nashville hit the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts! Join us for an unforgettable evening of country music featuring the hits of Alabama, Miranda Lambert, and Zac Brown Band. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Lansdowne Children’s Centre. More Info Lansdowne Children's Centre sites closed Fri, Dec 25 Brantford Lansdowne Children's Centre sites closed More Info Upcoming Events: Upcoming Events
- Checklist - Early Years Development | Lansdowne Children's Centre
Questions or concerns about your child's developing physical or communication abilities? This milestone guide invites you to check off the skills that your child is demonstrating on a consistent basis. If your child does not meet all the milestones for their age, we recommend that you complete a referral submission to SmartStart Hub at Lansdowne Children’s Centre to gain access to resources, assessment, services and supports. We can help your child to realize their optimal potential. Start Instructions Feedback 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months 15 months 18 months 24 months 36 months 48 months Early Years Development Checklist, 0 - 48 months Do you have questions or concerns about your child's physical or communication abilities? We can help To begin, continue to the Instructions tab, or select the age that is closest to the age of your child. By 6 months old my child can: String vowels together when babbling Start sitting up unsupported Roll over in both directions (front-back, back-front) Reach for toys with both hands and mouths Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 ... 5 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant Early Years Development Checklist, 0 - 48 months Every child learns and develops in their own unique way. This early years development checklist provides physical and communication development milestones that most children are demonstrating in each age group. Check off the abilities that your child is demonstrating on a consistent basis. If you have concerns about unchecked milestones. first consult the online resources provided for more information. The recommended streaming videos and printable activities will help you enage in play-based learning with your child. Often these universal strategies for skill development will help a child's progress. If you have multiple incomplete milestones, and especially if you have incomplete milestones from an earlier age group, please consider completing a referral with SmartStart Hub to access opportunities for assessment, support and therapy services. There is no cost to access SmartStart Hub resources, services and supports at Lansdowne Children's Centre. By 9 months old my child can: play peek a boo stand holding onto something or someone make sounds like “mamama” “dadada” “bababa” copy sounds and gestures of others transfer objects one hand to another crawl or move around in some way Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 6 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant By 12 months old my child can: use gestures like shaking head ”no” or waving “bye” start to play with/use things functionally (like a spoon) pull themselves up to stand, walk holding on to furniture join in back and forth conversation by making noises or gestures try to copy (say) words/sounds back to you after you say them Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 8 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant By 18 months old my child can: walk on their own without support use at least 20 single words that you can understand play simple pretend, such as feeding a doll Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 10 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant By 24 months (2 years) old my child can: copy others, imitating sounds and gestures uses 2-3 word phrases to label pictures stack blocks or rings self-feed using cup, spoon and fork Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ... 11 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant By 36 months ( 3 years) old my child can: copy lines or circles with a crayon follow 2 or 3 step directions speak in clear sentences jump with 2 feet off the ground tell stories, sequences of events Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant When you're done, please come back to this tab and let us know about your checklist experience. Your feedback helps us to improve. Thank you! How was your experience? Don’t love it Not great Good Really good Love it Where are you from? How old is your child? Submit Thank You! Your feedback has been submitted. By 3 months old my child can: Hold their head steady Coos, smiles and recognizes familiar people Turn their head in both directions towards sounds Follow people or objects with their eyes Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant By 48 months (4 years) old my child can: take turns in play with a friend answer simple questions use the toilet independently Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ... 11 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant By 15 months old my child can: point to show something interesting to others walk with minimal support say 3-5 words (other than “mama” and “dada”) understand and follow simple commands turn pages of a book Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 10 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ontario Autism Program (OAP) / Access OAP Open EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant
- Ready To Grow | Lansdowne Children's Centre
Kids need to grow, and so do we. To improve service access and equity, and better serve the booming population in our region, Lansdowne Children's Centre is pursuing approvals to build a new children's treatment centre facility in Brantford. #ForTheKids Event Calendar News Blog Service Guide Resources Work With Us About Us Centre Board Contact Us Kids need to grow, and so do we. Lansdowne is ready to grow, and we need your support. Please add your name to this letter of support for a NEW Lansdowne Children's Centre facility in Brantford, addressed to Hon. Minister Michael Parsa at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. CLICK THE IMAGE OF THE LETTER TO EXPAN D AND PREVIEW Share This Story Show Your Support... I am proud to offer my support for Lansdowne Children's Centre's request for Stage 1 planning approval, and respectfully ask that you prioritize Lansdowne through your Ministry’s results-based planning process later this year. Signed, First name Last name Email Place of residence Choose an option Write a message Submit I am proud to offer my support for Lansdowne Children's Centre... 590 Page 1 Jatinkumar in Brantford Please help to share our story. Click on an image to like it or share it on your social media. The population of our region is BOOMING . We are thrilled to welcome so many new families into Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk. As demand for our services and supports GROWS, so does our need to GROW in response. It is time to build a NEW Lansdowne Children's Centre. The current wait list for services at Lansdowne Children’s Centre exceeds 2,449 children , nearly double the volume since pre-pandemic 2019. There is no more room to compromise. Board Member Mike Gatopolous is a parent of a child who attends Lansdowne. Mike is an active advocate, sharing the impact that Lansdowne services, resources and supports provided his family, and the purgatory of time spent on a waitlist. Seen here at a January 2023 meeting of Brant County council. Rogers TV20 (Kitchener/Brantford) produced this community feature, including comments from MPP Brantford-Brant Will Bouma and Executive Director Rita-Marie Hadley at the June 2023 Lansdowne annual general meeting. Lansdowne Children’s Centre Speech Services in Top 5 for Hamilton Spectator’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards Lansdowne Children’s Centre is so honoured to be a Top 5 nominee for Best Speech Services in the Health, Beauty and Wellness category for the Hamilton Spectator’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards Jul 30 Lansdowne Children’s Centre hosts annual general meeting Lansdowne Children’s Centre’s held its annual general meeting on June 15, 2026. It was a celebration of the year behind, and an eager glimpse at the road ahead. Jun 23 Grandview Kids CEO shares experience of concept to concrete for a new building Grandview Kids is a children’s treatment centre in Durham Region; its CEO, Tom McHugh, spoke about his organization’s journey from concept to concrete, outlining the pathway and experience of recently completing a new purpose-built facility in their community. Jun 19 Lansdowne Children’s Centre takes major step forward with selection of architect for new Brantford facility (L to R), Representatives of Montgomery Sisam Architects, Karine Quigley, Shannon Wiley, Wesley Gross; from Lansdowne Children's Centre, Rosemarie Press, Rita-Marie Hadley, and (far right) Tamie Aubin; and Miller McLeod and Rami Bouz of Colliers Project Leaders. Lansdowne Children’s Centre for child development is pleased to announce the selection of Montgomery Sisam Architects for its new purpose-built facility in Brantford, marking a significant and celebratory milestone in May 26 Over 165,000 reasons to smile in Brantford Powered by passionate community leaders and dedicated volunteers, Lansdowne Children’s Centre and Brant Food For Thought are celebrating a new Smile Cookie record for fundraising in Brantford. Each organization has received $82,501.52 at the conclusion of the Tim Hortons 2026 Smile Cookie campaign, eclipsing the previous achievement of $79,415.54 each organization received through the 2025 campaign. The money was raised through the sale of Smile Cookies and associated mercha May 22 Port Dover resident sees advocacy at the heart of Lansdowne Children’s Centre board position A lot of public advocacy work comes down to building personal relationships in the community, noted Lansdowne Children’s Centre board member Rick Rozak. Hailing from Port Dover, Rozak joined the board in 2018. “The majority of my career, I worked with young people in the youth justice system,” he said. When he started out, he would have a caseload of two or three youths at a time, and a big part of his job was mentoring them through their plan of care, which he would also hel Apr 21 The analysis in 2020 reported that the current Lansdowne space-needs are nearly triple the amount of space available in our 57-year old building. Children are Paying the Price and Can’t Keep Waiting: • Children in our community have had vital procedures delayed, suffered learning losses, and experienced devastating impacts on their physical and mental development. • These problems will continue to get worse without expansion. The challenges Lansdowne children face will only compound as they age and become more difficult to address. Everyday Matters in the Life of a Child: • Only one in three kids in Ontario receive services within the clinical standard, with the majority waiting almost three years to access services. • At Lansdowne Children's Centre in Brantford that ratio is only one in four kids. • Families are falling further behind and wait lists are longer than they have ever been. • Long wait times and limited resources are not new barriers to timely care, but these barriers have increased significantly since the pandemic began. It’s Time to Champion Children’s Healthcare: • By acting quickly, we can stop children from suffering and start their healing. • Children deserve a strong system of care that provides the care they need, when they need it, and where they need it. Dream Board | Architect Concept Art Spacious, open concept areas for connectivity, with access to daylight. Outdoor recreation areas designed with enhanced sensory environments. Spaces for individual and group play. Dedicated treatment and assessment areas, designed for program delivery. Universally accessible washrooms. Spaces to meet and work. Enhanced sensory environments for client therapy and recreation. Spaces that are calming and comfortable. With a new facility we can address serious limitations. We can: Offer improved accessibility at ground level and reach new heights in a multi-storey design, including consideration for the access and mobility needs of our clients and staff. Reduce wait time and welcome even more clients and their families to our expanded assessment and treatment facilities, with more capacity to grow our team of dedicated staff; Reduce environmental dangers by providing adequate on-site parking for all families and staff; reducing exposure to increasingly busy side streets and improved visibility at entrance and exit; Reduce travel time for client families by hosting more services, including sensory environment, respite and group activitieis on-site, while also reducing costs by eliminating rental fees; Host more group meetings, community events and recreation programs in expanded meeting rooms and recreation facilities, specially desiged to accomodate the needs of our clients; Deliver a more equitable, quality experience for clients and their families, in a comfortable modern environment without compromise to care and privacy. Together we can impact change in the lives of many families in our community in pursuit of our mission, to support infants, children and youth with physical, developmental or communication needs, and their families, and our vision, realizing the optimal potential for infants, children and youth. A New Lansdowne, A Community Effort The preparation for the new-build Lansdowne proposal included a full day visioning workshop to establish a direction for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Chi ldren's Centre. Hosted in December 2019 with Montgomery Sisam Architects, over 100 Lansdowne staff and community members, including the Mayors of Brant County, the City of Brantford and other City staff, came and offered their opinions on the test plans and the visioning boards. Each participant was also provided with three Red Dots that they could place on any portion of a given panel to anonymously indicate a preference. Of the Visioning Boards presented, the most dialogue centered around the Sensory Environment of the building as well as the different Open Office solutions for staff workspace. Feedback was universal in stating that the building should be as non-institutional as possible and that the environment should be engaging to the full age range of the clients who will use the building. Invest in their future. To learn how, CLICK HERE
- Rotary Classic Run | Lansdowne Cruisers
Join the Lansdowne Children's Centre corporate team, the Lansdowne Cruisers, in the Rotary Brantford Classic Run, in support of local children's programs. Rotary Club of Brantford 2026 ROTARY BRANTFORD CLASSIC RUN - SUNDAY, JUNE 7 - Join the Lansdowne Cruisers team You Run. Kids Win. Sign Up Today Register Event Info Print Flyer Email Flyer Join our Corporate Team The Lansdowne Cruisers and walk, run or roll with Lansdowne Children's Centre in support of local children's programs. Rotary Club of Brantford presents The 42nd Rotary Brantford Classic Run Sunday, June 7, 2026 10:15 a.m. Start W. Ross Macdonald School, 350 Brant Ave. Brantford Using the provided Race Roster event page, you will create your own participant account with an email and password. During your registration, you will be asked if you would like to register as an individual or as part of a team. To join our Lansdowne Cruisers team, select: Join a Team - a Corporate Team - find Lansdowne Children's Centre Our Team Captain is Tiffany Morgan, recreation services. Please email Tiffany to provide your email contact as a registered team member. We would like to contact you by email closer to the event date to organize a group meeting point and time to get our annual Lansdowne team photo. For any questions or concerns, you can email Tiffany at: tmorgan@lansdownecc.com Did you know... That Lansdowne Children's Centre has entered a corporate team in the Rotary Classic Run going back decades! Lansdowne is one of the earliest community programs for children supported by this event. LANSDOWNE CRUISERS THROUGH THE YEARS Join the Lansdowne Cruisers, Rotary Brantford Classic Run June 7, 2026 Apr 1 Rotary Club of Brantford annual Children's Party at Lansdowne Children's Centre, 2025 Dec 19, 2025 Commemorative photo book celebrates 50+ Years of Lansdowne, in print fundraiser and free online Apr 14, 2025 1 2 3 4 5
- Accessible Playground Directory
Accessible Playground Directory | | Lansdowne Children's Centre Resource Library Accessible Playground Directory A comprehensive resource designed to empower individuals of all abilities to discover inclusive play spaces in their local communities and throughout Ontario. Download printable PDF handout/activity pages Accessible Playground Directory no download available Download Keywords and search terms commonly associated with this resource include:
- Start Here | 03 Client Rights
Welcome to Lansdowne Children's Centre. Important information about client rights. Start Here Guide: Know Your Client Rights Return Next Lansdowne Children’s Centre is a safe and respectful space for all. We are committed to fostering an environment where clients, families, staff, volunteers, and visitors feel supported, understood, and safe—whether in person, virtually, or in writing. We do not tolerate any form of harassment, violence, aggression, or disruptive behaviour. No yelling. No bullying. No hate speech. No threats. To protect the wellbeing of our team and community, any staff member may end a client interaction or appointment at any time if they feel unsafe. Together, we uphold respect, kindness, and inclusion. While involved with Lansdowne Children’s Centre as a client, client family, and/or client caregiver, you have the right to: Be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect. Have your language, culture, religion and sexual orientation respected. Receive care in an environment free from abuse, exploitation, retaliation. Have your have questions and concerns heard without intimidation or fear of reprisal, and to expect Lansdowne staff to provide a timely response to your concerns. Receive quality care and service, in a clean and safe environment. Privacy and confidentiality of your health information and record of care. Be involved in decision making regarding your child. Receive information and answers to your questions about Lansdowne services, your child and your child’s individual service experience. Give or refuse consent to any proposed care and to be advised of the risks and benefits of the service being proposed. Be informed of any unanticipated service reductions and contingency plans related to your child’s service. Click here to learn more about Lansdowne's Family-centred Guiding Principles Return Next
- Checklist - Ready for Kindergarten | Lansdowne Children's Centre
Questions or concerns about your child's readiness to begin kindergarten at school? This milestone guide invites you to check off the skills that your child is demonstrating on a consistent basis. If your child does not meet all the milestones for their age, we recommend that you complete a referral submission to SmartStart Hub at Lansdowne Children’s Centre to gain access to resources, assessment, services and supports. We can help your child to realize their optimal potential. Start Instructions Feedback 1) Concept 2) Physical 3) Health & Safety 4) Numbers 5) Language 6) Reading 7) Writing 8) Social Kindergarten Readiness Checklist, 36 - 72 months Do you have questions or concerns about your child's readiness for entry to school, ie. ready to start kindergarten? We can help. To begin, continue to the Instructions tab, or select the age that is closest to the age of your child. Kindergarten Readiness Checklist, 48 - 72 months Every child learns and develops in their own unique way. This kindergarten readiness checklist provides cognitive, physical and communication abilities that most children are demonstrating by the time they are ready for school entry (ie. starting kindergarten). Check off the abilities that your child is demonstrating on a consistent basis. If you have concerns about unchecked milestones. first consult the online resources provided for more information. The recommended streaming videos and printable activities will help you engage in play-based learning with your child. Often these universal strategies for skill development will help a child's progress. If you have multiple incomplete milestones, and especially if you have incomplete milestones from an earlier age group, please consider completing a referral with SmartStart Hub to access opportunities for assessment, support and therapy services. There is no cost to access SmartStart Hub resources, services and supports at Lansdowne Children's Centre. When you're done, please come back to this tab and let us know about your checklist experience. Your feedback helps us to improve. Thank you! How was your experience? Don’t love it Not great Good Really good Love it Where are you from? How old is your child? Submit Thank You! Your feedback has been submitted. What is Concept Development? Concept development is a problem solving ability that allows young children to construct their own understanding of concepts as they interact and work with materials, people, events, and ideas. Examples of an ability to work with concepts include: Completing puzzles, fitting shapes Building towers with blocks Sorting toys or books by size or colour Counting groups of similar items Drawing a character or scene from a book Following simple instructions like “Put the ball on the chair” and “ Get the pot from under the sink.” Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ready for Kindergarten - Video Playlist Open Early Years, Behaviour Tips - Video Playlist What is Physical Readiness? Physical readiness is a child's ability to control and use large and small muscles to perform actions. Children need physical skills to be successful in school and participate in a variety of play-based activities. Examples of an physical readiness include: Climbing and playing on playground equipment Dressing themself, closing buttons, snaps and zippers Using scissors to cut shapes from paper Using crayons, pencils or markers to draw lines and shapes Rolling, throwing and/or bouncing a ball Peddaling a tricycle or similar vehicle Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ready for Kindergarten - Video Playlist Open Early Years, Behaviour Tips - Video Playlist What is Health and Safety Readiness? Health and safety readiness includes a child's basic needs for health care, grooming, rest and nutrition. Examples of health and safety readiness include: Regular check-ups with a family doctor and up-to-date shots Regular teeth brushing and trips to the dentist Regular activity and exercise An established bed time and regular rest Healthy eating including fresh fruit and vegetables Understanding simple safety rules and signs, like traffic lights, stop signs, fire danger, poison danger) Understanding stranger danger Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Ready for Kindergarten - Video Playlist Open Early Years, Behaviour Tips - Video Playlist What are Number Concepts? Number concepts include ability to perform classifying, ordering, counting, and time and space relationships. These are directly related to child’s ability to perform mathematical tasks throughout their school years and the rest of their lives. It is important to help young children feel confident in dealing with number tasks. Examples of number concept readiness include: Answering questions like, "how many forks do we need?" Comparing objects by size, and ordering largest to smallest Following a regular sequence of events, ex. Bedtime routine Comparing groups and identifying which is more and which is less Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies What are Language Abilities? The development of language abilities – listening, speaking, reading, writing – is critical to a child’s success throughout their school years and the rest of their lives. It is tied to everything children learn or do in school. Parents can support the development of language abilities by talking with and listening carefully to children as they share their ideas and experiences. Examples of language abillity readiness include: Answering open questions like, "How do feel?" or "What do you think?" Identifying and using words that rhyme Asking questions about concepts or instructions Expressing original ideas, ex. Sharing what they think would happen next in a story Alerting a caregiver to needs or dangers, Ex. "I need to use the bathroom" or "I feel sick" Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Open Referral Form, Online Access | SmartStart Hub Services Why Read With Your Child? A child's ability to read and comprehend information is an important skill that will impact their daily life. A caregiver can have a positive impact on a child's interest and ability to read by sharing early reading experiences. Reading a book with children is enjoyable and interesting. It is the most important way in which parents can help children learn to read and ideally would be a part of a daily routine. Reading also provides a shared expereience you can talk about together. "What did you think when?" or "What was your favourite part?" Examples of reading readiness include: Have a library card and be familiar with choosing books to read Demonstrate "pretend reading" turning pages and telling a story Point and read words in your environment, ex. Stop signs, Store names, Labels on food Sit quietly and listen to a story be read by someone else Follow along reading pointing to words as they are read Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Ready to Write? To become a skilled, lifelong writer, a child needs encouragement and support as they begin the writing process. They’ll play at writing like they play at reading. Ask them to read what they’ve written. Children go through various stages of writing development. These stages include scribbling, drawing pictures and pretend writing. Examples of writing readiness include: Organize letters (ex. letter blocks, or magnets) to form words Scribbling/drawing letters on paper Tracing over letters/words/secntences on paper Writing their name Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies What is Social and Emotional readiness? Children need to be socially and emotionally ready to start school, and this includes knowing how to take turns, make compromises, approach familiar children, obey those in authority (principals, teachers, caregivers) and generally be nice to others. You can help a child to get ready for school by giving them the opportunity to interact as part of a group of children. Community opportunities include attending playgrounds, early on learning centres and the public library. Examples of social and emotional readiness include: Following the instructions/rules of an authority figure Use words to express feelings Be comfortable with trying new things Join others in a game, group activity Use words to solve disagreements, no violent acts Model the use of works such as please, thank you and excuse me Recommended Resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... 12 Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies Open Face to Face, Communication Strategies
- Start Here | 10 Accessing Resources
Welcome to Lansdowne Children's Centre. Client families have free access to resources from our lending library and online catalogue. Start Here Guide: Accessing Lansdowne Resources, Lending Library Borrow toys, videos, books and equipment from Lansdowne's Lending Library, Learning Resource Centre Return Next Lending Library The Lansdowne Children's Centre Resource Centre has been established to serve the needs of children, parents, caregivers and staff of Lansdowne Children’s Centre. The resource centre is located off the main entrance lobby of Lansdowne Children’s Centre at 39 Mount Pleasant Street in Brantford. Any client family wishing to borrow items from the Resource Centre will fill out a registration form and will receive a borrower's card with an ID number. No cost. This borrower's card must be used to sign out materials. Items available to be borrowed include toys, games, videos and books. Equipment available for borrowing including wheelchairs, walkers, standing frames and box chairs, can be signed out under the guidance of a therapist. To learn more about the lending library please speak with Reception at Lansdowne Children’s Centre in Brantford. Online Resources The Lansdowne Children’s Centre website offers a growing mix of video and printable resources that can be searched and filtered based on your unique interests and needs. Lansdowne shares original video creations as well as materials developed by other agencies, medical professionals and community partners. These resources are intended to support a child’s development progress and empower a family/caregiver with understanding and strategies. Discover available resources when you visit www.lansdownecentre.ca/resources Caregiver Corner, Family Engagement The Caregiver Corner bulletin board at each Lansdowne Children’s Centre site provides awareness to upcoming social and education events hosted by Lansdowne Family Engagement Services. These no-cost events provide Lansdowne client families with opportunity to connect with their peers and enjoy free childcare while the adults participate in leisure and/or recreation activity. Discover upcoming events, learn more about Family Engagement and the Family Advisory Council, www.lansdownecentre.ca/familyengagement Family Facebook Group, Private Group Caregiver Corner hosts an online chat group exclusive to client families. This private Facebook group provides opportunity to connect with other families and share stories and/or questions in a safe and supportive environment. www.facebook.com/groups/2779362225485235 or search for"Caregiver Corner" Return Next










