Collection 2018.09 - Prince George Child Development Centre Collection

The Child Development Centre of Prince George was first conceived in 1967 in response to the need for services to children, youth, adults with disabilities, and their families residing in the Central Interior of British Columbia. Anne Martin served as the first Executive Director and Ann Callander as President. Monica Williams served as the first physiotherapist. It was family physician Dr. Carolyn McGhee who first identified the need for these services. They began with three special needs children. The society was formally incorporated in 1968 as the Cerebral Palsy Association of Prince George.

The Society’s first facility was set up in a portable classroom building, loaned by School District #57, located at the corner of Winnipeg Street and Ninth Avenue. Initial funding was $11,000 from the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC.

Under the leadership of the second President, Horst Sander, the Centre moved in 1973 to a larger building on Strathcona Avenue. Renovations to the lower level were completed by 1975 and by 1984, a new wing was added. The expansion resulted in an 11,000 square foot building.

By 1987, the Centre was assisting hundreds of children. These children benefitted from timely medical assessments, as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology services. The three to six year-olds could also attend preschool and daycare services. With increased demand for services, better funding allowed for expanding the staff to include one occupational therapist and one speech therapist, a preschool teacher and a social worker. One indication of the level of caring in the Prince George community was the response to meeting the Centre's transportation needs. Parents unable to transport their children for treatment were helped out by volunteer drivers. The roster of volunteers swelled quickly to more than 70 people. Now taxi vouchers provided by the CDC, and a bus service operated by the Carefree Society fills that need.

The Child Development Centre now annually assists over 1000 children and their families. Outreach services are provided to children in Mackenzie, McBride and Valemount. Reflecting its expanding mandate, the society changed its official name to the Child Development Centre of Prince George and District Association in 2009. The CDC is a non-profit agency which continues to be jointly funded by the Provincial Government and community partners.