The Agir tôt program is for children aged 0 to 6 and their families. It aims to identify any indicators of developmental needs in young children at the right time to provide them with the appropriate services. The objectives of the program are to support the development of children’s full potential, equip children and their parents and facilitate the transition into kindergarten.

Examples of concerns that can lead to requesting Agir tôt services:

• Behaviors : tantrums (hitting, biting), sleep challenges (bedtime), toilet training, routine (not listening), etc.
• Communication : says few words for their age, speaks little/not at all, does not understand, does not look at me when speaking, etc.
• Physical health and well-being: delayed walking or running, moves a lot (restless, jumping), picky eating, etc.

The Agir tôt program’s services are free and offered on a voluntary basis. 

Services offered

The program is divided into three (3) main components: developmental monitoring, global development screening, and early intervention.

1. Developmental monitoring

This service is for all children in the Outaouais region aged 0 to 6. Developmental monitoring can be carried out at various times during early childhood, including through:

• Medical follow-ups and vaccination
• Observation of development by parents
• Educational records of the child in early childhood educational care (daycare)
• ABCdaire 18 months +

During this appointment, in addition to vaccinating your child, the healthcare staff at your local community service center (CLSC) can complete the ABCdaire 18 months +. To complete this developmental monitoring tool, you will be asked questions about your child's general development. Following this appointment, if difficulties are identified, you will be referred, with your consent, to the Agir tôt screening or another appropriate service.

For more details

• 18 months vaccination appointement
• Explanatory video: 18-month vaccination appointment

2. Needs assessment, targeted screening, and identification of necessary services

This service is for children who show signs of difficulties or when concerns about their development are raised. The screening will help establish the child’s strengths and areas for improvement. Based on the results, the family and child might receive support and referrals to services according to the child’s needs, with the parent’s consent.

For more details, see the global development screening section of the Agir tôt program.

To request a screening, call 811 option 2.

3. Early intervention

This service is intended for children at risk or with developmental delays or neurodevelopmental disorders. Interventions are offered to meet the needs of your children as well as those of your family. The interventions will be graduated according to the needs and continuously adjusted based on your child's response.

The interventions are designed to :

• Help you, as a parent, better support your child through the stages of development and in your daily life.
• Provide stimulation and intervention to your child to help them develop and function well in their environments, including at home, daycare, and school.
• Prepare your child for kindergarten and help them transition smoothly.
• Assist you, the parents, throughout the processes and services offered.

Central role of parents:

• Acknowledges the experiential knowledge parents have about their child.
• Offers support that aligns with the parents' priorities.
• Adapts services to the family's values, beliefs, and culture
• Equips and supports parents and key individuals in the child's life to foster their development, well-being, and social participation

For more information on the Agir tôt program.