What is Connections?

Connections is a program which provides individuals between the ages of 2 to 18 years of age within the Golden Hills
School Division with local access to a developmental pediatrician and a psychiatrist. Clinics are held within the town of
Strathmore on a monthly basis with the pediatrician and every second month with the psychiatrist.The goal of the program is to assist in the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and program development for children and
youth so that they experience improved functioning in their schools, homes, and community.

You may wish to view the following videos in which Mr. Tim Baragar discusses the Connections Program:

Video #1 - Why the Connections Program is so effective
Video #2 - Why educators are so positive about the Connections Program
Video #3 - How this program has affected his practice

Who attends the Connections appointment?

An important aspect of the Connections program is that professionals from other disciplines who are already, or will be,
working with your child or family are invited to attend the Connections appointment.Either the Student Services Consultant from your school or the Connections Coordinator is in attendance at the clinic.
Other professionals typically invited include school staff (e.g. teacher, educational assistant) and/or other professionals
who are or will be working with your child, such as: Family School Community Resource Workers, Family Physician and
Child and Family Services staff (please refer to the Connections brochure for a complete listing of possible "Revolving
Members").

Having these professionals at the appointment helps to ensure that the developmental pediatrician and psychiatrist are
provided with thorough information of the child's behaviours and needs across a variety of settings (i.e., home, school).
Further, this approach helps to ensure that the recommendations and interventions suggested at the clinic are carried
out.

What happens at the Connections appointment?

The Connections appointment typically begins with a general discussion involving the pediatrician/psychiatrist, the family,
the school staff, and any other invited professionals.After general information is collected, school staff and other individuals that may be present at the meeting are asked to
leave in order that the pediatrician/psychiatrist can meet separately with the child and/or child and family. For those
children/youth seeing the developmental pediatrician, a detailed physical examination by the developmental pediatrician
will be conducted at this time.
At the end of the clinic, all individuals in attendance gather again in order to discuss recommendations.

What can I expect to happen after the appointment?

At the end of the Connections appointment, a list of recommendations are outlined with the individuals responsible for
follow-up specified. The family physician is also provided with a letter detailing clinic findings and recommendations. Follow-up Connections appointments are booked by the Connections Coordinator.

Where is the appointment?

The Connections Clinic is located in the main office at Wheatland Elementary School, 220 Brent Blvd., Strathmore, AB.
(telephone 934 - 3318).

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Student Services Consultant assigned to your child's
school.