The Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre in Shediac is developing a trauma-specialized daycare at their facility – and it would be only the second one in North America.
CEO Kristal LeBlanc says as the Centre has expanded, gaps have been identified in services and supports for victims of domestic violence and their children.
LeBlanc says a survivor made her realize the needs of a child from a violent situation are much different compared to other children.
“(She told me), my child still sleeps with his mattress up against the front door in the apartment – he’s petrified. He can’t talk about that at a regular daycare.”
LeBlanc says some children require unique therapeutic services in a childcare setting.
“If they are used to being in a home where doors are constantly being slammed and the person that yells the loudest is the one that gets heard, how can we expect a child to act any differently when they start interacting with other people and with other children in daycares?”
LeBlanc says it could take up to 18 months to open the specialized daycare and nearly $250,000 will be needed in funding.
The daycare would accommodate about 20 pre-schoolers and would also offer an after-school program and summer camp.
The upcoming Run For Women will be an important fundraiser and LeBlanc feels confident government grants will also be available.
