ARCQESupport ServicesThe JOIN Program

The JOIN Program

First year guidance for programs to implement Ages and Stages Questionnaires with families, supporting early developmental milestones.

 

  • Child Development

Important Update

As many of you may have recently learned, sponsored support for the JOIN & GRASP initiatives will be undergoing a transition in the coming year. Although sponsored support will be evolving, we wish to reassure programs that ARCQE will be continuing to support this important work in new and creative ways in the 2025-2026 year. Currently ARCQE is working in partnership with ministry and Brookes Publishing Co. to innovate newly revised service delivery support which we look forward to sharing in greater detail in the coming weeks. In the interim, be sure to check back regularly for further exciting updates!

Help Children Reach Their Full Potential

JOIN gives childcare programs the tools to implement Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and helps families engage in their child’s development. Through this program, families complete ASQ screenings twice a year, gaining insights into their child’s growth. Programs receive support from an ARCQE Coach to review results, follow up, and connect families with community resources if needed.

JOIN also provides free access to the ASQ Online Database, making it easy to manage and track results. At the end of the year, participants can attend the Showcase of Learning event to share experiences and build community. JOIN also offers professional development opportunities through Child Development Supports, including Reaching In…Reaching Out (RIRO).

 

The CDS projects are accepting applications for new programs.

Priority will be given to programs based off the following criteria:

  • Previously or currently supporting Inclusive Child Care (ICC)
  • Having received a certificate of completion for an ARCQE ASQ Orientation Sessions and ASQ Kits
  • Have a formalized connection with another agency that is a current participant in the GRASP project.
  • Our project model is broken into three phases: Orientation and Project Initiation, Plan for Implementation, and Family Engagement. Coaching support will be tailored to meet the following levels: First Year Program, Second Year Program, and Early Leader Program.

CDS involvement includes the following:

  • Direct Coach support virtually and in-person.
  • Developing an ASQ Team and having educators engaged in the process of screening.
  • Utilizing the ASQ Database within three months of project initiation.
  • Ongoing use of the Brookes ASQ database, including a maximum of 3 screenings per year under the age of two and 2 screenings a year over the age of two. An additional two per year may be completed for children in monitoring and/or referral areas with a focus on universal screening.
  • Attendance at training sessions and networking/learning showcase opportunities.
  • Invitations to formal Training & Refresher Training sessions to guide new and returning programs.
  • Access to resources to support implementation and responsive strategies for families as a follow up to formal ASQ screening outcomes.
  • Working with your coach to develop resources for families within the program.
  • The availability of ASQ kits in other languages as necessary to minimize barriers to family participation.

Child Development Supports Service Request

"*" indicates required fields

Type of Program*
If yes, please provide the coach's name.
Provision of Inclusive Child Care (ICC)*
Attendance to ASQ-3 Orientation Session and have kit*
Attendance to ASQ:SE-2 Orientation Session and have kit*