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OAKVILLE NORTH NEWS Friday, Aug. 20, 1993 â€" 12 The challenge of special needs As supervising principal of Educational Programs and Care Treatment for the Halton Board of Education, Ian Foster believes education plays an important role in the lives of children with speâ€" cial needs. "The role of education is important whether it‘s for chilâ€" dren in temporary care or for those in custody." He explains, adding, "Education provides them with some sense of normaliâ€" ty and develops in them â€" a better awareness of themselves as they merge into society." Ian has been in the educational field for over thirty years; first as an elementary school teacher with the Trafalgar Township Board of Education, then in variâ€" ous administrative positions prior to taking on his present duties with the Halton Board of Education. He enjoys his current role immensely, stating, "There is a challenge in assisting children and their families with special learning requirements. And it is a challenge I enjoy." His department â€" within the Board of Education â€" is responsiâ€" ble for providing educational serâ€" vices to the many children‘s social agencies and community groups within the Halton Region, including: Stewart Farm Program in Oakville â€" a classroom staffed by two teachers, along with a Children‘s Aid Worker, is providâ€" ed for those children deemed inappropriate to return to their home school. Halton Adolescent Support Services â€" provides an educationâ€" al day service program. Woodview Children‘s Centre â€" day and residential education programs are provided for chilâ€" es The town of Oakviile is changing. The Oakvilie Beaver‘s news coverage PAC _AGE SHELVING B WOV â€" NX | SPECLALS s EXCLUSIVE BASKET SYSTEM Made in Canada 18"w x 21"d x 41"%h BOOKCASE in white or oak finish 24"w x 11"d x 32"h dren ages 6 to 12. CASSATA â€" educational proâ€" grams are provided for children under open detention. Thistletown Regional Centre (Syl Apps) â€" board provides teachers and a full academic schedule for adolescents at the centre. TIan states that there are three aspects to the services offered by the Educational Programs and Care Treatment of the Halton Board â€" school, child and family. "Our challenge is to pull it all . together to serve the interests of the child, which is often difficult to do." Ian is optimistic about the future of education for children with special needs, but warns they may be threatened by the financial limitations of governâ€" ment. ‘*For all of us providing chilâ€" dren‘s services whether it‘s mediâ€" cal, social, emotional or educaâ€" tional, the present and future Featuring C just a little FACTOKY OUTLET ]NTRODUCES CLASSIC GIRLS FASHIONS IN 100% COTTON Sizes 5â€"10 SHOP DIRECT FROM A QUALITY MANUFACTURER SAVE EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY SATURDAY 10:00 4:00 PM. en 2416 WYECROFT RD. OAKVILLE 827â€"7702 (Wyecroft is 1 block south of QEW off Bronte Rd.) necessitates a close working relaâ€" tionship with communityâ€"based groups. In some areas, we overlap in the services we provide, and we need to capitalize on our strengths and integrate the serâ€" vices. We have to work together to reflect community needs and at the same time balance the finanâ€" cial implications. The Halton community is changing. The increase in populaâ€" tion brings a diversity and accenâ€" tuates our differences as well as our exceptionalities. Reflected in our community is a growing concern for "wellness" and our ability to respond to the stresses on children and families in a coordinated way. Agencies and systems can no longer do it alone in isolation, just as children and families canâ€" not do it alone. Network and supâ€" ports that are available become of paramount importance."