Spectrum Learning Centre
Our History
In 1986, Spectrum Learning Centre was opened to provide for and meet the needs of young offenders in British Columbia. Over the years, and in effort to serve youth of all experiences, circumstances and walks of life, Spectrum Learning Centre has grown to be a wider and more adaptable Youth Resource Organization in the area. Spectrum Learning Centre programs provide 24-hour supervision and are designed to compliment any other services and/or treatments utilized by the youth. It is our goal to make a difference in the lives of youth throughout the BC Lower Mainland by providing them with the tools, resources and support needed in shaping healthy and sustainable lives.
About Us
Our Mission
At SLC our goal is to create a consistent, safe, and nurturing environment where all residents are accepted with empathy and understanding. We strive to support residents in achieving their personal goals and meeting the objectives set by partnering agencies. Additionally, we aim to help and encourage residents to build the skills they need to become positive and contributing members of society.
Philosophy
At SLC everyone has inherent value and deserves to be treated with respect. Every individual has the right to a healthy, productive life and access to services that address their unique needs. People also have the right to actively participate in decisions that impact their lives.
Our Program
Program Description
Spectrum Learning Centre Inc. (SLC) is a specialized residential resource for children and youth in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). SLC’s programs are located in Maple Ridge, Surrey, Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Kelowna, BC. SLC provides 24-hour supervision with programs designed to meet the specific needs of the individuals served.
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Child and Youth Care Services at SLC offer long-term residential placements for youth and young adults who have been identified as “at risk,” “high risk,” or developmentally challenged and are in the care of MCFD. The program provides a safe, secure, and comfortable home-like setting monitored by qualified caregivers 24/7. Care Workers focus on client stabilization and the development of interpersonal and relational skills. Clients receive nutritious meals, health care support, crisis and transitional assistance, social skills training, and educational, emotional, and recreational support. Relationships are built on respect, dignity, and trust. Program Managers and Care Workers actively encourage client participation in planning and service delivery, involving advocates, family members, and collateral service providers whenever possible.
SLC’s children and youth programs follow a person-centered approach, incorporating trauma-informed, strength-based, solution-focused, and community-inclusion practices that honor the uniqueness of each client and their needs.
SLC administers residential placements by offering intensive specialized services delivered by qualified professionals.
Currently, SLC’s clients are referred exclusively through MCFD, with plans to expand referral agencies beyond MCFD in 2025/2026.
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We also acknowledge and value the contributions of professionals within a multi-disciplinary team, including Social Workers, Facilitators, Analysts, Probation Officers, Mental Health Clinicians, Teachers, and One-to-One Workers.
Program Structure
Service Modality: SLC uses a person-centered and trauma-informed practice rooted in establishing trust as a foundation. Our approach to providing care for residents is built on an acknowledgment of attachment theory, solution-focused, and strength-based approaches. The program utilizes these service modalities based on field research and organizational evaluation of best practice service delivery. Caregivers strive to work with clients and their families (when applicable) in a manner that is warm, caring, and respectful to identified needs.
SLC's children and youth programs reflect a person-centered approach and are rooted in the principles of trauma-informed, strength-based, solution-focused, and community-inclusion practices that honor the uniqueness of each client and their needs.
Program Planning
Program planning is ongoing and linked to care team meetings, caregiver, client and stakeholder feedback, program review meetings, statistical collection, and review reports. Information is gathered to assist the Care Team in identifying barriers, benefits, trends, and service gaps. Internal and external consultations are fostered to explore ideas and new opportunities with the goal of supporting identified needs and encouraging preventative and forward thinking. This approach encourages all members associated with the persons served to provide an active role in service planning. Service plans are developed with the specific needs and desires of the person served and updated as needed.
Our Staff
Program Managers
Program Managers provide oversight and leadership for residential care settings, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations. They supervise and support care workers, oversee the development and implementation of individualized SHSS Service Plans, and guide care teams to ensure holistic, trauma-informed, and client-centered support. Program Managers collaborate with the Executive Director, contribute to program evaluations, and facilitate staff training and development. They are responsible for maintaining care setting operations, managing budgets, and promoting community involvement while liaising with families, government officials, and other professionals.
Resource Coordinators
Resource Coordinators manage the daily operations of care settings, supervising direct service personnel and ensuring that programs meet quality, licensing, and trauma-informed care standards. They work alongside Program Managers to establish and evaluate goals, maintain program budgets, and address operational needs. Resource Coordinators are responsible for scheduling, training, and professional development of staff, ensuring that team practices align with trauma-informed principles. They also mediate conflict resolution within teams, collect data to support program improvement, and assist in implementing SHSS Service Plans for children and youth while fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including families and external agencies.
Care Workers
Care Workers provide direct support to clients in residential settings, fostering a trusting and supportive environment grounded in trauma-informed care practices. They assist clients in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and daily life skills development, while implementing individualized SHSS Service Plans. Care Workers facilitate social and recreational activities, connect clients to community resources, and monitor progress toward personal goals. They maintain clear documentation and reports, liaise with families and professionals, and ensure the safety, cleanliness, and well-being of care settings, all while supporting clients in a manner sensitive to their past experiences and unique needs.
Integrated Case Management
Supervisors and Caregivers collaborate with the MCFD/CLBC worker/s, the client, identified advocates, family members and community professionals to support the obtainment of identified goals and resolution of acknowledged problems. Care team meetings are held on a regular basis as per the agreement between MCFD and CLBC.