Childhood learning a plus for parents

StrongStart may be a kick start for kids preparing to enter the school system, but organizers stress the curriculum is equally valuable for participating parents and caregivers.

“That is what I hear the most,” said Brenda Barber, who has 26 years of experience in the field of early childhood education and runs the Queen’s Park sessions.

“If a parent can learn more positive ways of handling discipline or positive phrases to use with their child, their environment is healthier and the well-being of everyone changes so there are just huge positives for everybody in this room.

“These parents share in their child’s early learning experiences, connect with other parents and caregivers and receive valuable child development information and community resources.”

Deb Donoghue is the mother of two-year-old Mykara, who has been enrolled in StrongStart for over a year and couldn’t be happier with the results — and not just for her daughter.

“Absolutely it’s been good for me,” she said. “Here parents get to talk and see each other in action, maybe learning different managements skills. We all learn from each other as well, and you come up with different ideas for what you can do at home.”

Due to the overwhelming success of the initial program at Queen’s Park, which began in May 2007, the school district and Education Ministry began two more locations this year.

The grand opening for Carmi Elementary is today and Columbia Elementary’s program will kick off on Nov. 13. Both begin at 11 a.m.

According to Barber, parent feedback over the years includes: improved child management techniques at home, a more positive relationship with their child, a valuable support network with other parents, and the encouragement and positive role model gained from an experienced early childhood educator.

“A few years ago it was noted one in four children in B.C. were not prepared for kindergarten; that was emotionally, intellectually, physically and those were really low numbers,” said Barber.

“Our government decided to put a lot of dollars into early learning and develop these StrongStart programs to offer activities and opportunities in all of these areas, and we are seeing great positive outcomes.

“We understand that the early years between birth and school age is a critical time in a child’s life and that the experiences that children have in the early years influence their future health, well-being, and life-long learning.” 

Since it began, enrolment at Queen’s Park has increased to 210 registrations and it can accommodate 35 children daily. It is a drop-in, first-come, first-served, free program.

“It’s incredible,” said Donoghue. “I’ve noticed with Mykara, just her skills; co-operating with other children and learning to share, her speech development, there’s so many things they learn here.

“I also think it fosters their independence and it’s all about developing those skills through exploration.”

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