Family Learning Programs

Family Learning Programs provide early learning and family support. Programs inform and assist parents in providing rich learning environments for their children in all five domains of early development as set out by the Early Development Instrument (EDI), which has been used to shape early childhood programming in Manitoba since 2005. These are identified as:

1. Physical Health and Well-Being

2. Social Competence

3. Emotional Maturity

4. Language and Cognitive Development

5. Communication Skills and General Knowledge

Family Learning Programs are fun. A well constructed program is much more than a playgroup, however the families may not know that! Exposure to all 5 EDI domains informs every aspect of the program and learning occurs naturally. Parents learn how to use strategies, activities, and rhymes and songs which will create a richer home learning environment.

All of the two-hour parent child programs follow the same general pattern:

• Free play.  Families arrive – this is a time for registrations and socialization. In most programs there is a book centre set up on the floor, with a variety of books available – parents are encouraged to explore these with their child(ren).  There will be other centres as well, depending on the ages of the children attending. When space and age allows it is useful and appropriate to have more active centres set up, with balls, or bowling, or adult led games.

• Circle time.  Following this we tidy the toys up and gather in a circle for a Rhyme time. Through the year, or sessions, the repertoire of new rhymes will grow, as well as exploring old favourites. At the end of the group rhymes, there is a story read with the children, and adults.

• Snack time.  There is a healthy snack provided for children in all the programs offered. In some the focus is greater than others (ie. Alphabet Soup) but in all instances children are encouraged to choose their own servings. When budget allows, parents are invited to snack as well.

• Craft time.  The children are given an age-appropriate craft to play with; the childminder will encourage them to play with new and different mediums. When attendance numbers are high, and children are very young, the craft will be planned to include parent involvement.  

• Adult activity.  Parents will gather separately from their children for a facilitated discussion and/or activity on a wide array of parenting topics. When the group is not conducive to separating into adult/child groups targeted discussion still occurs during other moments – at the beginning of the program, and during snack and craft time.

In all programs discussion topics are directed by: 

a)  the program being delivered, and 

b)  the families’ interests and needs.

Topics covered vary greatly, and there is overlap in each.  Programs are offered with a focus on: 

• physical activity and nutrition; and  

• literacy and language. 

Positive parenting informs all of the parent-child programs. In addition Denise is able to offer a number of parenting and youth programs.