The second in a series of family events geared towards getting local parent and caregiver input on improving EDI (school readiness scores) in young children will be held Thursday July 21, 2016 from 4-7 pm and will include free dinner and supervised children’s activities at Chawathil First Nation. Transportation is available by indicating need for it when pre-registering.
The first event of its kind was held at Camp Hope Thursday June 28, 2016 and saw a healthy turnout of committed families. The event consisted of a family pizza making session, crafts and games for the kids, and mural drawing at each table collecting favorite childhood memories and what parents wanted to see available for their own children.
Following dinner, feedback was collected in a graphic facilitation session for the adults, while the children were occupied in supervised activities. Parents commented on how relaxing the event was and how nice it was to be both engaged in family activities and then in adult only time with children supervised nearby.
The July 21st event will be similar to the June 28th event and will be focusing on what kind of programming can best ready children for kindergarten. Currently the EDI scores show Hope and area children ranking high in literacy and cognitive development, likely due to the great work of many organizations committed to making these opportunities available to children and families, and include family drop in programs, Strong Start, Bear Bus, library programming, and Story time in the Park for example. Where scores could be improved are in the physical, social, and emotional categories.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring parents, caregivers and early years professionals together to develop programming ideas with a focus on enhancing physical, social and emotional development in young children,” says Michele Thornhill, Executive Director for Hope Community Services. “It’s important that parents and caregivers are involved in the planning process, as these initiatives directly impact them and their children,” she goes on to say. “We are trying to reach as many parents and caregivers as possible and are inviting anyone interested in the early years to attend.”
For more information contact Hope Community Services executive director Michele Thornhill at mthornhill@hopecommunityservices.com . To RSVP for the July 21 event email Kim Paolini at kpaolini@hopecommunityservices.com or call 604-869-2466, ext 105.