Early Learning & Child Development
The Early Learning & Child Development Network is a collaboration of local community agencies working together to provide easily accessible information and services to families with young children.
Services for Children 0-6
Winners Program
Winners is a parent engagement program that offers a recreational component
and literacy-based opportunities to students and their families on a
time-limited basis in their home schools. A weekly, two-hour program
provides a venue for parents and their children to spend time playing and
learning together while they become more comfortable in their community
school setting. Family support agencies include: OEYC, health unit,
Northumberland Child Development Centre and other agencies on an as-needed
basis. The anticipated outcomes include:
- Increased parent participation and visits to school
- Increased comfort level in parents' communication with principals and other school staff
- Parent engagement in their child's activities and assessment of programs and abilities - or areas requiring intervention and agency-referral opportunities
- Improved socialization and community-building
- Exposure to strategies that strengthen literacy skills and academic success
- Sharing of a nutritious meal
- Principal awareness of familial dynamics
- Inclusivity
To date, Winners has been held at the following schools or neighbourhoods of
schools, all recording participation satisfaction rates over 90%:
- Colborne Public School
- Roseneath Pulbic School
- Plainville Public School
- Hillcrest PS and St. Mary's Catholic school in Campbellford
- Grafton PS and St. Mary's Catholic School in Grafton
- CR Gummow PS in Cobourg
- St Joseph's Catholic School in Cobourg
Subcommittees of the Early Learning & Child Development Network :
1. Seamless Day Committee
- Strengthening communication and planning between early learning and care providers and JK/SK teachers.
- Increasing teacher awareness of the role Early Childhood Educators play in preparing children for school
- Examining ways to align ECE programming with JK/SK curriculum
- Minimizing transitions in a child's day.
- Provide an overview of the Early Learning & Child Development initiative, local achievements and plans to senior educators/administrators
- Outline the application process for principals to access Winners within their own schools
- Raise awareness and understanding of local Early Learning & Child Development initiatives including future development plans, progress and performance.
- Identify strategic priorities annually.
- Increase parent engagement in their child's development, using evidence-based research and multiple communications vehicles (newsletters, parenting guide, parent focus groups, events, media and website, etc.)