Holy Spirit opens Early Learning Centre

As children play, they learn. That’s the idea behind the new Early Learning Centre next to a northside school.

The Holy Spirit school division recently opened the facility, using a modular building near St. Paul School. It’s designed for parents as well as young learners.

“We are finding an increased need to demonstrate and allow for practice/coaching on how to play with children to promote their learning and development,” says Michelle MacKinnon, the division’s director of support services.

“Sessions will be held on an ongoing basis, engaging families in the strategies for the development of language and early literacy skills.”

Behind the building, explains early learning coordinator Lynn Saler, there’s a fenced-off play area that includes natural objects including plants, a garden, logs and timber, a water feature — and tools that will encourage children to pick them up to create, discover and explore.

“We’re quite excited to have the change to design both the indoor and outdoor play areas so that we can show parents and staff that children do not require the latest gadget to be engaged, but an develop more creatively.”

Officials say families from all Holy Spirit schools, Pincher Creek to Bow Island, will have an opportunity to use the new facility.