Early stage learning programs offer support, build confidence
What could be more natural than singing songs to one’s infants or telling them bedtime stories? Unfortunately, for many parents raised in the internet age, this first and crucial element of early-stage learning is not natural at all, and that troubles Maureen Doll, project coordinator for the Kamloops Early Language and Literacy Initiative.
“Our brains develop the most in the first three years of life, and it’s vital that during this time we interact with our parents, make eye contact, hear their voices and see their lips move,” she says.
The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program aims to rectify that problem. This pre-literacy support initiative introduces parents and their children to the power of using rhymes, songs and stories together, with the parents gaining the skills and confidence to create positive family patterns during their children’s early years.
Mother Goose originated in 1984, when social worker Barry Dickson and therapist Joan Bodger planned a pilot project for at-risk families for the Toronto Children’s Aid Society.
It is “factually inaccurate” to say that Rutland has a disproportionate number of transitional housing projects, Basran said, citing buildings such as Cardington Arms and other subsidized housing complexes in downtown Kelowna, and Now Canada facilities on Harvey Avenue and in the South Pandosy district.
With the rezoning moving forward, the next step is for Freedom’s Door representatives to fine-tune plans for the building and apply for a development permit.
If any building variances were to be required, there would be an opportunity for the public to address council again on the project. However, municipal planning staff are currently not tracking any variances associated with the proposal.