May 23rd: Supporting "Parents As Teachers" (PAT)

For the Moms:
Sister Palmer lead an information session about the free community service program "Parents As Teachers" (PAT). PAT is an amazing program which supports parents with children aged 0-5 with everything from information and education about early childhood development, monthly in-home visits from a trained parent-educator, free parenting courses, parenting resources, parent-child groups, community links, etc!

Some quick information about PAT:

PAT's Vision:
"All children will learn, grow, and develop to realize their full potential."

PAT's Core Values:
- Parent's are their children's first and most influential teachers.
- The early years of a child's life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school in life.
- Established and emerging research should be the foundation of parent education and family support curricula, training materials, and services.
- All young children and their families deserve the same opportunities to succeed regardless of any demographic, geographic, or economic considerations.
- An understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions of diverse cultures is essential in serving families.

PAT's Goals:
- Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices.
- Provide early detection of developmental delay and health issues.
- Prevent abuse and neglect.
- Increase children's school readiness and school success.

To find out more information about PAT, please visit their national website at www.parentsasteachers.org and their local website at www.southregionpat.ca.

Unfortunately, after supporting so many families with young children in Southern Alberta, PAT now needs our support! It recently received a huge funding cut of 52% from it's main funder, the Child and Family Services Authority (provincial government) thus crippling it's ability to provide much needed services to families in Southern Alberta.

If you would like to help, contact Abby for a letter-writing package to our local MLA, Greg Weadick, or send an email expressing your concern to: lethbridge.west@assembly.ab.ca

Thanks!


For the Tots:

The kids enjoyed the opportunity to play together, and eat a yummy snack brought by Sister Poetteker!

April 9th: Infant Massage

For the Moms:

Sister Roberts lead the moms in an infant massage session, passing on the techniques and information which she had learned recently by taking an infant massage class offered by Parents As Teachers.

For anyone interested in taking an infant massage course (Free - 5 weeks), Parents As Teachers will be offering the class again starting April 28th. Call 403-320-5983 to register!



For the Tots:

While the infants enjoyed the massages, the bigger kids had a great time dying and decorating Easter eggs, and participating in an Easter egg hunt outside!

April 2nd: Music and Early Childhood Development

For the Moms:

Sister Rommeril shared with us important information about the benefits of using music to enhance our children's development.

For the Tots:

Sister Rommeril lead the moms and tots in a few interactive songs and activities. The kids had a great time singing, dancing, and moving to music!