Newcomers to Canada are faced with a variety of challenges, from learning a new language to adjusting to a new culture. In Fernie, newcomers were also struggling with getting to our English language classes because they had young children and no childcare. A solution was needed, so in March 2019 we started offering free childminding. What a difference that made!
What began as a simple program offering basic childminding quickly evolved into something much more. We were also delivering a program that supported the children’s language and social development through play. Many of these children were experiencing songs, stories, and play in English for the first time. With time, patience and consistency, the children in our program began to feel safe and understood. Their stress levels decreased. By having the children on site, we were providing a program for the kids, as well as supporting the adult’s parenting and English-learning journeys.
Childminding is provided in a separate space beside the language classroom. Having the children close by has given us the ability to take a more holistic approach to our support. We are able to forge strong relationships with the entire family. We can link families to local support services such as speech pathology. We have been able to provide the families with guidance as their child navigates the transition to kindergarten. We have helped children become comfortable spending time apart from their mothers.
Our adult English language classes with childminding benefit the whole family. We are able to build connections and a support community for these newcomers to Canada. The childcare portion of this program is funded, in part, by our annual Books for Kids campaign. Books for Kids runs through November in all CBAL communities. To learn more about CBAL programs, or the Books for Kids campaign in your community, contact your local community literacy coordinator at cbal.org
Laura Vaughan
Family & Adult Facilitator – Elk Valley
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
Chrisy Hill
Community Literacy Coordinator – Elk Valley
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
What began as a simple program offering basic childminding quickly evolved into something much more. We were also delivering a program that supported the children’s language and social development through play. Many of these children were experiencing songs, stories, and play in English for the first time. With time, patience and consistency, the children in our program began to feel safe and understood. Their stress levels decreased. By having the children on site, we were providing a program for the kids, as well as supporting the adult’s parenting and English-learning journeys.
Childminding is provided in a separate space beside the language classroom. Having the children close by has given us the ability to take a more holistic approach to our support. We are able to forge strong relationships with the entire family. We can link families to local support services such as speech pathology. We have been able to provide the families with guidance as their child navigates the transition to kindergarten. We have helped children become comfortable spending time apart from their mothers.
Our adult English language classes with childminding benefit the whole family. We are able to build connections and a support community for these newcomers to Canada. The childcare portion of this program is funded, in part, by our annual Books for Kids campaign. Books for Kids runs through November in all CBAL communities. To learn more about CBAL programs, or the Books for Kids campaign in your community, contact your local community literacy coordinator at cbal.org
Laura Vaughan
Family & Adult Facilitator – Elk Valley
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
Chrisy Hill
Community Literacy Coordinator – Elk Valley
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
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