September 10, 2009
DSBN Opens New Parenting and Family Literacy Centres
While this week marks the beginning of a brand new school year for more than 40,000 public school students in Niagara, it also signals the beginning of an exciting educational journey for the DSBN’s future students and their families.
The DSBN’s four new Parenting and Family Literacy Centres opened their doors for the first time on Tuesday, September 8. The centres, a first of their kind in Niagara, give children from infancy to six years old a chance to get a head start in their learning through a variety of engaging and educational activities.
“These new centres will help children grow both emotionally and socially while learning important communication, math and reading skills,” says Manager/Coordinator Wendy Faragalli. “At this young age, children learn through play, so the centres are colourful, fun places to be that have plenty of games, books, music and toys for parents and children to explore together.” Click here to listen as Wendy shares details about the Parenting and Family Literacy Centres with the morning show crew on 105.1 The River.
“When children and parents read together, it has a profound and positive affect on their learning. Our new Parenting and Family Literacy Centres will support families with the resources to engage children at a younger age and help them develop a lifelong love of reading,” says Warren Hoshizaki, DSBN Director of Education.
The PFLCs are open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. There is no registration required, so parents/caregivers and their children are invited to drop by anytime. Snacks will be provided.
In addition to the numerous educational activities, the PFLCs will also be able to link families to important community resources such as special needs, health, employment and other related services.
The Parenting and Family Literacy Centres were created with the support of a $372,000 grant from the Ministry of Education.
Parenting and Family Literacy Centre Sites:
Niagara Falls
Kate S Durdan Public School
6855 Kalar Road,
Niagara Falls, L2H 2T3
Fort Erie North
Rose Seaton Public School
255 Emerick Avenue
Fort Erie, L2A 2W4
St. Catharines
Lincoln Centennial Public School
348 Scott Street
St Catharines, L2N 1J5
Welland
Plymouth Public School
111 First Avenue
Welland, L3B 4S1