Infant & Child Development

Whether you are studying with the Learning Coach Program, attending a parenting class, personal support session  or cooking with our Nourish Family Food Centre, you can feel safe knowing your children are being cared for by qualified and caring, Infant and Child Development Workers with:

• Infant and Child Mental Health Training
  
• First Aid and CPR Certification
  
• Nutritious snacks
  
• Developmentally-appropriate toys and activities
  
• Availability for children 4 months of age to 6 years (or the start of school)
  

To set-up a child care spot, please contact:

Kelly Kingdon

kelly.kingdon@salvationarmy.ca 

Infant and Child Development Worker

Sarah Wilgress

sarah-jane.wilgress@salvationarmy.ca

613-725-1733 ext 203

Social interaction – Babies and toddlers benefit from the opportunity to interact socially with children of a similar age. This will greatly help them to understand, adapt and cope in different situations, situations that they might not be used to within their own home.

Confidence building – Children seem to have a natural ability to be confident. You can stand a child in front of an audience and ask them to sing a song, and usually they will be happy to do so. As an adult, it can be a lot more difficult, likely because we’re more aware of things around us and what others might be thinking. Social interaction within playgroups encourages a lot of confidence-building, which is essential for children as they grow up.

Meeting other parents – Playgroups don’t just benefit babies and toddlers, but also parents. Moms and dads get to enjoy the benefits of adult interaction, meeting and engaging with other parents and learning new things. Seeing how their children cope in different environments and situations can lead to a better understanding of their needs.

Meeting their mental and physical needs – Playgroups are great for encouraging stimulation in babies and toddlers. As parents, we know how important stimulation is in meeting children’s needs, both mentally and  physically.

 Give your children a head start for pre-school -  Finally, another benefit of taking your child to playgroups is that it prepares and gives them a good head start for pre-school, amongst other things. 

 Source: http://www.justicefordadsuk.com/benefits-child-playgroups/