The goals in Early Learning are to help parents accept and understand their child's disability and become comfortable in a teaching role. PREP believes that parents are their child's most important teacher and play sessions are the best way to learn. The morning starts with circle time where children learn to initiate and maintain eye contact, sit independently, request a turn, and imitate actions and sounds. Following circle time are structured play centers where each parent receives direct instruction on how to help children learn. Joyful learning is the goal and the smiles and laughter of tots and parents speaks to the PREP team's success.
Did you know?
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Children from 0-18 months of age begin in our Learning Through Play classes.
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Children over the age of 1,5 years graduate to our Language Group with a maximum class size of 6. Both 1,5 hour classes are offered weekly from September to June.
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PREP's dedicated Early Learning team includes a Teacher, Family Support Liaison, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Physiotherapist, and volunteers.
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Individual therapy sessions with PREP's own Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists are offered to all families.
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Children attend with a parent, other family member or a caregiver. It is a wonderful opportunity for others to see your child as a learner.
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Coffee mornings allow parents time for group discussions led by our Family Support Liaison, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, consulting Psychologist, or other guest speakers.
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The only fee a family is required to pay is the annual PREP Society fee of $40.00.
What PREP Means to the Mazurkewich Family - A letter written by a parent
Why attend an early intervention program outside of the home?
Ask all parents of preschool children why they attend any organized program for their typical developing child (e.g. swimming lessons, Gymboree, tumble bugs/gymnastics, neighbourhood play groups, or even Mom and tot exercise classes etc.). Why don't parents just teach their kids themselves, or do it at home? Why do people attend support groups in general? The answer will be the same - connecting with a network of people is encouraging in any activity.
Our family values PREP immensely because of:
PREP fully accepts and celebrates our daughter. I am encouraged by the staff and other PREP families who want our daughter to achieve to her maximum potential.
At PREP, they celebrate progress. I appreciate it when others see the gains my daughter is making rather than focusing on the delays.
PREP accepts. I don't feel the pressure to advocate when at PREP as I do in other environments, including our extended family gatherings. This provides a sense of calm.
PREP's encouragement of inclusion provides the push and confidence to immediately join group activities other parents of typical developing children are doing.
Attending in a group gives me the connection with other parents experiencing a similar life path. Great strategies are shared between parents. When parents give suggestions, it holds huge credibility. Hearing other parent's struggles with certain strategies or tasks, reminds me to focus on the process not the unrealistic expectations of immediate success.
After attending the Early Learning PREP program, I'm reassured that I have focused completely on my daughter's needs for the hour and half of creative, stimulating multi-sensory activities. It relieves the pressure created by the long list of therapy recommendations that we still have for homework.
I appreciate the creative and talented teachers leading us through song, finger plays, puppet shows, and crafts, plus sensory and physical activities. Kinley thrives on the uninterrupted routine of activities, which doesn't happen at home. (After singing our closing "good bye" song, Kinley has been pleading for class to continue by standing up and saying "No, more".) She risk takes more readily when she sees her peers taking part in the sensory and physical tasks as compared to doing it independently at home.
Following the teachers guide takes the emotional element away from the parent-child relationship, which is sometimes needed for both. The encouragement to persist through some behaviour is greatly appreciated.
Through Kinley's many experiences at PREP, I feel highly confident she has the foundation skills to be ready for 3 yr. old preschool in our community program despite her delays. She knows how to be part of a group setting with her peers; she follows the teachers' instructions, is self confident with her peers and other adults, and is willing to take more risks. We know there will be huge challenges (some being very emotional) but are very reassured that the PREP network of staff and parents will be there to help.
To inquire about your child's eligibility for PREP 1 Services for Toddlers, please contact Navdeep Khaira at (403) 282-5011 Ext. 124 or by email.
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