Family Matters ~ Programs

Rainbows is an international not-for-profit organization that fosters emotional healing among children grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis. This crisis can vary from abandonment, the death of a parent, to parents’ separation and divorce.

Co-ordinated by: Wendy Knowlton, Denise Naugler, Billie Jo Weir, Shelly Bent, Melanie Taylor

Roots of Empathy:

At the heart of the program are a neighbourhood infant and parent who visit the classroom every three weeks over the school year. A trained ROE Instructor coaches students to observe the baby's development and to label the baby's feelings. In this experiential learning, the baby is the "Teacher" and a lever, which the instructor uses to help children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others. This "emotional literacy" taught in the program lays the foundation for more safe and caring classrooms. Co-ordinated By: Denise Naugler and Billie Jo Weir

Your Make The Difference:

You Make The Difference program and resources help parents learn how to interact with their child using the 3A approach — Allow Your Child to Lead, Adapt to Share the Moment and Add New Experiences and Words. Referred to as the 3A Way, this framework provides parents with a practical approach to fostering and enriching their child’s learning during everyday routines and activities. Co-ordinated By: Billie Jo Weir, Denise Naugler and Shelly Bent

Child Literacy:

Reading to grade primary children in elementary schools throughout the county. Co-ordinated By: Denise Naugler and Billie Jo Weir

Toy Lending Library (TOTS):

This lending toy library can be accessed at the Centre or at a program with advance notice. It is a two-week loan period. Co-ordinated By: All Staff

More info Here