Training/Presentation Opportunities
Caring for
Children:
First Words has developed a speech and language module that is part
of an existing training workshop offered to Ottawa caregivers
providing care to preschoolers in their own home. For more
information contact the Parent Resource Centre at 565-2467.
Hanen©
for the Early Childhood Educator/Teacher:
The Hanen Program aims to provide Early Childhood Educators with the
knowledge, support and skills needed to help children learn to
communicate. By giving educators information on how to create
enriched, interactive language-learning environments, Hanen staff
help teachers meet the challenges presented by children who are
reluctant communicators as well as those who are learning English as
a second language. Child care programs interested in participating
in this free 13-week program need a commitment from at least
two-thirds of its staff. Call the First Words office at 688-3979 for
information.
Lunchtime
Learning:
Corporations interested in having First Words present a one hour workshop on speech and language
development can take advantage of this free service by calling the
First Words office at 688-3979 ext 530. Topics covered include the bilingual
child, warning signs of speech or language delays, where to get help
for your child, and promoting early language development.
Physician
Information Kit.
As part of its outreach to professionals, First Words has developed
various tools to assist physicians in answering commonly asked
questions or deciding where to refer a child who may have a speech
or language delay. If you are a physician working in Ottawa contact
the First Words administration office at 688-3979 to order your free
information package.
Primary Language
Literacy Project (PLLP):
Any parent, caregiver or educator whose first language is not
English and who wants to help children
develop strong language skills can benefit from this program.
PLLP focuses on the importance of speaking with your child in your
first language as research has demonstrated that encouraging
first language use at home promotes the development of good language
skills in the first language. When
a child has a good understanding of his/her first language these
strong language skills will help him/her to learn a second language.
Because of the First Words’ mandate, this program will be provided
to parents, caregivers and educators of preschool children up to the
age of 5 years. PLLP uses a train-the-trainer model based on
community development principles to enable self-sustaining delivery
in different communities. Facilitators
are trained to lead groups of parents through the workshop unit(s)
in their first language. Workshops
are intended to be parent-friendly, interactive and to promote
dialogue.
PLLP is not an intervention program and is not designed to address
speech and language delays of children.
Parents of children with a speech and language delay are
welcome to attend PLLP workshops to discuss first language use at
home. Call 688-3979 for information.
Employment
Opportunities
All employment opportunities with the First Words Program are
coordinated by Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Services.
Visit the Job section of the
Pinecrest-Queensway website for a list of current employment
opportunities.
Volunteer
Opportunities
All volunteer opportunities with the First Words Program are
coordinated by Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Services.
Visit the Volunteer section of the
Pinecrest-Queensway website for a list of current volunteer
opportunities. |
