Blue Skies initiative support early childhood development
By Maurice Garvey
PARENTS can avail of free early childhood development programmes and supports in the Clondalkin and Lucan areas, by signing up with the Blue Skies initiative.
The initiative has been running since September 2014 - engaging over 300 parents and children. The aim is to improve the overall well-being of families, by using evidenced based programmes which assist parents in helping their toddlers hit developmental milestones.
The Clondalkin-based group currently runs the comprehensive UpTo2 programme, as well as a number of early years initiatives.
They also work with national schools carrying out training for speech and language support programmes, including St Bernadettes JNS, St Mary’s JNS, St Peter Apostles JNS, Divine Mercy JNS, Lucan CNS, Scoil Nano Nagle, St Ronan’s NS and Clonburris NS.
Project Coordinator Lorraine Doherty said: “The ABC Blue Skies Initiative aims to embed evidence based programmes in the local community that benefits the overall well-being of all children in the area.
“Training and support for public health nurses, community centre staff, parents, early years educators, teachers and SNA’s will ensure that a sustainable framework will exist.”
The free UpTo2 programme is delivered in partnership with HSE public health nurses, Deansrath Family Centre and Archways – offering supports to new mothers from pre-birth until a baby reaches 2-years.
Up to 50 teachers from Clondalkin and Lucan schools have received early years training in Dina Programmes – a curriculum which strengthens children’s social, emotional and academic competencies.
For further information visit www.blueskiesinitiative.ie or contact Lorraine Doherty at ldoherty@archways.ie
