CDI supported 1,000 children and families with programmes
By Mary Dennehy
THE TALLAGHT-based Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) supported more than 1,000 children and families in 2018, according to the organisation’s latest Annual Report.
CDI delivers a number of programmes that work to improve outcomes for children, families and communities in Tallaght and throughout Ireland.
At the Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding launch last year
Prioritising prevention and early intervention, CDI also responds to needs within communities by encouraging a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders – such as families, schools, service providers and community organisations.
The reach of some of CDI’s prevention and early intervention programmes in 2018 is also outlined in the Annual Report, and includes Chit Chat, therapeutic speech and language support.
In 2018, Chit Chat was offered in 2018 to 71 children in three primary schools and nine early learning and care services in Tallaght West.
Doodle Den, an afterschool programme to improve literacy among senior infant children, was delivered to 285 while Doodle Families, a booster programme for Doodle Den, supported 165 kids and their parents.
Eight Parent Carer Facilitators also delivered Parental Support in Early Years to 214 families in Tallaght West.
While RP (Restorative Practice) training, a community-based approach to managing conflict and tension in communities, was provided to almost 500 people, including 48 young people, 136 parents and 314 service providers.
A new major project also got underway with the Professional Development Service for Teachers, which introduced RP pilot projects in 25 schools.
Marian Quinn, CEO of CDI, thanked the organisation’s core funder Tusla for its “continued support” in 2018, together with all of those who participated.
“It is through engagement that our work comes to life”, Ms Quinn said.
“CDI would like to sincerely thank the children, parents, staff, young people, adults, schools, service providers and community organisations that worked with us in 2018.”
Last year also saw the launch of Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding, after statistics showed that breastfeeding uptake rates across the capital are among the lowest in Dublin South West.
As part of the drive, which was led by CDI, community settings and local organisations have been asked to display a Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding sticker to assure mothers that they are welcome to breastfeed in that location.
CDI also launched its new Parental Engagement and Relationships Toolkit which, based on CDI’s many years of experience in delivering parenting support in Tallaght West, supports front-line early learning and care practitioners in developing and maintaining strong relationships with parents.
For more on CDI or to read the full 2018 Annual Report visit www.cdi.ie.
