One-on-one model programme focuses on family bond strength

OVER 35 families have benefited from an education programme that was introduced to Ballyfermot in 2018.

Parentchild+ programme is a ‘one-on-one model’ that has been very successful on St Ultans school campus.

“We have an amazing, dedicated team that consist of three home visitors also known as Early Learning Specialists,” said St Ultans.

ELS’s visit parents and children from the age of 18 months to 3 years in their home twice a week.

The programme supports parents in preparing their children for academic success and focuses on strengthening the family bond.

It supports communities through intensive, consistent long-term home visiting. The two-year programme consists of 92 visits in total. Over these visits, the ELS brings a book the first week and a toy the second week. The programme recognises that parents are their children’s primary educator.

Families get to keep the toys and books to promote the learning process at home. After 92 visits, the child and their family have graduated from the programme.

The PC+ programme originated in America and was first introduced to Ireland 10 years ago.

There are 12 active sites across Ireland including two in Ballyfermot, one in the Ballyfermot Partnership and in Saint Ultans.

Since PC+ began in Saint Ultans in November 2018, it has worked with over 35 families and graduated 26 children from the programme.

The programme is completely free and available to all families who attend St Ultans and live in the Cherry Orchard area.

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