Brotherhood of St Laurence is a social justice organisation working alongside people experiencing disadvantage to address the fundamental causes of poverty in Australia.
Yasmin Karaata Programs Manager: Fitzroy Children’s Programs – Connie Benn Centre
The Early Years Parenting Program (earlier known as Growing Learners) has been operating at Connie Benn Centre since 2018. Each year, the program works with up to 25 multicultural families and their children who have recently migrated and live in and around Fitzroy, Melbourne.
The program takes an intergenerational approach and has three fundamental features –
Program partners:
Quote from a parent: “Before GL did not have a routine and now always have a routine. This is helpful as he knows what is happening next and does not get confused. I now see change in behaviour, sometimes he wants to watch TV and if not on routine he will turn off TV.”
Research into the first 1000 days shows that this is crucial time for connection and brain development in the child that has lifelong impacts. The program was set up to support CALD families who have few connections as they have recently arrived – the program addresses community engagement, parenting confidence, and understanding the concept and importance of their role as their child’s first teacher.
Quote from a Parent: “I learnt how to support behaviour in children, it is important to listen to our kids which is different to my culture, this is very important. Before my son was unsettled would cry and was grumpy. Now when I sit and read a book, play with him, (I have learnt what he likes to play with such as Lego), he is happier. I play with him for 10 minutes and now he plays by himself for 45 minutes.”
Download the PDF version of this Rapid Case Study here.
To know more about the program, contact the BSL Team at cbcbsladmin@bsl.org.au.
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