Programme promotes responsive and playful parenting
Playing is needed for children to build their brains, develop their imagination, help them learn to problem-solve, promote their physical well-being and help children to build strong relationships.
HOPE worldwide South Africa is inviting caregivers, mothers and young people who have an interest in early childhood development to participate in their caregiver learning through play (CLTP) programme.
Together with its implementing partners, Save the Children South Africa, Ntataise and Early Learning Resource Unit (ELRU), they are assisting thousands of parents across the country in promoting responsive and playful parenting and making sure that their young children are not left behind once they reach primary school.
The programme is supported by the LEGO Foundation.
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“The programme offers parents and caregivers of young children from birth to six years old useful tools, tips and ideas for learning through play.
“These ideas and tools often include local traditions and customs to make learning enjoyable and relevant and techniques they can use immediately even for mothers who cannot afford to take their children to daycare,” said Thandiwe McCloy, marketing, media, advocacy and communications manager.
She said those who enrolling in the CLTP programme will also gain self-confidence, and better knowledge of different forms of play-based learning to assist children to grow as healthy and strong as possible.
The programme will offer them skills as they learn about themselves, express their emotions and develop social communication.
The programme teaches practitioners and teachers, who work in early childhood development centres, these skills that focusing on interactive and fun ways to learn.
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McCloy said the programme strengthens the bond between caregiver and child and supports the child’s overall well-being, promoting the best brain development for young children.
The programme is a set of free training sessions for caregivers and parents of children aged 0 to 6 years.
During the training sessions, caregivers are provided with the knowledge, skills, activities and tools to help their children to learn through play at home.
The programme is for free. Also available is a free downloadable toolkit of easy-to-follow tips and tricks that are meant to help caregivers and their children connect and learn at home through play.
The course has an instant downloadable certificate of completion if you have worked all the way through the eight modules.
To complete a module will take approximately 30 minutes (including the entertaining activity you can implement with your child).
McCloy said they encourage caregivers, mother and those interest in ECD to improve their skills as a caregiver by registering for, and completing this free online course.
To download the toolkit or register for the online training course, visit www.cltp.org.
To access the face-to-face training, email: cltp@hopewwsa.org
