Fun and learning will be front and centre at the Early Years Fair at Chatelech Secondary School next Saturday. Activities, games, hands on experiences and healthy snacks will make the fair a great place to get information, learn new things and connect with services and other parents and caregivers on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jill Conway, speech language pathologist with Vancouver Coastal Health, said the fair is a great way for kids to interact with their parents/caregivers as well as other kids. It is also a valuable opportunity for parents/caregivers and family members of all ages to get more information on child development and what services are available on the Sunshine Coast and to talk with people with a variety of expertise in all sorts of child growth and development areas. The fair is for children from birth to age five and their parents/caregivers.
"It's an opportunity for parents to ask questions, identify what their child is good at and identify some help they could use in developing other skills," said Conway.
During the fair, there will be developmental screening, kindergarten immunization, a car seat clinic and seat belt safety program where people will be able to get their car seats inspected, free food and games.
There will be about 25 program and service providers at the fair with information, handouts, and fun activities for the kids and time to answer parents' questions.
It's really about partnerships and supports, said Conway, of the services in the community and of the many groups and people who work hard to make the fair a success.
Last year, Conway said here were over 150 children and parents at the fair; this year they hope there will be an even bigger turnout. Organizers are also providing busing from Langdale, Gibsons, Cedar Grove, Roberts Creek and Davis Bay elementary schools. For more information about pick-up times and drop-offs, call 604-886-5618.
