Photo Karen Graham.
New features and play areas continue to be installed at the Millbrook Family Centre in the Old Millbrook School thanks to provincial funding of early learning education, including this outdoor “mud” kitchen pictured above where a youngster prepares a tasty treat for his mother.
Visitors to last week’s Millbrook Farmers’ Market also had the opportunity to see the transformation in the premises of the drop in centre located in the Old Millbrook School.
Rooms in the lower level of the building feature a padded infant area with a wide mirror and bar to pull themselves up. Walls are decorated with children’s art, some featured in a shadow box constructed from one of the building’s window panes. Play areas include a complete kitchen, several art stations, building blocks and wooden trains and tracks, a water feature and a studio where programs including basic science demonstrations are conducted. A recent addition is hidden behind the building, staff calls their “mud” kitchen. Constructed of recycled barn boards and a used sink, the area is equipped with utensils, muffin trays and other familiar equipment allowing children to create imaginary meals using tubs of soil and sand, ensuring most of the messy play takes place outside.
With all of the stimulation provided in the centre, the most difficult decision for young visitors is where to begin. Given the extended program hours, there is more time for families to stay and play together, and more opportunities to learn in a setting designed just for them.
Photo Karen Graham.
EarlyON Centre improvements.
Parent support is also part of the child centre’s mandate, and on October 10th the EarlyOn Centre will host its first parent information session. Entitled Loose Parts, the presentation focuses on unstructured play that has been demonstrated to support creative thinking, problem solving and invention in young children and will be facilitated by Angela Hoar of Compass Early Learning. It involves providing materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways without providing specific instructions.
As Administrative Director Nancy Hurley explains, “As part of our ongoing commitment to offering families high quality early learning opportunities, The Old Millbrook School EarlyON Child and Family Centre has begun introducing ‘loose parts’ into our learning environment. Loose parts are items and materials that children can use to enhance their play and exploration. They provide a high level of creativity and choice and the possibilities are endless for how they can be used. Research shows that children like to play with loose parts because they can use their imagination and have greater control in their play.” To find out more, call 705-932-7088 or email omsfc@nexicom.net for more information or to register. KG
