Current Projects
Bookshelf Project
Objective
Provide bookshelves and books highlighting five developmental domains for central community spaces to areas in need. Increased access to developmental information and increased awareness of coalition work in outlying communities. Increased participation in coalition work from parents and ECD related agencies in outlying areas.
Communities Supplied With Bookshelves:
- Duncan’s First Nation Head Start
- Red Earth Creek
- Little Buffalo Daycare
- Woodland Cree Day Care
Sustainability Plan:
The Coalition is in the process of partnering with local libraries. The local libraries will donate books for children 0-6 years old and the Coalition will redistribute these books to bookshelves they we have donated in the community.
Partners:
- Peace River Municipal Library
Activity Placemat Project
Objective
Activity Placemats were created and distributed to local restaurants along with crayons. The objective of the project was to increase awareness for the Coalition and the importance of early childhood education. While celebrating National Child Day on November 20, 2017.
Restaurants That Participated
Nampa: Farmer’s Restaurant
Peace River: Kita North, My Little Greek Restaurant, Dairy Queen, Norm’s Landing, Chateau Nova Restaurant and the Iron Bridge Restaurant.
Grimshaw: Rj’s Diner & Pizzeria, Norm’s Pizzazz and Grimshaw Legion.
Dixonville: Dixonville General Store
Afternoon at the Ranch
The Coalition sponsored 10 spots at Northbase Ranch’s “Afternoon at the Ranch” on two separate occasions for any child 0-6 years old.
Children spent the afternoon at Northbase Ranch and spent time with animals, had pony rides, made nature inspired crafts and enjoyed a fire with marshmallows and hot chocolate. The children that attended were able to work on some of the developmental domains while at the Farm.
Agency Kit Project
Objective
To provide resources, the 2016 ECD Results and developmentally appropriate toys to agencies in the Coalitions geographic area. Healthy child development has been identified as a powerful social determinant of lifelong health and well-being. The foundation of lifelong health is shaped from the earliest days of life. Early childhood is the period from conception to six years of age when significant development occurs across a range of skill areas including: physical (motor), speech and language, social and emotional, and cognitive and intellectual abilities.
It was found through the 2016 EDI Collection that the Northwest Peace Region is below the average in Alberta for development for children ages 0 – 6 years of age. Included in the Agency Kits is the 2016 EDI Results. Each item in the Agency Kit Project is directed towards one of the five developmental domains. 40 Agency Kits were distributed in 2018.
Super Kids Events
Objective
To connect with parents/ caregivers in our community while creating awareness for the importance of early childhood education.
Event
In partnership with the Town of Grimshaw and Grimshaw Community Services the Coalition hosted the Grimshaw Super Kids Event in conjunction the Grimshaw Parade of Programs. The Coalition’s goal was to empower children through the theme of Super Heroes. Agencies were invited to attend and create an interactive booth.
The Coalition administered surveys, had a contest, hosted a super hero cape making booth and handed out goodie bags to children.
Agencies that Attended
- Peace Parent Link
- Peace River Inclusive Child Care
- Peace Regional Women’s Shelter
- AHS
Event Attendance
150 people attended the event.
I Am Growing Up
A book was created to share resources and educate our community on the importance of early childhood development and the developmental domains. This was a partnership between the Northwest Peace Early Childhood Coalition, the Manning & District Early Childhood Coalition and the Fairview Clearhills Childhood Development Coalition.
Early Years Reading Challenge
The Early Years Reading Challenge took place from May 1 – 31, 2018. We had 72 children register and participate in the Early Years Reading Challenge! We had participants register from Berwyn, Grimshaw, Dixonville, Peace River, St. Isidore and Nampa. Congratulations Alexandria who won the challenge and took home a basket full of books, resources, a Peace River Municipal Library Family Pass and a $100 gift card for Chapters. The next Early Years Reading Challenge will take place May 1 – 31, 2019.
The Early Years Reading Challenge encourages children to read a set number of books and record their efforts. Those who complete the challenge will receive a certificate of completion and will be entered to win a grand prize.
Registered children must be from the ages 0-6 years to participate and live within Peace River, Grimshaw, Berwyn, Brownvale, Dixonville, St. Isidore, Nampa, Reno, Red Earth Creek and surrounding areas.
Summer Playground Passport
The Summer Playground Passport is an initiative in the summer months designed to help get kids outside in the many parks in Peace River and the surrounding area. Participants receive a passport and have to sign it off by answering questions about the parks they visited. At the end of the summer, the passports are submitted and a draw is done to award prizes to some fortunate winners.
Winter Guide
Throughout the winter families are encouraged to take pictures of their child or family participating in one of a number of Winter activities. Pictures are shared using the hashtag #NWPCoalition, by tagging the Coalition, or by emailing the photo to the ECD Coordinator. Three winners are selected to receive a Winter Fun Gift Bag.