Early childhood educator Miette Koeneman was spotted at the North Thompson Fall Fairgrounds in Barriere early this week with a small group of youngsters and parents enjoying unique learning activities while making friends and interacting with others of similar ages.
The group are part of Barriere Elementary School’s StrongStart BC program, and Koeneman notes that due to the current pandemic and resultant social distancing health regulations they cannot meet at the school as they would usually be doing.
“We don’t expect to be back in the school building until this fall,” says Koeneman, “Then we will run the same days as the school from 8:30 to 11 a.m.”
In the meantime though the StrongStartBC program in Barriere “Hasn’t skipped a beat since the pandemic materialized,” says the early childhood educator, “All of our teachers have worked so hard during the pandemic, and they have been so creative in finding different ways to connect with our families.”
She notes that social distancing is practiced and they only meet in small groups in large areas, and mostly outside.
“When we are outside I bring a small hand wash station for everyone to use, and it canbe set up anywhere,” says Koeneman, “We are really appreciative to be able to hold some ofour story walk sessions here at the fairgrounds, and we think the North Thompson Fall Fair organization are very gracious to let us use the facility. It is very private and the kids have a wonderful time.”
Koeneman says when they are not doing story walks, or scavenger and treasure hunts at the fairgrounds, she has been “coming up with creative ways to connect with my families” by delivering craft packages, and themed story time packages (all paper products) and leaving them on the doorstep of her clients. Other times she will stop for awhile and read a story to the children from the driveway or yard. All while practicing social distancing and saying goodbye with “an air hug”.
The StrongStartBC group have also utilized the convenience of staying connected online with their clients through their private Facebook group, providing a venue for reading stories, doing videos, and sharing of resources with parents and families.
One of the moms is Sarah, who participates with two of her youngsters in the Barriere StrongStartBC program. She tells that her family moved to the community approximately two years ago and one of the first things that was recommended to her was to sign up for the program.
“I did, and we find the program really awesome,” said Sarah, “Miette is just great and I would suggest other parents to check out the program – it’s been all good. But my little girl can’t wait for the “sickness” to go away so she can see her friends again!”
Koeneman says she knows how hard it is for kids not to be able to interact with each other due to social distancing, but her group do get to at least see some of their friends three times a week at the fairgrounds.
She notes that registration for StrongStartBC is already underway at Barriere Elementary and encourages parents and caregivers to call them at 250-672-9916 to register or find out more.
“I think we already have about 38 children registered for September, and we are expecting a few more yet to come in,” commented Koeneman.
She clearly has just as much fun as the youngsters do, and is also looking forward to getting underway again at Barriere Elementary in the fall.
StrongStart BC programs provide rich learning environments designed for early learning development – language, physical, cognitive, social and emotional. Parents and caregivers participate in the program with their young child (aged birth to five) in play-based early learning activities – including stories, music and art. At no cost to families, this early learning drop-in program helps prepare children for success in Kindergarten. StrongStart BC centres operates on a drop-in basis during the
school year. The programs provide rich learning environments designed for early learning development – language, physical, cognitive, social and emotional.
Barriere Elementary School offers the Strong Start program throughout the school year. A parent or a caregiver is required to register with the school when they attend the program for the first time.
Find out more by going to: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/support/programs/strongstart-bc
