Interviews with parents were reviewed and several broad themes emerged from the analysis of their interviews. A summary of the themes is included below.
For more detailed information about the study and the findings, click on the following link to an article that was published in the Journal of Early Childhood Research in 2020.
Relationships were strengthened between staff and parents as well as between parents.
The Abecedarian Approach at LSPCCC focuses on building relationships between staff and children as well as between staff and parents. As parents witnessed their children feeling comfortable at the Centre and developing relationships with the staff, parents also began to feel more comfortable, and developed trusting relationships with the program staff.
"They take the time out to get to know you and your children at the same time. And that works out really good, because then it’s about trust, right? You got to build the trust."
As parents started feeling comfortable, they began to see that they could rely on the child care centre as a support system. The home visitor in particular helped create a bridge between the child care centre and home and came to be seen as an important support and resource to parents.
"I feel like I can communicate to any staff about anything with the children. Even the resource staff, and they're just amazing. I’m comfortable and that’s so important. They're like an extension of family - the way that I see them is an extension of family."
A reduction of isolation was reported by some parents through involvement with the centre. Even though the parents lived close to one another in the housing development, some described that it was after the child care centre opened that they began to develop meaningful relationships with other parents in the community.
Increased Awareness Among Parents about Early Development and of Their Role in Supporting Their Child(ren)’s Development
Parents noticed the progress of their children’s development and expressed pride in their children’s development and abilities.
"People talk to us about the difference that they see in the kids and how well-spoken they are and how social they are and I love it. I love this program."
Language Priority - focusing on language and literacy - is the key component of the Abecedarian Approach. Parents noticed their children’s increased language abilities and through their involvement with the Abecedarian Approach at LSPCCC learned strategies to support their child’s language and emerging literacy.
"It seemed like my son started actually like doing full sentences like talking full sentences since he’s been here."
"She communicates so well. And understanding…as she grows her understanding grows so much… she reads so well, better than me. Which I'm so proud of - of her for that. And the vocabulary she has, sometimes I learn some things from her."
Family home visitors increased parent's understanding of the Abecedarian Approach and in particular, parent's understanding of the LearningGames® and how to implement them in the home.
"I have a really good relationship with staff and the home visitor. So, when I talk to the staff they let me know what kind of LearningGames® they're doing with my children. As well they have offered like Abecedarian Program outside of daycare and it gives all the parents who attend in-depth information about Abecedarian, and we practice games with each other as well so we can use those tools."
Opportunities for Parents’ Personal Growth
In Manitoba, similar to other parts of Canada, the waiting list for child care spaces is long. As well, in Manitoba, in order to be eligible to apply for child care subsidies to reduce the cost of child care, parents have to either be attending school, employed (or up to 12 weeks is granted while looking for employment) or seeking care for a child with additional support needs. Many of the parents in Lord Selkirk Park were not eligible to apply for subsidy. However, as part of the Abecedarian Evaluation Project, the Government of Manitoba waived the subsidy requirements creating a new opportunity to access high quality child care for many parents. Having access to child care right in their community provided parents with opportunities to either pursue education and/or employment, or to work on personal challenges.
"If it wasn't for the daycare, I wouldn't have made it; . I wouldn't have gone to school, I wouldn't have been working; I would still be on welfare. But now I'm out of welfare... I'm now steady, responsible for myself and for my children…Setting the good example to the children which I am so grateful for. If it wasn't for this community, I wouldn't have done that; I would have been stuck in welfare up to now."
In the next video, listen to three parents describe how they benefited from being able to access child care specifically, in providing them the opportunity to go back to school.
LSPCCC is in the heart of the Lord Selkirk Park community, and along with other support services and agencies, is a key component of a place-based approach to providing services and supports for families and helping to build community.
