Child health is focus

Parents of children from birth to age six can stop by an annual event intended to help them access services and programs by bringing them together under one roof.

CHILD (Child Health Information Learning and Development) Day is 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Shortreed Elementary, 27330 28th Ave.

The event brings together public health nurses, early childhood mental health, child development, literacy, child care, educational and speech and language experts as well as representatives of leisure services and agencies who deliver parenting and family resource programs in Langley.

“Early childhood is the most important time developmentally in a person’s life. CHILD Day is focused on providing parents with the information they need in order to give their children the best start,” said Rebecca Mitchell, chair of the Langley Early Childhood Development Committee and an Early Childhood Mental Health clinician. “We’re very pleased to be able to offer this opportunity so that parents can become more familiar with some of the opportunities available for them and their little ones in Langley.”

Langley parents and caregivers of children up to age six years have the opportunity to talk to experts about their child, and to link with services available in their neighbourhood and community.

“Bring themselves, their questions and their kids,” said spokesperson Karen Abrahamson. “There is safe, supervised, space for their little ones while they talk to the professionals.”

CHILD Day has been running at various venues such as elementary schools, the Langley Toy and Product Fair and the Langley Walk 50th anniversary, since 2005. This year Shortreed has offered up space.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this event in Aldergrove,” said Bernice Way, program coordinator for children and families zero to six at Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services. “We hope that parents will attend, and become better linked to services and opportunities for their young children.”

Langley CHILD Day is one of the services of the Langley Early Childhood Development Committee, made up of early child development professionals from throughout the Langleys including representation from non-profit societies, School District 35, Fraser Health, Langley Township, the City of Langley and Early Childhood Mental Health. 

CHILD Day is made possible with the funding and assistance of the United Way of the Lower Mainland, the Township, the City, and Aldergrove Credit Union.

“Feedback from parents is very positive,” Abrahamson said. 

“Parents appreciate the opportunity to meet local professionals and learn about services, to gain information about child development and to talk to professionals about their child’s development,” she said.