Colourful baby books and tips on early learning are part of a new literacy package being given to parents of newborns across Prince Edward Island through the Take :30 to Read With Me program.
Premier Robert Ghiz and Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie visited the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to talk to new parents about the program.
“Early learning is a top priority for the Government of Prince Edward Island,” said Premier Ghiz. “We are pleased to offer this new program because learning begins at birth and Take :30 to Read With Me will provide parents with excellent early learning materials before they leave the hospital with their new baby.”
The canvas bags contain high quality baby books, family reading tips and information about family resource centres. The welcome packages are distributed by a nurse at a hospital bedside within 24 hours of birth. The program offers bilingual materials as well as cultural specific books.
“Spending time with your baby and reading together helps families build a positive relationship with books and reading,” said Laura Quinn Graham, project coordinator and executive director of Family Place in Summerside. “By starting early with talking, cuddling, singing and reading to a baby, parents can help build a strong foundation of language and, along with it, a positive association with books and reading.”
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is partnering with Family Place and CHANCES Family Centre to deliver the Take :30 and Read With Me! hospital-based literacy program Island wide.
“Taking time to read stories together will help foster a strong sense of family and it will also lead to stronger reading and language skills as children grow,” said Mr. Currie. “The Take :30 to Read With Me initiative also helps promote the importance of early learning in Prince Edward Island.”
For more information, contact the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development or visit www.take30.pe.ca.