Parents looking to see how their children are developing can come out to St. Mary School this Friday and Saturday for the annual Ages & Stages Children’s Fair.
The fair runs both March 7-8 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and is a relaxing way for parents to see just how their children are growing.
“The day will help parents learn about where their children’s development is, but it’s meant to be a fun activity kind of a day where parents and children can interact and do things together,” said Westlock Parent Link Centre co-ordinator Erin Chapotelle.
Children aged 18 months to five years will make their way through five different stations, each designed to test where the child is developmentally compared to where an average child at the same age would be.
The stations are all play-based, and the tests are geared to each child based on his or her age, right down to only a small range of months.
“In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be able to brush their teeth,” Chapotelle gave as an example. “We want it set up for success and definitely not failure.”
Since children develop at different rates overall, and at different rates for different aspects of development, Chapotelle said parents often worry when their children are not at the same point as the neighbour kids.
She said the purpose of the fair is to put each child’s development in context, which often allays the parents’ concerns.
“As parents we get to realize, ‘You know what? They actually are exactly where they’re supposed to be for their age,’” she said.
In the event the child’s development is behind the general range it should be for the child’s age, Chapotelle said volunteers at the fair are able to refer the parent to specialists or professionals who are able to help get the child back on track.
However, it’s only a recommendation for intervention.
“We would never force it on the parent,” Chapotelle said. “It’s completely the parent’s choice.”
In addition to the fair, the Centre for Family Literacy’s COW Bus (classroom on wheels) will be at the school both days.
Like its name suggests, the bus is a moving classroom with myriad activities inside to encourage families to find fun ways to add literacy to their everyday lives.
Beyond the fair and bus, Chapotelle said there will also be a collection of gently used books and clothing geared for children aged 0 to 6 years available for free. If someone sees something they would like, they are free to take it, she said.
Chapotelle said parents are strongly encouraged to pre-register to take part in the fair, but added they can also simply drop in either day. In order to pre-register, call 780-307-2444 ext. 1.
