In Ardee Library on Friday 18th October 2019, The Genesis Programme launched Flying Start – a new framework supporting children, parents and professionals on the key transitions that happen in the first five years of a child’s life.
Professor Emer Smyth from the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) and an expert in transitions gave the keynote address during which she said ‘most children settle into primary school easily but some children face greater challenges. Positive relationships between teachers and students play a crucial role in easing difficulties’.
The Flying Start website www.flyingstart.ie outlines this framework and provides information and support across three definitive transition stages:
1. The Transition to Parenthood
2. The Transition to Early and Learning and Care
3. The Transition to Primary School
Included in the Flying Start framework is a revamped Little Steps to Big School programme that was originally developed by Louth Leader Partnership, Louth County Childcare Committee and Dundalk Institute of Technology in 2012.This has a wealth of interactive and dynamic resources for parents and professionals.
The development of Flying Start has parents and children at the core but it will also be a very useful resource for professionals working with children and their families.
Transitions are a natural and normal part of growth and development. The first five years of a child’s life are full of changes, from being expectant parents’ right through to waving your child off on the first day of primary school. These changes all come with a degree of uncertainty. Flying Start supports parents, children and professionals in making the first five years of a child’s life an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
For more, please see our News & Events Section.
