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Games, fun and educational workshops, meetings with future and new parents: this will be the essence of the program for the fourth edition of Early Childhood Week in Saint Barthélemy. From March 9 to 13, a few days before the national event (which is being held for the thirteenth year, from March 14 to 21), the Inèze Gumbs Medical and Social Center in Gustavia will welcome children and parents for a variety of activities.
The event is organized by health professionals from the PMI (Maternal and Child Protection) of the CMS (Medical-Social Center), based on the annual theme chosen by the organization Agir pour la petite enfance (Acting for Early Childhood): "Balance."
Claudie Fouineau, an early childhood educator at the PMI, emphasizes the importance of this week. "It aims to bring together parents, children, and early childhood professionals," she explains. We are here all year round to answer questions, but during this week, parents can come in, talk to us and also to other parents. It gives them additional ideas for participating in their child's development. Often, everyday life takes over. This allows them to step back and see the job differently. This is particularly true for childminders, who often work alone. Indeed, the island's certified childminders will play an active role in the activities. They will even have a dedicated space in the entrance of the Medical-Social Center throughout the week. But they will not be the only ones participating.
"All forms of balance are essential."
On Monday, March 9, from 9 to 10 a.m., psychomotor therapist Ananda Arnell will welcome future parents and those with children under the age of two for a workshop on... balance. Naturally. "There will be discussions on child development and the importance of balance games," says Claudie Fouineau. The psychomotor therapist will answer parents' questions in a discussion group. "All forms of balance are essential for a baby's development," insists Claudie Fouineau. "This year's theme is very inspiring."
An afternoon of games and discussions
On Wednesday, March 11, from 2 to 5 p.m., there will be lots of activities for kids aged six months to one year. The whole outdoor area of the CMS will be taken over by workshops on the theme of balance, with story time, obstacle courses, and more. The PMI team, the regional library team, and six CAP (vocational training certificate) apprentices from the Saint-Barth Training Center, studying "early childhood education," will all participate in this afternoon of sharing and interaction. "The CFA apprentices have prepared their workshops, which will be integrated into the circuit," explains Claudie Fouineau. A "tightrope walker" area will be open to children, and the educator adds: "We will also be playing on emotional balance."
Engaging other parts of the brain
On Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. each day, "the workshops will engage different parts of the children's brains," says Claudie Fouineau. On Thursday, the theme will be "ephemeral architecture." It will be aimed at children aged 18 months to three years, and their parents, of course. The next day, Friday, children aged twelve months to three years (and their parents, of course) will be invited to a workshop on "traces, balance, and symmetry."
Early Childhood Week is particularly important for the CMS, but also for PMI professionals. Throughout the year, they provide consultations for newborns up to six-year-olds. It is a highly sought-after service that focuses on prevention and follow-up. It also offers parenting support workshops three times a month. "This allows parents to meet and enjoy some special time with their children," says Claudie Fouineau. The educator emphasizes that the PMI works closely with childminders. "This week is also dedicated to them," says Claudie Fouineau. As it is to all early childhood professionals, children, and parents.
Registration is available at the Medical-Social Center by phone (0590294969) or email (modesdegarde@comstbarth.fr).
