YPEP students came together for an early literacy workshop
January 18, 2018
GUELPH, Ontario – On January 16, students from the Young Parents Education Program (YPEP) gathered in the Library at College Heights Secondary School for a workshop about early literacy.
The students in the YPEP program come from all schools’ in the City of Guelph in both the public and Catholic school board. The program is run out of the Shelldale Centre in Guelph and is available to any young parent, and their child, under the age of 21.
Young parents have the chance to visit the program Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., to work on their high school credits. This year the program has 12 students enrolled; four of the students will be graduating this year and attending college programs.
January 16 was the second time the literacy event has been run for YPEP students. The event is a collaboration between the YPEP teacher, the College Heights SS librarian, the Guelph Public Library and Action Read. Financial support for the event comes from Student Success.
The event is designed to introduce young parents to early literacy supports and programs in the City of Guelph and to show that these events are fun and engaging. UGDSB Chair of the Board Linda Busuttil attended the event on January 16 and said, “This program has been offered since 2012 and is one of a number of pathways that supports students completing their high school education. It is wonderful to hear that graduates are continuing to post-secondary education and the world of work, and that we are able to transition other parents to the adult programs offered through Continuing Education.”
Addressing early literacy skills benefits all families and has an impact on the literacy development of the next generation. In Guelph, both Action Read and the Guelph Public Library have free story times which the YPEP students can access. Action Read and the Guelph Public Library did a sample presentation of story time during the workshop.
Parents, children and guest speakers had a great afternoon reading stories and playing games together. Action Read and the Guelph Public Library gifted families with books and games.