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Getting in Early
Research into brain development affirms what many parents and caregivers have known for years; good prenatal care, warm, loving attachments and positive stimulation from the time of birth make developmental differences that span a lifetime.
As a well established parent support organisation, Ngala has promoted the benefits of loving and responsive relationships to parent and professional groups for over a decade. During this period it has given presentations across the health, welfare and education sectors highlighting the importance of the Early Years.
In collaboration with the Rockingham Early Years Group, Ngala applied for $18,000 through the Early Years Development Grant Program (a joint initiative of the Department for Community Development and Lotterywest) to develop an accessible educational package about early brain development.
In developing the concept, Ngala consulted widely and held a series of focus groups. Feedback confirmed there was significant demand for a user friendly presentation to assist children’s service, health and welfare professionals present key findings of contemporary brain research emphasising the role of parents as first teachers. The consultation process also stressed the need for the presentation to be offered as a workshop, drawing on adult learning principles where information could be disseminated, appraised and applied through a hands-on learning experience.
With Lotterywest’s support Ngala set about developing a product that provided clear, appropriate messages and could be delivered by a range of workers in varied settings and circumstances. This was not without its challenges particularly given Ngala’s situation where changing personnel presented a succession of project leaders with varied approaches. An unexpected challenge also involved the extent to which members of staff wished to input and feedback material. Whilst this was encouraging it was also time consuming making paramount the need to establish clear time frames and processes. This multidisciplinary input however proved to be a strength leading to a strong and adaptable product.
In developing the resource Ngala sought to put the essence and facts into a usable product without being either too technical or too simplistic. The draft resource entitled “Building Brains” included a CDROM with experiential activities concerning infant brain development. The activities allow parents and caregivers to appraise the latest scientific findings through exercises such as holding a water filled balloon weighing the same as an infant’s brain at various stages of development.
“Building Brains” was reviewed by a Public Health Physician and a Public Health Paediatrician and trialled across a range of age and cultural groups. The response indicated the content to be clear, accurate and appropriate for the target audience and the guidelines for Facilitators considered specific enough to maintain an appropriate standard of teaching.
A response by Simone from Port Kennedy typifies the feedback forthcoming from parents attending the workshops.
“How wonderful to learn about the positive impact I may have on the development of my children’s brains’.
Whilst Ngala has begun to take requests and positive feedback its focus remains fixed firmly on the original brief, as Community Coordinator Kim Wedge acknowledges.
“This was intended to be a beginning product, however as we work with groups the early brain development theme is developed according to where the group is at - we have used the same product in increasingly complex ways with the same group in some instances”
Confident that demand for the product will continue Kim also stresses the further opportunities it presents for community engagement.
“The sessions potentially raise questions for families and the communities in which they live - we would recommend workers and agencies that begin this conversation consider their role in addressing the themes that arise from it.”
“Building Brains” will become part of the suite of Parent Education sessions offered by Ngala at various sites as well as a resource for the development of new staff across the organisation. It is available for purchase from Ngala for $20.00 inc G.S.T ($3.50 Postage & Handling) via booksales@ngala.com.au