Child Friendly Classroom

Submitted By

Suzanne Robinson, Instructor ALBE/Access, Inuvik CLC, Aurora College

Best Practices Supported

• Accessibility
• Respect and Support for Learners

What You Need

• Toys and books for children
• A safe place to play

How It Works

Parents often face serious barriers to participating in ALBE programs because of their family responsibilities. There are times when parents need support and some accommodations so they don’t have to miss class due to childcare responsibilities. This happens especially after school when the children’s classes end before their parent’s, and on half-day school professional development days.

In the program in Inuvik, parents do not have to miss classes any more during these times. The classroom is child-friendly. It has a variety of children’s toys and books, so the children can come to the program and play quietly and mom or dad can still do their course work. The program encourages family literacy activities and has parents prepare activities for their children, which benefit both the parents and the children. It also supports parents in finding long-term solutions to childcare issues.