First Teacher Program
Are you a parent or carer of a child in their early primary school years?
We offer a free program to support you, as the first teachers of your children, while they are in Kindergarten to Year 2.
About the First Teacher program
At Catholic Care we understand that each educational school community has its unique way of doing things. Therefore, we have designed a program that is very flexible to cater to the individual needs of each school. Our First Teacher program was designed to assist parents and carers in supporting their children with their first steps in learning.
The program involves a series of weekly workshops conducted by an experienced volunteer educator, fostering a stronger relationship and partnership between parents and school educators.
Plans and activities
The First Teacher program involves the following:
Educational Workshops
- Parents will participate in workshops focusing on basic English and Math, tailored to mirror the children’s curriculum.
- Experienced volunteer Educators will mentor the parents, showing them how to approach teaching and learning with their children effectively.
Reading Sessions
- A short story, also read in the child’s class, will be introduced for parents to practice reading at home, fostering consistent learning and reinforcement.
- All activities will take place in an informal setting to encourage a comfortable and supportive learning experience for the parents.
Home Engagement
- Parents will be encouraged to apply the strategies learned at home, using stories and materials provided during the sessions.
- By the end of the project, parents will have learned effective techniques to assist their children with English and Math and be equipped to conduct educational reading sessions at home, enhancing their role in their children’s early education.
- The informal nature and hands-on guidance are designed to make the educational process accessible and engaging.
Expected outcomes
- Parental Engagement: Parents become actively involved in their children’s education, enhancing support for academic activities.
- Confidence Building: Increased confidence among parents and children, with a focus on mutual understanding and support.
- Family Relationships: Stronger familial bonds develop due to shared educational pursuits.
- Language Skills Improvement: Non-English-speaking parents can be supported to improve their English skills, which may lead to further educational opportunities and success stories.
- Academic Preparation: Students from non-English backgrounds arrive at school ready and confident, positively impacting their academic performance.
In the long term, the project is expected to yield:
- Resource Efficiency: Schools may see a reduction in the need for additional student support in addition to increased parental evolvement in the school community and activities.
- Stronger School-Family Ties: Enhanced communication and collaboration between schools and families, fostering a cohesive school community.
- Community Building: The program encourages social interaction and community among families, facilitating social cohesion.
- Sustainable Academic Success: Long-lasting academic success for students, propelled by ongoing parental involvement.
Our team of experienced educators will work with local schools to offer guidance on homework and learning activities during school terms.
The support is provided in person, and registration is essential.
How to register
Visit our Events for the latest workshop details, or contact us today.