Impact North Shore is very proud to offer the Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters (IPALS) program which supports preschool and kindergarten aged children and their families to learn in fun and interactive ways. The IPALS program was developed in 2008 by Decoda Literacy Solutions and UBC, and Impact North Shore has provided the program to over 375+ newcomer families.
This year, 28 families and 77 children participated in the program to assist children to develop their language and literacy abilities in order to adapt to their community and gain skills for school. With sessions conducted in three languages – Farsi, Ukrainian, and Mandarin – the program successfully engaged diverse groups of families with children aged 3-5, promoting learning through interactive, family-oriented activities. An important goal of IPALS is to create an inclusive environment where both parents and children can learn, share, and grow together
IPALS sessions are held weekly, with a carefully structured schedule to maximize engagement for both children and parents:
- During circle time, children participate with childminders and volunteers, while parents receive useful tips and engage in group discussions.
- Parents and children collaborate on activities that reinforce new skills, helping to solidify the lessons learned.
In the most recent program, Indigenous content was included to enhance cultural awareness and inclusivity and to foster empathy and respect. Parents and children alike found the activities and discussions both enlightening and thought-provoking, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and respect for all cultures.
The program also included many hands-on, interactive activities like Plant a Garden, Rock Painting, and activities that promote sensory learning which allow children to explore nature, express their creativity while also learning important lessons about patience, responsibility and cultural significance. A standout activity was the Paper Dragon Craft which tied into cultural celebrations and provided an opportunity for children to learn about cultural symbols in a tangible and enjoyable way. By incorporating art and play, children not only developed fine motor skills but also learned valuable life lessons such as teamwork, creativity, and cultural appreciation.
Outcomes and Successes of the Program
The program’s success can be measured by both quantitative and qualitative outcomes:
- Successful Participation: A total of 28 families and 77 participants attended, demonstrating strong community interest and engagement.
- Cultural Awareness: The inclusion of Indigenous content across all sessions, with a dedicated session in the final week, greatly enhanced cultural awareness for both children and parents.
- Educational Impact: Activities like planting gardens and rock painting taught valuable life skills. Children learned about patience, nature, and healthy eating, while engaging in creative expression and developing fine motor skills.
- Family Bonding: The format of the program fostered family engagement, with parents and children working together on projects, discussing new ideas, and sharing experiences.
- Community Building: IPALS successfully connected families from different cultural backgrounds, creating a supportive and inclusive environment that helped foster stronger community ties.
The IPALS program not only provided practical parenting tips and educational tools but also created an environment where families could grow together. The culturally diverse format, combined with the focus on hands-on learning and Indigenous content, ensured that the program was both impactful and meaningful. The success of the IPALS sessions highlights the importance of inclusive, community-driven educational initiatives and sets a positive precedent for future programs.
The IPALS program is vital for creating a supportive and inclusive environment for families, especially in a community as diverse as the North Shore. It provides a unique opportunity for children to engage in playful learning while also helping parents navigate child development, family dynamics, and parenting challenges. By offering the program in multiple languages, IPALS ensures that language is not a barrier to participation and connection. It also encourages families to bond, learn, and share experiences with others from different cultural backgrounds, which builds a stronger, more connected community.
