Mothers & Preschoolers
M.A.P.S (Mothers and Pre-Schoolers)
Unfortunately we lost our funding for this course for 2010. BUT we are trying to find alternative funding. So Watch this space.
Develop childcare skills and education along with foundation literacy and numeracy in a supportive friendly environment for mothers and their pre-school aged children.
Contact the YMCA Education Centre for more information.
Read here what one of our Mums had to say about MAPS:
"When I was first told about MAPS I was a little reluctant to start going because the course was for learning numeracy and literacy. I had completed school and other education and didn't believe this course could help me. I went anyway to meet people, get out of the house and take advantage of the free childcare.
I'm a 25 yr old single mum of three boys and am pregnant with my 4th child. All my family and friends are in Australia. I have been at MAPS since July 2008.
To my surprise the course was not what I expected at all. The course was very casual, taking pressure off me to have to be on time and complete work by a certain time. The tutor spent time with me explaining what the course was about and was interested in what I wanted to get from the course. Confidence was what I wanted and to my surprise the tutor created a course just for me and together we discovered learning strategies that built my confidence so much that I was able to speak in front of a room of around 20 people about the realities of parenting. Before this I was uncomfortable to say "hello" to a person.
Not only has the course and the tutor built my confidence but along with the childcare worker I have the opportunity every Monday to spend time with my children singing, dancing and reading. I'm watching them gain confidence and develop new skills and interests. We are bonding better and having fun doing it. I feel more positive about my ability to parent.
This course covers everyday real life realities that no other course I know of offers and it's so casual and supportive of everyone's personal situation and abilities. No judging, no pressure, child friendly - I love it!
At the course we take turns cooking lunch together which has inspired me to explore my own kitchen. Now I am making cheap, easy and healthy meals and snacks which are saving me money and time and making me feel better as a Mum because I know I am providing healthier options for the kids and me to eat.
I can't say enough positive things about this course, the tutor and childcare worker. To give you an idea of how much I enjoy it, I am disappointed when the course breaks for holidays..."
Amanda
