The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba will provide an additional $1.3 million to expand two programs that provide important supports to parents with young children, Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau, minister responsible for Healthy Child Manitoba, and Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick have announced. The additional funding means the BabyFirst and Early Start programs, which are both home visiting programs providing a range of supports to eligible families, can be offered to more parents and children in Manitoba. "This support is a good investment in giving Manitoba's children the best possible start in life," said Rondeau. "Both programs are success stories and have helped hundreds of families in need. Research shows that supporting parents at home improves a child's development in the early years, resulting in positive effects that can last well into adulthood." BabyFirst provides parents with newborns with important information on creating a healthy and stimulating environment for their children. Early Start helps families with pre-schoolers to strengthen their parenting skills, connect with community resources such as libraries and get children ready for school. Both programs initially involve regular home visits, which decrease as families become familiar with local programs in the community. This year, funding for BabyFirst and Early Start totals $8.9 million.
