By: Nichole Giovanni
Father figures are instrumental in fostering a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral development with their influence resonating throughout a child’s life.
The Early Childhood school year starts and ends with a focus on father figure engagement: Dad’s Play Day in the park. This day promotes a time for our father figures to be out with their children and engage in gross and fine motor play. Father figures are also provided with opportunities to engage in literacy activities with their children.
Throughout the school year, the Early Childhood department has monthly First Tuesdays for Fathers workshops. These workshops are intended to provide space for fathers to learn from each other about parenting young children and communicating their own experiences with other fathers. Mr. Alexander stated, “I personally feel the father's groups are essential. Hearing other fathers like myself express their opinions on fatherhood and give advice, not only helps me improve with my kids at home but gives me a broader perspective on what fatherhood is all about.”