Verbal Interaction Programme. This group is comprised of Marion Lines and Elizabeth Smith, supervisors and several intervention workers: Donna McHarg, Shirley Simmons, Alfreda Smith and Joycelyn Richardson.

These professionals encourage parents and teach skills to the parent. An example is parents learning through role play; the parents pretend they are the child and interact with the CDP Staff.

Ms. Smith explained: "This group provides model techniques for the parents through role play and we suggest appropriate toys for the age of the child.'' "Children learn through play. We try to help the parents teach that learning is fun. We encourage the joy of reading. This connection between parent and child creates a bond between the two hopefully, which will last a lifetime, explained Ms. Lines.

The group see parents at the office or in the parent's home. Visits usually last about thirty minutes once or twice a week for children from birth to age two. It is important for new mothers to talk to their babies. Ms. Smith said, "The child hears your voice and learns language. You are your child's best teacher.'' The staff recognise one of the big parent hurdles of today is time management for busy moms. Many moms have one or more jobs outside the home.

Yet mom must take care of mom and the family. The group provided a few tips for the working mom: 1. Cook ahead.

2. Provide a consistent routine for the child/children.

3. Praise your child/children as much as possible.

4. Put aside a bit of time just for the parent/parents.

5. Put aside a special time every day for your child/children.

The staff concluded by sharing, "We, as role models, praise the parents when the opportunities arise.

Ms Smith commented, "We try to let the parents know they are not alone.'' They recommend that parents take time for the nurturing and education of their children.

SUPERB STAFF -- Some of the Child Development Programme's staff at the CDP's Palmetto Road headquarters. From left to right: Parent support supervisor Marion Lines, Portage supervisor Jennifer Manders, Verbal Interaction supervisor Elizabeth Smith and Parent Support worker Jocelyn Richardson.

Graphic file name: GROUU