The Roots of Empathy Program offered in three Cochrane schools is looking for 'teachers'.

Teachers of the program are babies between 2-4 months old (come September) and their moms'.

Brenda Dennis, Volunteer Services and Community Programmer for Family Community Support Services, says babies are the root of the program.

"I think as a parent you learn a lot about child development; it's an entire curriculum about the baby's development, feelings, safety, to why did the baby cry. That little baby comes into the school and everybody knows that is the Roots of Empathy family, so it's really building community."

Dennis adds besides having an age appropriate baby, they look for moms whom obviously like school aged children and can commit.

"What their commitment consists of is nine visits to a classroom, they will be partnered with a certified Roots of Empathy instructor and a classroom."

Schools that partake in the program offer a host classroom.

"The benefit is when you have a classroom and you have those personalities and dynamics in a classroom the Roots of Empathy helps. When all the children in that classroom talk about topics that create social inclusion and reduce bullying, that carries over into every day and how those kids treat each other.

The Roots of Empathy Program will be running 7 programs this year in Glenbow Elementary, Manachaban Middle School, and Westbrook beginning late September/early October.

Dennis shares they are looking ideally for 5 babies and moms who would be willing to participate in the program.

If you would like to find our more information on the Roots of Empathy program you will find it here. If you and your baby would like to participate in the program, you can contact Dennis at Brenda.Dennis@cochrane.ca or 403-851-2252.

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