FRP Foundations Orientation Workshop – First Year Finished

Why does our sector need highlighting? How can we ensure there is a consistent professional level and consistency provincially?   

From a provincial perspective: 

There have been opportunities for conversations and feedback from all regions within the province. Although some of the issues present differently, it is clear that there is a collective need to strengthen our voice to support families and build inclusive communities.  

National perspective:  

While these conversations are happening provincially, FRP-BC is also a member of the National Roundtable Committee. This small committee discusses national issues and the need to highlight our impacts was also paramount. Some examples are the need for current research findings (utilizing older research only highlights a lack of resources), short educational videos for use across the country and shared data/resources, to name a few.  

Concrete way FRP-BC is doing this:  

One recent and major initiative is our work with Northern Lights College to establish a province-wide Foundations and Orientation workshop for any employee working in Family Resource Programs. This has a number of positive outcomes for our members and for the sector as a whole. These are only some:  

• An understanding of how FRPs are placed within the circle of community 
• How First People’s Learning is incorporated into FRPs 
• How to utilize FRP-BC’s Standards of Practice in practical ways (vs a checklist)  

• Completion Certificates for use for funders and/or as future credits 
• The Early Learning Framework and FRPs 
• History and importance of gathering spaces 

For our pilot, we ran 3 cohorts and received extensive feedback which allowed NLC and FRP-BC to quickly modify, add and change the training to better accommodate members’ needs.  

What is coming:  

Although the details are not yet finalized, we are hoping to change the format for fall 2023/2024 training to one larger cohort expanded into 3 clear Learning Circles. This will allow time for participants to bring their learning to staff, families, and agencies. It will also build a Community of Practice over a longer period of time allowing for discussion and program enrichment. Stay tuned!  

Testimonial:  

There were moments where I learned so much from other participants when they shared things about their programming. I will take some of their ideas to our team to discuss ways we could incorporate them moving forward, being sure to connect them to our own values and larger goals as an FRP.  

If you have questions or input, please e-mail Tara Nargang at provincialdirector@frpbc.ca