DELTA is a programme for parents. The triangular shape of the Greek letter “D” symbolises partnership with parents.

Aimed initially at developing everyone’s listening and talking abilities with parents of children from birth up to and including five year olds.

The DELTA programme has been developed to focus on learning and thinking.

The programme content includes:

• Sharing books and nursery rhymes
• Developing through play
• Early mathematics
• General development
• Healthy lifestyles/daily routines
• Safety in an interesting world
• Talking about the countryside/The environment
• Health issues e.g. Dental Health and Foot Care
• Early creativity/Junk art
• The Role of Fathers
• Promoting self-esteem
• Positive Parenting/Relationships with our children

Four to six parents meetings are held on chosen topics from the list above.

Parents are provided with informal interactive advice sessions, booklets covering the topic area, a play-pack and a certificate of attendance.

DELTA Open College Course

The open college course is aimed at “Young People” (15-25 year olds). The course is accredited at level 1 and 2 (NIOC 3 Credit in total). Each credit will take approximately 20 hours contact time to complete. The course is available to Post-Primary Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

DELTA Toy Library Facilities

Toys will be made available for parents to borrow whilst a programme is running.

Irish Language Booklets

Everyday words, familiar stories and a nursery rhyme book have been produced and are available for schools and summer schemes from Newry Teachers’ Centre.

Fathers’ Nights

Focus on the role of fathers in developing children’s learning and thinking skills.

Primary and Post-Primary DELTA

Following a successful pilot, this project is currently on offer to promote DELTA programmes for parents of primary and post-primary children. Parents will be offered a choice of the following topics:

• Developing literacy
• Promoting learning and thinking skills
• Establishing a positive learning environment
• Healthy lifestyles
• Improving self-esteem
• Positive Parenting
• Life skills and career pathways
• Topical areas e.g. Alcohol, drug education, bullying

For details contact:

Liz Jones, Parenting Development Officer
Newry Teachers’ Centre
Telephone No: 028 3026 2357

Rosemary Dowey, Primary DELTA Officer
CASS Centre
Telephone No: 028 3835 1120

Yvonne Murtagh, Post-Primary DELTA Officer
Newry Teachers’ Centre
Telephone No: 028 3026 2357