Dads Getting A Different Kinder View

The Age

Monday March 6, 2006

By MARGARET COOK

IT'S a typical gathering of kindergarten parents - drinking coffee, sharing stories and playing with their children.

However, this is Saturday and all the parents are fathers.

Yooralla's Central Children's Centre in Narre Warren started its weekend "Papa Bear" sessions for fathers 18 months ago and now runs four a term.

It was Peter Jensen's wife Karen who encouraged him to attend Papa Bear sessions with their seven-year-old son, Michael, who has autism. "It's changed his (Mr Jensen's) perceptions about autism and made him realise that Michael will be able to look after himself, given help," she says."

He's also learnt tolerance and they have a much better relationship."

Mr Jensen says he is now closer to Michael. "I work through the week and by the time I get home, he's in bed or close to bed," he says. "Michael likes his dad coming and I can talk to staff and the other dads."

The centre is both an intervention service (it provides specialist teachers and speech, occupational and physiotherapists) and a kindergarten. It enrols children who are typically developing and those with additional needs, such as autism, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and developmental delays. Siblings are also welcome at the Papa Bear sessions.

Program co-ordinator Ann Slater says fathers who work during the week rely on their wives to pass on information from staff about their children's progress. Papa Bear sessions allow them to "ask questions and watch how we work with the children". Ms Slater visited the US and Canada to study early childhood services and family support groups, including talking to Canadian expert Professor Don Meyer before setting up Papa Bear.

The City of Casey provided funding for a pilot program and it now has three years of funding from the federal Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Yooralla's Tarlina Children's Centre in Endeavour Hills has also held two Papa Bear sessions.

© 2006 The Age

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