Early start for baby 'teachers'

BABIES AS young as three months will be heading to primary schools in Co Donegal this autumn – to teach the older children.

The infants will be participating in the “Roots of Empathy” programme, which is designed to curb bullying and aggressive behaviour among older children.

Ten Donegal schools will become the first in Ireland to participate in the internationally renowned programme which started in Canada and aims to teach children about empathy by letting them observe the interaction between babies and their parents.

The project will involve babies aged from three to six months visiting a classroom nine times before the summer 2011 break. An instructor will guide children as they observe the parent-baby relationship.

Anne McAteer, from the HSE West’s health promotion department, said the programme would help to create safer, more co-operative classrooms, playgrounds and communities for children.

“Children learn to understand the perspective and emotional life of the baby and gain deeper insight into their own and others’ emotions and into the impact of their behaviour on others,” she added.

Donegal parents interested in participating should contact John McFall, HSE health promotion department, at 074-9178540 or e-mail john.mcfall@hse.ie.