b'WorkinginmarginalizedcommunitiesofDublin such as the Docklands, the program has demonstrated a proven track record for increas-ingeducationaldevelopmentinchildren.82% ofchildrenexhibitedanincreaseinpositiveverbal interaction over a two-year period. Language skills have been shown to significantly increase and83%ofchildrenmeettheirdevelopmentalmilestones once in the program. Research showsthat intervention in early childhood is the mosteffectivewayofinfluencingthesuccessofchildren from disadvantaged backgrounds.Eachfamilyreceivesanaverageof48homevisits per year. As a result, trust is built between the parent, the child, and the Home Visitor. To the child it may seem like a terrific hour of play. However Home Visitors are trained and supported by the National College of Irelands Early Learn-ing Initiative to teach parents innovative ways to interact constructively with their children.A new book or educational toy is introduced at intervals and remains with the family, building a library of materials for the child and parent to grow with. Some of the Home Visitors and administrators have grown up in the very communities they now serve which is an added benefit for all involved. Im from the south side, says Michelle Moore, a Coordinator at ELI. So forty years ago I wouldve been one of the children we help now. Because of the program, the families here really feel as if they are part of the community and when they visit, they feel as if the college is theirs. For many of them it is the first time they have ever been inside a college. The National College of Ireland runs additional programsthatmentorolderchildrentoaspireThe program is brilliant.tothird-leveleducation.Throughcorporatevolunteers and local partners, hundreds of local childrennowengageinactivitiesthatinstillin Isabelle is getting on great! Her language is reallythem the excitement of going to college. The hope is that the spark can grow into an excitement for coming on and shes flying with the books. Shelifelong learning.TheFlagshipgrantfromTheIrelandFunds just loves them and when I read a story wrong, shewillprovidecoresupportfortwomoreyears corrects me. Ive learned a lot from the visits. I nowoftheParent-ChildHomeProgramme.We have been very grateful for the latest support ofknow how to read to my child. TheIrelandFundsFlagshipGrant,saysDr.Josephine Bleach, Director of ELI. Interestingly,Isabelle and her mother, Christine almost seven years ago we received Ireland Fund supportaswell.Thatsupportboughttoysand books for local families. Its amazing to be able to tell you that weve gone back and learned that those toys and books are still being used by their siblings. You have given families a resource that they really appreciate.ToIsabelle,thebabycaterpillarinher book gets big and grows beautiful wings. The Ireland Funds believe that early learning is the key to growing educational wings for children in inner-city Dublin and beyond.connect2015 | 13'