Programs and Services

Programs and Services

We provide parents with a wide variety of programs, services, and support.

KARA provides free educational programming, groups, and events designed to create positive outcomes for children and their families throughout the Edmonton area. We are a Spoke of the North Central Edmonton FRN (Family Resource Network).  For more information about the FRN, please check out their website here.

Due to COVID-19 closures, we will be offering virtual programming online.  Follow us on Facebook for updates and activities to do at home with your child!  Click on the Registered Programs tab or have a look at our calendar below for programs via Zoom sessions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Registered Programs

KARA Coffee

It’s time to take a break and have a moment of self-care!

Join us during one of our KARA Coffee sessions! You’ll enjoy parenting conversations and sharing tips on various parenting topics, all from the comfort of your own coffee table! Our programs are all held on Zoom, so you can come and go as you please. During KARA Coffee, you’ll have the pleasure of hearing from one of our inspiring facilitators, other like-minded parents, and will have the opportunity to share your great insights on positive parenting.

Being with us, even for a short period of time, may just be the emotional wellbeing boost you were looking for. So, steam up a cup of your favourite beverage and indulge yourself!

Location: via Zoom Sessions

Date: Wednesdays, until June 30, 2021

Time: 1 PM to 3 PM

Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

Nobody's Perfect

Join us via Zoom for this 6 week parenting group where we will be discussing the basics of parenting a young child (0 to 3 years).  Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

Great for first time parents!

Topics include:

  • Looking after yourself as a parent
  • Helping children to learn and develop
  • Keeping children safe and healthy
  • Encouraging positive behaviour

Location: via Zoom

Date: Wednesdays, Apr. 7 to May 12,  2021

Time: 6 to 7:30 PM

Literacy And Parenting Skills (LAPS)

This program is offered via Zoom Session please call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

A 12 week program for parents of young children who want to develop their language and literacy skills while discussing parenting topics.  These topics may include child growth and development, building self-esteem, listening skills, positive discipline, dealing with conflict, and problem solving.  LAPS supports parents in becoming positive literacy role models for their children by enhancing their own skills and interest in reading and writing.

Location: via Zoom

Date: Thursdays, Apr. 8 to Jun. 24,  2021

Time: 7 to 8:30 PM

Super Dads Super Kids (SDSK)

This program is offered via Zoom Session please call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

An 8 week interactive program for men and the children they are raising!  Good kids don’t just happen… they are nurtured by caring, involved and responsible adults.  The focus of this program is on responsible fathers – men who make a conscious choice to be the solid role models kids are longing for and need today.  When dads and kids are put together, good things happen.

The topics include:

  • the role of a Super Dad,
  • child development,
  • communication,
  • emotional & physical health,
  • positive discipline and
  • work/life balance.

Location: via Zoom

Date: Mondays, Apr. 12 to Jun. 28,  2021

Time: 7 to 8:30 PM

Kids Have Stress Too

This program is offered via Zoom Session please call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

What is stress & how are children affected?

Join us as we talk about different kinds of stress (healthy and unhealthy stress), what makes children stressed out, and how to effectively manage their stress.

Location: via Zoom

Date: Tuesdays, May 4 to May 18,  2021

Time: 7 to 8:30 PM

Indigenous Children's Circle

Indigenous Children’s Circle runs for 30 minutes each Friday for 7 weeks. This program includes connecting with Elders, smudging, prayer, storytelling, and puppet interactions and is best suited for children ages two to six. Call Janice at 587-525-7279 or email her Janice@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

Children will learn about Indigenous Culture, and the Seven Sacred Teachings of:

– Love,
– Respect,
– Courage,
– Truth,
– Honesty,
– Humility and
– Wisdom.

Location: via Zoom

Date: Fridays, May 7 to June 18, 2021

Time: 10 to 10:45 AM

Bringing Up Baby

Want to connect with others in learning how to make babies’ worlds exciting places to discover?  Get your very own kit for creating some special “baby-and-you” moments together!

Each week we will use things from the kit to do activities that promote a different area of their development. Get tips on how to pick the perfect books to share, learn some fun games to play, and so much more! Come, explore the world through your baby’s eyes in this program!

For babies up to 12 months and their parents/caregiver. Call Janice at 587-525-7279 or email Janice@kara-frc.ca to register.

Location: via Zoom

Date: Wednesdays, May 12 to June 16, 2021

Time: 10 to 10:45 AM

One on One

Call Winifred at 587-525-6679/ Winifred@kara-frc.ca  to schedule your One on One via phone. A Family Resource Worker will be happy to discuss everyday parenting matters!

ECS Programs

Playtime Drop-In

Login via Zoom every Tuesdays at 10am, until June 29, 2021 for some Drop In Fun.

Contact Janice at 587-525-7279 or email Janice@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and password.

Note: Please be aware that spots are limited. Should this program be full you will be placed on a waiting list.

Kids Night Out

Every Wednesday, until June 30, 2021 from 6pm to 6:30pm, on our Facebook page. Tune in for games, activities and crafts using things from around the house. Watch at your own convenience.

Creative Play & More

Login via Zoom every Thursday at 10am until June 24, 2021 for Creative Play & More.

Contact Janice at 587-525-7279 or email Janice@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and password.

Note: Please be aware that spots are limited. Should this program be full you will be placed on a waiting list.

Family Support Services

Health For Two

Description: This program is for women who need support to have a healthy pregnancy. It also provides support throughout the pregnancy and up to 2 months of postnatal care to women who require extra support to have a healthy pregnancy.
This service includes:

  • Information on pregnancy, birth, baby care, and parenting (including pregnancy and parenting options).
  • Support and referrals to community support such as maternity care, mental health, addictions, housing, food security, etc.
  • Nutritional supplements (such as milk coupons and prenatal vitamins).

This program for expectant mothers is offered over the phone or via Zoom. To make an appointment call Janice at 587-525-7279 or email janice@kara-frc.ca

Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ)

Developmental Questionnaire:

Description: An ASQ is a parent completed questionnaire that screens 5 key categories – communication, problem solving, fine motor, gross motor, and social. As follow up, staff provide tips and activities to try at home or refer participants to services and programs that will be helpful.

For More Info: Call 780-478-5396 for more info or to make an appointment.

Social Emotional Questionnaire:

Description: The Social Emotional ASQ is a parent completed questionnaire that asks simple questions about a child’s behaviour and social interactions. It is another tool to help parents better understand their child.

For More Info: Call 780-478-5396 for more info or to make an appointment.

Please Note: ASQs are designed to screen children 2 months to 5 years.

Resources & Links

  • Need access to a food hamper please call the Edmonton Food Bank at 780-425-4190. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4pm.  For a list of Free Community Meals, click here.
  • 211 Alberta Dial 211* for telephone service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages.  Certified community resource specialists are trained to help you navigate the complex network of social services.  Need a coat? Dial 211* is a free, confidential service that provides information and referrals to a wide range of community, social, health, and government services.  *If you live outside of Edmonton, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County, call 780-482-4636 to reach 211.
  • Call the 24-Hour Distress Line at 780-482-4357 if you or someone you know is in crisis, contemplating suicide, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing abuse.  When in crisis, sometimes it’s easier to chat.  This is a safe, 100% confidential, one-on-one conversation with a Support Team member.  

Special Events

None at this time

Click below for a printer friendly version of our latest Early Childhood Calendar.

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Program and Events Calendar

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Playtime Drop-In

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KARA Coffee

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Creative Play & More

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KARA Coffee

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Bringing Up Baby

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Creative Play & More

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KARA Coffee

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Victoria Day

Victoria Day

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Playtime Drop-In

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Bringing Up Baby

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KARA Coffee

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Kids Night Out

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Creative Play & More

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Bringing Up Baby

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Kids Night Out

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Creative Play & More

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