Programs and Services

Programs and Services

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

Starting April 1, 2022 we are opening for limited in-person spots for some selected programs. Please check our Calendar below.

To register and to reserve your spot for in-person programs please call 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca

Follow us on Facebook (@karafrc) for updates and check out our Instagram page.

We monitor and follow all measures announced by the provincial government.

 For COVID-19 public health actions click here.

Please go through the COVID-19 Alberta Health Daily Checklist before attending our in-person programs.

ECS Programs

Kids Night Out

Description:  Invite your kids to join you for an exciting evening out!
In this parent-child interactive program you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of playcenters with your child(ren) without any of the usual distractions found at home! Playcenters may include: sensory bins, playdough, construction, gross motor, puzzles, dramatic play, and more!  A yummy snack will be provided.  Ages 0-6 years (older siblings welcome)

Limited spots available please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Location:  KARA-Too

Address:  #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204)

Date: Mondays until – June 20, 2022

Time:  6PM to 7:30PM

Mother Goose on the Loose

Description:  Join us each week for this award winning early literacy program.
Through music, movement, books, rhymes, puppets, and fingerplays children will build their language skills and develop an early love for learning.  Ages 0-6 years (older siblings welcome)

Limited spots available please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Location:  KARA

Address:  6717 – 132 Avenue

Date: Mondays May 2 – June 20, 2022  (No sessions May 23)

Time:  10AM to 11AM

The "HERO" Club

Description: Calling all dads, uncles, grandpas, close friends… come for a fun night out with the “little” one(s) in your life.

Each week we will have a variety of hands on activities available for you and your little(s) to do together that will help raise your “HERO” status in their eyes.  Kids love to play and connect with the “big” people in their life!  A facilitator will guide the session and be available to support you with any parenting questions or concerns you may have.  A light snack will be provided.

Location:  YMCA Castledowns

Address: 11510 – 153 Avenue

Date: Mondays May 2 – June 20, 2022

Time:  6PM to 7:30PM

"Zoom"topia

Description:  This weekly program offers a variety of educational activities including science experiments, sensory crafts, songs, stories and more… all from the comfort of your own home via Zoom!  For ages 18 month – 6 years.  All materials will be provided through curbside pickup.

Note: Curbside pickup of materials will be arranged at time of registration.

Call 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and Password.

Location: Via Zoom

Date: Tuesdays until June 21, 2022

Time: 10AM to 10:30AM

Coffee, Cuddles & Connections

Description: Are you looking for a safe and friendly place for you and your little one(s) to get out and socialize?  Then Coffee, Cuddles, & Connections is the program for you!

Each week you will have the opportunity to engage with your child(ren) through fun circle time activities and games, followed by freeplay time where children and caregivers have the opportunity to connect with one another.  A facilitator will guide the sessions and be available to support you with any parenting questions or concerns you may have.

Location:  Dunluce Tenant Centre

Address:  #9, 11930 – 162 Avenue

Date:  Tuesdays May 3 – June 21, 2022

Time:  1PM to 2PM

After School Adventures

Description:  Are you looking for a fun afterschool program that will encourage your child(ren) to unplug, connect with others, and build their self-esteem? Afterschool Adventures is just what you need!

Each Tuesday our doors will be open to welcome your child(ren) in with a healthy snack and a smile. Children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of crafts and games designed to encourage positive relationship building with others.  A facilitator will guide the sessions and be available to support you with any parenting questions or concerns you may have.

Location:  Dunluce Tenant Centre

Address:  #9, 11930 – 162 Avenue

Date:  Tuesdays May 3 – June 21, 2022

Time:  3:30PM to 5PM

Baby Adventure Time!

Description:  This exciting program allows infants to experience a variety of activities to support their developmental growth through fine motor, gross motor, sensory/texture, and language development in a fun and safe environment for all.  Each week will focus on a new topic and stages of development helpful to parents.  All will share tips for baby’s development, along with how and why we use certain materials to support baby’s growth.  This is a great program for families to bond and grow.  For ages 0 – 12 month.

Limited space available. Please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Location:  KARA-Too

Address:  #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204)

Date: Wednesdays May 4 – June 22, 2022

Time:  10AM to 11AM

Location:  KARA

Address:  6717 – 132 Avenue

Date: Wednesdays May 4 – June 22, 2022

Time:  10AM to 11AM

Toddler Adventure Time!

Description:  Your little one has entered a whole new phase of development! Along with new play, language, and motor skills, toddlers are also actively seeking out more independence! Join us each week as we engage in play activities designed specifically for toddlers and discuss this exciting, and at times challenging, new phase of parenting.  For ages 12 – 36 month.

Limited space available. Please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Location:  KARA

Address:  6717 – 132 Avenue

Date: Wednesdays May 4 – June 22, 2022

Time:  10AM to 11AM

Lunch & Learn

Description:  This program will give caregivers an opportunity to connect with others while learning positive parenting strategies to deal with common parenting concerns such as: raising resilient children, dealing with challenging behaviors, developing successful routines, and more.  Gain confidence, parenting skills, and new friendships!  This program utilizes the Triple P Curriculum.  A light lunch will be provided.

While caregivers attend the program, little ones will have an opportunity to play, learn, and socialize in a freeplay environment.
Children will be supported in learning how to feel safe away from their caregiver while being encouraged to explore the learning
center.  Caregivers can feel comfortable knowing they are leaving their little ones in loving hands while they are gaining new parenting skills!

Limited space available. Please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Location:  KARA-Too

Address:  #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204)

Date: Wednesdays May 4 – June 22, 2022

Time:  11:30AM to 1PM

Kids Night In

Description:  Invite your kids to join you for an exciting evening IN! This weekly program offers a variety of educational activities, including crafts, sensory play, songs, stories and more… all from the comfort of your own home, via Zoom.

All materials will be provided through curbside pickup.

Call 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and Password.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Wednesdays until Jun. 22, 2022

Time:  6:30PM to 7PM

Lunch & Art

Description:  Does your child(ren) come home on early dismissal days looking for something to do? If so… bring them to Lunch & Art!

In this program you and your child(ren) will have an opportunity to prepare and enjoy a yummy lunch together free from the everyday distractions we have at home.  After lunch participants will create an open-ended (dress for a mess!) art project with their child(ren).  Come and enjoy a fun afternoon together and leave the cleanup to us!  This program is for children 0 – 6 years old. Older siblings welcome.

Limited spots available please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Location:  KARA-Too

Address:  #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204)

Date:  Thursdays until June 16, 2022

Time:  11:30PM to 1PM

MunchMAKERS

Description:  This program will help your child(ren) beat the afterschool blues on their early dismissal days!

At MunchMAKERS children will have an opportunity to prepare and eat a nutritious lunch and then plan and create their very own MAKERSpace projects using a wide variety of loose parts and recyclable items.  Kids will develop skills in planning, problem solving, and enquiry based learning all while having tons of fun!

Limited spots available please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Location:  Dunluce Tenant Centre

Address:  #9, 11930 – 162 Avenue

Date:  Thursdays starting May 5 – June 16, 2022

Time:  2:30PM to 4PM

Little Chefs

Description:  In this program caregivers and their child(ren) will have the opportunity to connect as they learn how to prepare healthy, low cost snacks together.  Through the preparation process children will develop literacy, numeracy, and self help skills all while having fun making yummy recipes!  Caregivers and children will have an opportunity to sit and enjoy their recipes together!  Best suited for ages 18 month – 6 years.  All materials will be provided.

Not able to join us in person..no problem!  This program will also be offered via Zoom.  Materials will be available through curbside pickup.

Limited in-person spots available please call to register and reserve your spot.

Note: Curbside pickup of materials will be arranged at time of registration.

Location:  In-person at KARA-Too and via Zoom – Call 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and Password.

Address: #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204)

Date:  Thursdays May 5 – June 16, 2022

Time:  10AM to 10:30AM

Kids Morning Out

Description:  Invite your kids to join you for a marvelous morning out!

In this parent-child interactive program you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of playcenters with your child(ren) without any of the usual distractions found at home!  Playcenters may include: sensory bins, playdough, construction, gross motor, puzzles, dramatic play and more!  A yummy snack will be provided.

Location:  KARA-Too

Address:  #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204)

Date:  Fridays May 6 – June 24, 2022

Time:  9:30AM to 11AM

Mother Goose & More

Description:  Join us each week for this award winning early literacy program.

Through music, movement, books, rhymes, puppets, and fingerplays children will build their language skills and develop an early love for learning.  After the structured portion of the program, stay for some freeplay and socialization.  Connect with other parents and caregivers, and encourage you little one(s) to explore new toys and activities.  A facilitator will guide the session and be available to answer any parenting or development questions you may have.

Location:  YMCA Castledowns

Address:  11510 – 153 Avenue

Date:  Fridays May 6 – June 24, 2022

Time:  9:30AM to 11AM

The Indigenous Circle

Description:  Are you looking for an opportunity that focuses on strengthening the family bond and learning about the Indigenous culture? If so we would love to welcome you to The Indigenous Circle.

Join us and learn how you can enhance your parenting skills in a positive and effective way.  Elders and traditional knowledge keepers will speak and share about the Indigenous culture.  Children will be given an opportunity to make crafts and food. You can attend this program from the comfort of your home via Zoom. For ages 0 to 6 years, older siblings welcome.

Call 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and Password.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date: Thursdays May 5 – June 16, 2022

Time:  6PM to 7PM

Family Book Club - (Full)

This program is full!  Offered in partnership with the Centre for Family Literacy, funded by ECALA & Government of AB

For more information or to register for other programs with the Centre for Family Literacy click Here.

COW Corner - (Full)

This program fills up fast!  For more information on programs and to register click Here.  Offered in partnership with the Centre for Family Literacy, funded by United Way

Description: This fun program explores early literacy, numeracy and language development. Parents and children, (Ages 0 – 6 years), will explore early literacy through songs, activities and interactive story sharing. Each week has a different theme, come and discover which is your favourite!   For ages 0 – 6 years.

Note: Curbside pickup of materials will be arranged at time of registration.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date: Wednesdays April 6 – June 15, 2022  (No session May 11)

Time:  10:30AM to 11:15AM

Parenting Programs

Kids Have Stress Too

Description: What is stress & how are children affected?

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

Developed by The Psychology Foundation of Canada, the Kids Have Stress Too program helps caregivers understand childhood stress & how to provide children with the tools to deal with stress effectively.  It is a broad – based primary prevention program which provides caregivers and communities with the knowledge, awareness and skills to help young people become healthier and more resilient through learning how to manage their stress.

Limited in-person spots available please call soon to register and to reserve your spot.

Location:  In-Person at #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204), and Via Zoom – Call 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and Password.

Date: Mondays, April 4 to May 30, 2022

(No sessions on Apr. 18 and May 23)

Time: 1 PM to 2:30 PM

Nobody's Perfect

Description:  This program will help connect you with other parents and caregivers who are wanting to talk about real-life parenting experiences and learn methods for positive parenting.  Participants decide what topics they want to learn about and are
provided a safe and judgment free space to share.  Nobody’s Perfect provides strategies, support, and helps you build on all the positive things you are already doing as a parent!

Limited in-person spots available, please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Not able to join us in person… no problem!  This program will also be offered via zoom.

Location:  In-Person at #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204), and Via Zoom – Call 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and Password.

Date:  Thursdays April 14 – May 19, 2022

Time:  6PM – 7:30PM

Triple P Group

Description:  This is a group for parents who want to learn more about positive ways of raising children.  Parents learn ways to encourage positive behavior and problem solve solutions to deal with children’s misbehavior.  Participants meet as a group for 8 weeks.  The group ends with a celebration of each other’s learning and successes.  This is for parents of children 3 to12 years old.

Please note: participants in the group are expected to complete “homework” tasks that give them a chance to practice what they are learning.

Location: KARA-Too, #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue (Buzzer 2204) and Via Zoom – Call 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca to register and to get your Zoom ID and Password.

Limited in-person spots available, please call to register and to reserve your spot.

Date:  Tuesdays & Thursdays May 24 – June 16, 2022

Time:  6pm – 8pm

Community Links for Newcomers

Description: Offered at various times (calendar of specific sessions coming)

Newcomers to Canada and Edmonton are invited to connect with one another and discover helpful resources they can use to navigate the community.  These bi-weekly sessions will focus on topics that address settlement issues relevant to immigrants, refugees and foreign workers. Come on out, meet some new people, share your experiences and connect with the community.

Follow us on Facebook (@karafrc) for updates and check out our Instagram page.

 

One on One

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

Family Support Services

Neighborhood Connections Workshops

Looking for an opportunity to connect with other parents and learn about services in the community?
Then these drop-in sessions are for you! Join us for new topics and presenters from the community to help you learn about and access helpful resources for you and your family.
Session topics can include: Local Libraries & Literacy, Advice from a Pharmacist, Co-Parenting, Choosing Quality Child Care, Affordable Housing and more. Sessions also include “chat” time to get to know other parents and build connections.

We are currently working to secure another exciting presenter. So check back regularly.

Why not email Stasia at reception@kara-frc.ca with your ideas?

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

  • COVID-19 info for Albertans click here.
  • North Central Edmonton Family Resource Network Hub  is your “one stop” place to get updates about what is going on in the Network, as well as information about the programs and services offered by all four agencies!
  • 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.  
  • City of Edmonton: www.edmonton.ca
  • Health Link: www.healthlink.ca
  • Alberta Education: www.education.alberta.ca
  • Mental Health Copilots: www.mentalhealthcopilots.org
  • Child Care Subsidy: www.alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy.aspx
  • Cerebral Palsy of Alberta: www.cpalberta.com/support-services
  • Parents – Toddlers, Preschoolers and more: www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/

Special Events

Mother's Day "Make & Take" Tea

Join us for an afternoon of celebration!

In this fun-filled program you will have the opportunity to join your little one(s) for a Mother’s Day Tea where you will make a special snack to enjoy together, have conversation over “tea”, and make a variety of sensory play items that you will get to bring home with you!

All materials will be provided.

Where:  KARA

Address: 6717 – 132 Avenue

When:  May 6, 2022 from 1PM to 2:30PM

Click below for printer friendly versions of our latest ECS and Programs at a Glance Calendar

ECS Calendar
At a Glance

Program and Events Calendar

Programs Search and Views Navigation

Programs Views Navigation

Today

Calendar of Programs

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

2 programs,

2 programs,

- Recurring

Zoomtopia

2 programs,

2 programs,

1 programs,

-

Little Chefs

0 programs,

0 programs,

4 programs,

+ 1 More

4 programs,

- Recurring

Zoomtopia

+ 1 More

6 programs,

+ 3 More

5 programs,

+ 2 More

3 programs,

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Mother’s Day Tea

0 programs,

1 programs,

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day

3 programs,

3 programs,

- Recurring

Zoomtopia

5 programs,

- Recurring

Lunch & Learn

+ 2 More

5 programs,

+ 2 More

2 programs,

0 programs,

0 programs,

3 programs,

4 programs,

- Recurring

Zoomtopia

+ 1 More

6 programs,

+ 3 More

5 programs,

+ 2 More

2 programs,

0 programs,

0 programs,

3 programs,

Victoria Day

Victoria Day

5 programs,

- Recurring

Zoomtopia

+ 2 More

6 programs,

+ 3 More

5 programs,

+ 2 More

2 programs,

0 programs,

0 programs,

3 programs,

5 programs,

- Recurring

Zoomtopia

+ 2 More

6 programs,

+ 3 More

5 programs,

+ 2 More

2 programs,

0 programs,

0 programs,

+ 1 More
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