Programs and Services

Programs and Services

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

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.

With some COVID-19 restriction being back in place, KARA’s parenting and early childhood programs are being offered online. Follow us on Facebook for updates and activities to do at home with your child.

Call Janice at 587-525-7279 to register for our early childhood programs. For our parenting programs please call Winifred at 587-525-6679

  Click on the “Download” tab below for our printer friendly ECS Calendar.

ECS Programs

"Zoom"topia

Description: Let’s support your child’s learning and development through play. In this program, we will have various educational and fun activities that support healthy development of children.

Location: Via Zoom

Date: Every Tuesday and Thursday morning unless otherwise indicated.

Time: 10AM to 10:30AM

Family Book Club

Description: Family Book Club is an engaging program that allows participants to develop and strengthen their literacy, numeracy and language skills through interactive and innovative story sharing. This program series offers each family the opportunity to share stories and discover a wide variety of activities and games they can do together as a family. Each family will receive a Family Book Club Kit full of everything they need to bring their story to life!  (For ages 3-6 years)  (Offered in partnership with the Centre for Family Literacy)

(*please note that this program is currently full. Please contact Janice at 587-525-7279 to be placed on a waiting list. You will notified of spots that may open up or future program sessions.)

Location: Via Zoom

Date: Every Tuesday unless otherwise indicated

Time: 6:30PM to 7:15PM

Cow Corner

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!   (Offered in partnership with the Centre for Family Literacy)

(*please note that this program is currently full. Please contact Janice at 587-525-7279 to be placed on a waiting list. You will notified of spots that may open up or future program sessions.)

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Wednesdays from Sep. 15 to Nov. 24, 2021

Time:  10:30AM to 11:15Am

Kids Night Out

Description:  Surprise Food Creation!  In this program, facilitators will lead families to make healthy snacks together. You will also learn about the nutrient content of the food and get tips on how to have quality time together during meals.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Every Wednesday until Dec. 15, 2021

Time:  6:30PM to 7PM

Indigenous Children's Circle

Description:  This program will include connecting with Elders, smudging, prayer, storytelling, and puppet interactions. This children’s program 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 starting Sep. 24 until Dec. 17, 2021

Time:  10AM to 10:45AM

Registered Programs

KARA Coffee

We are back!

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

Join us every Wednesday during one of our KARA Coffee sessions! Our program is via Zoom, so you can come and go as you please. You’ll enjoy parenting conversations and sharing tips on various parenting topics, all from the comfort of your own coffee table! 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!  Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID Number and Password.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Every Wednesday until Dec. 15, 2021

Time:  1PM to 3PM

Parent Education Workshops

All Workshops are Thursdays from 6PM to 8PM via Zoom. 

Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and for your Zoom ID Number and PW.

Topics:

–  Dealing with Disobedience  Sep. 16

–  Kids Have Stress Too:

  •    Sep. 23 – What Is Stress and How Are Children Affected?
  •    Sep. 30 – Different Types of Stress and Stressors
  •    Oct.   7 – Social and Emotional Development

– Oct. 14:  Building Self-Esteem in our Children

– Oct. 21:  Managing Fighting and Aggression

– Oct. 28:  Coping with Stress

– Nov. 4:  Developing Good Bedtime Routines

– Nov. 18:  Effective Communication with Children

– Nov. 25:  Understanding How Children Think and Feel

– Dec. 2:  Hassle Free Shopping

– Dec. 9:  Self-Care and Maintaining Balance

– Dec. 16:  Families as Teams

I-LAPS: Passing On Our Values & Traditions

Description:  The Indigenous Literacy And Parenting Skills program is designed for people, with an aboriginal background, who may need help in assisting their children’s literacy development and who may wish to talk about their parenting strategies.

These topics may include:

  • Child growth and development
  • Listening skills
  • Positive discipline
  • Talking to our children
  • Schools and our children
  • Building self-esteem
  • Conflict Resolution/ Problem Solving
  • Passing on values and traditions

I-LAPS also encourages participants to examine their own literacy development and to begin the process of improvement.  I-LAPS supports parents in becoming positive literacy role models for their children by enhancing their own skills and interest in reading and writing.  Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and for your Zoom ID Number and PW.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Mondays starting Sep. 20 to Nov. 15, 2021

Time:  6PM to 8PM

COPEing with Toddler Behaviour

Description:  This is a group for parents of toddlers (12-36 months old).  Parents will explore how their parenting style, the relationship they have with their child, and their child’s personality can all shape their toddler’s behaviour. Parents will also explore ideas to prevent challenging situations from happening and ways to respond to challenging toddler behaviours.  Group members will view videos of common parenting challenges then spend time having problem solving discussions and doing skill building exercises together.  Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and for your Zoom ID Number and PW.

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

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 to Nov. 23, 2021

Time:  6PM to 7:30PM

Triple P Group

Description:  This Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is for parents of children 3 to 12 years, who want to learn more about positive ways to raise children.  Parents learn to encourage positive behaviour and problem solve solutions to deal with children’s misbehaviour.  Participants connect via Zoom as a group for 6 weeks.

Please note: Participants are expected to complete “homework” tasks that give them a chance to practice what they are learning. Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and for your Zoom ID Number and PW.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Thursdays starting Oct. 7 to Dec. 2, 2021

Time:  6PM to 8PM

Super Dads Super Kids (SDSK)

Description:  This interactive program is 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.  The topics include the role of a Super Dad, child development, communication, emotional & physical health, positive discipline and work/life balance. When dads and kids are put together, good things happen.  Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and for your Zoom ID Number and PW.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Tuesdays starting Oct. 12 to Nov. 30, 2021

Time:  6PM to 8PM

Parenting Across Cultures

Description: 

This 6-week program is open to everyone. It is particularly ideal for parents who may be new to Canada.  It is a safe place to share and learn from each other.  The group builds on what we have in common as parents, regardless of our cultural background. Those who have experience, or know of helpful resources, share with others in the group.

Topics covered in this group may include:

  • Understanding Canadian customs, laws, and other systems (health, education, etc.) that will affect your parenting
  • Maintaining your own culture while parenting children in Canada
  • Bridging between different values, beliefs, and cultures
  • Parenting styles- are they different between cultures
  • Effective problem solving and communication skills
  • Stress management for you and your children

Call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email her Winifred@kara-frc.ca to register and for your Zoom ID Number and PW.

Location:  Via Zoom

Date:  Mondays starting Oct. 18 to Nov. 22, 2021

Time:  6PM to 8PM

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!

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

  • 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

None at this time

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

Download Now

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

1 programs,

2 programs,

- Recurring

“Zoom”topia

3 programs,

- Recurring

Cow Corner

1 programs,

1 programs,

0 programs,

0 programs,

1 programs,

3 programs,

- Recurring

“Zoom”topia

3 programs,

- Recurring

Cow Corner

3 programs,

1 programs,

0 programs,

0 programs,

1 programs,

THANKSGIVING DAY

THANKSGIVING DAY

4 programs,

- Recurring

“Zoom”topia

+ 1 More

3 programs,

- Recurring

Cow Corner

3 programs,

1 programs,

0 programs,

0 programs,

2 programs,

4 programs,

- Recurring

“Zoom”topia

+ 1 More

3 programs,

- Recurring

Cow Corner

3 programs,

1 programs,

0 programs,

0 programs,

2 programs,

4 programs,

- Recurring

“Zoom”topia

+ 1 More

3 programs,

- Recurring

Cow Corner

3 programs,

1 programs,

0 programs,

1 programs,

Halloween

Halloween

+ 1 More
+ 1 More
+ 1 More
Export Programs