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.

We are currently closed for in-person services during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Check back regularly for updates on changes protocols and procedures and in-person service delivery.
Follow us on Facebook (@karafrc) for updates and check out our Instagram page.
For ECS Program registrations please call Janice at 587-525-7279 or email janice@kara-frc.ca   –   To register for Parenting Programs please call Winifred at 587-525-6679 or email winifred@kara-frc.ca

Click below for printer friendly versions of our latest ECS Calendar and Winter Program Guide

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 until Dec. 16, 2021

Time: 10AM to 10:30AM

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

Family Book Club

Description:  This engaging program 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 to 6 years.

(in partnership with the Centre for Family Literacy, funded by ECALA & Government of Alberta)

Location: Via Zoom  Call Janice at 587-525-7279 or email her Janice@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

Date: Tuesdays Jan. 11 to Mar. 22, 2022 (no session on Feb. 15)

Time: 6:30PM to 7:30PM

COW Corner

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

(in partnership with the Centre for Family Literacy, funded by United Way)

Location: Via Zoom  Call Janice at 587-525-7279 or email her Janice@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

Date:  Wednesdays Jan. 12 to Mar. 23, 2022  (no session Feb. 16)

Time:  10:30AM to 11:15AM

Indigenous Circle

Description:  Are you looking for an opportunity that focuses on strengthening the family bond and learning about the Indigenous culture, then this program is for you.  Join us and enhance your parenting skills in a positive, effective and enjoyable way.  Elders and traditional knowledge keepers will come and speak about the Indigenous culture.  There will be opportunities for children to make crafts and food.  For ages 0 to 6 years, older siblings welcome.

Call Janice at 587-525-7279 or email her Janice@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

Location:  KARA-Too, #108, 5606 – 134A Avenue NW (Buzz 2204)

Date:  Thursdays Feb. 3 to Mar. 31, 2022

Time:  6PM to 7:30PM

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 to 12 month.

Location: Via Zoom  Call Janice at 587-525-7279 or email her Janice@kara-frc.ca to register and to get Zoom ID and Password.

Date: Mondays Mar. 7 to Mar. 28, 2022 (no session on Feb. 15)

Time: 10Am to 10:30AM

Coming Soon

The Hero Club

Children of all ages benefit from attachment and involvement with the “big people” in their lives.  Whether you are a Dad, Grandpa, Uncle or close friend, we want to celebrate the relationship men have with the children in their lives.  Join us for this weekly drop-in that invites Dad’s, Grandpa’s, Uncle’s, and more to play, explore and learn together.  For ages 0 to 6 years.

Dates, Time & Place TBD check website for update

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:

– Dec. 2:  Hassle Free Shopping

– Dec. 9:  Self-Care and Maintaining Balance

– Dec. 16:  Families as Teams

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

Triple P Group

Description: This group is 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 9 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.

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:  Wednesdays starting Jan. 12 to Mar. 2, 2022

Time:  6PM to 8PM

Community Links for Newcomers

Description:  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.

various times (calendar of specific sessions coming soon)

Neighborhood Connections

Description:  Looking for an opportunity to connect with other parents and learn about services in the community?

These weekly drop-in sessions are for you!  Join us each week for a new topic and presenter 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.  Weekly topics will be posted monthly on our website.

various times (calendar of specific sessions coming soon)

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

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

ECS Calendar
Winter Guide

Program and Events Calendar

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