Programs and Services

Programs and Services

KARA is a Spoke of the North Central Edmonton FRN (Family Resource Network).  For more information about the FRN, please click here.

Click HERE for the December FRN Newsletter.

Please call Reception at 780-478-5396 or email reception@kara-frc.ca to register or for more information on our programs.

Parented Drop-In Programs

Little VanGogh

Description:  Join us for this parented, drop-in, program. Your child will explore the work of different artists and experiment with different art mediums. Dress for the mess and we will do the clean up.  @ YMCA Castle Downs, no membership needed to participate but ask us how your under 2’s can access a free Y membership

Time:  10 am  – 11 am

Date:  Mondays, February 6 – March 20, 2023

(NO program Feb. 20)

Address:  Castle Downs FRN at the YMCA, 11510 – 153 Avenue

Parented Children's Programs

COW Corner (0-6 yrs)

Description:  COW Corner is a fun program that explores early literacy, numeracy and language development. Parents and children will explore early literacy through songs, activities and interactive story sharing. Each week has a different theme.  Ages 0-6

No Y membership required

*In partnership with the Centre for Family Literacy.

**No Y membership required.

Time:  9:30 am – 10:45 am

Date:  Fridays January 13 – March 24, 2023

Address: Castle Downs FRN at the YMCA, 11510 – 153 Avenue NW

Rhymes that Bind (0-3 yrs)

Description:  Rhymes That Bind is an oral language development program that promotes positive parenting. Parents learn to enjoy rhymes, finger plays, songs and simple movement games with their infants and toddlers in a supportive peer group. Ages 0-3

*In partnership with the Centre for Family Literacy.

Time:  9:45 am – 10:30 am

Date:  Thursdays January 12 – March 23, 2023

Address:  KARA-Main 6717 – 132 Avenue

Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn (0-3 yrs)

Description:  You and your child from birth to age three are invited to join us for songs, rhymes and signs! In this inclusive class, offered in collaboration with the Edmonton Early Intervention Program, parents/caregivers will interact one-on-one with their child while learning strategies to engage their child and enhance their child’s communication and development through repetition, visuals and movement.

*Drop-in spots are available, however, registration is recommended.

**In partnership with Edmonton Public Library.

Register for each class by emailing julianne.skinner@epl.ca or call 780-220-5046

Time:  TBD

Date:  TBD

Address:  KARA-Main 6717 – 132 Avenue

Unparented Children's Programs

Important information for you to know!

  • Children must be able to use the washroom independently.
  • In order to make the program successful for your child, please let us know ahead of time if your child has any additional needs we should be aware of.

Bright Minds Adventures (2.5-6yrs)

Description:  Join us every week for STEM based learning. This program will provide the opportunity to learn life-skills, ingenuity, resourcefulness, patience, and curiosity and has been adapted to accommodate multi-age learning groups.  Ages 2.5 – 6 yrs

Time: 10 am – 11:30 am

Date: Tuesday & Thursday January 24 – March 23, 2023

*Join us for Lunch 11:30 am – Noon

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

Afterschool Adventure (5-12 yrs)

Description: Unplug and connect with others, and build their self-esteem. Children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of crafts and games designed to encourage positive relationships. Age 5-12

Date: Tuesday & Thursday January 24 – March 23, 2023

Time Tuesdays: 3:30 pm – 5 pm

Time Thursdays: 2:45 pm – 4:30 pm

Address:  Dunluce Tenant Centre Unit 9, 11930 162 Avenue NW

Kids in the Kitchen (6-12 yrs)

Description:  Join us in the kitchen as we master some basic kitchen skills while building our confidence and cooking a meal. Your child will prepare a meal to bring home and share with the family.  Ages 6-12

*limited registration

Time: 2:45 pm – 4:30 pm

Date: Wednesdays February 2 – March 23, 2023

Address:  TBD

Friendship Factory (4-10 yrs)

Description:   Through this program your children will develop the skills and confidence they need to form positive peer relationships. This program was developed using the We Thinkers! curriculum as the guide.  Ages 4-10.  We welcome all father figures to join the You’re a Great Dad! program.

Time: 6 pm – 7 pm

Date: Wednesdays February 15 – March 15, 2023

*Supper served from 5:30 pm – 6 pm.

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

Parenting Programs with Childcare

Triple P Group with Childcare

Description:  Triple P is a Positive Parenting Program based on evidence and research that is designed to help parents develop a toolbox of strategies and gain understanding of why their children behave the way they do. This 8 week session will cover the full range of Triples Ps strategies so you can discover which ones are the right fit for your family!  Childcare for children 0 – 2.5 yrs.  Bright Minds for children 2.5 – 6 yrs.

*Consider registering for Bright Mind Adventure

**Join us for Lunch 11:30 am – Noon

Time:  10 – 11:30 am

Date:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 24 – February 16, 2023

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

H42..Let Us Pamper You with Childcare

Description:  This program is specifically designed for our Health for Two clients.  Preparing for motherhood is a special time, but it also comes with physical and mental challenges.  Join us each week for this program where we will provide you with both support and some special pampering!  Take a break to focus on you!

Note: Must be pregnant to attend and currently part of or wanting to join H42 program.

Time:  1:30 pm – 3 pm

Date:  Wednesdays, January 25 – March 22, 2023

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

Enhance the Connection

Description:  The first three years of life provide the most rapid period of brain development and neuroscience tells us that it is the attachment relationship that fuels the brain. This program will provide practical, everyday activities and strategies that you can use at home to help build a strong and healthy attachment with your child. Parents will spend the first hour in a group setting while their child is being cared for and the children will join in for the last half an hour!

*Limited childcare spaces available, call 780-478-5396 to pre-book

Time:  10 am – 11:30 am

Date:  Fridays, January 27 – March 24, 2023

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

You're a Great Dad!

Description: Join us for an empowering Dad’s program where you can learn about your strengths and the positive impact you have on your family. Topics include Work/Life balance, positive parenting, and, communication. Bring the whole family. Children aged 4-10 will join the Friendship Factory, while Mom and tots can hang out in the playroom

*Supper served 5:30 pm – 6 pm

Time:  6 pm – 7 pm

Date:  Wednesdays, February 15 – March 15, 2023

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

Brain Story with Childcare

Description:  Join us for the 5 week program as we dig a little deeper into how our brain works and how our experiences shape our parenting. Together we will learn how to overcome trauma and be given tools to re-wire our brains.

*Join us for lunch: 11:30 am – Noon

Time:  10 am – 11:30 am

Date:  Tuesdays and Thursdays February 21 – March 9, 2023

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

Triple P Seminar

Description:  Join us for some additional learning after you have completed Triple P or join us for just these sessions. You will learn to apply your skills and empower your children to be confident, competent, and resilient.  Childcare offered for those 0 – 2.5 yrs.  Bright Minds for children 2.5 – 6 yrs.

*Consider registering for Bright Mind Adventure

**Join us for Lunch 11:30 am – Noon

Time:  10 – 11:30 am

Date:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 14 – March 23, 2023

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

One-On-One Parenting Support

Description:  Parenting is a journey of ups and downs and sometimes we need a little extra support to navigate it all.  No matter what you are facing we are here to listen and support you in reaching your individual and family goals.

Xialing and Winifred are waiting for you.

Please call 780-478-5396 to book a time!

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

Online Programs

Triple P Group - Online

Description:  Triple P is a Positive Parenting Program based on evidence and research that is designed to help parents develop a toolbox of strategies and gain understanding of why their children behave the way they do.

Time:  6 pm – 8 pm

Date:  Mondays, January 30 – March 27, 2023

*NO program Feb 20

Address:  via Zoom

Family Meals for Program Participants

Family Time Lunch /Let's Do Lunch

Description:  Following your morning parenting program, pick up your child from Bright Mind Adventures and enjoy a yummy and nutritious meal together. Take some time to connect with your child and with other families without the stress of rushing out to get lunch prepared.

*PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE

Time:  11:30 – Noon

Date:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 24 – March 23, 2023

Address:  KARA-Main, 6717 – 132 Avenue

Family Support Services

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/
Winter 2023

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