Programs and Services

Programs and Services

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

KARA provides educational programming, groups, and events designed to create positive outcomes for children and their families throughout the Edmonton area.

KARA was awarded the contract to provide Early Childhood Services as 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, starting Jan. 13, 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.

Indigenous Literacy & Parenting Skills (I-LAPS)

This program is designed for people, with an indigenous background, who may need help in assisting their children’s literacy development and who may wish to talk about their parenting strategies.

  • listening skills,
  • passing on values and traditions,
  • schools and our children,
  • building self-esteem,
  • talking to our children,
  • positive discipline, and
  • let’s talk about food.

I-LAPS also encourages participants to examine their own literacy development and to begin the process of improvement.

Location: via Zoom Sessions

Date: Tuesdays, starting Jan. 19 until Feb. 23, 2021

Time: 6 to 8 PM

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

(Triple P) Positive Parenting Programs

 

Triple P Group

Description:  This group 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.

Location: via Zoom

Date: Mondays, Feb. 22 to Mar. 29, 2021

Time: 6 to 8 PM

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

Bringing Up Baby

Want to share with others in learning how to make babies’ worlds exciting places to discover?

Get your very own kit for creating some special you and baby moments!  Each week we will use different things in the kit to do some activities together. Get tips on how to pick the perfect books to share, learn some fun games to play, and so much more. Come and explore the world through your baby’s eyes in this program! For babies up to 12 months and their parent/caregiver-via Zoom

Location: via Zoom

Date: Wednesdays, Jan. 20 to Feb. 24, 2021

Time: 10 to 10:45 AM

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

Nobody's Perfect

This 5 week parenting group discusses the basics of parenting a young child (0 to 3 years).  This group is great for first time parents!

Topics include:

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

Location: via Zoom

Date: Wednesdays, Feb. 3 to Mar. 3, 2021

Time: 6 to 8 PM

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

Parenting in Two Cultures

This 8 week program is for parents who are new to Canada.  Participants with limited English are welcome.  Parents spend time discussing what it is like to raise children in the countries that they have come from and in Canada.  The facilitator shares information about the positive parenting strategies that are used in Canada with participants.  Parents also support each other as they seek to find a way to parent in Canada without losing the traditions and culture that they value.

Location: via Zoom

Date: Thursdays, Feb. 4 to Mar. 25, 2021

Time: 1 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.

Indigenous Children's Circle

We are excited to announce our new Indigenous children’s circle each Friday for 7 weeks. This 30 minute 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.

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, Feb. 12 to Mar. 26, 2021

Time: 10 to 10:30 AM

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

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 Tuesday, starting Jan. 19, 2021 at 10am, 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, starting Jan. 20, 2021 by 5pm, KARA will post a video 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, starting Jan. 21, 2021 at 10am 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

North Central Edmonton Family Resource Network Hub Want to get your family connected to programs and resources? Here 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! If you use the referral form, a Navigator will contact you and help get you connected.

Please call the Edmonton Food Bank at 780.425.4190. They will set you up to access a food hamper and try their best to help you connect with other relevant services.

Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 4:00pm.

For a list of Free Community Meals click here.

211 Alberta is a free, confidential service that provides information and referral to a wide range of community, social, health and government services.  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*

*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.

COVID-19 info for Albertans click here.

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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Sharing Circle

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Playtime Drop-In

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Kids Night Out

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Creative Play & More

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Sharing Circle

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Playtime Drop-In

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Kids Night Out

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Creative Play & More

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Family Day

Family Day

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Playtime Drop-In

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Creative Play & More

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Triple P Group

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Playtime Drop-In

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Kids Night Out

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Creative Play & More

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