Resources for Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Check out these resources for early childhood in the community!
Ages & Stages Questionnaire
Learn what you can expect at various ages and stages of your child’s development with an easy to use questionnaire. The results provide insight into your child’s expected developmental milestones. A member of our team will be in touch to discuss the results, celebrate achievements, and provide resources to continue supporting your child’s growth. This developmental check-in tool is available for children ages 2 months to 5 years. For more information and to complete a questionnaire click here.
Development & Milestones Concerns-Alberta Health Services
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, first talk to your family doctor or physician. If you need to find a doctor, visit the Alberta Health Services website or call HealthLink at 811.
For more specialized support, connect with:
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Child Adolescent and Family Mental Health (CASA):Call 780-400-2271 or access the CASA website
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Children And Youth Mental Health Intake Services (AHS): Call 780-342-2701
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Alberta Health Services Ft Saskatchewan & Strathcona County Speech Department: Contact 780-342-4575
If you need additional resources or unsure where to start, call the Strathcona County Family and Community Services at (780) 464-4044 or HealthLink at 811
Family Resource Network-Strathcona County
Parenting is a journey, and there's no clear road map. Everyone needs some help along the way! The Family Resource Network offers support for families with children 0 to 18 years old.
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Programs to promote healthy child development, from pregnancy to youth
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Reliable parenting information and strategies
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Connection to other local resources
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Programs and supports are free, and flexible, ranging from group workshops to customized individual services. In-person, virtual or telephone support options are available.
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Let's talk! 780-464-4044
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Email us at familyresourcenetwork@strathcona.ca
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For a full listing of upcoming programs and events visit: www.strathcona.ca/families
Fun Factory
Fun Factory is a drop-in babysitting/childcare service for parents involved in activities located at Millennium Place and the Ardrossan Recreation Complex. We provide a safe and caring environment for your children while you participate in a healthy lifestyle. We will entertain your little ones with activities such as colouring, toys, play dough, puzzles and books!
Nature Programs - BGC Strathcona County
BGC Nature Programs are all outdoor based nature programs where children are free to move about their space, explore the land they are on and engage with peers and educated program facilitators in a supportive and caring environment. Our programs are based off of the understandings that children are naturally curious and willing to play and explore the world around them. Facilitators are there to offer guidance and support to children throughout their time in the program and nurture the relationships that shift and change throughout the day.
There are three different Nature Programs with various time slots:
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ReWild Your Child Nature Programs: ages 3-5, perfect for alternating in your kindergarten days!
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Forest Friends: ages 3-4, a great taste of nature programs before school programming!
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Nature Discovery: ages 5-11 and runs on Saturday mornings.
More information can be found on BGC Strathcona County's website, www.scbgc.com.
Programs for Early Years and Families-Strathcona County Library
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Check out the new and exciting seasonal program and event offerings from the Strathcona County Library!
Information can be found at the Strathcona County Library website, HERE.
Recreation and culture programs | Strathcona County
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Check out the seasonal registered offerings for every age group at our recreation facilities including swimming, wellness, arts, recreation, and outdoor programming.
Check the link HERE for RPC Programming.
Recreation drop-in calendar | Strathcona County
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Check out the seasonal drop-in offerings at our indoor recreation facilities including play spaces, recreational activities, fitness, and childminding.
Click on the link HERE for more.
Resources for Children (Ages 6-12)
Children are busy bodies. Here are some Children's Resources
that Strathcona County kids can stay busy!
Children's Programs-BGC Strathcona County
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BGC Strathcona County is one of the leading national, youth-serving organizations dedicated to providing high-quality services that promote the healthy growth and development of young Canadians and their families.
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BGC Strathcona County has served the County community since 2001, enriching the lives of over 2000 children and youth annually through after-school, spring break and summer camp programs that offer fun, challenging experiences and activities focused on healthy living, personal growth, learning and community involvement.
They offer the following program options:
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Before and After School: BASC offers PD Day coverage, inclusive sports programs, and so many opportunites for kids to express themselves. This is run at 8 locations in rural and urban Strathcona County.
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Weekly Night Programs: Minecraft Mondays, Art Night Tuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays, and Sports Night Thursdays are all open to the public for this age group!
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Summer Camp options: From Day Camps, Field Trip Camps and Camping trips, there are tons of options for all ages!
To check out these incredible programs, check out their website at www.scbgc.com. These programs specifically serve ages 4-12!
Community Based 1-1 Programs-Big Brothers Big Sisters of Strathcona County
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Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Siblings - Traditionally known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentoring programs have diversified over the years. We’ll match your child with a mentor who will spend time with them out in the community. Through participation in educational, recreational and social activities, a mentoring relationship provides a child with support, friendship, guidance, and a constructive role model. Mentors will meet with their mentees weekly for a minimum of one year.
Family Resource Network-Strathcona County
Parenting is a journey, and there's no clear road map. Everyone needs some help along the way! The Family Resource Network offers support for families with children 0 to 18 years old.
​
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Programs to promote healthy child development, from pregnancy to youth
-
Reliable parenting information and strategies
-
Connection to other local resources
​
Programs and supports are free, and flexible, ranging from group workshops to customized individual services. In-person, virtual or telephone support options are available.
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Let's talk! 780-464-4044
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Email us at familyresourcenetwork@strathcona.ca
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For a full listing of upcoming programs and events visit: www.strathcona.ca/families
In School Mentoring Program-Big Brothers Big Sisters of Strathcona County
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The In School Mentoring Program is a way to get involved with a child. It allows volunteers (mentors) to share time with a child in their school during the school day. Mentors meet with their littles (students) following the 20-20-20 rule: 20 minutes of getting to know each other and catching up, 20 minutes of school work or reading, and 20 minutes of free time. In addition to friendship, the focus is on literacy, social support and classroom support.
Volunteers in this program are meeting youth in their schools during the school day (lunch hours even!). Matches in this program do not meet over the summer. Great opportunity for businesses to support their employees to get involved in a local volunteer program, and only have to give up an hour of their time each week!
Programs for Children and Families-Strathcona County Library
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Check out the new and exciting seasonal program and event offerings from the Strathcona County Library!
Recreation and culture programs | Strathcona County
​
Check out the seasonal registered offerings for every age group at our recreation facilities including swimming, wellness, arts, recreation, and outdoor programming.
Recreation drop-in calendar | Strathcona County
​
Check out the seasonal drop-in offerings at our indoor recreation facilities including play spaces, recreational activities, fitness, and childminding.
Resources for Youth & Young Adults (Ages 12-24)
Check out these resources for youth and young adults in the community!
CanTEEN Youth Hub-BGC Strathcona County
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BGC is proud to provide to the youth of Strathcona County a free youth drop in space.
The CanTeen Youth Hub is a safe and positive place for youth to come to after school. Come hang out with your friends, play some games, get help with homework, meet new people and take part in our awesome programs we have to offer!
Youth Drop-in for youth Grade 7+ is 3pm-9pm - no fee attached.
The CanTeen Youth Hub is located at #123-2016 Sherwood Drive, in the Park Centre and Hotel across from Mississippi Jack's Car Wash.
For more info, visit www.scbgc.com or visti @canteen.youth on Instagram.
Community Based 1-1 Programs-Big Brothers Big Sisters of Strathcona County
​
Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Siblings - Traditionally known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentoring programs have diversified over the years. We’ll match your child with a mentor who will spend time with them out in the community.
Through participation in educational, recreational and social activities, a mentoring relationship provides a child with support, friendship, guidance, and a constructive role model. Mentors will meet with their mentees weekly for a minimum of one year.
In School Mentoring Program-Big Brothers Big Sisters of Strathcona County
​
The In School Mentoring Program is a way to get involved with a child. It allows volunteers (mentors) to share time with a child in their school during the school day. Mentors meet with their littles (students) following the 20-20-20 rule: 20 minutes of getting to know each other and catching up, 20 minutes of school work or reading, and 20 minutes of free time. In addition to friendship, the focus is on literacy, social support and classroom support.
Volunteers in this program are meeting youth in their schools during the school day (lunch hours even!). Matches in this program do not meet over the summer. Great opportunity for businesses to support their employees to get involved in a local volunteer program, and only have to give up an hour of their time each week!
Learning Lab at BGC CanTEEN Youth Hub
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This is a Big Brothers and Big Sisters program that being run in partnership with the BGC CanTEEN Youth Hub (#123 2016 Sherwood Drive, in the Park Centre and Hotel across from Mississippi Jacks Car Wash).
Homework and a study space are being provided for youth grades 7-12. The space has computer and Wi-Fi access, as well as mentors who will be hanging out there available to provide academic and mentoring support.
The Learning Lab will be available Monday to Friday from 3:00 – 9:00. This program is drop-in and does not require registration nor application for youth to participate.
Mental health and Wellness Services
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Strathcona County youth and young adults need access to mental health and wellness services tailored to their unique needs and experiences. Recognizing elements of healthy and unhealthy relationships will support youth safety and well-being.
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Kids Help Phone Call if you need help right now–no issue is too big or too small. Visit kidshelpphone.ca or text CONNECT to 686868
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AHS Addictions and Mental Health Services Provides a single intake service for child and adolescent community health clinics. 780-342-2701
Recreation and culture programs | Strathcona County
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Check out the seasonal registered offerings for every age group at our recreation facilities including swimming, wellness, arts, recreation, and outdoor programming.
Recreation drop-in calendar | Strathcona County
​
Check out the seasonal drop-in offerings at our indoor recreation facilities including play spaces, recreational activities, fitness, and childminding.
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Strathcona County Next Gen is an initiative brought through collaboration between community partners. We are a group driven to motivate and support the youth and young adults in Strathcona County by providing them with a platform to lead and inspire change, to connect and build, and to shape the future of Strathcona County.
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Teen Programs | Strathcona County
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Check out the exciting seasonal program and event offerings from the Strathcona County Library!
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Teen School Based Mentoring Program
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A supported teen mentoring program also currently runs in a few high schools in Strathcona County. Teen mentors are students in grades 10-12 interested in volunteering as mentors to elementary students (grades 2-6). These programs are run in partnership with the high school and BGC Strathcona County. Teen mentors meet weekly with their mentees at the high school during the school day. Within this program, mentees are bussed to the high school. In addition to friendship, the program provides a focus on social and literacy support. Matches last only for the school year duration, although some teens may remain engaged for the full high school career!
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Every family is unique and there are many ways for parents to feel supported. Explore these resources and find out what works best for you!
Alberta Health Services-Free Virtual Parent Education Sessions
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Alberta Health Services is proud to offer FREE online programming for parents and caregivers who support children and youth, as well as sessions for adults looking to support their own wellness. Sessions are live and interactive. Our aim is to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around addiction and mental health challenges, provide participants with evidence-based information, and offer strategies that promote health and resilience. Click to learn more.
Finding and Choosing Child Care
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Find information and resources, and learn what to look for in a quality program when choosing child care in Alberta.
Strathcona County Family Resource Network
Parenting is a journey and everyone needs help sometimes. The Family Resource Network offers a range of parenting supports and services including:
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Information on child and youth development
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Discussing challenges and individualized parenting plans
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Referrals to other agencies
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Connecting to community resources
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In-home parenting support
Support is free, parent-led and flexible, ranging from group workshops to customized 1:1 services.
Options for in-person, virtual or phone support:
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Let’s talk! 780-464-4044
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Email us: familyresourcenetwork@strathcona.ca
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Visit us at www.strathcona.ca/families
Triple P Positive Parenting Program
Triple P is a parenting program, but it doesn’t tell you how to be a parent. It’s more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. It’s all about making Triple P work for you.
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Because all families are different, Triple P has a range of ways to get your positive parenting program. Choose anything from single visit consultations to public seminars; group courses to private sessions. You can even do Triple P Online, at home or wherever you like!
