With the support of trained & professional staff, children are provided with an enriched Early Child Development environment while parents have opportunities to learn about parenting strategies, child development and community resources. Caregivers build important peer supports, learn new skills and share their skills and expertise.  Children are provided with an opportunity to learn school readiness skills within an enriched setting by socializing with other children. They also engage in arts and crafts and literacy activities. Through a daily circle time children build skills and confidence in their home language and English.  Guest speakers and health care professionals provide free workshops to parents/caregivers on a regular basis.

These first language drop-in programs are supported by staff and are offered weekly throughout most of the year. These programs provide a good bridge for new Canadian families who need additional language support and also allow children and their families to develop a strong sense of cultural pride for both their countries of origin and their new Canadian home. These programs are offered on site at Frog Hollow. Currently offered are the Japanese Parent/Child – (parent led program) and the Spanish Parent/Child – (parent led program)

In an effort to fill a gap in literacy programming due to the cutting of funds, we also developed a new partnership with a literacy organization “Books for Me” in 2011. Since this time volunteers from this organization visits Frog Hollow monthly and shares gently used quality children’s books for children to take home. The program has been very popular and has expanded to children in school aged as well as preschool children.

Free program for parents and children 18 months to 5 years

Over 5 sessions, you will learn about:

• Child development – helping children grow
• Community services
• First aid
• Positive parenting tips
• Other topics for parents

You will receive a certificate after completing the course.