Faces of ECD

Below are summaries of some of the agencies that the Early Childhood Development Coalition works with. These agencies provide services for children aged 0-6. A full description is below in a question and answer format.

On this page:

Peace Playland

North Peace Gymnastics Club

Peace River Municipal Library & Art Gallery

Peace River Playschool

Holy Family Catholic School Division

First Nations Health Consortium

Grimshaw Municipal Library

Northern Sunrise County

Peace Parent Link

Sagitawa Friendship Centre

Stepping Stones Inclusive Child Care Program

Peace Playland

Q&A with Melissa Buchholtz the Treasurer of  Peace Playland.

 Peace Playland is a huge asset to the town of Peace River, and a lifesaver during our long cold winters. My kids love being able to burn off energy and play with new toys. The toy rental program is also a fun way to borrow new toys, without the commitment of adding more clutter to our home. An added bonus, we make new friends! The kids get to socialize, and I chat with other moms. I highly recommend Peace Playland for all young families and caregivers in the Peace Region. -Playland Patron

What is the name of your organization?

 Peace Playland Association 

What is your name and your role with your organization?

Melissa Buchholtz, Treasurer in the Board of Directors

Where are you located?

 In the north-east corner of the Belle Centre

What are your hours of operation?

Monday Wednesday Friday 9-3 and Saturdays 10-3 (with varied summer hours).

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

We are a toy lending library and indoor play centre.

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

Come in during business hours and make yourself at home

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

Our facility gives kids a chance to play with new toys and interact with others. Parent assisted play is encouraged but parents also have the option to relax on the couches and take a well deserved time out instead. 

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility?

A friendly face will meet you at the desk and sign you and your child(ren) in. The kids are then welcome to run, climb, slide, and explore. There is a small concession available but outside food is welcome, snack tables, and a private washroom with change table. 

Is there a fee for your services?

$8 drop-in (includes up to 2 adults & 3 kids), $45 3-month membership, $150 yearly membership 

In three words describe your agency.

 Indoor play centre 

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

The quickest and easiest way is through our Facebook page. 


North Peace Gymnastics Club

Q&A with Operations Manager Meghan MacLeod from the North Peace Gymnastics Club.

What is the name of your organization?

North Peace Gymnastics Club

What is your name and your role with your organization?

Meghan MacLeod – Operations Manager

Where are you located?

9806 77Ave Peace River

What are your hours of operation?

Our hours vary depending on which class schedule we are following – on our busiest day during our Fall session we have classes running from 9:30am-8pm. Office hours are currently 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

Our Spring Training schedule is currently under way, in which we have instructional gymnastics classes for ages 4yrs and up and a parent assisted drop in 2 days a week for children 18mths – 3yrs. 

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one? 

No referral needed.  Parents/Caregivers can simply contact us via phone or e-mail and find information on our website as well. Northpeacegymnasticsclub.com

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

The best part of our programming is that we try to have something for everyone; whether it’s our tots classes/drop in, regular gymnastics classes or our upside down club and Summer camp (ages 5-10).

Is there a fee for your services?

Fees vary depending on class and length of session – our Spring session is shorter than our regular Fall season and the cost therefore reflects that. Our registered tots sessions (ages 18mths – 3yrs) that run for 8 weeks twice a year; Oct. -Nov. & Feb. – Mar. have registration fees of $100. Spring tot drop in is at a cost of $5 per child per drop in. We also have an annual insurance fee for registered classes.

In three words describe your agency.

Fun, Fitness and Fundamentals

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

Phone: 780-624-5087
E-mail: [email protected]


Peace River Municipal Library & Art Gallery

Q&A with Cyndi Roy the Program Coordinator for the Peace River Municipal Library.

What is the name of your organization?  

Peace River Municipal Library and Art Gallery

What is your name and your role with your organization? 

Cyndi Roy Program Coordinator

Where are you located? 

9807 97 Avenue Peace River AB T8S 1H6

What are your hours of operation?

 Tuesday 10am-5pm, Wednesday & Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-5pm.

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

 Not only does our library provide information and resources for all age ranges, wee also have many children’s programs throughout the year. One of our most popular programs is Story Time. This program is held every Friday from 10:30am-11:30am at the library with our partner Peace Parent Link. Story Time is a great way for your child to interact with other children their age, listen to a story, as well as participate in crafts and activities. While this program targets children age range of 0-4, we welcome older children as well! During the summer we have TD Summer Reading Club which is for children ages 4-6. This program is ran very similarly to Story Time and is also partnered with Peace Parent Link. Visit our website or social media pages to see more information.  

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

 Anyone is welcome and can access the library, no referrals necessary!

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

 I love that we offer fun programs for all ages and almost all of them are free! I challenge you to expand your view of what a library is and all that we have to offer, from programming to free computer and internet use, all while promoting literacy.  We pride ourselves in being the hub of the community.

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility? 

You can expect a warm and welcoming environment, we are here to help you.

Is there a fee for your services? 

While it is free to use the library as well as most programs are free,  you are able to become a library member for $20.00 per year. Having a library membership gives you access to books, magazines, movies, videogames, and many e resources…we even have cake pans! “When in doubt, go to the library.” — JK Rowling

In three words describe your agency.

 Accessible, helpful, and knowledgeable

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

 Our phone number is 780-624-4076, email is [email protected], we also regularly check Facebook messages, and you are always welcome to stop in to check our facilities out.


Peace River Preschool

Q&A With Jody Broome a Teacher/Director for the Peace River Preschool.

What is the name of your organization? 

Peace River Preschool Society

What is your name and your role with your organization?

 Jody Broome Teacher/Director & Tanya Rafferty Teacher

Where are you located?

Upstairs in the Al Adair Rec Centre 9702-98th Street

What are your hours of operation?

9:30am-3:15pm

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

We provide preschool services, we aid in the preparation of students for kindergarten.  Ages 3-5.

How can parents/caregivers access your services?

Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one? No referral needed just stop by or give us a call 780-618-9625 or check out our Facebook Page.

What do you like most about the programs that you offer? 

As Early Childhood Educators we enjoy the kids inquisitive minds and being able to mold the program around their imagination’s.

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility?

An open, welcoming and friendly atmosphere for their kids to enjoy.

Is there a fee for your services?

Yes we have a monthly fee of $120 for two classes a week.

In three words describe your agency.

 Safe, fun, creative

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

Give us a call at 780-618-9625 or email to [email protected]


Holy Family Catholic School Division 

Q&A with Tina McDonald the Principal of Good Shepherd School.

“This past school year I have seen my daughter thrive within her PUF program. My daughter Heidi began this school year with a new aide named Laureen. Right away I knew Laureen was a special woman. She had volunteered time out of her day to come to our house to meet with Heidi before school even started. She had asked what Heidi’s interests were, what her dislikes were and actually got down and played with Heidi. When Heidi started her first day of preschool Laureen didn’t even sit with me, she immediately went over to Heidi and started playing with her. Throughout this year I had the pleasure to watch Heidi and Laureen’s relationship blossom. Heidi absolutely adores Laureen and I couldn’t think of a better person to have in Heidi’s journey. Every single day Heidi is excited to go to school and that is because of Laureen. The strides Heidi has made in her development this year have been phenomenal. She has started pointing, running, jumping and she has become more vocal as well: She has a great team of therapists at Good Shepherd School. They are all so wonderful to work with and I honestly consider all of them, friends. Of course we have Heidi’s PUF coordinator, Pam Scobey. Pam has navigated me through the unfamiliar territory of having a special needs child in the school system. Without her, Heidi wouldn’t have had half the progress she’s had. I truly thank her from the bottom of my heart. She has been an advocate for myself and Heidi and has encouraged me to speak up if I wanted to add something to Heidi’s IPP. This year has been so amazingly positive, I was so sad to see the school year end. Most importantly, I was sad to have to say goodbye  to Laureen for the summer! I am so excited to see what Heidi accomplishes next year!! Thank you so much to the staff at Good Shepherd for supporting myself and Heidi so well this year!”

– Kayliegh Paul

What is the name of your organization?

Good Shepherd School, part of the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division

What is your name and your role with your organization?

Tina McDonald, Principal of Good Shepherd School

Where are you located?

Good Shepherd School is located at 9810 – 71 Ave, in the North End of Peace River

What are your hours of operation?

There will be two classes – one in the morning, and one in the afternoon that run from September to June. The morning class will run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and the afternoon class will run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The school is closed for all of July and August. The school calendar is slightly different from year to year. Parents will receive the school calendar when they register their child; it is also available on our website.

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

Good Shepherd School’s new Pre-Kindergarten Early Intervention Program is exclusively for children who have moderate to severe developmental delays, or have English as their second language. This program is intended to give students an early start in their learning. Programs begin for ages 2.5 for children with severe delays, and 3.1 with mild to moderate delays. Each category has specific age requirement and parents are encouraged to contact the school for more information.

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

Parents/caregivers can access our services by calling our school. Each child is unique and will have their own specific needs. They will likely not need a referral, but could in certain cases.

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

At Good Shepherd School, we are guided by the love of Christ, and His love is woven into everything we do. We prioritize cultivating a caring community, and a sense of belonging for every student and staff member.

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility?

When parents and guardians enter our school, we hope they feel a sense of immediate welcome. We strive to provide a loving, caring atmosphere for all students and we are confident that parents will feel that way too.

Is there a fee for your services?

There is no fee for our Pre-Kindergarten program. We are thrilled to provide this program for our community.

In three words describe your agency.

Loving. Caring. Sharing. That’s our motto at Good Shepherd!

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

Parents and guardians can contact me directly at [email protected] or 780-624-3432.


First Nations Health Consortium

Q&A With Wendy Henshaw from the First Nations Health Consortium

What is the name of your organization?  

First Nations Health Consortium-Jordan’s Principle-Child First Initiative

What is your name and your role with your organization? 

Wendy Henshaw, Regional Service Coordinator

Where are you located? 

Grande Prairie, Alberta

What are your hours of operation?

24 hours a day & 365 days a year

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

Enhanced Service Coordination for families accessing Jordan’s Principle supports.

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

Parents, guardians, and service providers can contact us at our toll free number 1-844-558-8748 or check us out on our website:  www.abfnhc.com

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

Jordan’s Principle is a legal principle that aims to achieve true equality outcomes for our Frist Nations children and youth.

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility? 

Parents and Guardians can expect to sign a consent to release information so that our Regional Service Coordinators can contact other service providers to advocate and assist in accessing Jordan’s Principle support.

Is there a fee for your services? 

The service is 100% free and at no cost to our families.

In three words describe your agency.

Supporting Our Families

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

Call 1-844-558-8748 or check out the website www.abfnhc.com


Grimshaw Municipal Library

Q&A With Miss Danielle from the Grimshaw Municipal Library

What is the name of your organization?

Grimshaw Municipal Library

What is your name and your role with your organization?

Miss Danielle (that’s what the kids call me) Diesel, I am the programmer and facilitator for our 0-5/6 programs.

Where are you located?

4412A-50th Street Grimshaw, Alberta.

What are your hours of operation?

Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Wednesday open late 8:00pm, Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm.

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

Early literacy programs and story and craft programs.

Little Learners is free for ages 0-3years on Friday morning at 9:30-10 Sept-June, parents are asked to participate. We read books, sing songs and play games.

Book Buddies is $10/family per session for ages 3-5 on Tuesday morning at 10:00-11:30 Sept-May, parents participation is required. We read books, make a craft and have snack.

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

Come into the library to access our program. No referral needed. Little Learners is a drop in program, registration is required for Book Buddies we have 12 spots available.

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

Little Learner is an introduction to a library setting. We provide an opportunity for young kids to join in a casual group setting and for caregivers to visit. Book Buddies is a more formal setting, helping 3-5 understand the edict of a group setting. Crafts are geared to help following instructions and working on fine motor skills.

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility?

Friendly active environment of books and programs.

Is there a fee for your services?

Little Learners 0-3 Years free drop in.
Book Buddies 3-5 Years $10/family per session.

In three words describe your agency.

Open to Everyone

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

Call the library 780-332-4553, Facebook, email [email protected], www.grimshawlibrary.ab.ca or come in.

 


Northern Sunrise County

Q&A With Amber Houle from Northern Sunrise County.

What is the name of your organization?

Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Community Services

What is your name and your role with your organization?

Amber Houle – Supervisor of Community Services

Where are you located?

Our main office is located at the Northern Sunrise County Administrative Office. However, we have offices in Cadotte Lake, St. Isidore, and Nampa.

What are your hours of operation?

Monday to Friday 8:15am – 4:30pm. We also work some evenings and weekends.

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

Little Adventurers Parent & Tot groups, La Petite Ecole, partnership programs with Peace ParentLink, Touch a Truck, Playground Parties, Easter celebrations, Christmas celebrations, Immunization clinics, and Fluoride clinics with Alberta Health Services.

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

Parents & Caregivers can access one of our office spaces to inquire about programs (in person, email, or phone inquiry). No referrals needed.

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

In terms of the 0-6 programs we offer: the programs we have are geared towards both the child and the parent/guardian. We encourage families to participate with their child/children during our activities and events. Some of the programs we offer, provide parents/guardians with a chance to learn, network, and share with others walking the same journey while we supervise their child/children. In terms of all of our entire department programs/events: We enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with local and regional organizations to build healthier inclusive communities.

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility?

Parents/Guardians will be treated with respect. They will be welcomed with open arms and will have the opportunity to voice their suggestions and concerns with the programs/events. Parents/guardians will feel safe in the space provided.

Is there a fee for your services?

Majority of our programs are free. At times we will charge a small fee when meals or a presenter are provided.

In three words describe your agency.

Inclusive. Collaborative. Empathetic

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

Supervisor of Community Services 780-625-3287 or [email protected]

Cadotte Lake Community Services 780-629-2476 or [email protected]

Nampa Community Services 780-322-3954 or [email protected]

St. Isidore Community Services 780-624-8071 or [email protected]

 


Peace Parent Link

Q&A With Dez McCann, Rachel Ferguson, Megan Borile and Marilyn Drouin. All Early Childhood Program Facilitators at Peace Parent Link. 

“We are so blessed to live in a community that recognizes and supports the importance of early child development. Thank you and well-done Parent Link! One of my little one’s favourite events!

How all our singing and conversations at Playgroup get repeated at home and I see my son’s speech has improved so much.

I came to do an ASQ as referred from a Health Nurse and continue to come for the fun.”

-Parent/caregiver 

What is the name of your organization?

Peace Parent Link 

What is your name and your role with your organization?

Dez McCann, Rachel Ferguson, Megan Borile and Marilyn Drouin. All Early Childhood Program Facilitators at Peace Parent Link. 

Where are you located?

The drop center will be closed until September but watch for playground programs in the summer. 

Our new location will be at the new Baytex Energy Centre, 9810-73rd Ave. starting the first week of September.

What are your hours of operation?

Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm

Saturday 10am to 2pm

One Evening a Week 5pm to 7pm (the evening to be established)

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

Early Childhood Development and Care

Parent Education 

Information and Referral

Family Support

Ages and Stages Screening 

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

Contact Us at:

No referrals necessary 

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

 Being able to offer fun, safe engaging learning opportunities that empower parents. Building connections with community and having an all inclusive environment for families to interact with other families.

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility?

Anyone who comes to Peace Parent Link  will be greeted, given a tour and be provided  with information about what we do and the services we offer.

Is there a fee for your services?

All services are free. 

In three words describe your agency.

Welcoming, passionate and dedicated.

 


Sagitawa Friendship Centre

 

Q&A With Marissa Geldart the Executive Director of the Sagitawa Friendship Society. 

What is the name of your organization?

Sagitawa Friendship Society

What is your name and your role with your organization?

My name is Marissa Geldart and I am the Executive Director of the Sagitawa Friendship Society.

Where are you located?

10108-100 Avenue,  Peace River. 

What are your hours of operation?

The office hours are 9am- 4pm.  Animal Crackers & Little Bears is 1pm-4pm. 

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

During the summer we have our summer program Animal Crackers & Little Bears. Animal Crackers & Little Bears is a day camp for ages 3-9.

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

Parents/ caregivers can access this program by calling the office or coming in to register. No referral is needed.

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

Our day camp is the only day camp offered for 3 year olds. It is a great opportunity for children to gain social skills before starting school.

Is there a fee for your services?

The fee for the program is $5.00/day.

In three words describe your agency.

Respectful and caring.

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

Parents/ caregivers can contact us by phone at 780-624-2443.

 


Stepping Stones Inclusive Child Care Program

Q&A with Linda and Lauranne Inclusive Consultants at Stepping Stones Inclusive Child Care program.

What is the name of your organization?

Stepping Stones Inclusive Child Care Program

What is your name and your role with your organization?

Linda Peterson – Inclusive Consultant

Lauranne Marshall – Inclusive Consultant

We are primarily responsible for supporting Early Learning & Child Care Staff and Programs in providing optimal child development environments that are inclusive of all children and to support families to be healthier and more resilient.

Where are you located?

10032-99 St. Lower Level in Peace River

What are your hours of operation?

By appointment only.

What type of services do you provide for 0-6 year olds?

Building supportive, respectful relationships with all Early Learning & Child Care and program staff through on-site consultation and support visits. Recognizing and acknowledging the strengths and needs of children through observation and developmental screenings. Collaborating with Early Learning and Child Care Staff and parents to develop Individual Program Plans for children. Facilitating team work with Early Learning and Child care staff and families through team meetings. Referring to and collaborating with community programs to support children and families when deemed necessary. Increasing parent knowledge through the facilitation of parent education programs.

How can parents/caregivers access your services? Do they need a referral? If a referral is needed, how does a parent receive one?

Yes, a referral is needed. Parents can get a referral from LICENSED Early Learning & Child Care Program like, Day Homes, Preschools and Day Cares.

What do you like most about the programs that you offer?

What we like most about our program is that we focus on collaboration with parents, programs and communities to support each child in developing to their full potential.

What can parents/caregivers expect when they enter your facility?

The following core services are provided: Caregiver Education, Support & Resources, Developmental Screening & Assessments, Individual Program Plans, Information and Community Referrals, Family Support and Resources and Parent Education Programs.

Is there a fee for your services?

No, it is free.

In three words describe your agency.

Flexible, knowledgeable, accessible

How can parents/caregivers get in contact with you?

Toll free 1-800-228-3880 or 1(780)479-9086

Linda Peterson Ext. 305 or [email protected]

Lauranne Marshall Ext. 304 or [email protected]