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Community Services

For information on how to register for programs see Home. If you have questions or would like more information about the programs offered by Kidz 1st Network Parent Link Centre please contact us at 403-207-7090 or plcinfo@chestermere.ca.

Parent Link Centre Programs

Chestermere Public Library

Story time in the Library:

Fridays from 10:30-11:00am.

Gleichen Public Library

Story time in the Library:

Thursdays from 10:30-11:00am

Strathmore Municipal Library

Stories, songs and crafts:

Tuesdays from 10:30-11:00am

Birth Park Planting

If you have a child that was born in 2010 or 2011, plant a birthing tree to

commemorate their birth. The trees are large calipers, approximately 7 feet in height and cost $25 if you are a

Chestermere resident, and $50 for all

applicants wishing to have a tree planted in recognition of a child who was not born to a family living within the Town of

Chestermere. The planting will be done in September at Sunset Beach. See www.chestermere.ca for details.

Click on Support Groups for more information on support groups for Gifted Children and Their Families, Postpartum Depression, and Childhood Diabetes.

Triple P-The EDGE on Parenting

No specific seminars are planned, but one to one consultations are always available by appointment. Call Roberta Horne at 403-207-7093 for an appointment and more information.

See the Edge on Parenting page for more information.

What is a Babysitting Co-op for?

Share the task of babysitting by swapping time with other Moms, and you have a babysitting co-op. If you are a Mom and you need time, a babysitting co-op is right for you. Time is precious to everyone and there never seems to be enough time in the day to do everything. It is sometimes more efficient and stress-free to do the busyness of everyday, without the kids. It might be running errands, going to appointments, volunteering for the school or in the community. This is where a babysitting co-op can be used. Co-ops are good for the random appointments that come up during the month.

A babysitting co-op enables member parents to leave their children and feel secure that they are being well cared for. They can save money by exchanging time, rather than money. They also don't feel as though they are imposing on someone. It offers an outlet for members to socialize, meet with other community members and have their children socializing with other kids too.

Members use a point system to track points. Points are swapped and managed by the secretary/administrator, which rotates each month. Meetings are held monthly, at the secretary/administrator's house, to discuss co-op business, review points and book future sits for the next month. E-mail communication is used in-between meetings to plan play dates and book sits.

Co-ops can work with a number of different systems of childcare. If anything, they compliment the services that are often offered in a community. Moms need a variety of options to work with busy schedules and even busier lives.

Babysitting co-ops are used to help mother do the job that they have been given. The Chestermere Babysitting Co-op is active and gaining members constantly. There is a distinct need in the community and surrounding areas for this type of organization. There is also a co-op started in Langdon/Indus, and interest has been expressed in Strathmore. Other communities are interested in implementing this volunteer-based group also.

For more information on the co-op or dates of meetings in your area, please feel free to contact Ramona Bagley. E-mail rockyviewbsc@yahoo.ca or call 403-249-4420

DEVELOPMENTAL CHECK-UPS

Ages and Stages Program (ASQ)

The Ages and Stages program provides parents and caregivers with a “snapshot” of their child’s development at regular set points during their first five years of development. This parent completed child monitoring system allows you to become an expert of your child’s growth, physically and socially and especially before they enter school. The Ages and Stages Facilitator provides you with activities from 2 months to 5 years, information and resources, and referrals when needed to further support your child’s development.

New this Fall!

“Cake & Friends”

A Birth Month Birthday Party held in the Parent Link Centre Playroom on the 3^rd Friday of every month for all children whose Birthday falls during that month. Please join our Ages and Stages Team for a fun filled afternoon of music, games, face painting, activities, and cake! While you are here, explore the wonders of your child’s development with the assistance of our Ages and Stages Facilitator and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.

Who: All children, under the age of 6, whose Birthday falls during that month.

Where: Chestermere PLC Playroom

When: 3^rd Friday of every month from 1:00 – 3:00

September 16

October 21

November 18

December 9 **New Date**

Services available for...

Early Learning & Childcare Professionals

Include:

Childcare Provider Services

Early Learning and Childcare Provider Network Meetings

Resource Kits for Childcare Providers

Childcare Registry to help Parents connect to those

providing care.

ELCC Provider Link Newsletter

Early Learning and Childcare Conference

Baby Talk

A place where you can ask

questions about your baby,

weigh your baby and meet other parents.

Wednesdays from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Chestermere Municipal Library

Kidz 1st Network is now open 2 nights a week; Tuesday and Wednesday.

Call 403-207-7060 for more details.

Coffee & Chatter

An opportunity to get together with other parents of small children in your

community while sharing information,

accessing resources and providing early

social activities for your infant.

Ages: 0 – 18 months

Cost: FREE

Chestermere PLC

Every Tuesday afternoon all year long from

2:00 – 3:00pm

Drop In Play Time

This 2 hour, unstructured, drop in program offers families and caregivers the opportunity to come and play while having a facilitator present to answer questions and provide support.

Chestermere Parent Link Centre

Every Monday morning from 10:00 - Noon

Every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 – 3:00

FULL- Busy Bodies

Join us for 45 minutes of running, jumping, tumbling and playing!

Toddlers will get to develop gross motor skills while burning off energy and socializing! Fun for parents too!!

Ages: 18 – 36 months

Cost: FREE

Chestermere PLC:

Saturdays Nov 5-Dec 10 9:30-10:30am

Ages: 3-5 years

Cost: FREE

Chestermere PLC:

Saturdays Nov 5-Dec 10 11:00am-12:00pm

Melody Makers

Sing, dance, perform dramatic play, use a variety of instrumetns, and make a musical craft!

Music provides structure, focus, and opportunities for socialization that include: turn taking, listening and following directions for this population.

Ages: 3-6 years

Chestermere Parent Link Centre

Wednesdays November 9^th – December 14^th

9:30 – 11:00 AM

Rural Melody Makers

Ages: 0-6 years

Delacour Community Hall

Tuesdays September 20^th – October 25^th

9:30 – 10:30 AM

Rock-a-Bye-Rhymes

(Nursery Rhymes for New Moms and Babies)

Are you having trouble remembering those nursery rhymes to soothe your child? Would you like to learn new ones? Then you won’t want to miss this program!

Ages: 0 – 18 months

Cost: FREE

Chestermere PLC

Tuesdays, September 20 – December 6th

1:30-2:00

Stay & Play

An unstructured drop-in program for parents/caregivers and children in the Kidz 1st Network Playroom.

Chestermere Parent Link Centre

Tuesday evenings 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Wednesday evenings 4:30 – 8:30 PM

FULL-Tiny Tunez

Join other families as we sing, move, do finger-plays and play instruments. Music can help relaxl, distract, and comfort. Connect and bond with your little ones.

For ages New-born to Pre-walkers.

Chestermere Parent Link Centre

Wednesdays September 21^st – October 26^th

10:30 – 11:15 AM

FULL-Let’s Grow Together

This activity based program provides a resource rich environment in which parents anad children can enjoy activities, games, play centers, crafts and stories together.

Ages: 2-6, Younger siblings are welcome!

Chestermere Parent Link Centre

Thursdays September 22^nd – December 6^th

1:00 – 2:30 PM

FULL- Movers & Shakers

For ages 18 months-30 months (confident walkers to runners)

Take part in active parent/child music sessions that will have everyone 'moving and grooving'. Enhance your child's self-confidence and communication with a creative setting using song, role play, movement, and a variety of instruments.

Chestermere Parent Link Centre

Wednesdays, September 21^st – October 26^th

9:30 – 10:15 AM

Yoga for Children

Enrich your child's sense of well-being, coordination and concentration with a yoga class. With regular participation, yoga for children can help increase mental clarity, emotional stability and relieve physical tension. Join us for 7 weeks of fun and laughter as we enrich the 'whole child' through yoga poses, music, literary and art experiences.

Mini Yoginis (parent assisted)

Ages 2-3 years from 6:30-7:00 p.m.

Age 2-3 years from 7:15-7:45 p.m.

Cancelled- Mighty Yogis

Ages 4-5 years from 7:15-7:45 p.m.

Yogi Bearz- Many Spaces Available

Ages 4-9 years from 8:00-8:30 p.m.

Classes begin November 1st & continue until December 13th, 2011 at the Chestermere Public Library

The PLC playroom will be open upstairs to siblings & parents.

Space is limited

Please call 403-207-7060 to register

REGISTRATION

To register in person:

Go to Community Services Reception at Chestermere Town Hall

105 Marina Road in Chestermere

To register by phone call:

403-207-7060

Due to the popularity of our programs, registration priority will be given to those who have not previously attended the program. Unfortunately, if you are registered for an ongoing program and miss two consecutive weeks without a call, your spot will be given to a family on the waiting list.