The Altona and Area Family Resource Centre (AAFRC) is excited to launch another fall season, filled with fun ways to support families and preschoolers.
“We have so many exciting things already starting and coming up and I hope many of you can join us with your little ones,” says director Nina Edbom-Kehler. “We’re looking forward to connecting with everyone again.”
The AAFRC will once again be hosting their weekly Stay & Play drop-in programs in Altona, Gretna, and Rosenfeld. The Altona group began on Sept. 12.
“It was really nice to hear all the little kids in the playroom downstairs, and it’s exciting to have them back in the building,” Edbom-Kehler says. “And there’s a lot of new faces. I think to start with, we had eight families, and I think there were 10 or 12 kids. So that was really exciting. For the other two communities, we like to give the schools a week or so before we come in, so Rosenfeld starts on Sept. 20 with Gretna to follow on Sept. 21.”
No registration is required for these programs. Just drop in and participate.
“With this program, we concentrate on socialization. There are centres with toys set up with different developmental levels, from Lego or dress up clothes. There’s often a craft table where they can cut or colour things, or a product they can create. We’re also bringing a snack back. Some of the kids that are there from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. might be getting a little hungry. We usually tie up the end with a story book or songs.”
A new program this year is Toddler Shenanigans on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Altona Park, with some great activities planned.
“This one will run into October. It’s more about messy play exploration, so some parents are a little leery about bringing all that messiness into their house. So come out with your kids, and we’ll do all the clean up. Our Altona facilitator Lisa Hiebert Penner will be there to help with all the fun.”
Email the AAFRC (aafrc1998@gmail.com) to register for this program with the names and ages of the children you will be bringing with you, to ensure supplies last.
Once again, take home kits are available. The first one was released on Sept 14. Supplies are limited, so families need to register for them.
“Those are bi-weekly, so send us an email for how many kids you have at home who are under five.”
Another favourite they are continuing to give away is their PUBB – pop up book bag. Simply send an email stating that you would like to receive a kit (one per family), then a draw will be made as there are only 10 to give away each month.
“They’re meant to create that early bonding and creative thinking. Especially for first time parents, how do you know how to play with your children? So, we encourage interaction with each of these kits, with an information letter to parents, offering suggestions on how to do them together with their child, and how to adapt the activities to any age group. So yes, they’re meant to provide activities and independent learning and play, but they’re also to help with your parenting, so that your child develops the way they’re supposed to. You can learn so much by watching how your child plays.”
Edbom-Kehler adds, “We had as much as 18 families receiving them last year. These are free thanks to grants, such as Literacy for Life from the Winnipeg Foundation. The Healthy Child Coalition, Southern Health, corporate and municipal donations, and the community at large also help us keep running these programs.”
Promoting healthy families is at the core of all their programs, she says.
“When you have a healthy family, you have a healthy child, which leads to a healthy community as well. It’s such a continuous circle. And starting early is the best place to start. It’s harder to unlearn things than to learn them.”
She wants families to continue to make use of their programs, knowing that they are there for every preschooler.
“We have many other fun things planned, so be sure to watch our social media and keep an eye on our calendar on the website to make sure you do not miss anything. Or if you have suggestions on things you would like to see, please let us know.”
