SUPPORT GROUPS / DROP IN’S / PRE-NATAL CLASSES

SPARK Program
Research shows that from birth to age five a child learns at a rate that is unmatched the rest of his or her life. SPARK! is a research project that offers classes for parents who have children from birth to age five. It is funded by School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) and is based on the “Ready! for Kindergarten” program. This program provides research-based, practical ideas in order to help parents encourage their child’s interest in learning. Contact 604-885-6787 to register or visit http://www.sd46.bc.ca/spark for more information.

Strong Start Centres
This program is designed to work in partnership with parents, their children, trained and certified Early Childhood Educators, School District No. 46 and Community partners. Your child will feel free to explore and play in an environment that is friendly, safe and inspiring! You will get to share in the excitement and successes of your child’s early learning experiences! Contact Kristen Deasey 604-740-7949 or kdeasey@sd46.b.c.a for more information.

Program runs everyday of the regular school calendar

Gibsons StrongStart - Gibsons Elementary School 10am-1pm

Roberts Creek StrongStart - Roberts Creek Elementary School 9am-noon

Sechelt StrongStart - Sechelt Elementary School 10:15-1:15

Halfmoon Bay StrongStart - Halfmoon Bay Community School 9:30-12:30

Maderia Park - 10:30-1:30

Halfmoon Bay Roots Program Drop-In
Monday and Wednesday at 9:30am at the POD at the Halfmoon Bay Community School

Sunshine Coast Community Services Society
Visit http://www.sccss.ca for more information

Parent-Tot Drop-In
Over 350 families visit Parent-Tot Drop-In at one of its six neighbourhood locations: Gibsons Family Place, Roberts Creek Rainbow Preschool, St Hilda’s Church and Community Services in Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay Community School and at Pender Harbour Serendipity Child Development Centre. This popular morning program gives parents and caregivers the chance to take a break with their youngsters and connect with other parents and Drop-In staff to share the challenges of raising children. Resources and referral on all aspects of child and family development are available. Babies and pre-school children enjoy the many different activities offered in this busy, colorful and fun-filled setting.

In Gibsons: STARTS Wednesday September 16th
Gibsons Community Centre Wednesday through Saturday 9:30–11:30 a.m
700 Park Road, Gibsons

NEW!! In Sechelt: STARTS Saturday October 3rd
Sunshine Coast Community Services Saturdays 9:30 – 11:30
5638 Inlet Avenue, Sechelt

In Pender Harbour: STARTS Wednesday September 16th
Serendipity Child Development Centre Wednesdays 9:30–11:30 a.m.
12952 Madeira Park Road, Madeira Park

Infant Development Program
The playgroup meets on Thursdays from 10:00-12:00 at Community Services. The Program serves families of children 0-3 with developmental challenges or delays. It offers supports such as: home visits, assessments, toy and resource library, infant massage training, and play group. For more information contact 604-885-5881.

Well Baby Clinic and Drop-In
Parent support group and social time for new parents. Baby scales are available to weigh your baby and there is access to a Public Health Nurse.

Gibsons Health Unit Tues 1:00-3:30 pm 604-886-5600
Sechelt Health Unit Wed 1:00-3:30 pm 604-885-5164
Pender Health Unit Tues 9:30-11:00 am 604-883-2764

Success by Six
Community Services, the community, the Sunshine Coast Credit Union, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and United Way are partners in Success by Six. Its goal is to improve services that help families provide the nurturing, stimulation and nutrition essential in their children's early formative years. Contact Heather Evans, Program Director 604-885-5881 ext 225 for more information.

Bellies and Babies (Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program)
This is a client led program for pregnant women and new moms. It is a place where moms can meet other moms, and broaden their access to other community resources. Programs include a hot lunch group, cooking and nutritional information for a healthy pregnancy, support for breastfeeding and baby’s first foods, clothing swaps, resource sharing, and one to one support.

Meeting Times:
Mondays 11 - 1 p.m.
Free Hot Lunch
Gibsons Family Place, 464 South Fletcher
Next to Gibsons Public Library

Tuesdays 11-1 p.m.
Free Hot Lunch, pregnancy, and new parenting resources
Community Services Children's Room
5638 Inlet Ave, Sechelt
Beside Capilano College

Contact Kim Oka 604-885-5881 ext. 227 or kimokacpnp@dccnet.ca for more information.

Mama 2 Mama
Mama 2 Mama is for mamas, by mamas and about mamas. Our goal is to offer support and information to women (and their families) during the postpartum period. Our goal is also to create greater awareness about what the postpartum period is really like. Our mission is to raise awareness about the postpartum experience and to support all postpartum mothers to discover their own unique paths to balance and well-being. Contact Sarah Pond 604-740-8381 or sarah@mamalove.org for more information or click here.

Just for Mums -1st Thursday of Every Month 10am-noon

Just for Mums is a new group for women who have recently given birth, or are expecting a baby, to meet in a warm, supportive and informative environment. There is no cost to participate. This ongoing group meets the first Thursday of every month 10am - 12pm at the Community Resource Centre, 5520 Trail Ave.

Sechelt. For more information and to register call 604-885-4088 or email admin@communityresourcecentre.info

Nobody's Perfect
This is a six week educational program where parents of young children can get together to learn new skills, and discover that they're not alone when it comes to feeling nervous about being a parent. Contact Heather Evans, Program Director 604-885-5881 ext 225 for more information.

La Leche League
To encourage, promote and provide mother-to-mother breast feeding support and educational opportunities as an important contribution to the health of children, families and society. La Leche League Leaders operate more than 200 La Leche League Canada Groups in communities across the country. Each Group holds monthly meetings where Leaders facilitate informal, guided discussions. During these discussions mothers receive accurate, up-to-date and personalized breastfeeding information and support for their role as a breastfeeding parent. In addition, mothers are able to draw on the experience of other mothers who attend. LLLC Leaders also offer telephone help to nursing and pregnant women who call seeking breastfeeding information. To find the La Leche League Canada Group in your area, click on one of the links below. The Sunshine Coast Chatper meets monthly
Visithttp://groups.lllc.ca/view.php?area=British+Columbia%2FYukon&group=Sunshine+Coast for meeting times. Visit http://www.lllc.ca/index.php for more information on the La Leche League.

Sunshine Coast Birthing and Beyond Prenatal Classes
Prenatal Education Programs are designed to provide parents-to-be with the information needed for a healthy pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. Don't let cost stop you from attending. When registering, ask for the fee bursary. Pay what you can afford and the bursary will cover the rest of the fee. Classes are taught by health professionals who are trained and experienced in childbirth education. You will learn about:

changes to your body
exercise and fitness
preparing for labour and delivery
parenting skills
preparing yourself and your home for the newborn
foods to eat
what to expect at the hospital
breastfeeding
hospital tour
Cost of Classes - $70 (includes 2 people) Subsides available
Number of classes – 7 including a hospital tour
Best tiem to start classes – In your 30th to 32nd week of pregnancy

To register for classes:
Gibsons Health Unit – 604-886-5600
Sechelt Health Unit – 604-885-5164