Parents and caregivers in Southeast Alberta now have access to more resources, programs and information with the opening of Parent Link Centres in Medicine Hat and Brooks.

In 2004, the Ministry of Children#s Services announced a commitment of $16 million towards creating a network of parent resource centres across the province. These centres will provide parents and their children with the necessary supports to ensure that children come to school ready to learn and that parents have the resources needed to help their children reach their full potential.

Parents will be able to access information, obtain referrals, and meet other parents and children while taking part in quality early learning activities.

In this region, there are two Parent Link Centres:

• Medicine Hat # operated by McMan Community Services. In addition to programs offered within the city, this site will be responsible for providing services to Redcliff, Oyen, Cypress County and County of 40 Mile.
• Brooks # operated by the SPEC Association for Children and Families. In addition to programs within Brooks, this site will provide services to rural areas throughout the County of Newell.

The four core areas of program delivery are:

• Early Learning and Care # a range of interactive, play-based, problem-solving experiences where parents and children can explore art, physical recreation and other activities such as early literacy, numeracy and preschool programs.
• Parent/Caregiver Education # programs that build parents# skills and confidence in providing nurturing environments for their children such as formal and informal workshops, parenting seminars, and early childhood development.
• Family Support # programs designed to help parents identify and develop their strengths so they can direct their children#s development. These could include collective kitchens, toy lending libraries and supportive family counselling.
• Information and Referral # Parent Link Centres provide information that connect parents with programs, tools and resources that will help them raise strong, healthy, well-adjusted children. Specific services will include resource libraries, registries of child care providers, and referrals to community programs and services.

An advisory council consisting of parents, service providers and community members will assist each of the Parent Link Centres in Southeast Alberta.

For more information, please contact the Parent Link Centre in your area:

Brooks: 403-501-5556
Medicine Hat: 403-504-0833