Vision

That every child has opportunities to thrive in a safe supported nurturing environment resulting in healthy outcomes.

Mission Statement

FRFP is committed to creating collaborative partnerships and relationships within the community while building capacity and quality in child care programs. Through education, support and resources we guide, empower and strengthen child care programs and their families resulting in quality care for children.

History

In 2002 Executive Directors from several Child Care Programs in Calgary began to meet and address shared concerns about the increased stress and demands being placed on Calgary families. 

The increased pressure on families also placed increased demands on Directors and early childhood educators to offer extended parental support and to make referrals to outside agencies.

In early 2003, the Family Resource Facilitation Program was launched to build a support network for children, families and early childhood educators in participating child care programs in Calgary.

Program Description

The Family Resource Facilitation Program was developed to provide additional support to families and staff members at participating child care programs.  Resource Facilitators work in partnership with participating programs on identified areas for growth and mutually establish goals.  The goals are created from a Needs Assessment Questionnaire which is completed during our initial meeting with the program.  Some areas that programs might identify as a need for enhanced support include: staff/child interactions, building partnerships with families, play spaces, supervision, screening children, community connections, basic needs for families, child development, program planning etc. 

Our goal is to work at building capacity within our child care programs so staff are knowledgeable and feel confident in accessing resources and supports for their program and families. 

On-site Goal Specific Support

When programs have identified goals and are working in partnership with FRFP, Facilitators schedule on-site meetings and site visits to assist the program to meet their goals. When programs have completed their goals with no new goals established they would no longer receive on-site support; however, programs will have opportunities to contact FRFP for brief or urgent consultation if needed. 

Workshops/Special Events

Resource Facilitators develop and implement many workshops for staff and families when working on program goals.  The workshops are delivered on-site at the child care programs.  We also host many parent/child activities and special events at the program in order to build strong relationships with the families.  FRFP has also been requested several times to exhibit workshops and presentations to the larger community (Mount Royal University ECE Students, 0-12 Conference, Alberta Family Childcare Association etc.)

Referral Service

FRFP has connected with many agencies to insure the needs of our families are being met.  Families can access FRFP to receive a referral to: Inter-faith Food Bank, Community Kitchens, Calgary Housing, Red Cross, Momentum Program, Counseling Services, Legal Aid, and the Women’s Centre etc. At times referrals go beyond information and more supportive referrals are needed.  We are continuously empowering and guiding families to self-refer to agencies and educating program staff on the referral process to support their families.

One-on-one Consultation

Parents and child care staff can make an appointment anytime throughout the week for a one-on-one meeting with a Resource Facilitator.  Parents may need someone talk to about their current situation and do not know where to go for services and resources.  Many families in Calgary do not have a support network and appreciate having someone to talk to about life’s challenges.  We also educate and role model for program staff on building relationships and consulting with families.

Information/Resources

FRFP has a book lending library consisting of over 1,500 books for child care staff and parents to borrow.  Each program has a designated parent bulletin board where information is posted for staff and families.

Adopt a Family

Every Christmas FRFP supports families in need with Christmas Hampers.  Stockings are hung on FRFP bulletin boards with wish list items and families and child care staff wanting to support families in need bring in donations.  Last year we were able to put together 162 hampers for our families in need!