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Baby Time At Vancouver Island Regional Library

Babies start learning from birth. Led by a librarian, Baby Time is a program for parents and their pre-walking babies. Learn rhymes, tickles, songs, and lap bounces. Encourage your baby’s brain development and also enjoy the opportunity to meet other local parents.

Baby Time currently runs in pre-registered sessions at all three local VIRL branches.

Comox Valley Toy Library Society

The toy library is a place where families and caregivers can borrow toys. Our openings are the first and third Saturday of each month from 10-11:30am and the second Wednesday evening from 7:45-8:30 at St. George's United Church.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO BORROWING TOYS?

• It saves money!

• It’s a good way to see if your child likes a toy before buying it.

• It helps cut down on clutter and storage issues.

• It’s good for the environment.

• It’s a chance to try different types of toys as your child grows.

• It’s an excellent rainy day strategy (bringing out something “new” to play with!)

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO JOIN THE TOY LIBRARY?

Memberships to the Comox Library Toy Library Society are $20/year. That fee can be waived, though, if your income is low. You can ask about this when you register. (You may be asked to produce your most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment to verify eligibility or if your family has PLAY booklets from the Comox Valley Regional District Sports and Aquatic Centres, you can show these, instead.)

Dove Creek Play Group

The Dove Creek Playgroup provides an informal, welcoming environment for families and childcare providers with children from the age of 0-6.

The groups take place at the Dove Creek Hall. Families do not need to register nor is there a cost to attend.

Some of the activities and resources offered throughout the month are:

• simple art activities

• books and story time

• circle time activities such as songs, rhymes and basic movements

• information on community resources

• information on child development and behaviour issues

Special guests are invited to share their knowledge and resources with parents and children while offering a fun and engaging place to make new friends, big and small.

Family Circle

Family Circle is presented weekly on Fridays from 10:00am - 12:00pm and incorporates local Aboriginal culture. Interactive programming includes drumming, singing story-telling, and traditional teachings.

Family Storytime At Vancouver Island Regional Library

Drop-in for children of all ages accompanied by a caregiver. Songs, stories, rhymes and other fun!

Friday's Child

The program supports parents and families who face challenges with daily tasks as a result of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and other cognitive or behavioural difficulties. The program provides a safe environment for Aboriginal children and their families who face extraordinary challenges in ordinary situations.

Families participate in confidential talking circles and find support with our highly-trained staff and a supportive community. Transportation and a healthy lunch is provided. The program is free.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group

This group offers support and information resources for grandparents raising grandchildren.

It is co-facilitated by the Child Development Association and the Comox Valley Transition Society but you don’t have to be involved with either of these agencies in order to attend.

Healthy Babies Prenatal Nutrition Program

This group is for pregnant women and new mothers with their babies (up to the age of 6 months) who are looking for extra support during pregnancy and with breastfeeding. Information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, personal wellness and newborn baby care.

There are guest speakers and a Public Health Nurse at each group. Other resources include:

• sharing shelves

• prenatal vitamins

• emergency food hampers

• individual and group support

Transportation is available and a healthy lunch is always provided. Drop-ins welcome!

Hummingbirds Play Group

Hummingbirds operates Monday mornings 10:00am - 12:00pm and provides a healthy breakfast and culturally-based programming for parents and children age 0 to 6. It is a great opportunity to enjoy child-centered play through planned activities and free play with cultural components. Parents can also find out more about parenting and family supports in the Comox Valley.

The Little Village Program

The Little Village Program provides support and networking for families. The program is designed to fill a gap for families to provide support and socialization, while incorporating traditional teachings and current parenting techniques. Suitable for children 0-4+ accompanied by their parents or other family/caregiver members who are an important part of the child’s life.

This group operates as a drop-in playgroup on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00am - 12:00pm.

New Discoveries

The goal of this program is to strengthen families in our community by offering programs that meet the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of parents and their children. Suited for children age 0-5.

Activities including crafting, cooking, summer camps, and learning skills like boundaries.

All of the programs are free, however, space is sometimes limited.

Parents + Tots

This weekly drop-in group is a chance to bring your children 0-5 years of age for crafts, play and a variety of early learning activities.

It is also an opportunity for you to meet with other parents for support and to learn about community resources.

Parent + Peanut

This drop-in group is for parents with children from 0 – 5 years of age.

This is drop-in program for parents and little ones. It is an opportunity for children to meet new friends in a fun and playful environment that encourages growth and learning. Activities may include crafts, games, play stations, songs and stories at the Black Creek Community Centre.

StrongStart (School District #71)

This is a drop-in early learning program for children from newborn – 5 years of age, accompanied by their parent or caregiver.

Children, families and caregivers attending StrongStart centres can expect a play-based environment which includes circle time, art, snack and gym.

Please bring your child's birth certificate or passport when you come to your first Strong Start.

StrongStart centres are located in 7 Comox Valley elementary schools:

Toddler Time

This interactive parent-child support group is for families with children 1 – 2 years of age. It is an opportunity for parents to:

• connect with other parents and caregivers in a supportive, learning environment

• learn more about children’s health, safety, nutrition, growth and development

• access clothing sharing shelves & emergency food hampers

• talk with community guest speakers while the children enjoy crafts, play and a variety of early learning activities

Transportation is available and a healthy lunch is always provided.

If you are attending this group for the first time, please contact the Healthy Families program to pre-register.