Parenting Resources

Autism BC - Comox Valley Family Support Group

This group supports families in our community who have children on the autism spectrum.

There is no prerequisite to join and no diagnosis is necessary – only the need for support and a desire to connect with other families.

The meetings are held at the Comox Valley Child Development Association the first Thursday of every month @ 7:00 pm.

Community Action Program For Children (CAPC)

This drop-in group is for families with children 2-5 years of age, but younger siblings, including babies, are also welcome! It is part of the Healthy Families program, offered through Comox Valley Family Services Association.

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.

Early Years Wellness Program

The Early Years Wellness Program helps families to encourage good mental health and wellness in their children. The program supports parent-child relationships while providing positive parenting tools.

THIS PROGRAM MAY ASSIST IF YOUR CHILD:

• Is between 0-6 years old

• Has difficulty eating or sleeping

• Avoids being held by, or playing with adults

• Shows big feelings like extreme anger, frustration, or excitement

• Takes a long time to calm down

• Has difficulty following instructions

HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM HELP?

• Work together to learn about secure attachment

• Help strengthen the relationship between you and your child

• Add to your parenting toolbox

• Help you tackle everyday challenges

  be a part of your team with other service providers

The Early Years Wellness Program services are voluntary and free of charge.

Fetal Alchohol Spectrum Disorder Key Worker Program

This program assists families with children age 0-19 to understand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

What does a Key Worker do?

• provide education and information to the child and family, specific to their needs

• assist families in accessing support, health and education services in the community

• provide emotional and practical support to families

• build on each family’s strengths and empower them to become the best advocate for their child

• support families who are going through the process of a formal assessment for their child

How does a family get referred to this program?

• Parents may self-refer without an assessment or at any point during the assessment process.

Although based at the Wachiay Friendship Center, Aboriginal ancestry is not required for this program.

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!

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.

Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program

The Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program  is designed for parents who might be in particularly stressful situations, such as being a single parent, having a low income or feeling isolated.

The program provides parents of children from birth to age 5 with:

• A safe place to build on their parenting skills

• An opportunity to learn new skills and concepts

• A place to interact with other parents who have children the same age

In the Comox Valley, Nobody’s Perfect parenting groups are offered at various times throughout the year.

Pacificcare

This program provides access to information, workshops and other services that can help you ensure quality care for your child.

SERVICES FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES

• Child care referrals

• Access and assistance with the affordable childcare benefit

• Lending libraries, workshops and training

• Computer and phone access

• Support in pursuing a career in childcare

• Drop-in playgroups

• Workshops

Triple P Parenting

Triple P is a Positive Parenting Program that promotes good communication and strong relationships between parents and children.

The Comox Valley Transition Society coordinates the Triple P Program for the Comox Valley, working in cooperation with other community agencies including Public Health, Comox Valley Boys and Girls Club and the Salvation Army.

Valley Families

A time to celebrate with children and their families! Kids grab your family members and join us each month for various activities throughout the community.

Young Parent Program

The young parent program supports education, childcare, social and health needs of expectant and parenting students in the Comox Valley.

This program is accessible to all families including those completing high school or college education, employed and/or families needing assistance through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.