Family Programs & Services
Parkgate Child and Family Resource Centre
"Sharing, caring and learning together through play." The Child and Family Resource Centre (FRC) creates a variety of opportunities for your child to learn and grow in a creative, play-based environment. The FRC is a friendly place where parents/care providers and their young children can come to grow, to share, and to learn together. The FRC offers a continuum of services and programs designed to meet the needs of today's families. The FRC connects families and supports family life. Most programs are free unless a fee appears in the course description.
Breastfeeding Support
North-wing Multi-purpose Room - C11
Wednesday - 1:00-2:00 pm
No charge
Immunization Clinics
Vaccinations for families with infants, toddlers, preschool and school age children.
By appointment - contact: Vancouver Coastal Health at 604-983-6863 for appointment times.
Parent and Infant Group
North Wing Multi-Purpose Room - C11 (2nd floor multipurpose room - R125 during July and August)
Wednesday - 2:00-3:00 pm
No Charge
Parents of infants can meet others and join in on facilitated discussions on topics such as "child care options", "challenges of toddler behaviour", "infant oral health", and "introducing solids". Guest speakers will allow for lots of questions. This is immediately followed by the "Breastfeeding and Infant Drop-In". from 1:00-2:00pm.
Childminding (September to June only)
Welcome to a fun morning drop-in program that includes circle time, free play, songs, games, stories and crafts especially chosen for busy preschoolers. A great program for your child while you take advantage of our fitness facilities, the library, the internet cafe or attending a class. Children must be 22 months old and no older than attending Kindergarten. Parents must stay on site to assist with diaper or pull-up changes. Please send a nutritious snack and drink with your child. (Geeta L.)
Please note: this program has a maximum of 8 children. Spaces can not be reserved. Drop-in tickets maybe purchased 20 minutes before the program starts.
Infant Massage (September to June only)
Widely practiced in many countries and part of baby care traditions passed from parent to child for generations. Massage helps baby to relax, assists in relieving fussy, gassy and colicky discomforts, enhances physical and mental development, and helps a baby to develop longer sleep patterns.
Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (September to June only)
This six-week course provides parents with children 0-6 years, with windows into their child's world by teaching an understanding of child development; how to build good self-esteem; motives behind bewildering behaviour; how to set limits and give choices; using consequences (Gilliam A-M). Free on-site childminding. $75 individual/$130 couple. Contact Tamara Piekaar at 604-983-6365. to be put on the list for upcoming classes.
Parent Community Developers
The Parent Community Developer project is designed around the goal of "empowering families with young children, to identify and build upon their capacities". PCD's get involved in community events, neighbourhood mobilization around community issues, community resource sharing and networking. PCD's are available through voicemail by calling 604-983-6444 mailbox #849. PCDs work in two communities in the Seymour area: Maplewood and Lynnmour. Maplewood PCD's: Mira Borejszo, Alicia Todhunter. Lynnmour PCD's: April Accola, Mariam Esmail. For more information about the PCD Program, please call Parkgate Community Centre at 604-983-6350.
Seymour Family Place (September to June only)
Upstairs at the Seymour Youth Centre, 949 Lytton Street (located inbetween Ice Sports North Shore and Ron Andrews recCentre)
A friendly place where parents and care providers can come with their children to play and socialize. Some gross motor play in the small gym. Some facilitated sessions with community resource people that focus on learning positive guidance and discipline techniques; understanding the importance of providing boundaries and setting limits; raising kind and caring children; and nurturing and fostering the needs of self. Small snack provided for children; please bring a piece of fruit to share. Coffee and tea provided. (Sharon L.).
Parkgate Playgroup (September to June only)
A time for parents, care providers, babies and children to come together in a relaxed environment and socialize. No child is ever too young for a Playgroup experience. Babies benefit from developing sensory, social and communication skills. Parents and care providers can relax and play with their children in a friendly environment. Please bring a piece of fruit or another nutritious item to share with the group and your child's own drink. Coffee and tea provided (Annelis W.).
Lynnmour Family Drop-In (September to June only)
Address: Lynnmour-Jaycee House- 1251 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver
Come by from 9:15-11:15 am at the Lynnmour-Jaycee House (top of Lillooet Road just above the Purcell Way intersection) on Wednesdays for a Playgroup session in your neighbourhood. Meet with other parents, share circle time, or take a break while your child plays with others. Community Health Nurses and IDP Consultants regularly attend - come with your questions. Everyone welcome. No cost, please bring a snack and a drink for your child. Coffee and tea provided (Barbara L., Annelis W.)
Parenting Seminars
None at this time.
Events for Families with young children
Christmas Party - November 29, 2008 - click here for more information
Parent-Child Mother Goose (September to June only)
A group experience for parents and their babies and young children, focusing on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together. Parents gain skills and confidence, which can enable them to create new and positive family patterns during their children's crucial early years.
Thank you for your interest in Mother Goose at Parkgate. Unfortunately Parkgate will not be offering this program in the Fall but will resume offering Mother Goose in January 2009. Until then you may find Mother Goose programs offered through the following organizations:
John Braithwaite Community Centre (604) 982-8300
145 West 1st Street
North Vancouver
One block west of Lonsdale Avenue on West 1st Street
North Shore Community Resources (604) 985-7138
Suite 201 - 935 Marine Drive
North Vancouver
Located in Capilano Mall
Family Services of the North Shore (604) 988-5281
Suite 101 - 255 West 1st Street
North Vancouver
Other health related programs and services include pre-natal classes, lactation consultation and referrals. Contact the Parkgate Community Health Centre @ 604-904-6450 for more information.
For more information about the Family Resource Centre, please visit Parkgate Community Centre or call 604-983-6350