Parenting Resources
Looking for parenting programs, services and support? Read on for all sorts of resources for your kids under 6 and your family.
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.
Get In Touch
Contact: Sandra Allen
Phone: 250-338-9906
Email: valleyfamilies@cvllc.ca
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
Get In Touch
Phone: 250-338-4288
Location: Child Development Association, 237 3rd Street, Courtenay (map)
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.
Get In Touch
Phone: 250-871-7577
Location: Courtenay Elementary, Multipurpose Room, 1540 McPhee Ave, Courtenay (map)
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.
Get In Touch
Contact: Amanda Flentjar
Phone: 250-338-4288
Email: comoxvalleyautismparentgroup@gmail.com
Location: Child Development Association, 237 3rd Street, Courtenay (map)
Fetal Alcohol 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.
Get In Touch
Contact: Allison
Phone: 250-338-7793, extension 224
Email: allison@wachiay.com
Location: Wachiay Friendship Centre, 1625 McPhee Ave, Courtenay (map)
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.
Get In Touch
Contact: Kathy Cruickshank
Phone: 250-338-4288, extension 230
Location: Comox Valley Child Development Association (map)
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!
Get In Touch
Phone: 250-871-7577
Location: Comox Valley Family Services Association, 1415 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay (map)
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.
Get In Touch
Contact: Brandi
Phone: 250-338-8221
Email: Brandi.Lucas@salvationarmy.ca
Location: Salvation Army Church, 1580 Fitzgerald Street, Courtenay (map)
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.
Get In Touch
Phone: 250-871-7575
Email: comoxvalley.nobodysperfect@gmail.com
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.
Get In Touch
Phone: 250-338-4288
Comox Valley Child Development Association
237 3rd St. Courtenay BC V9N 1E1
Triple P Parenting Program
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.
Get In Touch
Phone: 250-897-0511, extension 30
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.
Get In Touch
Contact: Danielle
Phone: 250-338-8445
Email: ypp@tntls.com
Location: Today n’ Tomorrow Learning Society, 4830 Headquarters Road (next to Vanier Secondary), Courtenay (map)