Family First Early Years Program
Family First Early Years Program
An early years program for refugees and other newcomers that focuses on the wellbeing of the whole family
DIVERSEcity’s Family First Early Years Program is an early years program with heart! It supports the healthy development of refugee and newcomer children from birth to five years old, along with their older siblings and parents or caregivers.
More than just a kids’ play-based drop-in, the free program focuses on the wellbeing and connection of the whole family to grow and thrive together in Canada.
What to expect at Family First?
- Family drop-in time in Surrey
- Play-based early childhood education with games, reading, cooking, music and other activities
- Parenting workshops and information
- Nutrition, health and wellness support
- Middle years activities for the 6-12 year old siblings
- Crisis counselling
- Home-visiting service
- Outreach services to connect families to resources at DIVERSEcity and in the community
- Opportunity to make new friends and build community with other families
Overcoming trauma together
Family First works to minimize the impact of trauma and the refugee experience on the growth and development of children and their caregivers through informational and experiential sessions on parenting in the Canadian context, navigating Canadian systems, and health and wellness.
Children and their caregivers are provided opportunities to engage in play-based activities to support all areas of healthy early childhood development.
Outreach services are provided to connect families to mainstream services including recreation centres, Strong Start programs, family resource programs, food banks, libraries, newcomer settlement services and more.
Who’s eligible for Family First Early Years Program at DIVERSEcity?
Government assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees and other vulnerable newcomers may be eligible.
Family First Locations
We serve families from two sites: DIVERSEcity’s Early Years Centre in Newton and a “Hand in Hand” site at Umoja Operation Compassion Society.
For more information, please call 604-547-2003, email childrensprograms@dcrs.ca or download our referral form.