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 for newcomer children aged birth to five and their parents or caregivers. More than just a kids’ play-based drop-in, the free program focuses on the health and wellbeing of the whole family to ensure the best start in life for newcomer chidlren.
What can you expect with Family First?
- Family drop-in program
- Play-based early childhood education
- Parenting workshops
- Nutrition, health and wellness support
- Crisis counselling
- Father’s groups
- Middle years activities for the 6-12 year old siblings
- Home-visiting service
- Outreach service
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
The project serves 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 childrenprograms@dcrs.ca or download our referral form.