Programs
Programs listed below are offered on a need assessment basis, and may not always be available in all communities that we serve every year. Toggle below to see what is currently being offered or check our calendar on the home page. If there is something listed you are particularly interested in, contact us to see if we have upcoming dates planned.
Current Programming
Ages 0 - 5
STAY AND PLAY
Drop in Program
Are you a parent or caregiver looking to get out of the house with your little ones? Join us for our Stay and Play group! This group gives parents a break from their normal routine, become comfortable within their community and allow their children to socialize in a stimulating environment. This is a FREE drop-in program that focuses on building children's literacy, numeracy and social skills. Parents/guardians and children will socialize with others, make crafts, and sing songs & rhymes!
Ages 1 - 5
BIWEEKLY TAKE HOME KITS
Take Home
Created to provide families with suggestions for ways to engage with their children at home. The kits are targeted for children aged one to kindergarten. Each kit is unique as it focuses on a specific activity to aid in the development of your child. Some of the following focuses we have included are:
-
Fine & gross motor skills
-
Colour, letter & number recognition
-
Patterns and symmetry
-
Rhyming
-
Process painting
-
Baking
-
Pretend play
-
Emotions & kindness
-
Opposites
-
Holiday & season themed
There are a limited number of kits made you you MUST reserve a kit each time one is announced. Kits are announced on Facebook, Instagram and email so be sure we have your email on file.
​
To reserve a kit please contact us at aafrc1998@gmail.com or by phone at 204-324-2352.
Ages 0 - 5
POP UP BOOK BAG
Take Home
This is a monthly opportunity for families to receive a FREE book! Included in the bag are some supplies and suggestions for activities to do based on the book included. Watch our Facebook and Instagram posts to know when to sign up. Notification is often given by email so be sure we have your email on file. There are only 10 books available each month, so all interested familes are entered into a draw. Families that are selected will be notified by email and asked to pick up the package from the office.
​
To sign up for a Pop Up Book Bag please contact us aafrc1998@gmail.com or by phone at
204-324-2352
Ages 3 - 5
FAMILY GYM NIGHT Altona and Gretna
Drop in Program
An opportunity for preschool children and their parents to join in an hour of fun physical activity in a local gym (parent participation is required). The goal is to provide an outlet for physical activity for preschoolers in the winter as well as to help parents become aware of the activities that are important to healthy development of an active child and the practical things they can do to provide those outlets.
Programs We Have Offered in the Past
Ages 2 - 5
GROWING UP GREEN
Requires Registration
This outdoor program uses nature as a learning tool and encourages parents and their preschool children to go outside and explore. Early learning experiences in nature are essential for a child's optimal development, health, and well-being. Through outdoor play, rhymes & books, families will experience the joys of learning, while fostering their connection to nature & furthering their knowledge of good environmental practices. The parents and children are together the whole time that the program runs.
Ages 0 - 5
TODDLER SHENANIGANS
Requires Registration
This program will provide parents and their children an opportunity to explore and experience the world through messy play. Messy play allows our children to use and develop their five senses, and to further develop their natural inquiry skills. The program will allow parents an opportunity to share quality time with their children in an open-ended manner and uncontrolled environment.
Ages 4 - 5
PRESCHOOL FAIR
Drop In
Offers interactive hands-on activities for parents and children to enjoy together. The Fair is for parents and their children who will be entering kindergarten in the following couple of years. Be prepared for 1 - 1 1/2 hours of playing and learning with your child. There is no childcare available so please make other arrangements for other children. This is a come and go event taking place at the various schools in our area. Sometimes school bus rides are also available.
Ages 4 - 5
JOURNEY TO KINDERGARTEN
Registration Required
Opportunities for exposing children to beginning number concepts are everywhere. From our homes to the grocery store, there are objects to count, measure, estimate and divide. Parents & caregivers can help make math fun with simple games, rhymes & stories. This program will focus on some very basic math outcomes that will prepare preschoolers for kindergarten and the concepts that follow! During the entire program there are parent-child interactions. This program is for children who will be attending kindergarten in the fall.
​
Childcare is available for younger siblings.
Ages 2 - 5
ROCK AND READ
Registration Required
A literacy program that introduces families to a variety of books. Each week parents and children enjoy songs, rhymes, book sharing and stories. Children have fun with play centers and art activities related to the themes explored each week. Parents explore ways to encourage a love of books and reading in their young children. Each parent creates a special board book to give to their child.
Ages 2 - 5
ALPHABET SOUP
Requires Registration
A fun, family-friendly experience for parents and preschool children. Together parents and children enjoy food-related songs, rhymes and books. Parents create games for their child while discussing ideas which encourage healthy eating habits for families. A highlight of this program is the parent and child snack time where each week they share and explore a new food idea together. This program brings together the goals of encouraging a love of language and books and expanding children's healthy eating experiences while providing parents with new food ideas and information.
Ages 2 - 5
SHAKE, RATTLE and ROLL
Requires Registration
This is a parent/child physical activity program encouraging early movement and co-ordination using songs, bean bags, balls, etc.
​
Childcare is available for younger siblings.
Ages 2 - 5
MINDFUL MUNCHKINS
Requires Registration
A program geared toward identifying emotions and how to manage them. So often we forget that our little ones do not have the language to express how they are feeling, so they use actions instead. This program teaches children about various emotions, self-regulation, problem solving skills, positive self-esteem and empathy. All of this takes place while developing strong and positive parent-child relationships.