I AM GROWING UP Community Resource Guide

1 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide I Am Growing Up: Lacombe County Community Resource Guide

Published by Lacombe County Early Childhood Development Coalition 4 ...... Lacombe County Early Childhood Development Coalition I Am Growing Up Text & Concept Jeff A. Johnson 5 ...... Developmental Skills Developmental Description 8 ...... Three - Nine Months Adapted from Early Child Development Mapping Project. (2014). How are our young children doing? Community 10 Twelve - Eighteen Months profiles of early childhood development in ...... , AB: ECMap, Community University Two - Three Years Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth and Families, 12 . . . . . University of Alberta. 13 . . . . . Three - Four Years Parents & Caregivers Role & Developmental Areas Age Specific Milestones 14 . . . . . Four - Five Years Adapted from: Alberta Health Services (2013). ‘Healthy Parents, Healthy Children: The Early Years’ Alberta. 15 . . . . . Five & Beyond

Photography 16 ...... Alix Community Resources Photos submitted by Lacombe County Families 17 . . . . . Bentley Community Resources Community Guide Concept Camrose & Area Early Childhood Development Coalition 18 . . . . . Community Resources Layout & Design 21 . . . . . Clive Community Resources uc communications www.uccommunications.com 22 . . . . . Community Resources 24 . . . . . Lacombe Community Resources

2 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 3 The first five years of a child’s life are the Lacombe County Early Childhood most critical period in development and Development Coalition have a lifelong impact on learning, health, Through the Early Childhood Development Mapping Project (ECMap) with the help of seed grant funding work, relationships, and well-being. provided by Alberta Education, coalitions were formed By five years old a child should show age-appropriate across Alberta. Coalitions are groups of individuals knowledge and behaviours in the following five areas of who have come together to plan and promote development: community-based supports for young children and families. Your local coalition is the Lacombe County 1. Physical Health & Wellbeing Early Childhood Development Coalition. 2. Social Competence 3. Emotional Maturity Our Mission 4. Communication Skills & General Knowledge The Lacombe County Early Childhood Development 5. Language & Thinking Skills Coalition aims to strengthen our County’s ability to make positive early childhood development a reality for every child in the County.

Our Goals • Provide current information on early childhood development in Lacombe County These include: • Fine and gross motor skills (can hold a pen, crayons • Promote understanding of how children’s early years impact lifelong development and make or brush, can climb stairs, etc.) informed decisions • Independence in looking after own needs (able to go • Provide credible information on early childhood development to communities throughout to the washroom most of the time) Lacombe County to support local planning and action • Physically prepared for school (dressed appropriately, well nourished and rested) • Advance early childhood development research and knowledge • Able to sustain energy levels throughout the day

For more information please contact your local FCSS office or Neighbourhood Place. What you can do as your child grows: • Provide supervised tummy time to help strengthen PHYSICAL baby’s neck, back, upper trunk and arms • Provide a variety of healthy foods for meals and snacks HEALTH & • Ensure your child has adequate sleep and encourage good sleeping habits by keeping a regular sleep routine WELLBEING in a darkened, quiet place • Provide plenty of outside play and activity such as walking, bike riding, etc. • Encourage fine motor activities such as reaching, grasping, beading, drawing and cutting

4 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 5 These relate to general communications skills and These include: knowledge, including: • Plays and gets along with other children • Ability to communicate needs and wants in socially appropriate ways • Able to follow rules and instructions • Ability to tell stories • Able to follow routines • Can say words clearly • Accepts responsibility for actions • Age-appropriate knowledge about life and the world • Shows respect for others COMMUNICATION • Ability to take part in imaginative play What you can do as your child grows: What you can do as your child grows: • Hold your baby close and provide skin-to-skin contact SKILLS & • It is important to respond to your crying baby. Her cries • Provide a safe environment so your child can explore are her way to communicate she needs something • Work on establishing a routine for sleeping, feeding, GENERAL • Talk to your baby; describe what you’re doing and SOCIAL and playtime name familiar objects • Reply when your baby babbles to encourage her to • Play turn taking games such as peek-a-boo, and take a turn to communicate ensure turn taking by saying “my turn” and “your turn” KNOWLEDGE COMPETENCE • Praise your child’s attempts to speak and repeat the • Provide opportunities for your child to be with other word correctly when pronounced incorrectly children • Take time to talk to you child and ask open-ended questions that start with who, what or where

These include: These relate to early academic skills, including: • Able to deal with feelings at an age-appropriate level • An interest in reading, writing and language-related activities • Able to separate from parent/guardian • Age-appropriate reading, writing and counting skills • Not too fearful or impulsive • Recognition of shapes, sizes and colours • Able to focus • Can easily remember things What you can do as your child grows: What you can do as your child grows: • Get close and make eye contact with your child when you feed, talk, sing and read to her • Read to your child every day. Name the objects you see in books and in their environment • Help baby self soothe by offering a pacifier and providing a comforting environment LANGUAGE & • Provide quiet opportunities for play without interruptions • Provide age-appropriate toys such as ring stack, EMOTIONAL • Name your child’s feelings so she learns the words THINKING nesting cups, farm animals, puzzles, blocks, etc. • Creating art allows children to express themselves. • Provide only one or two toys at a time. Alternate them Provide clay, paints and building materials. These several times a day MATURITY items can be used to re-create things they experience SKILLS • Limit screen time (time spent with TVs, computers) • Maintain consistent expectations for your child’s • Less than 1 hour per day for children 2 - 4 years behaviour and tell them in advance about changes in their routine or when you are going somewhere • Less than 2 hours per day for older children

6 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 7 I AM NEW 3 Months 6 Months 9 Months Recognizes and prefers Smiles and approaches Enjoys turn-taking games reflection in mirror such as peek-a-boo (nurture me) PHYSICAL familiar faces and voices HEALTH & WELLBEING

Makes pleasure sounds, Responds to own name Responds to simple coos, giggles verbal requests; waves SOCIAL bye-bye COMPETENCE

Cries to signal needs Says “mama” and “dada” Babbles a lot; imitates non-specifically sounds and actions EMOTIONAL MATURITY

Generally quiets when Seeks comfort when Starts to read emotions COMMUNICATION comforted; may not stop upset of others SKILLS & GENERAL crying at times KNOWLEDGE

I’m a bundle of potential and need. Kicks, grabs and sucks; Sits up with support, Rolls and crawls based on reflexes then independently I’m a consumer of information: LANGUAGE & I watch, listen, touch, taste, and smell. THINKING SKILLS I’m a busy brain driven to learn. I’m a scientist and problem solver. I’m hope and joy personified. 8 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 9 12 Months 18 Months

Plays purposefully with toys Finds it hard to share “mine” PHYSICAL I HEALTH & WELLBEING

AM Likes to stack, nest, and put Points to pictures when things into containers named SOCIAL 1 COMPETENCE Uses one to three words and Uses voice in conjunction expressions like “uh oh” with pointing and gesturing EMOTIONAL MATURITY

May show fear or anxiety Explores from secure base COMMUNICATION over new people and of parent or caregiver SKILLS & GENERAL situations I’m a curious, observant, energetic, KNOWLEDGE

determined, focused, and sometimes stubborn scientist. I’m a natural-born learner, all-the-time explorer of stuff ... an insatiable consumer of Pulls to stand; walks Likes to ride on toys; runs sensory experiences. holding furniture LANGUAGE & I’m a highly evolved and THINKING SKILLS very capable future adult, eager to engage the world.

10 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 11 2 -3 Years 3 -4 Years

Begins to share and take Begins to engage in pretend PHYSICAL PHYSICAL turns HEALTH & play HEALTH & WELLBEING WELLBEING

Able to sort objects by Able to complete a four- colour and size piece puzzle SOCIAL SOCIAL COMPETENCE COMPETENCE

Uses two to three word Uses long sentences and sentences detailed stories EMOTIONAL EMOTIONAL I AM 2 MATURITY I AM 3 MATURITY (don’t underestimate me) LET ME PLAY COMMUNICATION Has poor impulse control; COMMUNICATION Able to identify and name SKILLS & tests parental limits (trust me, I’m learning) SKILLS & own feelings It’s not easy. I’m realizing the world GENERAL GENERAL no longer revolves around me like KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGE it did when I was younger. I am not built to sit still, keep my Still, life’s not so terrible. hands to myself, take turns, be It’s just a bit complex and patient, stand in line, or keep quiet. overwhelming at times. I need motion. Walks upstairs alternating I’m trying to understand the world Jumps; catches a large ball feet; able to put beads on I need novelty. a string and my curiosity and drive LANGUAGE & LANGUAGE & sometimes look like trouble. THINKING SKILLS I need adventure. THINKING SKILLS I’m a force to be reckoned with, And I need to engage the world a busy brain on the go. with my whole body.

12 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 13 4 - 5 Years

Likes playing with other PHYSICAL children HEALTH & WELLBEING I AM 5 DON’T RUSH MY Counts out loud to ten SOCIAL COMPETENCE CHILDHOOD

I’m a risk taker and mess maker. Speech is easily understood by others; uses correct I’m a confident doer of exciting things. EMOTIONAL grammar I’m not built for desk sitting. I AM 4 MATURITY My busy brain craves action and novelty. I’m not as grown up as some people think. I still need to play, move, and explore.

Develops real fears (of the COMMUNICATION dark, etc.) as well as a sense SKILLS & GENERAL of humour I’m a smooth talking, agile, and KNOWLEDGE observant seeker of adventure. I’m kind of a know-it-all ... as in ... I want to know it all. I have more questions in me Uses paint and scissors; able than you have answers. to draw simple shapes and LANGUAGE & faces I’m perceptive enough to sense THINKING SKILLS this can frustrate you, but please don’t discount my inquisitiveness.

Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 15 alix community resources bentley community resources

Alix School (K-12) Bentley Community Services - Parent Link and Play Groups Ph: (403) 747-2778 | 4723 - 49 Street, Alix For more information please phone Barb Carson, Community Services Manager with the Town of Bentley, at (403) 748-2160 or visit the Community Services office at 4834 - 52 Avenue, Bentley. You can also visit the Town of Bentley online at www.townofbentley.ca Family & Community Support Services Ph: (403) 747-2031 | 4831 - 50 Street, Alix Bentley Municipal Library (Family & Preschool Programs) Ph: (403) 748-4626 | 5014 - 49 Avenue, Bentley Moonwalkers Play Centre Ph: (403) 747-2221 | 5008 - 50 Avenue, Alix Bentley School (ECS & Kindergarten) Ph: (403) 748-3770 | 5314 - 49 Street, Bentley Preschool / ECS Program Ph: (403) 588-5199 | 4723 - 49 Street, Alix Summer Village of & Bentley Playgroup Ph: (403) 748-2160 | September through May | www.centralparklandparentlink.ca Public Library Ph: (403) 747-3233 | 4928 - 50 Street, Alix

Village of Alix Ph: (403) 747-2495 | 4849 Main Street, Alix

16 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 17 Blackfalds Schools

Iron Ridge Elementary Campus (Pre-K & Kindergarten) Ph: (403) 885-4646 | 4710 Broadway Avenue, Blackfalds

Little Star Play School & Out of School Care Ph: (403) 885-0138 | 5009 Broadway Avenue, Blackfalds

Blackfalds Recreational Facilities

Blackfalds Multi-Plex Ph: (403) 885-4646 | 5302 Broadway Avenue, Blackfalds blackfalds community resources • Seasonal weekly Jim Hurley skate • Blackfalds Minor Hockey (www.blackfaldsminorhockey.com) • Blackfalds Figure Skating Club (www.blackfaldsminorhockey.com) Blackfalds Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Ph: (403) 600-9066 | 5018 Waghorn Street, Blackfalds Blackfalds Abbey Centre Ph: (403) 885-4039 | 4500 Womacks Road, Blackfalds Kids Konnection Approved & Accredited Family Day Home Indoor playground, running track, outdoor water park, fitness centre & classes, outdoor playground, Ph: (403) 885-2755 | 5016 Waghorn Street, Blackfalds ampitheatre, TransCanada Trail & Veteran Memorial. Blackfalds Public Library Ph: (403) 885-2343 | 5018 Waghorn Street, Blackfalds

Blackfalds Walk In Medical Clinic Ph: (403) 885-2237 | 5021 Parkwood Road, Blackfalds

Kids At Play Society Ph: (587) 877-4316 | September through May | 4500 Womacks Road (Abbey Centre)

Blackfalds Parent Link Drop-In Ph: (403) 343-6400 | September through May | 5302 Broadway Avenue (Multi-Plex)

18 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 19 Blackfalds Playgrounds

Tayles Water Spray Centennial Park Pine Crescent Community Hall Park / Playground Playground Park / Playground Park / Playground (Gregg Street) (Panorama Drive) (Pine Crescent) (4810 Womacks Road)

All-Star Park Abbey Centre Harvest Meadows Rolling Hills / Playground Park Park Park (4800 Leung Road) (4500 Womacks Road) (Willow Road) (Landsdowne Avenue) clive community resources

Cottonwood Park Valley Ridge Park Iron Ridge Jr. Campus Iron Ridge / Playground *Ball Diamond* Park / Playground Elementary Campus Parents of Preschoolers Playgroup (POP) (Prairie Ridge Avenue) (Westbrooke Road) (5200 Leung Road) (4710 Broadway Avenue) Ph: (403) 754-5695 | Email: [email protected] Little Red Hen Playschool Phone Jamie at (403) 784-3369. Offers preschool for 0 to 5 year olds. Skating Ponds Clive Public Library Ph: (403) 784-3131 | 5115 - 50 Street (Basement), Clive Outdoor Rink Located beside Blackfalds Multi-Plex Clive FCSS / Neighbourhood Place Ph: (403) 754-5695 | 5011 Railway Avenue, Clive 2A Pond Located along Highway 2A Clive School (Kindergarten) Ph: (403) 784-3354 | 5016 - 52 Avenue, Clive Riser Pond Clive Arena Westridge Drive, Blackfalds Ph: (403) 784-3580 | 5104 - 51 Avenue, Clive

Centennial Pond Clive School Playground Panorama Drive, Blackfalds 5016 - 52 Avenue, Clive Clive Centennial Park Clive Outdoor Rink 20 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 21 Healthy Families (Facilitated through FCSS) Ph: (403) 887-1137

Eckville Public Library Ph: (403) 746-3240 | 4855 - 51 Avenue, Eckville

Eckville Community Health Centre Ph: (403) 746-2201 | 5120 - 51 Avenue, Eckville

Eckville Schools

Eckville Elementary School Ph: (403) 746-2297 | 5011 - 51 Avenue, Eckville eckville community resources A pre-K to Grade 6 school that also offers a Before & After School Program

Town of Eckville Ph: (403) 746-2171 | www.eckville.com Eckville Parks & Recreation

Eckville Children’s Playgroup Eckville Arena Ph: (403) 746-3177 Ph: (403) 746-2033 | 5312 - 51 Street, Eckville

Impact Dance Studio Ph: (403) 391-1148 | www.impactdancestudio.net Elementary School Lions Campground Millennium Railway Avenue Playground Playground Playground Playground Eckville Community Services Eckville Outdoor Andrew Field Forhan’s Field Eckville Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Spray Park Rink (Ball Diamond) (Ball Diamond) Ph: (403) 746-3177 | 5023 - 51 Avenue, Eckville

Eckville Neighbourhood Place Credit Union Way Niemala Reservoir Hansen’s Reservoir Visit us online at Ph: (403) 348-7105 | 5120 - 51 Avenue, Eckville (Walking Trail) (Fishing) (Fishing) www.eckville.com

22 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 23 Lacombe Schools

Loving to Learn Preschool Ph: (403) 597-5709 | 4930 Woodland Drive, Lacombe | http://lovingtolearnpreschool.ca

Mother Goose Playschool Ph: (403) 782-4450 | #2, 5227 C&E Trail, Lacombe | www.mothergooseplayschool.com

Terrace Ridge School (Pre-K) Ph: (403) 782-0050 | 6739 C&E Trail, Lacombe | http://terraceridge.wolfcreek.ab.ca

École James S. McCormick School (Pre-K, English & French Preschool) lacombe community resources Ph: (403) 782-3096 | 5424 - 50 Street, Lacombe | http://ejsm.wolfcreek.ab.ca Lacombe Christian School (Kindergarten) Lacombe Community Health Centre Ph: (403) 782-6531 | 5206 - 58 Street, Lacombe | www.lacs.ca Ph: (403) 782-3218 | 5010 - 51 Street, Lacmobe | www.albertahealthservices.ca

Lacombe Hospital & Care Centre College Heights Christian School (Kindergarten) Ph: (403) 782-3336 | 5430 - 47 Avenue, Lacombe | www.albertahealthservices.ca Ph: (403) 782-6212 | 5201 College Avenue, Lacombe | www.collegeheightschristianschool.ca

Lacombe Mental Health Centre Ph: (403) 782-3413 | 5033 - 52 Street, Lacombe | www.albertaservices.ca Child Care (Day Care & Registered Day Homes)

Addiction Services - Adult Counselling Lacombe Day Care Society Ph: (403) 340-5274 | 5102 - 50 Avenue, Lacmobe | www.albertahealthservices.ca Ph: (403) 782-3477 | 5033 - 53 Street, Lacombe Lacombe Parent Link Centre Ph: (403) 782-4686 | 5214 - 50 Avenue, Lacombe | www.centralparklandparentlink.ca Small Wonders Day Home Ph: (403) 782-6637 | #210, 5214 - 50 Avenue, Lacombe | www.smallwondersfamilydayhomes.ca Wolf Creek Primary Care Network Ph: (403) 782-1408 | 4956 Highway 2A, Lacombe | www.wolfcreekpcn.com Lacombe School Age Program Ph: (587) 377-5727 | www.facebook.com/pages/Lacombe-School-Age-Program Mary C. Moore Public Library Ph: (403) 782-3433 | 5214 - 50 Avenue, Lacombe | http://lacombelibrary.org

24 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 25 Recreation & Parks

www.lacombe.ca/living/amenities The City of Lacombe has a wide variety of recreational amenities and facilities, including: • Kinsmen Aquatic Centre • Sports fields & ball diamonds • Barnett Arenas (1 & 2) • Trails & parks information • Lacombe Memorial Centre • Campgrounds • Lacombe Sports & Leisure Complex (Ph: (403) 782-6666 | 5429 - 53 Street, Lacombe)

Support for Families

Lacombe & District FCSS Ph: (403) 782-6637 | 5214 - 50 Avenue, Lacombe | www.lacombefcss.net Healthy Families, Home Visitation Program, Small Wonders Day Homes, Lacombe Parent Link Centre.

Lacombe Neighbourhood Place Ph: (403) 782-0886 | 5102 - 50 Avenue, Lacombe | www.lacombenp.com Lacombe Neighbourhood Place is a resource and referral centre. We provide office space for the Women’s Outreach, Women’s Shelter and Central Alberta Refugee Efforts. We have a community clothing closet for people that are looking for work, going back to school, changing careers, graduating, or just in need. We also provide space for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Volunteer Link.

Alberta Supports (Red Deer) Ph: (403) 340-5353 | 2nd Floor, 4911 - 51 Street, Red Deer | www.AlbertaSupports.ca

Central Alberta Child & Family Services Ph: (403) 341-8642 | 3rd Floor, 4826 Ross Street, Red Deer Adoption, Child Care, Child and Youth Support Program, Child Intervention Services, Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), Family Violence Prevention, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, First Nations/ Métis Relations, Foster Care, Protection of Sexually Exploited Children.

26 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide Lacombe County Community Resource Guide | 27 Your guide to community resources in Lacombe County.

From first-rate health care facilities to endless recreation opportunities, Lacombe County is a great place to raise a family.

In this book you will find information on the services and resources that are available for families with children ages 0 - 5 in our community.

28 | Lacombe County Community Resource Guide