Education Programs
Family Services of the North Shore is committed to providing creative and innovative Parent education and family resource programs that support parents and caregivers of children of all ages.
A staff of certified parent educators, early childhood educators, family educators and master’s level professional clinical counsellors, with trained and experienced volunteers support the education programs at Family Services of the North Shore.
Parent Education
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Parents are the greatest resource to the children of our community. Ensuring that parents of children of all ages have the resources available to build knowledge and skills helps them to be the best parents possible. Family Services provides a series of informative and innovative parenting courses and workshops for parents who just want to be the best they can be. Our Parent Education programs attract over 1200 parents each year. Courses are also available for professional and community groups. |
Based on the highly regarded S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) model, all of our Parent Education programs are aimed at promoting greater understanding of the various stages of child development so that as children grow older and change from infants to teenagers, parents learn practical and effective ways to promote secure attachment and maintain harmony and respect within their families.
Parent Education Courses offered by FSNS:
New Program - Jessie's Legacy Eating Disorder Prevention Program
Family Services of the North Shore now holds the contract for provincial work in eating disorders prevention education, resources and support for BC youth, families, educators and professionals, a role previously taken by Jessie's Hope Society. Family Services is now one of the seven BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information funded by BC Mental Health and Addictions Services, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. Our new website is currently under construction but our web-based Jessie's Legacy services and resources should be available by May, 2010. In the meantime, please see the Here to Help website for information and resources from our 6 partners www.heretohelp.bc.caFor further information, please contact Mimi Hudson at 604-988-5281 ext. 216 or mhudson@familyservices.bc.ca
- View North Shore News Article "Health Professionals team up to Prevent Eating Disorders in Teens."
Parent-Child Mother Goose Program
This 8 week group program is for parents and their babies and young children (birth to 2 1/2 years) that focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories. moreRegistration for Mother Goose begins August 16th, 2010, but you will not receive confirmation until after September 1, 2010. To register:
- Call Family Services of the North Shore at 604-988-5281 ext. 333 or,
- Complete our secure online registration form
View the Mother Goose Songbook
Parent Education Series
John Braithwaite Community Centre and Family Services of the North Shore present group sessions which provide practical information for parents of pre-schoolers. more
Parenting The Middle Years and Beyond
An educational group for parents of children ages 10 -15 years of age. more
Parenting Tots and Preschoolers
For parents of 2 - 5 year olds. This six week program will focus on the world of the preschooler with some practical tips. more
The Challenge of Parenting Teens Today
This 6-week program provides a practical, hands-on approach to parenting a teen. more
What Would You Like To Know About Parenting
Attention Preschools and PAC Groups! Our entertaining, professional staff speaks on a wide variety of topics relevant to parents today. more
Winning At Parenting
This 6 week group is for parents of children from 6 to 10 years of age, based on S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting). more
North Shore Magazine Articles wrtitten by Mimi Hudson, FSNS Director of Community Programs
Dec. 2008 - Getting Rid of the Gimmees
Nov. 2008 - Realistic Expectations for Great Parenting
Sept. 2008 - Parent Courses ...Child-Raising Challenges
June 2008 - Parents Need to Take Time Out
April 2008 - Sports Kids Encouraged By Responsibility
Feb. 2008 - Empathy ...the Heart of Parenting
Dec. 2007 - Involvement ... the Value of Generosity
Aug. 2007 - Parents Find Fairways to Link Life Lessons
Resources/Other Parent Educator Sites:
alfiekohn.org Alfie Kohn - writes and speaks widely on human behaviour, education and parenting.
alyson.ca Alyson Schafer - Principles, rules and tools for parenting.
frpbc.ca BC Assocation of Family Resource Programs
drwooding.com Dr. Wooding - communicating with teenagers.
jessieshope.org Jessie's Hope - services around the issue of eating disorders.
kidsareworthit.com Kidz Are Worth It - Barbara Coloroso, educator and author.
parentsmatter.ca Parents Matter - resources for parents.
I hope family centre
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The I hope family centre was founded upon the recognition that all families need support regardless of their economic or social circumstances, and that such resources are particularly necessary during the early years. The centre reaches out to families who have difficulty accessing community services by allowing them to find the resources they need – right in their own neighbourhood. The I hope family centre is a multi-service family resource centre working to ensure that all North Shore families and their children under age 6, have access to innovative support and prevention programs from pregnancy through birth, to Kindergarten entry. |
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The proud recipient of the Family Service Canada Leadership Awards for “Programming with a National Impact,” the centre welcomes over 600 families each year.
Research shows that parental isolation, lack of parent education, lack of child development knowledge and immigration are key factors that contribute to children being at risk for child abuse and neglect. Parents and caregivers most likely to have safe and healthy homes are those who have resources and supports that help them develop better knowledge about parenting and child development. Some of the service and programs offered include Learning Together Through Play, Parent-Child Mother Goose (Infant and Toddler Groups), Parent Education for the Early Years, Family Support Counselling, Breast Feeding Support Groups, and a Clothing Exchange.
I hope family centre brochure
Are you looking for a place where you and your child can play together, meet other families, and participate in activities? more
I hope family centre schedules
Breastfeeding and Postpartum group at I hope family centre
This group is for pregnant and postpartum women more
Building Family Bonds program at I hope family centre
This early intervention program provides perinatal and postpartum depression counselling and outreach support services. more
Shift Your Thoughts - Shift Your Moods (New)
Starting in April 2010. This is a free education group for women who are pregnant or parenting a baby or young child. more
Mother Goose songbook
View the Mother Goose songbook - more
Communicable Disease information
FSNS strives to ensure a safe environment for the families we serve. We ask that family members affected, be treated and checked by a medical professional prior to returning to our programs. For information on symptoms - more