Our Programs & Classes

Whether you're navigating a tough season or preparing for what's next, our support for new parents provides the tools and community to move forward through hard days, big changes, and everything in between.

At Families Matter, we believe every family deserves support. No matter how you identify, your family structure, background, or where you are in your parenting journey including our parenting classes for dads you are welcome here. If you're unsure which programs are the best fit, reach out. We'll help guide you to the support that feels right for your family.

Support for Moms

We understand that motherhood can be beautiful and overwhelming. Whether you're adjusting to life with a new baby or navigating family life, we connect moms with support, resources, and community.

Be sure to scroll down for your favourite classes, as spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Complete the intake form for a one-to-one support.

Complete Intake Form

Personalized In-Home Support

Sometimes the best support comes from someone who truly understands. Our peer-led support and parenting support classes connect you with people who have lived experience in parenting and mental health.

  • Perinatal Mental Health Support:

    Support for moms experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, with a focus on maternal wellbeing and building a healthy connection with baby.

  • Home Visitation:

    For families with children aged 0–6, offering parenting support and practical strategies tailored to your child’s development.

  • Successful Young Parents:

    Specialized, non-judgmental support for families where at least one parent is under 23, helping young moms build confidence and stability.

Community & Group Connections

Finding your village can make all the difference. Our group programs, including dedicated perinatal mental health support, offer welcoming spaces to connect, share experiences, and learn alongside other moms and caregivers.

  • Perinatal Mental Health Support Group:

    Weekly virtual and in-person support groups with childcare available during in-person sessions.

  • Family Development Centre Programs:

    Welcoming spaces for families to connect, play, and learn together. Explore our Monthly Calendars for drop-in programs and classes for you and your little ones.

Peer-Led Support

Sometimes the best support comes from someone who truly understands. Our peer-led support and parenting support classes connect you with people who have lived experience in parenting and mental health.

  • In-Home Respite:

    Up to 12 respite sessions available during your baby’s first year to give you extra support and time to recharge.

  • Peer Support by Phone:

    Weekly phone support from mentors with lived experience in parenting and mental health.

  • Black Canadian Community Peer Support:

    Weekly culturally safe phone support created for and by members of the Black community, offering understanding, connection, and encouragement.

Complete Intake Form

Our Classes

Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Dance Along Horizon

August 12 - September 23, 2026 (Wednesdays); 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Join us for Dance Along, a fun, interactive program for children aged 3–5 where singing, movement, and play come together to support development and strengthen connection. Families learn new songs, explore simple instruments, and move and play together in a welcoming, playful environment that sparks creativity and builds connection.

Busy Bodies for Toddlers
0-2 0-6 18 mos - 3 yrs Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Busy Bodies for Toddlers

September 2 - 23, 2026 (Wednesday); 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Young children are always on the move. This 1.5 hour class for toddlers, aged 2-3 years, encourages early movement through gross motor play, music, art, sensory activities, and free exploration. Parents and toddlers connect with others while supporting physical, cognitive, communication, and self-confidence development through active, hands-on experiences.

Colourful Connections
0-6 Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Colourful Connections

September 3 - October 1, 2026 (Thursday); 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Colourful Connections is a parent–child program designed to strengthen relationships through shared art-making and meaningful conversation.
In a welcoming and supportive space, parents and children connect, explore, and express themselves creatively together. The focus is not on artistic skill, but on the process of creating, communicating, and being present with one another.

Bouncing Babies
0-1 Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Bouncing Babies

September 3 - September 24, 2026 (Thursdays); 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Ready to move your body, connect with other parents, and bond with your baby?
Bouncing Babies blends safe, low-impact exercise for postpartum wellness with rhythmic movement, songs, and sensory play to encourage early infant development.

Professionals

GroupWise: The Art + Science of Facilitating Parenting Groups

September 9 - October 28, 2026 (Wednesdays); 9:00am - 12:00pm

This professional development opportunity is for participants who are currently working with, or wish to work with, parents in educational and group settings. It focuses on creating effective learning environments, understanding the roles and responsibilities of parent educators, and developing engagement skills through hands-on practice, within a supportive and collaborative learning space.

Caregivers Dads Young Parents

Dad and the Law

September 10, 2026 (Thursday); 6:00pm - 8:00pm MST

This dads-only session offers a supportive space for fathers navigating separation or divorce to ask questions and hear directly from a lawyer. Whether starting or already in the process, dads can gain clear, practical information to better understand their options, next steps, and feel more informed and supported.

0-2 0-6 18 mos - 3 yrs Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

LENA Start!

September 14 - November 23, 2026 (Mondays); 6:00pm - 8:00pm

LENA Start is a supportive group for parents and caregivers of children aged 2–32 months that focuses on building connection and communication through everyday interactions. You will explore simple, practical ways to increase talking and back-and-forth moments during daily routines like mealtime, play, and outings, supporting early brain development and learning. Families also receive children’s books and personalized feedback to support continued growth at home.

0-2 0-6 Caregivers Dads Moms Young Parents

Nurturing Parenting: Managing Stress + Anger

September 15 - 29, 2026 (Tuesdays); 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Join us as we work through the Nurturing Parenting curriculum to better understand and manage big emotions in parents and children aged 0–5 years. Parenting can be stressful, and this program offers strategies to manage stress and anger, support healthy emotional expression, and strengthen the parent–child relationship.

0-6 Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children

ELAC Kindergarten Readiness

September 15 - December 10 2026 (Tuesday & Thurdays); 1:30pm - 3:30pm

ELAC Caregiver Connect is a welcoming, bi-weekly drop-in program for parents of children ages 3–5 to connect, share, and learn together.

Through open conversations, families explore everyday parenting topics while celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences within the ELAC community. This supportive space offers connection, shared wisdom, and helpful resources to build confidence as parents in the early years.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Connect + Play Drop-In at Triwood

September 16 - December 16th, 2026 (Wednesdays) 9:45 -11:15 am

Join us for free play and connection in a welcoming, child-led environment for children aged 0–6. Children and caregivers explore, create, imagine, and play together while building friendships, sparking curiosity, and connecting with others in an unstructured, community-focused space.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Connect + Play Drop-In at Horizon

September 17 - December 17, 2026 (Thurdays); 10:00 - 12:00 pm

Join us for free play and connection in a welcoming, child-led environment for children aged 0–6. Children and caregivers explore, create, imagine, and play together while building friendships, sparking curiosity, and connecting with others in an unstructured, community-focused space.

Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Moms Young Parents

Circle of Security in Midnapore

September 17 - November 5, 2026 (Thursdays); 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Circle of Security is a relationship-based parenting program that helps caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs. Through guided reflection and discussion, parents learn to recognize their child’s cues, support their child’s sense of safety and security, and strengthen connection in everyday moments. The group also explores how our own experiences can shape our responses as parents, and offers practical ways to build confidence in supporting children’s emotions and relationships.

Caregivers Moms Young Parents

Mom and the Law

September 17, 2026 (Thursday); 6:00pm - 8:00pm MST

This moms-only session offers a supportive space for mothers navigating separation or divorce to ask questions and hear directly from a lawyer. Whether you are just starting or already in the process, moms can gain clear, practical information to better understand their options, next steps, and feel more informed and supported.

Caregivers Dads Moms Prenatal Young Parents

Born Ready – A Parent Prep Class

September 19 - October 31, 2026 (Saturdays); 10:00 - 2:00 pm

This class offers a warm, judgment-free space for expectant moms and their support person to explore pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early parenting. Through practical tools, relatable stories, and open discussion, you’ll learn about labour, feeding, and early transitions while building confidence, connection, and support as you prepare for parenthood.

0-2 18 mos - 3 yrs Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Parent-Child Mother Goose for Toddlers

September 22 - October 27, 2026 (Tuesdays); 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program® is a group experience for parents and children aged 18 months to 3 years, focused on early literacy through rhythm, rhyme, stories, and songs. The program builds attachment through voice, emotion, and touch while helping parents gain confidence in creating positive early learning experiences.

Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Moms Young Parents

Circle of Security

September 24 - November 19, 2026 (Thurdays); 11:00am - 1:00pm

Circle of Security is a relationship-based parenting program that helps caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs. Through guided reflection and discussion, parents learn to recognize their child’s cues, support their child’s sense of safety and security, and strengthen connection in everyday moments. The group also explores how our own experiences can shape our responses as parents, and offers practical ways to build confidence in supporting children’s emotions and relationships.

Caregivers Moms Young Parents

Caring Connections

September 24th - October 29th, 2026 (Thursdays); 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Caring Connections is a supportive group for moms focused on strengthening child-centred parenting and building safe, healthy relationships. Through guided discussion, participants explore stress, relationship patterns, and past experiences while learning practical ways to build connection, create safety, and care for themselves in a welcoming, non-judgmental space.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Connect + Play Drop-In at Midnapore

October 1, 2026 - December 26, 2026 (Thursdays) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for free play and connection in a welcoming, child-led environment for children aged 0–6. Children and caregivers explore, create, imagine, and play together while building friendships, sparking curiosity, and connecting with others in an unstructured, community-focused space.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Connect + Play Drop-In at Horizon

October 5th, 2026 - December 14th, 2026 (Mondays) 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Join us for free play and connection in a welcoming, child-led environment for children aged 0–6. Children and caregivers explore, create, imagine, and play together while building friendships, sparking curiosity, and connecting with others in an unstructured, community-focused space.

0-1 Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Baby Drop-In

October 6 - December 15, 2026 (Tuesdays); 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Baby Drop-In is a welcoming space for parents with babies aged 0–12 months to connect, ask questions, and learn together. In guided, relaxed conversations, parents explore sleep, feeding, development, and early parenting experiences while building community, sharing support, and learning about developmental stages in a playful, supportive environment.

Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Moms Young Parents

Circle of Security Horizon

October 6 - November 24, 2026 (Tuesdays); 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Circle of Security is a relationship-based parenting program that helps caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs. Through guided reflection and discussion, parents learn to recognize their child’s cues, support their child’s sense of safety and security, and strengthen connection in everyday moments. The group also explores how our own experiences can shape our responses as parents, and offers practical ways to build confidence in supporting children’s emotions and relationships.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Connect + Play Drop-In at Midnapore

October 6, 2026 - December 15, 2026 (Tuesdays) 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us for free play and connection in a welcoming, child-led environment for children aged 0–6. Children and caregivers explore, create, imagine, and play together while building friendships, sparking curiosity, and connecting with others in an unstructured, community-focused space.

0-1 Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Baby Drop-In

October 7 - December 16, 2026 (Wednesdays); 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Baby Drop-In is a welcoming space for parents with babies aged 0–12 months to connect, ask questions, and learn together. In guided, relaxed conversations, parents explore sleep, feeding, development, and early parenting experiences while building community, sharing support, and learning about developmental stages in a playful, supportive environment.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Mindful Monkeys

October 7th - October 28th, 2026 (Wednesdays); 2:00 - 3:00 pm

IT’S TIME TO STRETCH AND MOVE OUR BODIES!
Mindful Monkeys is a parent-child program that combines yoga, mindfulness, and movement in a fun and welcoming environment. Families will practice simple breathing techniques, yoga-inspired poses, and mindfulness activities together.
Each session is designed to strengthen parent-child connection while supporting emotional regulation and overall well-being.
Held outdoors, the program uses nature as a calming backdrop for connection and wellness.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Nature Play

October 7th - October 28th, 2026 (Wednesdays); 2:00 - 3:30 pm

A joyful, hands-on nature play class where children ages 3–5 and their caregivers explore the outdoors together. Through guided play, exploration, sensory activities, stories, and simple nature crafts, families build curiosity, creativity, and a love for the natural world. Please note that we will be exploring nature throughout Calgary's wonderful parks.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Kimochis Kids: Building Social-Emotional Connections

October 8th - October 29th, 2026 (Thursdays); 2:00 - 3:00 pm

“Kimochi” is a Japanese word meaning “feeling.” This program for children aged 3–5 creates a supportive, playful environment where children explore emotions through fun characters, stories, and interactive play. Children learn to recognize, label, and express their feelings, while parents gain tools to support their child’s emotional development.

The Visual Blueprint
Caregivers Dads Moms Young Parents

The Visual Blueprint

October 8th - October 29th, 2026 (Thursdays); 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Please join us in our new parenting workshop, The Visual Blueprint: Creating Connection with Visual Aides.
This is a hands-on parent program where parents learn to quickly create visual schedules, First/Then Boards, and other aids to manage transitions and challenging behavior. You will also work with the facilitator on effective behavior management techniques and strategies to troubleshoot your child's specific behavioral challenges.
You will leave with practical tools and a better understanding of your child's developmental stage, fostering cooperation and a calmer home environment.

Baby Walk and Talk
0-1 Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Baby Walk and Talk

October 9 - October 30, 2026 (Fridays) 10:00 - 11:30 am

Looking for a breath of fresh air and a chance to connect? Join us for Baby Walk & Talk at the Fish Creek Park! This program is the perfect way to step outside, meet fellow parents, and give your baby a safe, gentle introduction to the wonders of the natural world.
Whether you prefer a carrier, stroller, or wagon, we’ll enjoy a scenic loop through the park before settling onto the grass for tummy time, a relaxed snack break, and a fun music and circle time with your little one. It’s all about building community, supporting infant development, and enjoying the great outdoors together.

0-2 18 mos - 3 yrs Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Parent-Child Mother Goose for Toddlers

November 3rd - December 8th, 2026 (Tuesdays); 1:30 - 2:30 pm

The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program® is a group experience for parents and children aged 18 months to 3 years, focused on early literacy through rhythm, rhyme, stories, and songs. The program builds attachment through voice, emotion, and touch while helping parents gain confidence in creating positive early learning experiences.

0-6 Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Jump into Storytime

November 4th - November 25th, 2026 (Wednesdays); 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Engage in the magic of reading by Jumping into Storytime! for children aged 3–5 years. Join us for four one-hour sessions where we share favourite stories and read interactively with you and your children. Together, we’ll build a love of books, spark imagination, and strengthen early literacy through pictures, words, and connection.

Brain Builders
0-6 Caregivers Dads Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Brain Builders

November 5th - December 10th, 2026 (Thursdays); 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Brain Builders is a fun and interactive parent–child program for children aged 3–6 and their caregivers. Through play-based activities, children practice important executive functioning skills such as focusing, remembering steps, managing feelings, and trying new challenges.
Caregivers actively participate in each session and learn simple, playful strategies to support their child’s thinking and self-regulation skills at home and in everyday routines.

0-6 Parent + Children

M is for Milestones

December 2, 2026 (Wednesdays); 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Come in for some one-to-one time with a family support worker to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, and get a deeper understanding of your child’s milestones (ages 0 - 5 years).  Together, you will explore your child's developmental strengths and begin to prepare for the next round of parenting adventures as your child continues to grow.

0-6 Parent + Children

M is for Milestones

December 9, 2026 (Wednesdays); 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Come in for some one-to-one time with a family support worker to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, and get a deeper understanding of your child’s milestones (ages 0 - 5 years).  Together, you will explore your child's developmental strengths and begin to prepare for the next round of parenting adventures as your child continues to grow.

Baby Drop-In
0-1 Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Baby Drop-In

Baby Drop-In is a welcoming space for parents with babies aged 0–12 months to connect, ask questions, and learn together. In guided, relaxed conversations, parents explore sleep, feeding, development, and early parenting experiences while building community, sharing support, and learning about developmental stages in a playful, supportive environment.

0-6 Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Cantonese Family Drop-In

This dedicated space at our Family Development Centre welcomes Cantonese families and caregivers to engage in child-led, unstructured play with their young children aged 0-6 years. It offers meaningful opportunities for social connection, community building, and shared play experiences that support early development in a supportive, culturally inclusive environment.

0-1 0-2 0-6 18 mos - 3 yrs Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Drop-In Parent + Children Young Parents

Papa Bears Drop-In

Calling all dads and male caregivers! This drop-in group for children aged 0–5 offers a relaxed, welcoming space to connect through play, songs, and movement. Run by dads for dads, it also creates space to talk about child development, play, discipline, emotions, and self-care, while building connection and community.

0-1 Belonging & Inclusion Moms Young Parents

Perinatal Mental Health Support Groups

These weekly group offers a safe, supportive space for moms experiencing postpartum challenges, including anxiety, depression, overwhelm, or anger related to perinatal mood disorders. Guided by a trained facilitator, participants explore coping strategies, self-care, and shared experiences while connecting with other moms in a welcoming, understanding environment. Childcare and virtual options are available.

0-2 0-6 Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

Rainbow Families Drop-In

Rainbow Families is a welcoming, drop-in space for 2SLGBTQ+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) families with children 0–6years to connect, play, and build community. Children and caregivers explore, imagine, and create through unstructured, child-led play in a safe, inclusive environment. No registration needed—just come as you are and feel belonging.

ELAC Caregiver Connect
0-6 Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Drop-In Moms Parent + Children Young Parents

ELAC Caregiver Connect

ELAC Caregiver Connect is a welcoming, bi-weekly drop-in program for parents of children ages 3–5 to connect, share, and learn together.

Through open conversations, families explore everyday parenting topics while celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences within the ELAC community. This supportive space offers connection, shared wisdom, and helpful resources to build confidence as parents in the early years.

Caregivers Dads Moms Young Parents

DBT Skills Group for Parents

Let’s look at the life you want to live. For parents, and caregivers, this program explores behaviours that may be getting in the way and the skills needed to move forward. Over 12 weeks, DBT Life Skills Groups support change in thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, with a focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation to help navigate life’s challenges more skillfully.

0-1 0-2 0-6 18 mos - 3 yrs Belonging & Inclusion Caregivers Dads Drop-In Parent + Children Young Parents

Papa Bears: Primetime Drop-In

Calling all dads and male caregivers! This drop-in group for children aged 0–5 offers a relaxed, welcoming space to connect through play, songs, and movement. Run by dads for dads, it also creates space to talk about child development, play, discipline, emotions, and self-care, while building connection and community.

0-2 Moms Prenatal Young Parents

Rural Peer Group (Mondays)

Starts September 14, 2026 (Mondays); 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Living rurally with a new baby can mean facing perinatal mood challenges without much support close to home. This weekly group meets on Zoom and gives you a safe, supportive space to talk through anxiety, depression, overwhelm, or anger related to perinatal mood disorders, whether or not you have a formal diagnosis. Guided by a trained facilitator, you'll explore coping strategies, self care, and shared experiences while connecting with other moms who understand what you're going through. Register here and you'll receive a follow up phone call to make sure the group is a good fit for you.

0-2 Moms Prenatal Young Parents

Rural Peer Group (Thursdays)

Starts September 17, 2026 (Thursdays); 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Living rurally with a new baby can mean facing perinatal mood challenges without much support close to home. This weekly group meets on Zoom and gives you a safe, supportive space to talk through anxiety, depression, overwhelm, or anger related to perinatal mood disorders, whether or not you have a formal diagnosis. Guided by a trained facilitator, you'll explore coping strategies, self care, and shared experiences while connecting with other moms who understand what you're going through. Register here and you'll receive a follow up phone call to make sure the group is a good fit for you.

Be Part of the Change

There are many ways to move our mission forward. Explore our opportunities to volunteer, partner, and give back, and help us ensure every family in our city has the support they deserve.