Our Programs & Classes

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.

The Dad Lounge is a monthly drop-in program that provides fathers with a welcoming space to connect, build friendships, and share experiences with other dads. Through casual conversation, activities, and facilitated discussions, participants strengthen parenting confidence, reduce social isolation, and gain support from a community of peers. Whether you're a new dad, experienced father, co-parent, or navigating a unique parenting journey, The Dad Lounge offers connection without judgment and community without pressure.

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.

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.

Join us weekly in a cozy drop-in style space for connection and honest discussion around the realities of parenting. Each week we will touch on a simple parenting or family wellness topic with time for questions, reflections and peer connection.
The Caregiver Connect is an adult only drop-in program and is open to parents and caregivers with at least one child aged 0-17 years old. Whether your current parenting journey involves babies, toddlers, little kids or teens, all those who identify as caregivers are welcome! No registration, no pressure, and no expectation to have it all figured out.
There is no childcare offered for this program, you are encouraged to use your own natural supports.

Are you a Mom who is looking to get out of the house and make some connections with others? Join us weekly in a cozy drop-in style space to chat with Moms who are looking for the same. We have created an inviting space to visit when you’re in need of a change of scenery and some adult interaction. Relax with babes in arms (pre-crawlers are welcome) and enjoy some easy, fun self care activities and real conversations. Bring your coffee and take some time for you while connecting with others. This drop-in is all about you!
There is no childcare offered for this program, you are encouraged to use your own natural supports.

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.

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.

If you are a parent who is currently looking for some guidance around a family separation/divorce, this four week course may be for you. Parenting After Separation is a parenting education course designed to provide a safe, supportive space to connect with other parents while learning strategies to help navigate this challenging transition.

Throughout the four weeks, we’ll explore: emotional regulation for parents during stressful times, connecting with and supporting your children through the changes that come with separation, building your community as a single or separated parent, explore resources that can help with common concerns related to separation and parenting.

This course is an opportunity to learn, connect, and feel less alone while navigating the journey of parenting after separation. Please note: This is a parenting education course and is not intended for individuals in active crisis. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or replace the guidance of a qualified legal professional. Families Matter does not offer letters of completion for participants who have attended this course.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are you a Mom who is looking to get out of the house and make some connections with others? Join us weekly in a cozy drop-in style space to chat with Moms who are looking for the same. We have created an inviting space to visit when you’re in need of a change of scenery and some adult interaction. Relax with babes in arms (pre-crawlers are welcome) and enjoy some easy, fun self care activities and real conversations. Bring your coffee and take some time for you while connecting with others. This drop-in is all about you!
There is no childcare offered for this program, you are encouraged to use your own natural supports.

A class for dads, led by a male facilitator, focused on building confidence through practical strategies for communication, positive discipline, role modelling, and fostering self-esteem. It helps dads make the most of their time with their children while learning from shared experiences of challenge and joy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Infant Massage is a gentle, hands-on program for parents and babies aged 6 weeks to 8 months, you will learn safe, nurturing touch techniques to support your baby’s development, improve relaxation and sleep, and respond to distress. The class also builds confidence through guided practice in a calm, supportive, and welcoming environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Date night, reimagined. With dinner and childcare provided, couples can relax and reconnect. This program blends playful activities with guided conversations inspired by Gottman’s Sound Relationship House, helping partners build friendship, trust, communication, and shared goals while learning to navigate conflict and strengthen their relationship.

A welcoming space where mothers build resilience for action and success through creative art and meaningful conversation. Together, we create connections that encourage, empower, and affirm mothers’ strength, capability, and power. Each session explores voice, shared experience, and new perspectives in a supportive community. No art experience is required—just openness.

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.

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.

This program is a group experience for parents and their babies that focuses on the pleasure and development of literacy through the use of rhyme and songs. Parents gain skills and confidence which enables them to create positive family patterns during their baby’s crucial early years and give their babies healthy early experiences with language as well as support strong bonds of attachment.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

Returning to work after having a baby is a big transition. This 6 week, adult-only program helps parents prepare for the changes that come with balancing work, family and everyday life. Together, we’ll explore identity and confidence, time management, relationships and boundaries, finances, meal planning, childcare options and adjusting to your new routine. Each session includes practical tools and take-home resources to help make the transition back to work feel more manageable. Childcare is not available, so please use your natural supports.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join us for a warm, engaging, and judgment-free childbirth education series designed for pregnant people and their support person to attend together. We’ll explore pregnancy & birth options, labour and birth, preparing for the unexpected, postpartum recovery, feeding your baby, newborn care, and early parenting—with a Calgary-area focus. Expect relatable stories, practical tools, and space for your questions. Join us to learn, laugh, and connect as you prepare to meet your baby and step into parenthood, supported by two experienced facilitators with over 20 years of combined expertise in birth and parenting support.

Parenting is easier when you don’t have to do it alone. This in-person program helps parents explore the supports already in their lives, identify where support may be missing, and discover ways to build meaningful connections. Through practical activities and conversation, parents will begin building a stronger village for themselves and their families.
Topics include creating loving connections, being a secure base, accepting feelings, setting limits, promoting language, and having meaningful conversations. Together, these skills help children feel safe, understood, and confident as they grow.

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.

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.