Parent and caregiver programs at the Y bring parents, children, caregivers and families together through workshops, one-on-one support and community connections. Meet similar families through group activities in a comfortable environment and learn about other services in your community.
Our Programs
Family Supports is a voluntary, early intervention program that provides support to families with children 7-18 years old to strengthen family functioning. Parents are supported to create a nurturing and safe family environment, build resiliency within themselves and their children, build new social connections, and learn about positive parenting and child development.
The Family Support program offers in-home support for families in the Grande Prairie region, in partnership with the Grande Prairie and Area Family Resource Network and North Central Edmonton through the North Central Edmonton Family Resource Network. The Family Support program is a free, confidential and voluntary service funded by the Government of Alberta's Ministry of Children's Services.
Services
All services offered as part of the Family Connect are completely free, including:
- Supportive counselling and goal setting
- Consultation and support to improve parent-child interactions
- In-home support
- Parent education
- Family interactive programming and activities
- Personal and family advocacy
- Information and referrals to additional resources
Questions?
To access Family Supports, contact your nearest YMCA:
- Edmonton: 587–709–5353 or infohub@ymcanab.ca. This service is part of the North Central Edmonton Family Resource Network.
- Grande Prairie: 780-539 9622 or infoFC@ymcanab.ca
Home Visitation provides support for families with children aged 0-6 yrs (including prenatal), in the Wood Buffalo region and Edmonton region through the North Central Edmonton Family Resource Network.
Services
Supports include early intervention, strengthening family connections, coaching and supports for parents, families and caregivers. Once eligible for the program, services can be provided until a child reaches six years of age. Services can be provided a few times per week depending on the needs of the family. Services include:
- Improving parenting knowledge and skills on child development, nutrition, safety, injury prevention, appropriate discipline, good communication skills, problem-solving
- Encouraging healthy child development by supporting families to create a safe, stimulating home environment.
- Teaching the importance of bonding to regulate emotions under stress and in difficult situations.
- Linking families with their community by providing supportive referrals to other agencies, based on each family's needs and goals.
Questions?
For more information, contact our team
- Edmonton: 780-377-3730 or infohub@ymcanab.ca. This service is part of the North Central Edmonton Family Resource Network.
- Wood Buffalo region: 587-723-610 or email HVInformation@ymcanab.ca.
This Family Resource Network provides free family-focused workshops and events to help strengthen family functioning, create a nurturing and safe family environment, and build resiliency in North Edmonton.
Parent education programming serves families with children and youth. Parent and caregiver education will support families to gain knowledge about parenting and their child’s development.
Our Workshops
View all our workshops at ymcanab.ca/workshops!
Questions?
For more information, contact our team
- Edmonton: 587-709-5353 or infohub@ymcanab.ca. This service is part of the North Central Edmonton Family Resource Network.
HIPPY – Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters supports parents of 3-, 4- or 5-year-old children in becoming their child’s first and most important teacher. Our free, home-based program helps families prepare their children for a successful transition to school.
How it Works
Each week, parents meet with a trained Home Visitor who models that week’s activities through role-play. Parents then spend 15–20 minutes a day at home completing fun, structured lessons with their child. Activities include reading stories, practicing letters and numbers, developing fine motor skills and building problem-solving abilities.
All materials are provided — including books and supplies — at no cost to families.
Program Benefits
- Children develop confidence and independence
- Strong early literacy and numeracy foundation
- Improved attention and listening skills
- Parents gain leadership and communication skills
- Families build supportive community connections
Why HIPPY?
Starting school is a big step — for both children and parents. HIPPY helps make that transition smoother and more confident.
Through structured weekly activities, storybooks, and role-play learning, parents are guided step-by-step to teach their child foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills. No teaching experience is required — just a commitment to spending quality learning time with your child.
Who is Eligible?
- Permanent Residents
What makes HIPPY Unique?
- Parents are the teachers.
- Fun, easy-to-follow activities
- Weekly support from trained Home Visitors
- Group meetings to connect with other families – Just once a month
- Builds school readiness and parent confidence
Questions?
For more information, contact our team
- Wood Buffalo: 587-644-4211 or hippy@ymcanab.ca.
HIPPY is an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)-funded program, designed by Mother’s Matters Canada and delivered by the YMCA of Northern Alberta.
Workshops
Expand your skills in an in-person or virtual workshop with the Y! Workshops are offered to a wide variety of audiences, including parents, grandparents, caregivers, and single parents.
YMCA Child Care
High quality child care at the Y is more affordable than ever! Children registered in YMCA Kindercare programs can access the Affordability Grant which lowers Child Care fees by up to 50%. If you qualify for subsidy, this may further reduce our fees up to 90%.