Program and Resources
There is a wealth of information, programs and resources available for mommies and their babies in Nanaimo This list is just the beginning and will grow in the coming months.
Vancouver Island Regional Library
Summer Reading Club and Read to Me
Fun with reading logs, weekly incentives and prizes, designed to keep kids reading throughout the summer months! Check our web site in June for more details.
In this program parents learn songs and rhymes to entertain and calm their babies. At the same time, the babies begin to develop early literacy skills.
Toddler Time (1- 2 years)
A dynamic parent-child program of songs, rhymes and stories that further develop early literacy skills.
Preschool Time (3 - 5 years)
Fun-filled programs of books, felt stories, puppets, rhyme and songs.
For a schedule of when these programs are offered click on this link:
http://www.virl.bc.ca/calendar/search_result_e.aspx?datedeb=2009/12/10&datefin=2010/2/8#
The VIRL website also has a "Kids" section of thier website where you can find information on
http://www.virl.bc.ca/pages/index_e.aspx?CategoryID=184
Fun with reading logs, weekly incentives and prizes, designed to keep kids reading throughout the summer months! Check our web site in June for more details.
- Summer Reading Club members are usually in Kindergarten to Grade 7
- Preschoolers can join the Read to Me club with their parents
In this program parents learn songs and rhymes to entertain and calm their babies. At the same time, the babies begin to develop early literacy skills.
Toddler Time (1- 2 years)
A dynamic parent-child program of songs, rhymes and stories that further develop early literacy skills.
Preschool Time (3 - 5 years)
Fun-filled programs of books, felt stories, puppets, rhyme and songs.
For a schedule of when these programs are offered click on this link:
http://www.virl.bc.ca/calendar/search_result_e.aspx?datedeb=2009/12/10&datefin=2010/2/8#
The VIRL website also has a "Kids" section of thier website where you can find information on
http://www.virl.bc.ca/pages/index_e.aspx?CategoryID=184
- kids friendly portals
- fan sites
- internet safety
- recommended reading
- games, music and art
And we have saved the bet for last....LITKITS.
Literacy Kits began as a pilot project in the South Nanaimo area to help increase literacy in this at risk area. Each kit contains approx. 10-15 items including books, puppets, CDs, DVDs, as well as an early literacy resource handbook full of fun activities. There are a variety of themes including: Nursery Rhymes, Shapes & Colours, Cats and Dogs, Tools & Machines, Pirates, Dinosaurs, Fairies, Monsters and many more. To find the Litkits available go the VIRL website. Search our catalogue using the keyword search litkit for a complete listing of literacy kits available and select a branch from the 'Limit by' drop down box located on the right side of the page. Also listings of litkits are available at any library branch. If you have any questions about the literacy kits, please contact your local library branch.
Nanaimo Mother and Baby Society
Education, Enriching and Empowering Families
The Nanaimo Mother & Baby Society, a non-profit society, is a warm, welcoming space offering supports, services and classes to pregnant and new mothers and their families in Nanaimo. NMBS offers programs that are fun and educational, aiming to enrich the experience of mothers and build relationships and community for new families. Mainly providing support and education for mothers from pregnancy through birth and into new motherhood, we offer many services such as:
Support during labor and birth
Support during the postpartum period
Assistance with breastfeeding
Support in early parenthood
Some of the classes we offer are:
Prenatal Classes
Pre and post natal yoga
Brite Lites Infant Stimulation
Shantala Baby Massage
Mama Sprouts new moms group
Drop in mom and baby groups
Monday to Friday: 9.30 am-4.30 pm and some evenings, for classes.
Weekends & Holidays: Closed
****Please call ahead first to make sure we are in.******
The Nanaimo Mother and Baby Society is located 2-321 Wesley St. Nanaimo (in the Old City Quarter, at the end of the Heritage Mews. Follow the mews past Lobelia's Lair and Mid Island Healing Centre to the end of the building and take the green stairs up. they are the first two doors on the right.)
http://www.yournmbs.ca/index.html
Mother Goose
The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program® is a group experience for parents and their babies and young children which focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs, and stories together. Parents gain skills and confidence which can enable them to create positive family patterns during their children's crucial early years, and give their children healthy early experiences with language and communication.
There is no cost to the parents who participate.
This program is available through Nanaimo Parks and Recreation in the Leisure Guide. It is sometimes difficult to get into these classes because they are great and lots of people want to take them.
To find out when the next classes are offered, check the most resent Leisure Guide.
www.nanaimo.ca/EN/main/departments/parks-recreation-culture/leisure-guide.html
There is no cost to the parents who participate.
This program is available through Nanaimo Parks and Recreation in the Leisure Guide. It is sometimes difficult to get into these classes because they are great and lots of people want to take them.
To find out when the next classes are offered, check the most resent Leisure Guide.
www.nanaimo.ca/EN/main/departments/parks-recreation-culture/leisure-guide.html
Healthy Beginnings
Healthy Beginnings is a weekly drop-in program open to all new moms and dads (and primary care givers) of infants. Parents discuss their joys and concerns and share how they cope with the challenges of caring for a baby. Guest speakers are invited to discuss topics of interest such as breastfeeding, speech and language development, introducing solid foods, sleeping, teething, choosing child care and making the home safe for baby. Groups are facilitated by public health nurses and other program staff. This face book group is for members of the 6 to 12 month healthy beginnings group to post topics, questions and discussions about their experiences. Groups are faciliatates by public health nurses and program staff specializing is a variety of topics.
There are a few locations in our area where Healthy Beginnings is offered:
Nanaimo Health Centre located at 1665 Grant Avenue in Nanaimo
Teusdays 10:00-11:30 6 to 12 months
Teusdays 1:30 - 3:00 0 to 6 months
Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 0 to 6 months
Thursdays 1:30 - 3:00 6 to 12 months
Princess Royal Family Centre located at 260 Irwin Street in Nanaimo
Mondays 9:30 - 11:30 0 to 12 months (childminding is available at this location for those moms or dads wishing to bring older children)
Ladysmith Community Health Centre located at 1111-4th Street Ladysmith
Fridays 10:30 - 12:00 0 to 12 months
Although, not sanctioned by the Health Unit there are Facebook groups for both the Healthy Beginnings 0 to 6 months and the Health Beginnings 6 to 12 months. These are an additional resource to be used primarily by the moms attending the groups to help each other get answers to questions, find resources and connect for social gatherings.
Facebook for 0 to 6 months
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=41794106243&ref=ts
Facebook for 6 to 12 months
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=173524850789&ref=ts
For more information on any of these programs please contact Public Health Nursing at:
(250)755-3342
There are a few locations in our area where Healthy Beginnings is offered:
Nanaimo Health Centre located at 1665 Grant Avenue in Nanaimo
Teusdays 10:00-11:30 6 to 12 months
Teusdays 1:30 - 3:00 0 to 6 months
Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 0 to 6 months
Thursdays 1:30 - 3:00 6 to 12 months
Princess Royal Family Centre located at 260 Irwin Street in Nanaimo
Mondays 9:30 - 11:30 0 to 12 months (childminding is available at this location for those moms or dads wishing to bring older children)
Ladysmith Community Health Centre located at 1111-4th Street Ladysmith
Fridays 10:30 - 12:00 0 to 12 months
Although, not sanctioned by the Health Unit there are Facebook groups for both the Healthy Beginnings 0 to 6 months and the Health Beginnings 6 to 12 months. These are an additional resource to be used primarily by the moms attending the groups to help each other get answers to questions, find resources and connect for social gatherings.
Facebook for 0 to 6 months
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=41794106243&ref=ts
Facebook for 6 to 12 months
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=173524850789&ref=ts
For more information on any of these programs please contact Public Health Nursing at:
(250)755-3342
Parent Support Circles
Parent Support Circles are free weekly groups for parents with children age 12 and under.
Call 1-800-665-6880 for information
Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin, 12/15/09
Call 1-800-665-6880 for information
Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin, 12/15/09
Cedar Family Playgroup
Ages 0-5 years old
Meets every Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30 am
Cedar Heritage Centre
1644 MacMillan Rd
(250)722-7110 Call for more details.
Meets every Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30 am
Cedar Heritage Centre
1644 MacMillan Rd
(250)722-7110 Call for more details.
The Journey of Birth.
Support and Education for the Childbearing Years
Local mom, Sarah Segal has her own business bringing her years of experience to bear in offering professional, high quality support and education to pregnant women, new mothers and their families in the Nanaimo area.
Qualifications:
Certified Birth Doula through DONA International
Certified Postpartum Doula through DONA International
Breastfeeding Counsellor (Douglas College)
Birthing From Within Mentor (Advanced Training)
Creator and Coordinator of the Nanaimo Doula Collective
Infant, Child and Adult First Aid (CPR-C Red Cross)
Mother of one
The Journey of Birth offers Birthing From Within® Prenatal Classes, Professional Birth and Postpartum Doula Support, Breastfeeding Support, and New Mothers' Groups in Nanaimo and surrounding areas.
“If you are contemplating your upcoming birth, wondering how to best prepare yourself for birth and parenting or are seeking to connect to other pregnant women or new mothers, I hope you will find services here that will empower, inspire and renew you along your journey.”
For more information about her programs and services please visit her website:
http://www.journeyofbirth.ca/index.html
Sarah Segal
250.802.5005
[email protected]
Qualifications:
Certified Birth Doula through DONA International
Certified Postpartum Doula through DONA International
Breastfeeding Counsellor (Douglas College)
Birthing From Within Mentor (Advanced Training)
Creator and Coordinator of the Nanaimo Doula Collective
Infant, Child and Adult First Aid (CPR-C Red Cross)
Mother of one
The Journey of Birth offers Birthing From Within® Prenatal Classes, Professional Birth and Postpartum Doula Support, Breastfeeding Support, and New Mothers' Groups in Nanaimo and surrounding areas.
“If you are contemplating your upcoming birth, wondering how to best prepare yourself for birth and parenting or are seeking to connect to other pregnant women or new mothers, I hope you will find services here that will empower, inspire and renew you along your journey.”
For more information about her programs and services please visit her website:
http://www.journeyofbirth.ca/index.html
Sarah Segal
250.802.5005
[email protected]
Ladysmith Family and Friends Resource Program (LAFF)
LaFF AT THE AGGIE DROP-IN HOURSMonday - Friday 9:30-12
Stone Soup/Friendship Fruit Salad Tuesdays
French Toast Fridays
FAMILY FROLICS GYM TIME IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE GYMOctober - April Tuesdays 5:45-6:45pm
Here's your chance for you and your child(ren) (0 to 6) to burn off energy before bed...and have tons of fun doing it. Play with balls & tunnels, run around, and meet a new friend. $1/child donation suggested.
JULY/AUGUST LaFF AT THE AGGIE HOURSTuesday - Thursday 9:30-12
WHAT IS LaFF AT THE AGGIE?LaFF at the Aggie is a drop-in family + friends resource program for children ages 0 to 6 and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. LaFF at the Aggie is held at the Aggie Hall in Ladysmith and is run by the revolving LaFF member base and overseen by an on-site paid volunteer coordinator.
The $2 suggested daily donation contributes toward
· coffee and tea at no charge
· play areas set up for babies, toddlers and very active children
· toys, books, play-doh table, dress-up clothes and a daily crafts program
· a free clothing exchange for children: bring some and take some
· community resource information related to local services for the 0 to 6 ages
· lunch program every Tuesday: Stone Soup in the winter, fruit salad and yogurt in the warmer months
· guest speakers and special events
The Aggie Hall: 1110 1st Avenue, Ladysmith
LaFF mobile phone: 250-210-0870
Stone Soup/Friendship Fruit Salad Tuesdays
French Toast Fridays
FAMILY FROLICS GYM TIME IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE GYMOctober - April Tuesdays 5:45-6:45pm
Here's your chance for you and your child(ren) (0 to 6) to burn off energy before bed...and have tons of fun doing it. Play with balls & tunnels, run around, and meet a new friend. $1/child donation suggested.
JULY/AUGUST LaFF AT THE AGGIE HOURSTuesday - Thursday 9:30-12
WHAT IS LaFF AT THE AGGIE?LaFF at the Aggie is a drop-in family + friends resource program for children ages 0 to 6 and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. LaFF at the Aggie is held at the Aggie Hall in Ladysmith and is run by the revolving LaFF member base and overseen by an on-site paid volunteer coordinator.
The $2 suggested daily donation contributes toward
· coffee and tea at no charge
· play areas set up for babies, toddlers and very active children
· toys, books, play-doh table, dress-up clothes and a daily crafts program
· a free clothing exchange for children: bring some and take some
· community resource information related to local services for the 0 to 6 ages
· lunch program every Tuesday: Stone Soup in the winter, fruit salad and yogurt in the warmer months
· guest speakers and special events
Happy Tribe Consulting ~ breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding Classes for families expecting a baby are being offered by Happy Tribe Consulting. This series of 6 classes and 2 social events are geared toward expectant families. Classes for post partum families will be starting soon. In light of the recent cancellations of prenatal classes by the Vancouver Island Health Authority, Happy Tribe is offering this series for a limited time on a by-donation basis of $0-80 according to personal discretion. Class will be held at Elephant Shoe Family Child Care. Registration is required. Happy Tribe Consulting also offers In home and clinic based consultations for breastfeeding, parenting, and relationship issues.
Get connected by joining the Happy Tribe page on Facebook.com!
To Register for this series, or an upcoming one, Karyn-grace Clarke at 250-739-3146 or mailto:[email protected]a
Get connected by joining the Happy Tribe page on Facebook.com!
To Register for this series, or an upcoming one, Karyn-grace Clarke at 250-739-3146 or mailto:[email protected]a
The Nanaimo Moms Group
Are you ready to get out and about with your tots in tow? Are you dying to meet other moms in Nanaimo? Motherhood doesn't have to be lonely! This is a group designed to connect you and your child with other families to socialize and make new friends. We are a fun and active group. You can expect to see familiar faces at all of our meetups and truly get to know our group members and their children. Our group is centered around building friendships that last a life time. Our children are all mostly pre-school age, but we always welcome members with older kids. Our goal is to create a fun, exciting atmosphere, form friendships, and watch as our kids grow up together. We really encourage group participation to make this group work, so please be prepared to suggest events and outings for our group.
When you are accepted as a member, we would like to see you at a scheduled Meetup within 30 days to meet us and pay your membership fee of $10.00 per year. Membership fees are payable to any organizer, the treasurer or the new member coordinator.
http://www.meetup.com/Nanaimo-Mom-s-Group/
When you are accepted as a member, we would like to see you at a scheduled Meetup within 30 days to meet us and pay your membership fee of $10.00 per year. Membership fees are payable to any organizer, the treasurer or the new member coordinator.
http://www.meetup.com/Nanaimo-Mom-s-Group/
La Leche League
The La Leche League Nanaimo meets 10:00 am to noon. For more information, breast feeding suppor and location please call (250) 754-5853 or visit www.lllc.ca.
La Leche League International helps mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
La Leche League International helps mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
Mini Franco-Fun for ages 0-5 yrs
For parents and children, age zero to five years old, who wish to introduce their children to French in a fun-filled and playful environment, come to the Mini Franco-Fun meetings every Thursday, from 10h30 to 11h15, in the Library of École Océane, 1951 Estevan Road in Nanaimo.
For registration and information contact:[email protected]
For registration and information contact:[email protected]
