Connect, explore and learn through play

April 1, 2019 admin

The Parent Resource Centre — a Sandy Hill resource

Kimberley Hogan

*The front entrance to the Parent Resource Centre, 300 Goulburn Crescent*

There is no denying that at the Parent Resource Centre (PRC) in Sandy Hill our Saturday morning playgroup starts the day with a bang. Or more accurately, songs, bubbles, a parachute and two and a half hours of hard core play! This popular playgroup is one of several offered by our centre, available to parents and caregivers to provide opportunities for little ones to connect, explore and learn.

Since 1978, we have served more than 10,000 parents and children. Today, through our main site in Sandy Hill and three drop-in sites across the city, we serve more than 700 participants annually (parents, caregivers and children) in playgroups and baby groups. This translates into over 8,000 total annual visits to PRC programs.

In 2018, PRC became part of the new EarlyON Child and Family system of services. As a result, we continue to offer many great services for our parents: our popular parent support phone line (613-565-2467, extension 2), education calendarr, community playgroups, parent support and education groups, and access to an extensive library and database of resources, which includes the GoFamily! on-line interactive services map. You will even find the popular toy lending library—a great resource for vacations or simply to switch things up without investing in new toys.

PRC is also very busy in the community. Satellite playgroups at Carson Community House, Laurier Community Playgroup and Dalhousie Community Group allow us to bring our playgroups out of our centre to support more parents, caregivers and children. From time to time, PRC also holds art workshops for parents and children to collaborate, express themselves, and have fun as they create a masterpiece together.

*The Ball Pit at the Power of Play Event*

On Saturday, June 15, PRC will once again be holding our biggest and most fun event, The Power of Play. In the lovely Strathcona Park on Range Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. we introduce families to the crucial role and benefits of play for children through activities such as our outdoor StoryWalks®, themed play areas, art in the park, crafts, oversized games, snacks, pool noodle obstacle course—and whatever else we think will make a great day full of adventure.

This community event is free and has a ton of great family activities in a beautiful setting. We suggest you bring a picnic to enjoy the full experience. Registration is requested and is available via Eventbrite.ca or by calling our office at (613) 565-2467 so we can anticipate the approximate number of guests.

For more information about the Parent Resource Centre, playgroup times and our upcoming event The Power of Play, please visit www.parentresource.ca or call 613-565-2467. Should you wish to become a sponsor with the Power of Play, please ask for Kimberley.