La Ronge will be one of 10 communities in the province to have a family resource centre. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

childhood learning

La Ronge selected for Early Years Family Resource Centre

Jun 10, 2019 | 2:27 PM

Work will begin immediately to establish an Early Years Family Resource Centre in La Ronge.

That’s according to a provincial government media release, which states a community planning team will be organized to develop programming, select a location and hire staff. In March 2019, $1.5 million was announced to create family resource centres in Saskatchewan with other communities being the Battlefords, Meadow Lake, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. KidsFirst North Program Manager Rebecca Clark said she was pleased La Ronge was added to the list.

“Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll start to partner with other agencies to look at what is needed in the community, what is it the community feels they need and what are the agencies able to do moving forward,” she said. “It’s nice to have a space where everyone can come together, and we can work together in the community and be able to support families.”

The purpose of family resource centres is to provide a place where family with young children can access reliable information, services and support. While it’s still unknown exactly what programming could entail, Clark noted some examples could be community-kitchen workshops, pre-natal and breastfeeding support, immunization and dental clinics, arts and music, opportunities for play and imagination, information distribution and referrals. Staff, which will include a coordinator and a facilitator, will be able to do assessments on families and children.

Freedom and Flexibility

How App-Based Work Creates Economic Opportunity

Dec 12, 2025

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

Clark also stated the family resource centre will follow four main areas including early learning, parenting education, family wellness and information and referrals. She added employees will be expected to have Early Childhood Education Three certification and experience working with families and kids.

“We’re really look to build parenting skills and support child development by providing a responsive and nurturing environment for them,” she said. “We’ll be working with partners to provide services to support the health and wellness of the family.”

Family resource centres are currently operating in Regina, Yorkton and Sandy Bay. They opened three years ago, and the provincial government states they have experienced significant growth and have become an important part of the communities. For instance, in 2017-2018, Sandy Bay with a population of 697 recorded nearly 4,000 visits at its centre.

The remaining centres, including the one in La Ronge, are expected to open this fall.

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno