The Meadow Lake & District Early Years Family Resource Centre is expected to welcome back families for in-person programming starting in September. (Elliott Knopp/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

FRC Programming

Early Year Family Resource Centre to resume in-person programming

Aug 24, 2021 | 5:47 PM

The Meadow Lake & District Early Years Family Resource Centre (FRC) is set to open its doors up to the community and welcome more families back into the facility in the fall.

Throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis, the community resource was one of many services forced to cease a majority of its operations. During this time, the FRC focused on promoting its take-home programs that supplied families with books and arts and craft projects to provide them with activities to assist with the children’s creativity and development.

Now that many health restrictions have been lifted and many aspects of everyday life seem to be returning to normal, the non-profit is expected to resume its family free play program.

FRC coordinator Janelle Neufeld said the family free play is one of the organization’s cornerstone programs. She added the programs brings in several families, promotes playing for learning and creates opportunities for child/parent interactions.

“We’re going to be opening up more spaces for bookings so more families have the opportunity to come in,” Neufeld said. “We’re really excited about that.”

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Another aspect returning to the organizations programming is group programs. The programs vary from different age groups from pre-natal programs to children five years of age. This aspect of the facility’s services was run exclusively through Zoom chats, but will soon be restored to face-to-face meetings with parents and facilitators.

Neufeld mentioned while these programs were still available virtually throughout the pandemic, the lack of in-person interaction had a slightly negative impact on the way they were delivered.

“It’s much easier to engage with kids and families when they’re face-to-face. It’s difficult virtually, so having people in our centre will be a change for us.”

Amanda McKay is one of several parents in Meadow Lake who utilizes the free family service. She explained the FRC has provided her and her family, consisting of four children under the age of five, with some relief in keeping her children engaged and active.

She highlighted the safe facility and encouraging environment as some of the aspects her family is looking forward to being a part of once again.

“I love taking them there, and I feel comfortable taking my whole little entourage. It’s been so amazing and supportive,” McKay said.

“It’s just a great resource for moms and families with little kids.”

In-person programs and services are set to resume in early September. Bookings for family free play and other activities can be completed on the FRC website.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp