Programs at Marpole Oakridge Family Place

All are welcome!  Call or stop by to learn about our facilities!

Take out a Family Place membership today and receive special benefits!

Membership  Application Form

The Marpole Oakridge Family Place Playroom

Our Drop-In Playroom is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm for parents and caregivers with children from infant to early six years old.  The first visit is free then the daily drop-in fee is $1 per family per visit.  Membership of the Marpole Oakridge Family Place is $10 per family per calendar year. 

Drop-in activities include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Educational toys
  • Storytimes with a Vancouver Public Library Librarian
  • Visits from the Toy Lending Library
  • Skills workshops for fun
  • Health workshops about dental care, sun safety and other topics
  • Weekly Playroom Programs - see below

Always check our monthly calendar for exciting events - find it online or in our Playroom

 

 

Click here to view our  Playroom Guidelines

Our Family Place is a very busy environment!  To make your visit as enjoyable as possible please take a look at our health and safety policy. 

Marpole Oakridge Family Place has developed a health policy that states:

  1. If a parent/caregiver, child, staff or volunteer member is ill they will not attend the centre until well. Includes: diarrhea, fever, vomiting, ear or eye infection, running noses that have colored mucous, bad coughs, flu, colds, strep throat and any childhood diseases in the contagious stage.
  2. Parents/Caregivers will be notified of any outbreak of childhood diseases.
  3. Clients should not bring and eat food in the playroom except in the snack area as some children may have food allergies that are life threatening.
  4. This is a nut free environment.
  5. This is a scent free environment.
    Contact: Playroom Coordinator

 

 

Weekly Playroom Programs

Hop with Carol - Wednesdays 11:30-12:00

Come and join the fun of this energetic and educational circle time!  Wednesdays 11:30-12pm

 

Music with Tara - Thursdays 10:00 - 10:45

Tara draws the children in through songs, movement and instruments and keeps them entertained the whole time.  Parents and children alike enjoy participating in this interactive and creative circle time.

 

Riding Toys - Mondays and Wednesdays 10:15-10:30 for ages 0-3,  10:30-11:00 for ages 3-6.

Child size cars and wagons, tricycles and other various toys to ride on and share with a friend. Come along and join us for this fun time.

 

Snack Sharing - last Friday of every month.

Parents and Caregivers are encouraged to bring a healthy snack to share with the group and to  enjoy the delights brought by others.

 

Origami Workshops - Friday mornings from 10am - 11am (resuming in September 2010)

 

Circle Times - regular multicultural circle times - check the calendar online or in our playroom.
 

Playroom Resources

 "New-to-you" clothing

Community supported clothing supplies for children 0- birth to 6 years.  Women's clothing ,  shoes and accessories are also available. 

For more information,  ask the Playroom Coordinator

 

Toy Lending Library

Every other Tuesday, parents are able to borrow toys, books and puzzles to enjoy with their children.  The resources are loaned for a week.  This service is provided by the  Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre. 

For more information, ask the Playroom Coordinator 

  

Marpole Oakridge Family Place lending library  

Our in-house lending library is well stocked with books,  videos, and information sheets covering all aspects of parenting and families. An information binder specific to family needs has been compiled and families are encouraged to suggest topics for inclusion.  A computer with Internet access is available for parents and caregivers to research their information needs.   Families are welcome to browse the collection.  A special section of children's books is available to encourage reading and familiarity with books. 

For more information - ask the Playroom Coordinator.

 

 

 

More information on Playroom programs?  contact Playroom Coordinator

Email: playroom@mofp.org    Telephone: 604 263 1405


Parenting Programs

'Nobody's Perfect' (Available in English and Chinese) - schedule to be announced

The Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program is a 8 week parent education and support program for parents with children up to 6 years of age. The Nobody's Perfect Program in Mandarin/Cantonese is offered once a year. Childminding is provided for chidren 18 months to early 6 years of age. Preregistration required.8 participants needed

In the program you will:

  • Learn how to understand your child better
  • Share ideas, tips and experiences with other parents
  • Gain information on children's health, safety and behaviour
  • Develop new skills for coping with stress

Course materials are provided and sessions include nutritious refreshments.

 

The Dad and Me Program - Saturday mornings 10:00-11:30

This program offers a full hot breakfast of bacon and eggs, toast and hash browns, tea, muffins and fruit, followed by an interactive circle time including singing,  storytelling and fun activities. Dads and  children aged infant to six years are invited.  Join us for this joyful morning and meet other dads with children in the community.  The program is free for members.   To become a member click on the membership link at the top of this page.

For more  information on this program, contact the Playroom Coordinator

Email: playroomcoordinator@mofp.org    Telephone: 604 263 1405

 

Parent & Baby Group - Wednesday 1:30pm-3:00pm in English,  Thursday 1:30pm -3:00pm in Mandarin

An educational and support group for parents with children from infant to one year old.  The group is facilitated by a public health nurse  who covers topics such as health,  nutrition,  safety and child development.

 

The Mother Goose Program (available  in English,  Cantonese and Mandarin)

The next session of Mother Goose in English runs from Monday 10 May 2010 until Monday 28 June 2010 from 1pm - 3pm.

The Cantonese and Mandarin programs will be announced. 

 The Mother Goose Program is a free and innovative program for children aged 0-6 years and their parents,  ensuring children an early start on the road to literacy and strong language skills through interactive singing, storytelling and mutual support. While learning a repertoire of rhymes, songs, and stories, children and parents are able to strengthen their relationship in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.  Parents learn to support their children's language development and develop new skills with their children.  Circle time is at the beginning of the program followed by snack and then free play time.  Snacks and drinks are provided.  Also available in Cantonese and Mandarin (TBA). 

The next session of Mother Goose in English runs from Monday 10 May 2010 until Monday 28 June 2010 from 1pm - 3pm.

The Cantonese and Mandarin programs will be announced. 

Participants must register in advance. There must be 8 participants registered in order for this program to proceed.
 Contact Family Support Facilitator (kristac@mofp.org)

 

For information about the Play and Learn pre-school program,  please see our Pre-School page

Parent Support Services

 

Counselling Services: 

Our Early Childhood Educators and Family Support Facilitators provide a free one on one parenting support service to assist parents and caregivers with specific parenting and child development issues for children aged 0-6 years.   Our staff provide information resources and referrals and up to date information about resources and community services for families and caregivers.

This service is by appointment

Contact Family Support Worker 

 

Professional Education - Speaker Series

Professionals from the community are invited to speak on issues of interest and relevance to families with children aged 0-6 years.  Topics include  dental health, child street safety, language development, childcare options, school readiness, mental health.  Members are welcome to suggest topics they would like to have covered and staff will try to arrange speakers for these.  Members of the community who would like to host a workshop or speak to parents are encouraged to contact Tracy Howard: Executive Director (ED@mofp.org)

 Parent Training Workshops

Marpole Oakridge Family Place is proud to host the popular parenting program "Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP).  This is an eight week parenting program for raising resilient toddlers and pre-schoolers.The theory behind STEP techniques is based on the importance of enhancing self-esteem in children.

STEP sessions to be announced. 


Events & Activities

Marpole Oakridge Family Place frequently organises events or workshop of interest to the community.  In June 2010 a "Dress for Success" and a "Sushi workshop" will be held.   For information about upcoming events and occasional fieldtrips please  check our calendar online (www.mofp.org) or in the Playroom.

 

Health Workshops

Occasional health related workshops are offered by Marpole Oakridge Family Place.  These include dental workshops,  sunsafe workshops,  health nurse sessions,  and others.   Parents are welcome to suggest ideas for these workshops.