Learning

Comox Valley Toy Library Society

The toy library is a place where families and caregivers can borrow toys. Our openings are the first and third Saturday of each month from 10-11:30am and the second Wednesday evening from 7:45-8:30 at St. George's United Church.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO BORROWING TOYS?

• It saves money!

• It’s a good way to see if your child likes a toy before buying it.

• It helps cut down on clutter and storage issues.

• It’s good for the environment.

• It’s a chance to try different types of toys as your child grows.

• It’s an excellent rainy day strategy (bringing out something “new” to play with!)

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO JOIN THE TOY LIBRARY?

Memberships to the Comox Library Toy Library Society are $20/year. That fee can be waived, though, if your income is low. You can ask about this when you register. (You may be asked to produce your most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment to verify eligibility or if your family has PLAY booklets from the Comox Valley Regional District Sports and Aquatic Centres, you can show these, instead.)

Aboriginal Head Start Preschool

“Our child, our future”

Aboriginal Head Start offers two programs a day from Monday to Thursday at 9 am – 11:15 am or 12:45 pm – 3:30 pm. This is a licensed preschool that is for children ages 3 to 5 years (must be 3 by December 31st).

This program focuses on Aboriginal Culture, has qualified Early Childhood Educators and provides transportation and meals. The registration is always open and has no charge.

The overall goal of the Comox Valley Aboriginal Head Start program is to foster the early childhood development of Aboriginal children in conjunction with plans and methods designed by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people.

Family Storytime at Comox Library

Drop-in for children of all ages accompanied by a caregiver. Songs, stories, rhymes and other fun!

Family Storytime at Cumberland Library

Drop-in for children of all ages accompanied by a caregiver. Songs, stories, rhymes and other fun!

Family Storytime at Courtenay Library

Drop-in for children of all ages accompanied by a caregiver. Songs, stories, rhymes and other fun!

Island Dads

Island Dads is a support group for dads, within the Pathways to Healing Partnership. This online group is open to all dads, using a peer-support model. Island Dads creates opportunities for all participants to listen and be heard, in a confidential and supportive environment.

Friday's Child "Playing in the Light"

The program supports parents and families who face challenges with daily tasks as a result of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and other cognitive or behavioural difficulties. The program provides a safe environment for Aboriginal children and their families who face extraordinary challenges in ordinary situations.

Families participate in confidential talking circles and find support with our highly-trained staff and a supportive community. Transportation and a healthy lunch is provided. The program is free.

The Early Years Aboriginal Program 

The Early Years Aboriginal Program provides support and networking for families. The program is designed to fill a gap for families to provide support and socialization, while incorporating traditional teachings and current parenting techniques. 

Held in a classroom at Courtenay Elementary, the program is for children 0-4+ years of age and their parents and offers transportation assistance. A healthy snack is included. Registration is ongoing and the program is free. 

The program features child-focused family projects such as elders and guests, circle time (Aboriginal drumming, singing and dancing), walking field trips, group presentations, and cultural gatherings. 

Circle of Security

The Circle of Security Parenting Program is rooted in attachment theory of early childhood development. The focus is to provide caregivers with support reflecting upon children's attachment needs, in order to promote healthy and secure attachment.  Facilitators guide parents to better understand their children's emotions, support healthy emotional responses, enhance children's self-esteem, and honour the inherent wisdom of parents and caregivers in guiding their child's security.

The Comox Valley Child Development Association facilitates sessions of Circle of Security Training throughout the year.

StrongStart (School District #71)

This is a drop-in early learning program for children from newborn – 5 years of age, accompanied by their parent or caregiver.

Children, families and caregivers attending StrongStart centres can expect a play-based environment which includes circle time, art, snack and gym.

Please bring your child's birth certificate or passport when you come to your first Strong Start.

StrongStart centres are located in 7 Comox Valley elementary schools: