Jasper Early Childhood Families
627 Patricia Street T0E 1E0 Jasper, AB, Canada

Whether you have little ones at home or you're expecting one, we have a program for you! Join us for virtual Baby & Me or our Virtual Mom-To-Be support group!

No matter what you're going through, you are not alone. There are people who can help. Although our building is closed, Community Outreach Services is still operating Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm. You can reach us at 780-852-2100. If you need someone to talk to on the weekend or after hours, there are many resources available.... If it's an emergency, call 911. Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 Distress Line: 780-482-4357 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Children's Mental Health Crisis Team: 780-427-4491 Family Violence Info Line: 780-310-1818 It's OK to not be OK and it's OK to ask for help.

There's still a week left in January! Have you been doing the Daily Outdoor Activities on the Jasper in January calendar made by Jasper locals Marissa Kidd, Jamie Orfald-Clarke and Theresa Westhaver?

Join Maggie McDowell for the first Baby & Me of 2021! For an event invite, email [email protected].

Are you expecting a baby in 2021? Join Maggie McDowell this afternoon for Let's Breathe, a mom-to-be support group. For the event link, email [email protected]

Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. Would you like to learn how to read your child's emotional needs; support their ability to successfully manage emotions; enhance the development of their self-esteem; and honour your own innate wisdom and desire to make your child feel secure? If you answered yes, connect with us! Community Outreach Services is hoping to offer Circle of Security training again this wi...nter and is collecting names for an interest list. Email Maggie to add your name to the list: [email protected].

The temperatures are dropping, do you or your child need a winter coat or winter boots? Community Outreach Services has a large selection of lightly used coats and boots available. If you'd like to set up an appointment to view them, contact Chris at 780-852-6536.

Do you or your child need a winter coat or winter boots? Community Outreach Services has a large selection of lightly used coats and boots available. If you'd like to set up an appointment to view them, contact Chris at 780-852-6536.

Happy New Year! Learn about how the New Year is celebrated in countries around the world with CBC Kids! https://www.cbc.ca//8-new-year-traditions-from-around-the-

Join Maggie McDowell tomorrow afternoon for Baby & Me! For an event invite, email [email protected].

Are you expecting a baby in 2021? Join Maggie McDowell tomorrow for Let's Breathe, a mom-to-be support group. For the event link, email [email protected]

It's party time!! See you at noon for a super fun dance party & countdown to noon!

Tomorrow we'll ring in 2021 at noon with Kiki the Eco Elf! If you don't have the event link yet, send an email to Maggie at [email protected].

COS is open today. If you require assistance, contact us at 780-852-2100. We're here to help!

Our New Year's Countdown to Noon is just a couple of days away! Why not do some crafting with your little ones to make the party even more special? Make a party hat or a noisemaker, or both! https://tinkerlab.com/new-years-eve-activities-for-kids/

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Tonight is the night to ring your bells! In some mountain towns in Bavaria, this tradition is called "Gloeckl-Nacht" (night of the bells). The old Bavarian tradition is to ring all the bells in town to ring in Christmas! It is believed the sound of the bells will chase away dark or ill spirits and in the silence that follows there is space for new light and good fortune.... Let's kick the dark spirits of 2020 to the curb and join together in a safe and fun new tradition. https://fb.me/e/2gHWopydB

Community Outreach Services is open today. We will be closed tomorrow for Christmas Day. If you require assistance, please contact us ASAP: 780-852-2100.

We have some Gingerbread House Kits that we would like to deliver to local families before the holidays. If you would like one, give us a call and we'll set up a time to deliver one right to your door! Call: 780-852-6536.

Christmas is just three days away! Community Outreach Services is open until Dec. 24. If you require assistance, please contact us before 4:30pm on Dec. 24: 780-852-2100. We will be closed for Christmas Day.

New Year's Eve is right around the corner! That can only mean one thing! Our annual Countdown to Noon! Join Community Outreach Services and Kiki the Eco Elf for a dance party! Bring your party hats and your noise makers and be prepared to make some noise at noon! For an event invite, email Maggie at [email protected].

Christmas is just a few days away! Community Outreach Services is open until Dec. 24. We will be closed for Christmas Day.

Do you need a winter coat? Community Outreach Services has a Coat Rescue program. Give us a call to set up an appointment to look through our lightly-used coats!

New Year's Eve is right around the corner! And, although we can't gather together, we are still planning our annual Countdown to Noon! Join Community Outreach Services and Kiki the Eco Elf for a dance party! Bring your party hats and your noise makers and be prepared to make some noise at noon!

Do you still need a Christmas tree? Elysion Florals has donated 26 mini trees to Community Outreach Services! They are available for pick-up this afternoon. If you would like one, come by the COS Backyard (627 Patricia St.) this afternoon between 2:30 and 3:30pm to pick one out while supplies last.

Join Maggie McDowell for the last Baby & Me of 2020! For an event invite, email [email protected].

Let's Breathe, mom-to-be support group, meets every Wednesday. To join us, send an email to Maggie for a link: [email protected].

Christmas is going to be different this year, as we all do our part to limit our social interactions to keep each other healthy and safe. But one thing can remain the same: Christmas Day Dinner. On Christmas Day, Coco's Cafe staff are donating their time and skills to cook up an incredible turkey feast that they will deliver directly to your door. This meal is by donation.... To sign up, contact Community Outreach Services: 780-852-2100. The deadline to register is Friday, Dec. 18.

The Jasper Volunteer Fire Brigade is rolling around town with Santa Claus today! Keep your eye out between 10am and 12pm! https://www.facebook.com//a.498169460237/3503816493006522/

How exciting is this!? Santa's getting a ride in a fire truck this weekend! This Saturday, Dec. 12, the Jasper Volunteer Fire Brigade will be driving around town with Santa offering holiday cheer! Starting at 10am until approximately 12 noon. Come outside and wave to Santa! In return, the fire brigade asks that the community support Santas Anonymous and donate to them this Christmas. Donations can be made by e-transfer to [email protected]

Let's Breathe, mom-to-be support group, meets today. To join us, send an email to Maggie for a link: [email protected].

If you would like to complete a Santas Anonymous application, call us Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm at 780-852-2100. https://www.facebook.com//a.193641005641/3461966353856717/

Join Maggie McDowell on Zoom every Thursday for Baby & Me, a chance to connect with other parents and their little ones.

Have you joined The December Project with your little ones yet? It's not too late to start. Begin today or tomorrow! Just join the group, commit to moving your body for 20 minutes each day for the rest of the month and donate $20 to Santas Anonymous. Then have fun, get moving and enjoy the motivation and positivity of the community!

The World Tree is up! Although there won't be an official tree lighting event this year, everyone is encouraged to hang a weather-friendly, non-food-based ornament on the tree. Time to get crafty!

Happy December! This month we are hosting our annual Countdown to Noon on New Year's Eve! Join us on Zoom for a fun hour of celebration!

This Wednesday, Jasper's little ones have an opportunity to speak to Santa on Zoom! Follow the link below to take part.

Being a parent is hard at the best of times. But with all of the added stresses that have been piled on in 2020, it has become increasingly more challenging and exhausting. No matter what you're going through, you are not alone. There are people who can help. Although our building is closed, Community Outreach Services is still operating Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm. You can reach us at 780-852-2100.... If you need someone to talk to on the weekend or after hours, there are many resources available. If it's an emergency, call 911. Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 Distress Line: 780-482-4357 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Children's Mental Health Crisis Team: 780-427-4491 Family Violence Info Line: 780-310-1818 It's OK to not be OK and it's OK to ask for help.

For updates on Santas Anonymous, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram. If you'd like to sign up, contact Community Outreach Services Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm: 780-852-2100.

In keeping with the new COVID-19 guidelines released by the Government of Alberta yesterday, Forest Play is cancelled until further notice. We hope you will still get outside with your little ones to enjoy the fresh snow and the fresh air. We look forward to seeing all of you virtually tomorrow for Baby & Me. If you'd like an event invite, email [email protected].

TOMORROW: Join us on for a prenatal and labour massage lesson with Registered Massage Therapist & Early Childhood Outreach Worker Maggie McDowell. Email Maggie for a link: [email protected].

Thursday's Baby & Me is all about the power of touch. Learn some baby massage techniques with RMT & Outreach Worker Maggie McDowell. To receive an event invite, email Maggie: [email protected].

Hey moms-to-be, join us on Wednesday for a prenatal and labour massage lesson with Registered Massage Therapist & Early Childhood Outreach Worker Maggie McDowell. Email Maggie for a link: [email protected].

"When our children are angry, we parents are thoroughly challenged. The intensity of their feelings is great, and we feel strongly in response. We often try to talk sense into that child at first but reasoning with them rarely solves the problem because children become lost in their angry feelings. Their usual intelligence and good judgment become temporarily, but totally, disabled.... Children naturally lean toward affection and companionship. When you see a child fiercely attacking their loved ones, you can assume that they are sitting on extremely painful feelings. They put up their guard, daring us to care that they are hurt and needs help. Of course, you don’t deserve to be the target of all that bitterness. You have done your level best to be loving, kind, loyal and generous, but your child yells that you have never cared about them and that you’ve been mean. Listening to passionately felt bitterness while you continue to offer your caring seems to be the fastest, most efficient way through the tangle. Remember, your child is frightened and sad inside, and wants to find some way to trust you again, so they can finally sob in your arms and feel your protection and your love. Your goal is to lovingly stay with your child in spite of their anger and intense desire to be alone. An angry child is trying hard to expel some deep hurt, but doesn’t feel loved enough to do so. You can’t make them feel loved, but you can persistently offer your caring until that hurt has been shed. Grownups in our society are understandably poor at reaching out to an angry child. Many of us were spanked, beaten, or belted for angry behavior. We lose our cool around anger, because that’s how our parents handled it, not because you are failing at parenting. But to reach out to your angry child, you need presence of mind, plenty of time, and faith that a tender heart can be found inside this furious young person. It's a skill that does get better with practice. You can get guidelines to help you find your way past your child’s anger, and past your own. Hit this link to get your guide Reaching for your Angry Child: http://bit.ly/2WdtMEe"

Give us a call: 780-852-2100.

Baby & Me is online again. Join us tomorrow! Each Thursday we will discuss a way to help build better brains and support your child's development. For an event invite, email Maggie McDowell: [email protected].

Forest Play is tomorrow! We hope you'll bundle up your little ones and join Waldorf Teacher Marissa Kidd at Snapes Hill!

Baby & Me is online again. Each Thursday we will discuss a way to help build better brains and support your child's development. Join us this week! For an event invite, email Maggie McDowell: [email protected].

Need a coat? Give us a call to set up an appointment to check out the lightly-used winter gear in the Jasper Coat Rescue.

Have you heard about our new program? On Wednesday mornings, Waldorf Teacher Marissa Kidd is hosting Forest Play at Snapes Hill! We hope you'll bundle up your little ones and join us this week!

Tis the season! If you'd like to sign up for Santas Anonymous, give us a call at 780-852-2100. If you'd like to donate, send an e-transfer to [email protected].

Community Outreach Services is closed today in commemoration of Remembrance Day. Jasper’s Remembrance Day ceremony will take place at 10:30am at the cenotaph on the corner of Geikie Street Pyramid Lake Road. Geikie Street will be closed to allow for social distancing and there will be limited seating for seniors.

Forest Play returns NEXT WEEK. There is no program on Nov. 11, as we will be observing Remembrance Day.

Let's Breathe will return NEXT WEEK. This week's meet-up is cancelled, as we commemorate Remembrance Day. To join us next week, send an email to Maggie for a link: [email protected].

Did you know that Maggie McDowell can do the Ages and Stages Questionnaire over Zoom? The ASQ pinpoints developmental progress in children between the ages of one month to 5 years. Its success lies in its parent-centric approach and inherent ease-of-usea combination that has made it the most widely used developmental screener across the globe. Evidence shows that the earlier development is assessedthe greater the chance a child has to reach his or her potential. To set up an appointment, email [email protected]. https://agesandstages.com/products-pricing/asq3/

Baby & Me is moving online again. Each week we will discuss a way to help build better brains and support your child's development. Today we'll talk about serve and return! For an event invite, email Maggie McDowell: [email protected].

Did you attend The Pumpkin Path on Friday night? If yes, please take a couple of minutes to provide Community Outreach Services with your feedback, so we can report back to our funders and continue to offer exciting community programs in the future! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VXNPQZB

Can you believe it's November already? We have added a new program to the calendar this month - Forest Play. We hope you will bundle up your little ones and join us at Snapes Hill every Wednesday morning for songs, rhymes and outdoor play with Waldorf Teacher Marissa Kidd and Outreach Worker Maggie McDowell. Baby & Me will be moving online again. Each week we will discuss a way to help build better brains and support your child's development.

We hope you had fun last night, whether you were out trick or treating or you stayed home for a spooktacular night with your family. Just because Halloween has come and gone, doesn't mean the festive fun has to be over! Take a moment today to ask your little ones a few questions and remember the best parts of your Halloween!... What was the silliest costume you saw last night? What was the scariest costume you saw? What was the BEST candy you received? What was the WORST candy you received? What was your favourite house to visit? What was your favourite jack-o'-lantern? What was the funniest moment? If you like, copy and paste this Halloween interview and post your child's answers with a photo of them in their costume!

Happy Halloween! Let's stay safe and healthy as we celebrate! If you're welcoming ghouls and goblins for tricks or treats, turn on your porch light or display a pumpkin on your step.... If you'd rather trick or treaters skip your house this year, turn off your outside lights tonight. Here are some additional tips for a safe Halloween from Alberta Health Services: Don't trick-or-treat, hand out treats, or go to a party if you have even mild symptoms, or you're in isolation/quarantine Choose costumes that allow your child to wear a non-medical mask If you can, knock instead of pushing doorbells, or keep 2 metres from the door or porch and call trick or treat. Make sure the person calling is wearing a mask. Keep a healthy distance from trick-or-treaters. If possible, hand out candy from the driveway, open garage, or lawn instead of your front door. Get more tips at alberta.ca/halloween

Join us TONIGHT for a physically distanced walk through The Pumpkin Path at Centennial Park. The park will be decorated with carved pumpkins created by Jasper's teens and Rotarians. They are also welcoming submissions from residents! If you have a pumpkin you'd like on display in the Pumpkin Path, drop it off at Centennial between 3-4pm TODAY. Write your name on the back with a Sharpie & then pick it up at 9pm, so you can display it at your home on Halloween night! Senior...s Half-Hour will take place from 6-6:30pm. The event will open to the general public at 6:30pm. Entry is by cash donation, with all funds raised going toward the Jasper Food Bank. **Masks are mandatory for this event.** Please stay home if you aren't feeling well or if someone in your household isn't well. Check out the event for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2669323909951410

Well, folks, it's raining. So tonight's Movie in the Park is cancelled. Stay home, stay warm and watch something spooktacular with your family from the comfort of your couch! Secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/movie-in-the-park-hotel-transyl

Pumpkins are now available for families who would like to carve one for The Pumpkin Path Food Bank Fundraiser on Friday night. Come by the COS backyard before 4pm to pick one up while supplies last!

Would your family like a pumpkin to carve for The Pumpkin Path? If your family would like one, come by the COS backyard on Tuesday between 1-4pm and pick one out while supplies last. And whether you add a pumpkin to the path or not, be sure to head down to Centennial Park on Oct. 30 to enjoy the Pumpkin Path, organized by Youth Community Helpers & the Rotary Club of Jasper. ... Entry is by cash donation, with all proceeds going to the Jasper Food Bank! Read all the details in the event and invite your friends: https://www.facebook.com/events/2669323909951410/

On Oct. 28, Community Outreach Services and the Jasper Municipal Library have joined forces to offer a FREE spooktacular outdoor movie at Robson Park. NOTE: One ticket = one COHORT. So, every ticket allows for up to five people. There are limited spots available to allow for physical distancing.... Secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/movie-in-the-park-hotel-transyl

All Hallows' Eve is just around the corner! To ensure everyone enjoys a safe evening of spooky celebration, Community Outreach Services is proposing an easy and inclusive way to indicate whether you're participating in Halloween this year. If you're welcoming ghouls and goblins for tricks or treats, turn on your porch light or display a pumpkin on your step. If you'd rather trick or treaters skip your house this year, turn off your outside lights on Oct. 31. Here are som...e additional tips for a safe Halloween from Alberta Health Services: Don't trick-or-treat, hand out treats, or go to a party if you have even mild symptoms, or you're in isolation/quarantine Choose costumes that allow your child to wear a non-medical mask If you can, knock instead of pushing doorbells, or keep 2 metres from the door or porch and call trick or treat. Make sure the person calling is wearing a mask. Keep a healthy distance from trick-or-treaters. If possible, hand out candy from the driveway, open garage, or lawn instead of your front door. Get more tips at alberta.ca/halloween See more

Would your family like a pumpkin to carve for The Pumpkin Path? Community Outreach Services has a limited number to give away to families, so they can add their artwork to this fun Food Bank fundraiser. If your family would like one, come by the COS backyard on Tuesday between 1-4pm and pick one out while supplies last.... And whether you add a pumpkin to the path or not, be sure to head down to Centennial Park on Oct. 30 to enjoy the Pumpkin Path, organized by Youth Community Helpers & the Rotary Club of Jasper. Entry is by cash donation, with all proceeds going to the Jasper Food Bank! Read all the details in the event and invite your friends!

The Jasper Coat Rescue is back! If you have a lightly used winter coat that you're no longer wearing and would like to donate, let us know. Or, if you or your child could use a winter coat, reach out and set up an appointment to check out what we have!

Hey moms-to-be, join us this afternoon for a prenatal and labour massage lesson with Registered Massage Therapist & Early Childhood Outreach Worker Maggie McDowell. Email Maggie for a link: [email protected].