Family Engagement Programs 

Parent Workshops 

We know you’re here because you want the very best for your child — and we believe you are the expert on what your family needs.

ABC Head Start Society’s Family Engagement philosophy recognizes parents and caregivers as a child’s first and most important teachers. Our workshops focus on building skills, confidence, and resilience while honouring each family’s unique strengths, cultures, and experiences.

All ABC parents and caregivers are welcome to participate.

Questions? Contact our team at familyengagement@abcheadstart.org

Active Parenting: First Five Years

4-Week In-Person Series, Wednesday Mornings

Dates: January 7 – January 28, 2026
Time: 9:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Location: ABC Millbourne Mall Classroom
Registration Required

This four-week parenting education series focuses on essential skills and strategies that support early childhood development. Active Parenting: First Five Years is a multicultural, video-based program designed to help caregivers better understand their child’s development while building positive, respectful relationships.

Session Topics Include:

• You and Your Child
  Parenting styles, stages of development, and building strong, healthy bonds.

• Preventing Problems
  Understanding brain development and using non-violent discipline strategies.

• Encouraging Positive Behaviour
  The power of encouragement, setting appropriate consequences, and caregiver self-care.

• Preparing for School
  Helping young children transition confidently into school environments.

Parenting Across Cultures

6-Week In-Person Program, Friday Evenings

Location: Newton Community Centre
Date & Time: Starts on January 23, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Offered in 6 weekly sessions on Friday evenings

This program supports immigrant families as they navigate parenting in a Canadian context — while honouring and preserving their cultural traditions.

Together, we explore parenting expectations, systems, and supports in Canada, while creating space for shared learning and connection across cultures. The goal is to empower caregivers, strengthen confidence, and build strong futures for children and families.

Financial Literacy Series

Looking for financial guidance to better support your family? Our Financial Literacy Series offers practical, accessible workshops that build confidence and knowledge around money management.

This program series is made possible thanks to support from the AIMCO Foundation for Financial Literacy.

For all in-person sessions, we provide:

• Food and drinks

• Childcare

• Transportation (if needed)

• Interpretation support (if needed)

• Door prizes ($50 gift cards at each session)

Exploring Your Relationship with Money (Virtual)

December 10, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM - Now Complete

In this session, we explore the emotional and practical sides of money. Together, we’ll reflect on our values, feelings, and assumptions about finances, and build awareness around money management.

Income and Taxes (Virtual)

January 6, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Learn about different income sources and how income tax interacts with public benefits. This session walks through the tax filing process, key terms, and helpful income- and tax-related resources.

Budgeting (In-Person)

January 15, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Millwoods Towne Centre

Discover how budgeting can be a powerful tool for managing earnings, expenses, and debt. Through hands-on activities and real-life examples, participants will learn how to build and maintain a budget that works for their family.

Banking and Financial Services (In-Person)

February 11, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Northgate

This session provides an overview of banks, credit unions, and alternative financial services. Learn how to choose the right bank account, understand your options, and take steps toward opening an account.

Saving (In-Person)

March 9, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Mayfield

Explore the importance of saving, identifying wants versus needs, and understanding spending habits. This session also introduces savings tools, goal-setting strategies, and the power of compound interest.

Credit Basics and Credit Reporting (In-Person)

April 13, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Jerry Forbes Centre

Learn how credit works in Canada, including credit scores, reports, and credit bureaus. We’ll discuss how to use credit responsibly and explore different types of credit products.

Debt and Consumerism (In-Person)

May 11, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Jerry Forbes Centre

This session explores debt, repayment strategies, and how to manage what you owe responsibly. We’ll also discuss advertising influences, consumer rights, smart shopping strategies, and common scams to watch for.

Family Connections Group

A new group offering space for caregivers to come together to talk and learn from one another. Caregivers will have an opportunity to meet other caregivers to share and support each other in our daily struggles. The goal is that caregivers feel supported and valued while connecting with other caring community members. 

Family Connection will take place once a month - dates and times will be specific to your child’s school.

We don’t have any Family Connections Groups scheduled at this time. Our Family Engagement Team will keep you informed as new opportunities become available.

Stay and Play Group 

Join us for a fun-filled experience in one of our classrooms! Enjoy hands-on playtime with your child, delicious snacks, and the opportunity to connect with other parents and our caring staff. All family members are welcome to join the fun! 

We don’t have any Stay and Play Groups scheduled at this time. Our Family Engagement Team will keep you informed as new opportunities become available.