Parent & Caregiver Support

The Family Mentor Program matches Centre parents and caregivers who would benefit from additional guidance and support with trained volunteer family mentors who are also Centre parents.

The goal of the program is to empower and strengthen parent and caregiver capacity to care for their child by providing them with additional resources and information on Centre services, events, and education/support opportunities. Evidence-based research shows that peer support reduces feelings of isolation and anxiety, and builds skills and confidence in parents with children who have multiple special needs.

Interested in being connected one-to-one with a fellow Centre Parent? You can self-refer by emailing familyengagement@niagarachildrenscentre.com or by asking your child’s clinician for a referral.

In some cases, families may require supports that go beyond what our Volunteer Family Mentors are able to offer. In this case, parents and caregivers will be referred to other programs for more support.

A support service open to all parents and caregivers of children and youth who are past or current clients (18 years and under) with physical, developmental, and/or communicative delays or disabilities. This program offers an opportunity to speak directly with an experienced Centre parent (a parent employed by Niagara Children’s Centre), who understands Centre services, available supports, and everyday general realities Centre families face. They will provide practical support and problem-solving related to raising a child with physical, developmental, and/or communicative delays or disabilities.

Examples of reasons you may want to talk with a Centre Parent:

• Interested in learning about Parent and Caregiver Supports at the Centre
• Parents and caregivers with questions about specific community options (example: dentist, optometrist, community programs, equipment)
• Everyday parenting questions that are specific to parenting a child with a disability (example: what do I do when my child outgrows size 7 diapers? Adaptive clothing, playgrounds, blood draw)
• Looking for a connection

Appointments allow for up to 45 minutes to speak with the Centre Parent via Microsoft Teams (virtual) or by phone. Book a time to talk with a Centre parent.

*For questions or concerns relating to the programs and services your child is receiving, please contact their clinician directly.

** For questions relating to the waitlist of services, please contact Stephanie Yallin, Clinical Services Pathway Coordinator.

***If you have concerns about your child’s development or are unsure of your child’s development support needs, please contact SmartStart Hub.

The role of the Centre Parent is to do their best to answer questions and/or direct families to appropriate internal and external resources.

Our Parent Talk Support group is an informal group co-led by a Support Parent- a parent of a child with a physical, developmental, and/or communicative delay or disability and a Centre Social Worker. The group co-leaders encourage parents and primary caregivers to support one another and also provide attendees with direct support.

The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month, September to November and January to June, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Meetings may be in-person, virtual, or a combination of virtual and in-person. Parents/caregivers are welcome to attend as often or as infrequently as they would like. There is no commitment for regular attendance. Limited onsite childcare is available for meetings that take place in-person.

Monthly meetings can either be based around specific topics that have been suggested by Centre Families or organized social events/activities for the group to take part in. There is always time for informal discussion to talk about anything on your mind with other parents with similar experiences.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

A casual hangout just for dads and male-identifying caregivers to unwind and meet with others who just get it. This group is hosted by a Support Parent - a father of a child with a physical, developmental, and/or communicative delay or disability.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

A fun and supportive group where the motto is Moderate Pace – Positive Space. No pressure, no pace goals – it’s about showing up. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to move and mingle, all are welcome. Each run starts and ends at a local café. Come for the movement, stay for a latte. A Centre staff member will attend each run to welcome you and participate alongside you

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

This group will provide you with the mental, emotional and physical benefits of walking plus the social opportunity to make connections with other Centre Parents and Caregivers. Meet us at the Children’s Centre for a gentle 30-minute walk. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. After our walk, join us inside for a warm beverage and visit together.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

A relaxed meet-up for children and their parents/caregivers featuring light walks, great coffee, and meaningful conversation in an inclusive, family-friendly environment.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.