This release was issued under a previous government.
Parent Link Centres (PLCs) provide parents and caregivers with resources and support to develop nurturing environments for Alberta’s children. The Alberta government funds centres throughout the province as part of its commitment to early child development.
“The first several years of a child’s life are crucial in giving them the foundation for a successful future. Parent Link Centres and the professionals who work in them give parents the tools they need to build that foundation and raise children in healthy, safe and caring environments.”
“As a parent, I feel grateful for the staff at my local Parent Link Centre for making me feel welcome. I was feeling isolated in my rural community. I picked up parenting tips, enjoyed learning to engage with my child through playgroups and began long term friendships.”
Each centre provides free parenting and play programs to meet the unique needs of the families and communities it serves.
Parent Link Centre services include:
- parenting resources in the community;
- workshops and seminars on parenting and early childhood development, including Triple P (Positive Parenting Program);
- opportunities to connect with other parents; and
- resources and drop-in programs supporting early childhood development, including developmental screening.
In the past 10 years, the demand for Parent Link Centres has grown. In their first year of operation, 22 locations served approximately 5,800 Albertans from 77 communities. Today, Parent Link Centres operate in 50 locations that reach 160 communities across Alberta. Parent Link Centres were visited by approximately 94,000 Albertans in 2013-14.