Community Action Program for Children

Program Overview

The Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) provides funding to community organizations to deliver programs that promote the healthy development and well-being of young children from birth to age 6. There are approximately 450 funded projects across Canada, 49 in Atlantic Canada and 16 in Nova Scotia.

The Memory Lane Family Place has been offering the CAPC program since its inception in 1994.

The program is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada who recognize communities have the abilities to identify and respond to the needs of children and place a strong emphasis on partnerships and community capacity building.

Goals of this Program

Improve healthy child development and well-being by:
- Improving parenting skills and parent-child relationships
- Decreasing social isolation
- Increasing child self-esteem
- Providing child-focused activities, such as preschool programs and play groups
Promote and create partnerships within communities to:
- Actively involve the people served in the planning, managing, developing, delivering, and evaluation of programs
- Strengthen community capacity
- Support children and their families
Activities to meet the goals are adapted to meet the needs of the people served. Programs include but are not limited to:
- Child health and development activities
- Parenting sessions and drop-in groups
- Prenatal program
- Fathering program
- Nutritional support/ cooking programs/ gardening/food support
- Outreach work
- Basic needs support (food/hygiene/baby, etc.)
- Clothing depot
- Specialized programs and events, as identified
- Partner collaboration

Program Benefits

Improved Parent-Child Relationships
Positive parenting programs can help strengthen the bond between parents and children and reduce behavioral issues in children, while building parental capacity in adults.
Improved School Readiness
Opportunity for children and their families to build capacity, creating successful transition into the school system.
Decreased Social Isolation
Programs that foster community connections and positive parent-child engagement.
Increased Access to Services/Community Navigation
Connection and referrals for families to access essential services and resources, such as food assistance, health care, and housing support. Improved community cohesion Collaboration with partner agencies that strengthen community bonds, supportive networks and work toward improving identified community needs.

Programs

All programs have an underlying philosophy of focusing on healthy living (physical, cognitive, emotional and social development). Centre policies and guidelines are followed for the safety of all.

Evening Prenatal Classes
A series of prenatal classes offering topics on healthy pregnancy; what to bring to the hospital; labor and delivery; breastfeeding and bringing baby home.
Drop-In BabyTime
Come and meet other families who have new little people in their lives. A great opportunity to meet, connect and share.

Note: Public Health Nurses are on-site the first Tuesday of the month.
Coffee Chat
A time to join other parents and chat about various topics of interest.

Childcare provided
FamilyTime
A program for parents and children ages 0-6 years to come together in the PlayShop, an indoor early learning environment prepared for family participation.
Me and My Dad
A Saturday morning program where dads/partners/granddads/uncles and/or other male figures and children come together.
Family Stroll &Talk
Join us for a walk along the First Lake Trail. Fair-weather walking only, (parents and children).
Pre-K Club
This program is designed for children turning 3 years before December 31 to explore activities that enhance their skills, pique their curiosity, as well as encourage teamwork and social connections (one morning per week).

Childcare provided
Virtual Family Cooking
This virtual program focuses on feeding your family nutritionally with low-cost accessible food. Recipes and food kits are made available for pick up. This program is offered through a zoom link.
Drop-In Clothing Depot
??? Open to parents child care provided (providers?) in the PlayShop (limited spaces). Parents are welcome to join children in the PlayShop. Requests for clothing may be made over the phone at 902-864-6363 if parents choose. Staff will put together a clothing package and make it available for pick-up.

Check out our calendar for Special Events (paint nights, gardening, family socials, etc.) and watch our monthly Facebook Live for any updates.

Parent Advisory Committee
A sub-committee of the board of directors. Its function is to provide input, program facilitation, and guidance on the administration of programming. The committee meets weekly and child care is provided.

Programs may change quarterly, please check the calendar for the most up to date programming!

How do I become involved?

If you’re looking for more information on how to get involved, please fill out the form on our contact page, call or email us.

PDF Community Action Program for Children
Public Health Agency of Canada

Is there a cost to attend programs?
CAPC programs are free of cost. Supplies/resources needed are provided, as well as snacks, where applicable. Adult-focused programs/Clothing Depot - Limited childcare is available to children over 12 months and walking. Babes-in-arms always welcome.
Can I still participate even if I miss a program?
The answer is “yes”. While we would love to see you at every session, we appreciate and recognize families may not be able to attend on a regular basis.
Do all programs require registration?
Some programs require registration. This is indicated on all registration information.
Can I bring my children, as well as other children for whom I provide care?
The CAPC programs focuses on children 0-6 and their families. This would include other children (0-6) in your care. Some programs can accommodate school-age children, depending on the time being offered. Bringing school-age children to programs during regular school hours is not permitted, except in rare and extenuating circumstances.