By TERRY PUGH
After a low-key start, the Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre is currently riding a wave of popularity.
The provincially-funded centre in Martensville sees dozens of families every week accessing its educational programs and seeking referrals to other agencies.
That’s a big jump from the number of clients that passed through its doors when it first opened in the spring of 2024. At that time, the centre had a temporary location in Warman High School.
“We had a tiny little space in the boot room,” said Coordinator Sydney Kryzanowski. “It wasn’t the greatest, and that showed in our lack of participation from families. We would get maybe three or four families a month.
“Now we’re getting upwards of 200 people a month. It’s a huge difference, and it’s great to see because there’s a real need in the community for the type of resources we provide.”
The Centre is celebrating its first anniversary on Tuesday, October 7, with children’s activities and cupcakes.
According to Kryzanowski, the event offers an opportunity to highlight the importance of early childhood development.
“It’s a chance for families to come and see the space again if they haven’t been here for a while, or to check it out for the first time.”
The Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre is funded by the provincial Ministry of Education in partnership with Prairie Spirit School Division and the YMCA. It offers free services to area residents. The Centre focuses on Early Learning and Development, Parenting Education, Family Health and Wellness, and providing information and referrals
The Centre offers early learning programming for young children up to age five with play-based activities, art, music, movement and other programs. It also provides educational resources for parents, as well as referrals to agencies such as Mental Health, Speech and Language, Physiotherapy, and child development and behavioral concerns.
“When we first opened, many people thought we were a daycare,” said Kryzanowski. “We had a lot of phone calls asking if we had spots available. We’re not that type of facility. We’re a resource centre for early learning. We do have drop-in programs, but parents can’t leave their children, they do activities together with their children.”
Kryzanowski said the Centre has an Infant Room for families with babies and toddlers, and a wide variety of printed resources for parents.
In addition to Kryzanowski, the Centre has three other staff members — two facilitators and a programmer.
“Essentially, it’s a one-stop shop for people with small children to find information and resources, and to increase their own ability to care for their children,” she said.
Kryzanowski said Early Learning is vital for children.
“Early education of younger children is social, and play helps them develop their language and social skills, as well as social and emotional skills,” she said. “It can be difficult for parents to learn how to play with their children, so we offer this space for that.”
She said the Centre is one of many throughout the province offering this service, adding it is open to families not just in Warman and Martensville, but throughout the region.