By Jessica Jones
For the Independent
Mark your calendars for Stettler Connect’s second annual Early Years Fair, a free event for families with children aged zero to six on March 17th.
The “one-stop-shop” type of event, where families can seek out an array of information on local programs, services, and have their questions answered, as well as network with other families, will be held at the Hub, in the upstairs of the Stettler Recreation Centre, from 1 to 5 p.m.
“We are going to be having a variety of service providers that support families and kids from birth to age six and each service provider will have some sort of interactive activity with a play-based focus,” said Morgan Hiller, coordinator of the Stettler Regional Early Child Development Committee (SRECDC).
Hiller says that parents will be able to engage with service providers, while keeping the kids entertained with play areas that focus on child development.
There will be 16-20 participating service providers, that range from the Stettler Regional Child Care Centre, Clearview School Division, representatives from the Catholic schools, the Stettler Learning Centre, as well as clubs such as minor soccer, hockey and gymnastics, just to name a few.
“In our experience Stettler never hosted anything like this and we found that there was a gap for families with young kiddos and for new families who are not necessarily aware of what programs there are to access in Stettler,” Hiller said.
Hiller added that last year’s event had over 100 families take advantage of the Early Years Fair and she expects the same at this year’s event.
The Early Years Fair will also feature a photo booth, door prizes and swag bags. Kids can also take a good look and get orientated with a school bus provided by Clearview School Division.
Interactive story teller Joanne McMahon will also be attending the fair. The event is stroller, wheelchair and wagon friendly. For more information visit www.stettlerconnects.com.