I have two University degrees and a few other certifications, but parenthood has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, and certainly the thing I’ve felt least qualified for, on the most frequent basis.

That’s why, when I saw a post on Facebook about a free program geared at parents of kids between the ages of birth and 5, I signed on.

I’ve attended two sessions of SPARK now, and am impressed and grateful for the 90 minute sessions, the information shared, the chance to connect to other parents of kids’ the same age, and learn about how to help my Small One navigate his developmental milestones.

We’re about to graduate from the program and head to kindergarten in September, and I WISH I’d had this resource earlier.

The program is called SPARK, and is brought to the region by Sea to Sky Community Services and School District 48.

SPARK stands for ‘Supports Parents Along the Road to Kindergarten.’

It’s been imported from and inspired by a program that has been running on the Sunshine Coast, to incredibly positive results, for over 30 years.

You can sign up while your bun is still in the oven. You can attend the age-appropriate sessions for each of your children. The 90 minute sessions take place three times a year – every fall, winter and spring until their children enter kindergarten, and include a bunch of information, tools, resources and toys, to help nourish your little person’s development.

Parents can also register for the Imagination Library, which mails a free, age-appropriate book to their children every month until their fifth birthday.

Non-mobile babies are welcome! There is free childminding for all children over the age of 12 months.

Morning sessions are at 9:30 am to 11 am and evening sessions are at 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

The next sessions will take place in Pemberton throughout May, so jump on the website and sign up today. 

Because parenting shouldn’t be a solo sport.