All About PACT
All About PACT
PACT (previously ONC - Observation Nurseries of Calgary) is a unique program that offers Calgary families: One program for you and all your children, aged 0-5, to attend together. The opportunity to socialize and connect with parents and children in surrounding communities. A stimulating child-directed play environment that supports your child’s development through activities such as play dough, painting, crafts, floor toys, dress-up, books, puzzles, building blocks and more! Thought-provoking discussion groups for parents focused on developing resiliency and respectful parenting practices. Encouragement, support, and a safe place to grow and develop. Opportunity to enjoy song and story time together each morning.
As Calgary’s population grows we see increasing challenges facing families today. We recognise more than ever that effective parenting plays a critical role in the healthy development of future generations. Parents and Children Together (PACT) knows that in order to excel, families with young children need support, encouragement and information.
Parents participate in two program components, a parent education/discussion group and in the children’s program. Our parent educators are some of the best in Calgary, and they offer information, support, and encouragement to parents on a variety of topics such as: Ages and Stages of Development and Growth
- Parenting Styles
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Effective, Respectful Discipline
- Fostering Self-Esteem
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Family Communication
While half the parents meet in the discussion groups, the children are involved in a child-directed play program supervised by a qualified children’s play coordinator and other parents. The sociodramatic play encourages brain growth in toddlers and preschoolers through child-directed make-believe (roles, objects, and events) which helps to develop language skills, allows for expression of feelings, and provides opportunities for social interaction.
PACT supports the 'true toy' revival - at each location toys include such items as play dough, floor toys, dress-up clothes, books, puzzles, building blocks, toy kitchens and house centres, and other toys that require some imagination and make-believe to use. The play-time also gives parents a chance to observe their preschooler(s) at play and begin to test the skills learned in the parent discussion group. The two parent groups alternate weeks, spending one with the children and one with the adults in the discussion group.The PACT Program has been running in various locations throughout Calgary for over thirty-five years (over fifteen of those as PACT and before that as Observation Nurseries of Calgary).
Testimonials
"This is a great program for parents of Pre-school children." Martha Sears, RN, mother of eight children, childbirth educator, La Leche League Leader, and co-author of over 20 parenting books
"Parents of pre-school children can really benefit from support and great ideas. I recommend PACT." Patricia Morgan, counsellor and author of 8 books
"PACT is an amazing program and I recommend it to all parents. My children love coming each week to play and the discussion group has helped me grow as I share the struggles and joys or parenthood with others." Nichola (participant)
"Before I came to PACT I thought I knew it all - I'm glad I was wrong! I came to PACT for my son's benefit, now I come for both of us." Jennifer (participant)
"Every week PACT gives me the awareness and tools I need to make postive parenting choices." Val (participant)
"I love PACT. If I have a parenting struggle then my group gives me feedback and helpful suggestions. These people understand my life as a mom of preschoolers." Maria (participant)
"I've been attending PACT for 4 1/2 years and still look forward to it! I have learned skills to make me a better parent and I get to connect with other moms. My girls get a fabulous playtime and learn how to be with other kids and adults." Jeanette (participant)