Early Connections
Support for pregnancy and the early years.
Early Connections provides short-term support for pregnant individuals and families with children ages 0 to 6 in Red Deer and immediate surrounding areas. An Early Connections worker will learn about your family’s needs and connect you with helpful resources, information, and practical tips that are tailored to your family.
Who is it for?
Early Connections is for pregnant individuals and caregivers of children ages 0 to 6.
Where?
Red Deer and immediate surrounding areas including Sylvan Lake, Penhold, Blackfalds, and Springbrook.
When?
As scheduled with your Early Connections worker
Program Cost
How do I get started?
Complete a referral form and answer a few short questions about your family and how we can support you. An Early Connections worker will then contact you.
You can meet with your worker by phone, video call, or in person at your home, our office, or another community location.
What can Early Connections help with?
Early Connections can support families with many different needs, including:
• Questions about child development
• Picky eating, tantrums, sleep, and other parenting challenges
• Creating daily routines
• Finding free programs and activities
• Finding child care options
• Registering for preschool
• Accessing support for food, housing, finances, and other basic needs
• And much more
What can I expect?
After you submit a referral form, an Early Connections worker will contact you within one week.
Your worker will:
• Learn about your family’s needs and goals
• Help create a personalized support plan
• Connect you with programs, services, and resources
• Provide practical tips and next steps
After about 30 days, you will meet again to review your plan, discuss what is working, and make any needed changes.
Support is available for up to three months. If your family needs ongoing support, your worker can help connect you with longer-term services.
I need help right away. Can Early Connections help?
Early Connections is not a crisis service.
If you need immediate support:
• Call or text “INFO” to 211 for help finding community resources.
• Call 780-482-4357 (HELP) for support through the Canadian Mental Health Association Distress Line.
• Call 911 in an emergency.
