Article in the Comox Valley Record
Check out this wonderful article about the 2010 Bellies Birth and Babies Fair in our local Read more...
Bellies Birth and Babies Fair 2010
The Bellies, Birth and Babies (Fair) much BIGGER this year! The Comox Valley Doulas are hosting their second annual Bellies, Birth and Babies Fair ...
A Peek into the Role of a Doula
Steph Janzen a member of The Comox Valley Doulas has written a wonderful article for Our Big Earth Check it out Read more...
Resources
PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH
- Plum Midwifery in Comox
- Birthtides Midwifery in Courtenay
- Comox Valley Prenatal pregnancy and birth resources for families in the Comox Valley.
- Comox Valley Acupuncture, Dr. Michelle Hughes - infertility, pregnancy, post-partum.
- Invision Your Life, Hypnobirthing with Jeannie Spencer
- Options for Sexual Health Clinic (formerly Planned Parenthood)
- St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox
- La Leche League of the Comox Valley - breast feeding support.
- Pacific Post-Partum Support Society - support for women with post-partum depression.
- Sweet Home Birth Boxes - The supplies you need no matter what your birth plan includes!
- The Lily Pad Birthing Suite A space to welcome your baby
- Time out health solutions
- Well-Balanced Fitness and Bodywork
- Daisychain Maternity
- Living Room Pharmacy
- firefly: new beginnings
- Podlings
RECREATION CENTRES
Recreation centres are the heart of any active community, and those in the Comox Valley are no different. The major centers are: The Comox Recreation Centre
The Courtenay Recreation Centre
The Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
The Comox Valley Sports Centre
The Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds
EARLY EDUCATION
Sponsored by School District 71, the StrongStart early education program is a comprehensive learning program for kids age 1 to 5 and their parents, working together to teach stories, music, and crafts to help children grow linguistically, physically and socially, and become comfortable as they get closer to kindergarten.
The StrongStart Centres at Courtenay, Brooklyn and Queneesh elementaries are open Monday through Friday, with the free drop-in program running from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m.
This highly structured program is a great way to work with your kids to get them ready for the learning and socialization challenges grade school brings.
You can also hook your toddlers and preschoolers up with Mother Goose programs sponsored by the school district. These hour-long, free programs are designed to promote language and reading skills as well as socialization and other important tools for tots to learn before entering kindergarten. Not every school in the district has a Mother Goose program, and the times/days vary during the school year. Please check with your neighbourhood school for specific details.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
- School District 71 - The public school district for the Comox Valley
- Comox Valley Montessori Society - Montessori education for early grades run through School District 71 at Queneesh Elementary.
LIBRARIES
The Vancouver Island Regional Library District maintains library branches in just about every municipality in the region including two large libraries in Comox and Courtenay as well as smaller branches in Union Bay, Cumberland and other municipalities.
DIAPER GYMS
Finding the perfect place for your infant or toddler to make friends, play hard and have fun can be tough work. Here are a few spots to try out:
CFB Comox Parents & Tots 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays out at the CFB Comox 19 Wing Recreation Centre on Military Row. $2 and parents are encouraged to contribute a snack.
The Comox Recreation Centre has diaper gym options for kiddos ages newborn to 4. Fees vary.
Courtenay Recreation has a whole pile of programs for kids under the age of 5, including a diaper gym for those ages 1 to 3. Fees vary.
The Black Creek Community Association offers a FREE Parent & Peanut program from 10:30 a.m. to Noon Thursdays at the BCCA building on Black Creek Road.
The Comox Valley Child Development Association hosts a parent and tot group at the Child Development Association Building, 237 3rd St., in Courtenay. Kiddos ages birth to age 3 are invited to join in with songs, play time, snacks for the kids and coffee for moms and dads. Free.
The Comox Valley Child Development Association also hosts a free parent and tot play group for families with children who have special needs at the CVCDA building, 237 3rd. St., in Courtenay. Call 338-4288 for more information.
The Cumberland Recreation Centre has a Parents & Tots program for kiddos ages birth to 5 years old. It runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays at CRC, 2665 Dunsmuir, and costs $2 per child.
The Comox United Church, 250 Beach in Comox, hosts Tot Stop for parents and pre-school age kiddos from 10 a.m. to Noon Wednesdays and Fridays. The cost is $1. Call 339-3966 for information.
YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
Organized groups for kids to participate in and learn from are popping up all over the place in the Comox Valley. Here are a few:
The Comox Valley Boys and Girls Club
LINC Youth Centre
SPECIAL NEEDS
Valley Resident Susan Millette runs an activity-based social communication program for children with special needs. Her program is designed to promote social communication, self-esteem and empathy through various motivating activities and techniques in a fun and caring atmosphere. Contact Susan at susanmillette@hotmail.com for details, location and other information.
The Autism Spectrum Support Group of the Comox Valley meets once a month to talk about issues or listen to guest speakers. For more info, touch base with Emma at 890-3277 or Jane at janegadsby@shaw.ca
The Autism Society of BC is another resource.
The Developmental Disabilities Association of BC
The Learning Disabilities Association of BC
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
BC Special Olympics
Community Living British Columbia
Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society
BC Schizophrenia Society
Children’s Wish
National Education Association of Disabled Students
THEATRE
If there’s one thing the Comox Valley is famous for, it’s the theatre. With major productions - incorporating kids and adults of all ages - taking center stage, you can be sure that there is plenty of live theatre in town to participate in, or just simply sit back and enjoy. Check out the schedules for theatre groups including:
The Sid Williams Theatre
Theatreworks
Rainbow Youth Theatre
MUSEUMS
North Vancouver Island is home to a unique collection of museums that teach not only the history of the region, but provide visitors and residents alike with a sense of community and a look at the world.
Find a museum anywhere in Canada with Virtualmuseum.ca
The Comox Air Force Museum is home to the Spitfire restoration project as well as one of the largest collection of historial Canadian military planes and aviation equipment in the country.
The Campbell River Museum offers visitors a spectacular tour through First Nations lore and the economics of fishing and homesteading that put Campbell River on the map. Interactive exhibits make this a real family-friendly experience.
The Courtenay Museum & Paeleontology Centre is a score for dinosaur lovers everywhere. Home to the famous elasmosaur - first discovered in the Valley - dinosaurs and how they lived around these parts are king here.
The Cumberland Museum and Archives is a walk back through time to the pioneer days of the Comox Valley including displays that reveal daily life. But, the real gem here is the replica coal mine that gives visitors a taste of life as a miner - without the grit.