The first six years of a child’s life are a whirlwind of milestones, wonder, and—let’s be honest—significant challenges for parents. At Marpole Oakridge Family Place (MOFP), we believe that “it takes a village” isn’t just a cliché; it’s a necessity.
Our Early Years programs are designed to be that village. From the first weeks of infancy to the transition into elementary school, we provide the tools, the space, and the community to help your family thrive.
Laying the Foundation: Infants and Toddlers
The journey begins with connection. Our infant-focused programs are designed to help you bond with your baby while meeting other parents walking the same path.
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Baby and Me & Baby Massage: Learn the power of touch and gentle interaction to soothe your little one and improve their sleep and development.
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Baby Sign Language: Give your child a “voice” before they can speak! This program reduces frustration by teaching babies simple signs to communicate their needs.
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Mother Goose: A fan favorite! This group focuses on the pleasure and power of rhymes, songs, and stories, which are the building blocks of early literacy and emotional regulation.
Specialized Support: You Are Not Alone
Parenting is a diverse experience, and we offer specialized “Circles” to ensure every caregiver feels seen and supported:
The Single Moms Drop-In
Raising a child solo requires incredible resilience. Our Single Moms Drop-In provides a dedicated, non-judgmental space to share resources, find emotional support, and build a network of “sisterhood” in the neighborhood.
Dad and Me
We love seeing fathers and male caregivers engaged! This program offers a relaxed environment for dads to connect with their children and each other, breaking down the isolation that fathers sometimes feel in early childhood spaces.
Neurodiversity & Inclusion
Every child learns differently. We are proud to offer the Gentle Explorers of Marpole, a specialized drop-in for neurodivergent children. Alongside our Sensory Drop-In, these programs provide a low-stimulation, high-support environment where every child can explore at their own pace.
Preparing for the Future: School Readiness
As your children grow, our programs evolve with them to ensure a smooth transition into the Vancouver school system:
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PAL (Preschool): Our Play and Learn sessions focus on social-emotional skills and early literacy, helping children feel confident in a group setting.
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My Tween and Me: For those moving into the “middle years,” this program helps parents navigate the changing dynamics of pre-adolescence.
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BASC (Before and After School Care): Providing reliable, high-quality care that supports working families while keeping kids engaged in a safe, familiar environment.
Why MOFP?
When you join an MOFP program, you aren’t just signing up for a class; you are joining a network. Our Family Support Coordinator, Carol Chu, and the rest of our team are always available to offer a listening ear or a referral to essential resources like housing, food security, or dental care.