Challenges and change…

The Child Development Centre (CDC) provides low-income families access to early childhood education and CUPS services. Hand in hand with the Family Development Centre (FDC), we take a two-generational approach to support child development, increase positive parenting skills, and, ultimately, build resiliency.

In recent years, CUPS has adapted the CDC service delivery model to accommodate external changes; however, this has resulted in a shift away from the program's original intent and has limited our ability to provide that essential two-generational approach to care for our children and their families.

The ongoing strategic planning work at CUPS has offered insight and reflection on the service offering and the ability to impact and create change while being financially sustainable. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend CDC programming in its current model for the upcoming school year after June 2023.

CUPS is committed to child development services…

Our goal remains unchanged, to strengthen families in a two-generational approach to prevent the intergenerational cycle of poverty and trauma.

We will spend the upcoming year intentionally assessing impact and engaging with staff and clients to develop a new service model that will meet the changing needs of our community. In taking the time to be thoughtful and strategic in re-imagining how we deliver early childhood education and development services, we have an opportunity to significantly increase our impact and align the work of the CDC more closely with the rest of the organization. We are excited to explore the provision of child development support in a truly integrated fashion.

What does this mean for current CDC families?

As a team, we are committed to supporting every family through this transition as best as we can. Depending on the needs and resources, the plan will look different for each family. Transition plans may include the following:

• Ongoing collaboration with Family Development Coaches and CDC staff to work on goal setting, enrollment in FDC programming, and identifying opportunities with families. 

• Assistance for kindergarten-eligible children to access their community schools with appropriate support services.

• Assistance to connect, access needed assessments, and transition preschool-aged children to alternative Early Childhood Services and Early Learning and Child Care programs.

Access to other CUPS services, such as health care, mental health, housing support, or any other service our clients may use, will continue without interruption.

While we know it is not ideal to pause programming for the year, we are looking forward to the possibilities a re-imagined CDC brings to our families, teams, and community partnerships. 

For more information please contact, GrantK@CUPScalgary.com.