The Importance of Early Childhood Development in Shaping a Brighter Future for Families
At CUPS Calgary, we believe that investing in early childhood development is one of the most impactful ways to create meaningful and lasting change for families and our community. The early years of a child’s life are a vital period of growth and learning, forming the foundation for their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. To support and empower children and families during this critical stage, we established the CUPS Family and Child Development Centre. Through a holistic approach, we provide comprehensive resources and an integrated approach to care that is tailored to meet the unique needs of our community.
Why Early Childhood Development Matters
Brain-science research shows that a child’s brain develops at an astonishing rate during the first five years of life, forming over one million new neural connections every second. This period offers a unique window of opportunity to set children on a path toward a successful, healthy future. Positive experiences with parents and caregivers, nurturing relationships, and access to quality education and healthcare during these years can profoundly influence a child’s future, while adverse conditions can lead to lifelong challenges. Between 2016 and 2020, we found that 63% of CUPS Family and Child Development Centre participants reported high scores of Adverse Childhood Experiences, indicating a significant risk for future health and behavioural issues. This underscores the importance of early interventions to ensure safer, healthier futures.
The Ripple Effect on Families and Communities
We know that the early years of parenting can be challenging, particularly for those who experience trauma, poverty, and marginalization. Creating a space where families feel welcome and safe to find support in a community that understands their experiences nurtures an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of where they start their journey.
When children thrive, families thrive. Strong early childhood development not only benefits individual children but also strengthens the family unit and contributes to a healthier, more resilient community. Parents and caregivers who have access to the resources and support they need to navigate life’s complexities are better equipped to provide the nurturing environments their children need. In turn, this reduces stress, improves mental health and overall well-being, and fosters a sense of stability within the home that every family member benefits from.
How CUPS Calgary Supports Early Childhood Development
CUPS proudly provides programs and services that empower families to create positive outcomes through strengths-based, trauma-informed goal setting and connection to supportive resources. With a team comprised of a Speech-Language Pathologist, a Developmental Pediatrician, a Play Therapist, a Child Development Specialist, and several Child and Family Development Care Coordinators, we offer personalized, timely access to expert support in a safe and nurturing environment.
Through the CUPS Family and Child Development Centre, we offer:
A Welcoming, Family-Friendly Environment: We recently redesigned the CUPS Family and Child Development Centre to include an expansive, family-friendly space with toys, books, and comfortable places to bond. Our centre also includes a sensory-friendly classroom for drop-in play, engaging activities, and support with childcare and early learning. Our centre also features more private spaces for participants to engage in therapy, community-based support groups and workshops, and supervised visitation.
Early Learning Programs: Engaging activities and programs that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth for children, parents, and caregivers. These programs are developed both in-house by our team and in partnership with community partners who share our purpose of building better systems and a stronger community through increased access to Family and Child Development resources with fewer barriers.
Community-Based Parenting Support: Workshops and resources that help parents and caregivers build stronger connections with children and with others directly in their community through engaging and supportive opportunities for learning, connection, and growth.
Assistance with Basic Needs: Our team offers care coordination to support families in meeting their basic needs. This coordination of care includes support with obtaining government ID, pursuing income and housing support, and assistance with navigating other systems of care within the community to mitigate some of the toxic stressors parents can encounter.
Integrated Access to Care with Fewer Barriers: Our approach is holistic, personal, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. This means we recognize that a child’s development is deeply intertwined with the well-being of their family and that every family has different needs. By addressing systemic barriers, including poverty, trauma, housing instability, and barriers in accessing healthcare and supportive resources, our teams work together to create an environment where every individual or family can feel empowered to set and achieve their goals.
Parents, caregivers, and children aged 0-12 have access to Primary Health Care and Mental Health Support, in addition to the other services and support provided at CUPS, ensuring comprehensive care that meets each family's unique needs.
Building a Brighter Future Together
The future of our community depends on the investments we make today in its youngest members. By supporting early childhood development, we’re not just helping children succeed—we’re laying the groundwork for better systems, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about the importance of early childhood development, together, we can create change. Together, we can ensure every family has the opportunity to thrive.