First Steps - Early Years Settlement Program

Being a refugee in Canada is undeniably difficult, especially if you have young children or are a caregiver of one. First Steps understands and aims to help you and your family settle in Canada, through developmental support. Our goal is to support and assist newcomer families so they can gradually transition into mainstream services and resources.

Learn about parenting in a Canadian context, meet other parents who share and understand the experience of raising children in a new country, and get the support you and your children need to succeed in the community and school.

At First Steps, you will be provided with:

Parent/child drop-in
Parenting Support
Social interaction, bonding and play
Nutrition and health information
Mental health counselling
Father's groups, and more

First Steps also hosts the Mother Goose and Nobody’s Perfect Parenting programs, which helps you learn about parenting in a Canadian context.

Curious about our First Steps Program? Check out a recent video tour!

Eligibility criteria

For government or privately-sponsored refugee families with children (ages 6 and under) wanting to learn about parenting in a Canadian context. Contact 778.868.1802.

Can you access the program directly?

Yes. Referrals are also accepted from a variety of sources, including - but not limited to, community or health professionals, other community agencies, parents, school counsellors and other settlement agencies.

Other referral options

Referrals are also accepted from a variety of sources, including - but not limited to, community or health professionals, other community agencies, parents, school counsellors and other settlement agencies.