Links and Resources...To add any useful links, please email them to Valerie at oakbaymoms@shaw.ca
Oak Bay Special Interest
Mothers of Oak Bay Special Interest Group
http://members.shaw.ca/oakbaymomsOur petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/MOB/Oak Bay News article on our cause (July, 2004)
http://members.shaw.ca/oakbaymoms/OBnews.htmlTopics below in alphabetical order by heading
Adoption Support
Adoption Support Program - Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
-provides post adoption support for adoptive families including parent information, parent groups, children/teen groups, counselling and referral, respite care and resources.
721-6798 (Susan Lees)Advocacy, Government, & Research Links
B.C. Council for Families
http://www.bccf.bc.ca/Community Action Program for Children - Projects Directory
http://www.ssjs.hc-sc.gc.ca/capc/Health Canada - Division of Childhood and Adolescence
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dca-dea/main_e.htmlCentre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development
http://www.excellence-earlychildhood.ca/Human Early Learning Partnership
http://www.earlylearning.ubc.ca/Research in Early Childhood Care, Education, and Health
http://www.reach.uvic.ca/First Call BC
http://www.firstcallbc.org/
First Call is a coalition of individuals and organizations whose purpose is to create greater understanding of and advocacy for legislation, policy, and practice to ensure that all children and youth have the opportunities and resources required to achieve their full potential and to participate in the challenges of creating a better society.B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development
http://www.gov.bc.ca/bvprd/bc/channel.do?action=ministry&channelID=-8379&navId=NAV_ID_provinceChild and Youth Officer of B.C.
http://www.gov.bc.ca/cyo/Success by Six
http://www.successby6bc.ca/Federation of Child and Family Services of BC
http://www.fcfs.bc.ca/The Society for Children and Youth of BC
http://www.scyofbc.org/Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding Support available at all Public Health Units
- offer individual assistance and support to breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits and clinics. Appointments recommended. Drop-ins welcome.
- For the Victoria Public Health Unit, Friday clinics for one-to-one support are from 1:00-3:00pm. Call 388-2200La Leche League
http://www.lalecheleaguecanada.ca/
727-4384
Offers information and support to women interested in breastfeeding, call for information regarding meeting locations and times.Breastfeeding Committee for Canada
http://www.breastfeedingcanada.ca/B.C. Baby Friendly Network
http://www.bcbabyfriendly.caBreastfeeding Matters (South Vancouver Island)
http://www.breastfeedingmatters.ca/
Conference at the Empress November 12-13Infant Feeding Action Coalition
http://infactcanada.ca/Breastfeeding.com
http://www.breastfeeding.com/Fact: World Breastfeeding week in Canada is October 1-7
Book: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Child Care
Child Care Services - Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
Inclusive child care for children 3 - 5 years of age. All teachers have ECE license, as well as certificate in special needs. Two classes operate in the Pearkes Building and take advantage of the QACCH beach, grounds, and pool.
477-1826Child Care Support Services - Single Parent Resource Centre
Offers support and training to child care providers (both licensed and licensed-not-required) including start-up information, workshops and courses, networking, infant/toddler equipment, phone consultation, home visits, library, and newsletter. Information on referrals, liability insurance and government grants.
382-7000, toll-free 1-800-750-1868
ccss@islandnet.comCridge Centre for the Family - Childcare Information Service
361-4743, 1-800-993-4383
careinfo@cridge.org
Provides information and referral about childcare facilities for families of children with all abilities (location, fees, hours, and program); respite childcare (agencies, providers, and workshops); recreational programs and summer camps (locations, fees, and programs); toy and resource lending (sources and fees); community resources for families (location, services, and programs); workshops and courses (topics, locations, and fees); services for childcare facilities (Assistance for Backup Childcare); and CareQuest, an employee benefit program.Victoria Child Care Resource and Referral
http://www.islandnet.com/~sprc/ccss/Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada
http://www.childcareadvocacy.ca/
dedicated to promoting quality, publicly funded child care accessible to all.
Parent Voices - Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada
http://www.childcareadvocacy.ca/parent_voices/Canadian Child Care Federation
http://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/home_en.htmlBC Ministry of Health Services - Child Care Information http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/ccf/child/index.html
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre
http://www.wstcoast.org/Early Childhood Educators of BC
http://www.cfc-efc.ca/ecebc/
See the "diaper campaign" against funding cuts to daycare. By March 31, 2004 the BC government will be spending 36% less than they did in funding regulated child care in 2001.
http://www.cfc-efc.ca/ecebc/diaper.htmDevelopment
Canadian Institute of Child Health
http://www.cich.ca
http://www.cich.ca/Publications_childdevelopment.htmlInfant Development Program of BC
http://www.idpofbc.ca/Zero to Three
http://zerotothree.org/Early Learning Canada
http://www.elc-apec.ca/American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/child_hear_talk.htmFood & Nutrition
Dial-a-Dietitian Infoline
1-800-667-3438
http://dialadietitian.org/
Provides information about food and nutrition by registered dietitians, operated by the BC Dietitians and Nutritionists Association.SPUD - Small Potatoes Urban Delivery
http://www.spud.ca
- for home delivery of organic produce and baby food
- carries "Healthy Times" cereals (recommended by our class nutritionist)Book: Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense
Book: First Meals by Annabel Karmel
Gender-related topics
The Canadian Girl Child: Determinants of the Health and Well-being of Girls and Young Women
http://www.cich.ca/PDFFiles/cndgirlchildeng.pdfHealth & Prevention
Child & Family Canada
http://www.cfc-efc.ca/
a unique Canadian public education website. Fifty Canadian non-profit organizations have come together under the banner of Child & Family Canada to provide quality, credible resources on children and families on an easy-to-navigate website. The managing partner of the consortium is the Canadian Child Care Federation.Canadian Institute of Child Health
http://www.cich.caChild and Family Canada
http://www.cfc-efc.ca/index.shtmlWestern Canadian Association for Infant Mental Health
http://www.vcn.bc.ca/wcaimh/Mother Risk
http://www.motherisk.org/
source for evidence-based information about the safety or risk of drugs, chemicals and disease during pregnancy and lactationBC Nurses' Line
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbnurseline.stmBC Health Guide
http://www.bchealthguide.org/healthfiles/index.stmPoison Control Centre
1-800-567-8911Postpartum Support Program - Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
598-5791 (Joan Wale)
Offers individual counselling to mothers experiencing depression and anxiety during the first year postpartum, referral by a health professional is required.Early Intervention Program - Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
477-1826
Multidisciplinary service for children with special needs from birth to five years of age who are at risk of developmental delay or require therapy/intervention, and live in Vancouver Island Health Authority, South Island area. Four geographic teams provide a variety of services based on the needs of the child. Professionals available on each team include Infant Development Consultants, Community Integration Consultants, Physiotherapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Social Workers. In addition, other services such as Pediatricians, medical clinics, Visual Consultant, Dietitian/Nutritionist and orthotists are available to ensure the best outcomes for the child. Parents may refer, and will be provided with information and a screening tool to see if their child requires service. Service may be provided at a variety of VIHA sites as well as at home or in the community.Family Advocate - Vancouver Island Health Authority - Child, Youth, and Maternal Health
Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
721-6748
cheryl.thorpe@caphealth.org
Mandate: Children, birth to 18 years. Advocates on behalf of families to ensure that health care perspectives, concerns and needs of families are clearly expressed. Works with multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistent and complete communication with families. Provides parent to parent support by accessing 'veteran' parents who can offer a unique form of help to parents of family members with a disability or special health care need. Assists in specific inquiries and concerns from families by addressing individual child/family needs.Canadian Pediatric Society
http://www.cps.ca/
for parents (with e-newsletter): http://www.caringforkids.cps.caSIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Information Line
1-800-END-SIDS (1-800-363-7437)
http://www.sidscanada.org
Offers information on sudden infant death syndrome, education on risk reduction and peer support for bereaved families.SIDS Family Support Program - Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
598- 5791 (Joan Wale)
Self-help support group for bereaved parents with professional support for medical, social and psychological needs. Also provides public and professional education to the community.CRD Fluoride Information (regarding dental health)
http://www.crd.bc.ca/water/faq.htm#fluoride
(my dental hygenist recommend Oral B "Stages" with fluoride)Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.caMISC Information Resources
Kids in Victoria Conference Board & Classifieds
http://kidsinvictoria.com/Babycenter (U.S.)
http://www.babycenter.com
- they have great weekly e-newsletters for pre and postnatal
- their store section does not deliver to CanadaParent Stages
http://www.parentstages.com/Baby Names in B.C.
http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/babynames/Consumer Search
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/Consumer Reports
http://www.consumerreports.orgMusic Programs for Children
Children's Music Programs at the Victoria Conservatory of Music
http://www.vcm.bc.ca/children.htmlMusic Together - Oak Bay Recreation
http://recreation.oakbaybc.org/Yamaha Classes - geared towards keyboard/piano
http://www.yamaha.ca/musiceducation/
- use locator on website to find classes in Victoria
- classes start at age 3 (thought age 2 if enough interest)Music for Young Children
http://www.myc.com
- use locator on website to find classes in Victoria
- classes start at age 3Kindermusik
http://www.kindermusik.com/
- use locator on website to find classes in Victoria
- classes for newborns on upNanny Services - Temporary or Permanent
Spoonfull of Sugar Nannies - nanny agency
http://spoonfullofsugarnannies.com/Hiring directly? Consider posting an ad in the following:
Times Colonist
HRDC Job Bank: http://jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/
UVic Job Bank: http://www.workopoliscampus.comParenting Info
Island Parent
http://www.islandparent.ca
(did you know you can subscribe to receive this magazine via mail or email?)Parents Help Line
http://parenthelpline.caParent Support Services of BC
http://www.parentsupportbc.ca/Single Parent Resource Centre
385-1114
info@singleparentvictoria.ca
Provides services for single parents including counselling, community resources information, parenting support groups and courses, assertiveness and lifeskills training. Provides a drop-in for single parents to have coffee and meet with each other, a free clothing room. On Thursday and Monday mornings offers free bread and 'goodies'. Operates Child Care Support Services.Victoria Parents of Twins and Triplets Association
704-2650
Offers pre and post natal support to families with multiples, monthly meetings, playgroups, newsletters, book and video library, clothing sales four times per year, social events, and family camping.Work Family Tips
http://www.wft-ifb.ca/Parent Education (see also Recreation & Activities)
Parent Education Classes by Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
http://queenalexandra.org
Classes include:
Parent Support Program for Premies & Parents by Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
721-6751Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program by Public Health Units
- In collaboration with community agencies, offers a six session parenting program for young parents of newborns to five years of age, designed to meet the needs of parents who are young, low income, single, lacking in formal education and/or parenting skills, or isolated socially, geographically or linguistically. Offered in various community locations. For further information call your local health unit.Photography
Frances Litman Photography
http://www.franceslitman.com
- photo credit for original of image used on this websitePotty Training / Natural Infant Hygiene
Elimination Communication
http://www.freewebs.com/freetoec/Natural Infant Hygiene
http://www.natural-wisdom.com/Infant Potty Training
http://www.timl.com/ipt/
Website of Laurie Boucke, author of Infant Potty Training and Infant Potty Basics.Diaper Free Baby
http://www.diaperfreebaby.org
Find a support and education group in your area.Prenatal Education & Support
Camosun College and Vancouver Island Health Authority
Prenatal Education Program
370-3292
duggan@camosun.bc.ca
Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health
Prenatal EducationIntercultural Association of Victoria Prenatal Classes
-Offers prenatal classes for immigrant women, interpretation provided, classes are for 6 weeks and start in Apr. and Nov., topics covered include nutrition, breathing techniques, exercises, baby care and a hospital tour.
388-4728
ltran@icavictoria.org
http://www.icavictoria.orgDoula Network - from pregnancy and baby
http://www.doulanetwork.com/Doula Services by Mothering Touch Birth Services
704-2658 or 213-8958
eva@motheringtouch.ca
http://www.motheringtouch.ca
Provides childbirth preparation for clients of midwives, private childbirth preparation, pre and post-natal yoga and dance classes, birth art classes, labour support doula services, and breastfeeding support.Birth & Beyond Doula Services
http://www.birthandbeyond.caPreschool
Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association
598-2667
http://www.vicpa.org
An umbrella organization formed to unite and assist member groups in providing preschool education and adult education program. Offers workshops for Preschool Executives, Leadership Development, Making Tomorrow Conference (1st Sat. in May at UVic) and liaison with government and childcare agencies.Recreation & Activities (see also Parent Education)
Oak Bay Recreation
370-7101
http://recreation.oakbaybc.org/Saanich Recreation
Cedar Hill Recreation Centre: 595-7121
Gordon Head Recreation Centre: 475-7100
Pearkes Recreation Centre: 475-5400
Saanich Commonwealth Place: 475-7600
http://recreation.saanich.ca/reconline/Activities/Activities.aspFairfield Community Association
http://www.fairfieldcommunity.ca/
382-4604
place@fairfieldcommunity.ca
Offers out of school childcare, registered recreation and leisure programs, licensed preschool and summer day camp. Also offers drop-in programs for youth, families and adults. Additional services include facility rentals and community access computer terminals.Fernwood Community Centre
http://www.fernwoodcc.caThe Parent-Child Mother Goose Program
http://www.nald.ca/mothergooseprogram/
mgoosebc@telus.netThe Cridge Centre for the Family
http://www.cridge.org/
384-8058
Offers mother goose program (songs), nursery for children ages 6 - 36 months, group daycare and preschool for children ages 3 - 5 years, kindergarten program, before and after school care, full-day care when schools are closed, and summer day camps.
Operates Hill House Transition House (emergency shelter for women escaping family violence), Victoria Second Stage Program (residential program for women and their children who have come from an abusive relationship), Orillia House (residential care facility for people with mental disabilities), Macdonald House (housing for men who have had traumatic brain injuries), Hayward Heights (low cost housing for young families), Community Kitchens (organized cooking groups for low income individuals or families), Child Care Information Service, Higgins House (infant and toddler childcare for students at Victoria High School), Group Day Care (for children ages 6 months to 5 years), Pre-school, all day Kindergarten, Out-of-School Childcare, Sunfun kids day camp.Marty Lane:
- home page: http://www.martylayne.com
- baby massage: http://members.shaw.ca/seachangepublications/infantmassage.html
- baby games: http://members.shaw.ca/seachangepublications/martylaynegamesforbabies.htmlMothering Touch Centre
http://motheringtouch.ca/Retail Resources
The Natural Mother Store
http://www.thenaturalmotherstore.com/Baby Bjorn
http://www.babybjorn.comTJ's Kiddie Korner
Safety
The Safety Station Website
http://www.cw.bc.ca/safetystation/
-They have a store in the main lobby of the Children's Hospital in Vancouver, but they also let us know that they mail their products anywhere in BC.
-Here you will find room-by-room tips for making homes and the outdoors safer for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. You can also choose from a selection of more than 200 safety products, UV-protective clothing and outdoor gear.Healthy Spaces
http://www.cfc-efc.ca/healthy-spaces/
This site has been designed for parents and caregivers of young children. Learn how to protect kids from environmental contaminants in places where they grow, learn and play.Safe Environments - Canadian Institute of Child Health
http://www.cich.ca/Publications_safeenvironment.htmlInfant Car Seat Rentals
Infant and toddler car seats are available for rent at: Abra-Kid-Abra - 2024 Oak Bay Ave., Phone: 595-1613 and TJ's Kiddies Korner - 3045 C Douglas St., Phone: 386-2229Car Seat Compatibility Database
http://www.carseatdata.org/Transport Canada Child Restraint and Booster Cushion Public Notices
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafety/notices/publicnotices.htmChild Passenger Safety
http://www.cpsafety.com/Family Product Reviews and Reports (includes car seats, monitors, etc.)
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/Car seat discussion board
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppcarseatsBritax Car Seats
http://www.britaxusa.comSleep Resources
Sign Language with your Baby
Sign with me
http://www.signwithme.com/main_signs.aspBook and/or Video Kit (available from the public library)
Sign with your baby by GarciaStorytellers
Storytellers of Canada
http://www.sc-cc.com/The Victoria Storytellers Guild
http://www.islandnet.com/~vsg/Western Community Word Weavers Storytellers
http://www.islandnet.com/~wcwwToys
Canadian Toy Testing Council
http://www.toy-testing.org/Neighbourhood Toy Stores
http://www.neighbourhoodtoystores.ca/
- a network of Canadian specialty toy retailers and suppliers working together to provide a superior source of quality toys within our communities:Buddies Toys - Estevan Village or shop online at http://www.neighbourhoodtoystores.ca/store.htmTimeless Toys - Oak Bay Village
Discovery Toys (through networking)
Toys R Us - online
http://www.toysrus.ca/Learning Curve
http://www.learningcurve.com
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