Family & Child Development Centre
The Family and Child Development Centre (FCDC) provides support for families, parents, and caregivers with children (12 & under) at various stages in their parenting journey, both onsite and in the community.
The goal is to empower families to identify and achieve goals, promote healthy child development, build stronger family relationships and connect to other community-based programs and resources.
How to get care
Come down to CUPS
CUPS Calgary main office
1001 10 Ave SW
Monday to Friday
8:30–11:45 am
12:45–3:00 pm
Closed on weekends, and on statutory holidays.
Child Development Care Coordinators
Our Child Development Care Coordinators support families with children ages 0-12, at home or in community by providing basic needs assistance, guidance on parenting skills, tools for healthy child development, and connections to essential community resources based on your needs and goals.
Contact us by phone, email, or visit in person to get connected with a Child Development Care Coordinator.
Drop-in programs
Drop-in programs at CUPS’ FCDC are a great way for families to meet, share, and learn in a welcoming and supportive environment. Reach out to our FCDC team if you have questions about our drop-in programs.
Stay and Play
Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:00am – 12:00 pm
A fun and interactive space where you and your children can engage in imaginative play and creative activities that support healthy development. Lunch is provided for participants.
Parent Connection
Thursdays from 10:00am – 11:30 am
A safe, casual space where you can connect with other parents and caregivers, share struggles and successes, and build relationships. A staff member leads discussions on common themes. Free child-minding, food, and coffee are provided.
Specialist Services
Our specialist team provides expert support with developmental, speech, or emotional challenges. All specialist services require a referral from a Family and Child Development staff member. Services include:
Child Development Specialists
Child Development Specialists provide family-focused support by assessing children’s developmental needs and implementing goals through in-home, play-based activities and community outings that build skills for both children and caregivers. They also collaborate with partners and connect families to additional supports as needed.
Speech-Language Pathology
Supports children with speech, language, and communication challenges through assessments and therapy designed to enhance language development and improve overall communication skills.
Developmental Pediatric Assessments
Comprehensive evaluations by a developmental pediatrician to identify delays, diagnose conditions, and create customized, family-centred care plans.
Classes and Groups
CUPS offers a variety of opportunities to strengthen parenting skills and find support through connection with other parents. Classes and programs are by registration, please see below for current and upcoming classes. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like to get involved.
Circle of Support – Facilitated By the Family Advocacy Center
A welcoming peer support group for mothers with past or current CFS involvement to connect with others who understand, share experiences, and heal together in a safe, judgment-free space.
At CUPS main site in the Family and Child Development Centre. Food and parking provided.
Dates: First Tuesday of every month
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Circle of Security
A relationship-based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. Decades of university-based research have confirmed that secure children exhibit increased empathy, greater self-esteem, better relationships with parents and peers, enhanced school readiness, and an increased capacity to handle emotions more effectively when compared with children who are not secure.
Dates: Mondays starting Feb 2nd – March 23rd
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Be a Great Dad
Be a Great Dad is a seven-week course that offers dads and father figures a chance to learn and tryout effective strategies for communication, positive discipline, role-modelling time, and creating positive experiences for dads and their child(ren).
At CUPS main site. Food, refreshments, child minding, bus tickets and parking are provided. Registration required.
Dates: Tuesdays starting March 3rd – April 14th
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuning In To Kids
This 8-week program helps parents to strengthen their emotional connection with their child. Tuning in to Kids® (TIK®) is an evidence-based parenting program that is designed for parents who want to strengthen their parenting, parent-child relationship, and child’s emotional competence and behaviour. Parents participating in this program will learn about emotion coaching to better understand and meet the emotional needs of their child.
At CUPS main site. Food, refreshments, child minding, bus tickets and parking are provided.
Dates: Wednesdays starting April 29th to June 10th
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
Who can access CUPS’ Family & Child Development Centre services?
FCDC services are available to families with children ages 12 and under, who meet the LICO guidelines and are looking for integrated support services. Some programs, like specialist services, require an internal referral, while others, like Stay & Play and Parent Connection, are open to all eligible families.
Do I need an appointment to access services at the Family & Child Development Centre (FCDC)?
If you are new to CUPS, no appointment is needed. You can call, email or walk-in to get connected.
What specialist services are available for children?
FCDC specialist services, such as play therapy, speech-language pathology, and developmental pediatric assessments, are available through referral by FCDC staff. These services support children in developing emotional regulation, communication skills, and personalized care plans for their developmental needs. If you’re seeking a diagnosis or assessment, please contact your family doctor.
Is childminding available while attending programs?
Yes, childminding is available while attending any CUPS programs or meetings on-site. You must remain at CUPS while your child is in care. Child Minding hours are 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.