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.
Family & Child Development Supports
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. Through ongoing coaching, coordinators help families develop the skills and confidence to navigate challenges and access resources more independently.
Child Development Specialists | Ages 0–5
Child Development Specialists work with caregivers to better understand their child’s developmental strengths and needs. Through consultation, practical strategies and coaching, specialists support emotional regulation, behaviour, executive functioning and healthy development. They also collaborate with families and other professionals to identify when additional assessments or developmental supports may be helpful.
Contact us by phone, email, or visit in person to get connected.
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. Email fdc@cupscalgary.com or call 403-221-8780 for more information about drop-in programs.
Stay and Play
Fridays from 10:00am – 12:00 pm
A technology-free opportunity for caregivers and children to connect through play.
Families enjoy developmentally appropriate activities, strengthen relationships and receive practical coaching to support positive interactions and healthy child development.
Gather & Grow
Tuesdays from 10:00am – 11:30 am
A welcoming, education-focused space for parents and caregivers to connect, share experiences, strengthen parenting skills and explore family well-being, child development and community resources.
Rotating themes and facilitators. You can attend the topics and dates that interest you. Coffee, snacks, parking, bus tickets and childminding are available.
October 27 – November 10th topics discuss Finances and will include:
Week 1: Where does my money go?
Week 2: Making your budget stretch
Week 3: Prepare for the unexpected and plan ahead
November 17 – December 1 topics will discuss Understanding Behaviour and Strategies to respond:
Week 1: Aggressive Tantrums and Defiance/Rudeness
Week 2: Sibling Rivalry and Frustration Intolerance
Week 3: Fear/Anxiety and Hesitation/Shyness
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:
Speech-Language Pathology
Supports children at CUPS and in the community with speech, language, and communication challenges through assessments and therapy designed to enhance language development and improve overall communication skills.
Developmental Pediatrics
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
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: Currently Full
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 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 speech-language pathology, and developmental pediatrics 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.