The Cornerstone Family and Youth Playroom was originally established as the Carlyle Parent and Tot Centre by community member and former facilitator Jenny Halbgewachs.  As a parent of 3 young children herself, Jenny had a vision of a community parenting program to help parents and their children under age 5 find (and learn from) each other.

The program quickly grew to be a valued part of our community that offered parents a safe place to voice their concerns, triumphs and questions on parenting and provided an educational play environment for their children.

Today the Cornerstone Playroom Program continues to offer the same great environment for Parents and their small children.  “When families arrive at the Playroom they are invited to take part in play time with their children, followed by story, craft and snack time.” Says Jenn Sedor, current Facilitator of the program.  “Sometimes at home we get bogged down with chores or work and it can be hard for parents to take part in play time.  During these activities we encourage parents to play and interact with their small children and we have staff to assist those with larger families.”

After the children are settled into their snack the program moves into it’s second stage, The Parent Hour.  “During our second hour we move our parents to the Library for Circle Time.  For an entire hour parents are encouraged to share their experiences, trials and triumphs.  Parenting can take the wind out of you – and knowing that you are not alone in your struggles is very refreshing.”  Says Sedor.

The Parent hour also incorporates several parent skill building programs into the sharing circle. “Over the course of the year we will take part in the Alphabet Soup program, Baby Signs, 9 Ways to Bring Out the Best in You and Your Child by Maggie Reigh and the Share It Forward Program.  Each of these programs target different strategies for positive parenting and we are very proud to take part in all of them.” Says Sedor

The 2010/2011 season of the CFY’s Playroom Program begins September 14th and runs Tuesdays 1PM-3PM and Wednesdays 9:30AM-11:30AM in the Playroom located on Main Street Carlyle, down the walkway between the Carlyle Civic Centre and Home Hardware..  The program does not require pre-registration and is free to join.

If you would like more information about our Playroom Program or any of our other Programs please give Jenn Sedor a call at 453-2666 or e-mail cornerstoneprograms@sasktel.net