Welcome to those with a desire to create! Afternoon Artiste is an interactive parent/caregiver and child(rent) program with weekly themes designed to help school aged children 5 to 10 years learn new techniques. Ticket is required for attendance.
Tickets/Registration are required for this program. Please  obtain one per child (adult included).

Bookworms at Play is an Early Learning, Family Literacy Program for children ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. This program places a greater emphasis on family literacy and early learning through components, both in class and at home, allowing parents to share in the preschool experience with their child(ren). 
Independent class time helps the 'Bookworms' transition when starting school, while allowing parents time to socialize and take advantage of parent information sessions or borrow books from ESFRA's 'travelling' Parent Resource Library.
Children receives a 'Bookworm Bag' of take-home activities for parent and child to complete and return to class each week. These activities will develop into a 'Bookworm Album' of shared memories.
Tickets/Registration are required for this program. Please  obtain one per child (adult included).

Greengrocer's Wares provides bags of fruit or produce to residents within ESFRA's catchment area. This program will be offered based on grants/funding sourced at various times through the year. 
Sponsors include Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Community Health Board (2023) and The United Way & Province of NS (2022). 

Using the Jolly Phonics curriculum, this parent/child interactive program focuses on teaching children the basic skills needed for reading in a fun, engaging way.
Includes weekly take home activities plus each child receives a phonemic assessment conducted periodically during the program.
Our programs & services are offered at no charge to the community. Please note Tickets/Registration for Jolly Phonics is required.
Tickets/Registration are required for this program. Please  obtain one per child (adult included).

This music and movement program is a way for you and your child to have fun while mastering new skills and concepts including: developing a sense of rhythm, body awareness, communication, social skills and intuition, following directions and learning to focus on simple tasks.
Designed to meet the need for repetition and familiarity as well as to challenge them to learn something new. 
Supporting and modeling for your child how they can make connections with other children when not knowing how to interact. Some start awkward or rough and eventually learn acceptable ways of making new friends. Attending with your child providing supervision such as: Helping your child as they try out climbing and other movement activities or Assisting your child as needed to participate in activities and make music.
Tickets/Registration are required for this program. Please  obtain one per child (adult included).

Kids 'N Elders is an inter-generational fun & social weekly playgroup. 
Parents/caregivers and children, ages 1-5 years, join senior residents, from the local Birches Home for Special Care, at their site. 
Designed to exchange among all in attendance: 'old and new' songs, stories, laughter and creative talent. 
Ticket/Registration is required for this program. Please obtain one per child (adult included).

This program offers parents and their babies (under eighteen (18) months of age) an inviting place to meet other new families in the community, receive information on parenting related topics and easy access to other programs offered.
The Public Health Nurse, Special visitors and professionals from our community attend the New Parent Group to provide information on topics relevant to new families. These visits are informal and our new parents are encouraged to request visitors and suggest topics to discuss according to their needs and interests.   
ESFRA trained staff will be available to support, guide, and provide resources. The service is offered in a comfortable, breastfeeding-friendly environment.
Tickets/Registration are required for this program. Please  obtain one per child (adult included).

Wednesday

  9:00 am - 6:00 pm

ESFRA Centre

FREE Bag of Healthy Snacks (1 per family)

Begins September 2023 

Ready to Learn focuses on social-emotional development of children ages 3 to 5 years. Based on PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies), focus is on the development of self-control, positive self-esteem and emotional-social competencies. Plus, providing school readiness activities (following direction, active listening, problem solving & letter/number knowledge) built into the classroom experience.
While not an interactive program, there is a required parenting workshop, Handle with Care, for 8 weeks. HWC focuses on: Mental Health as a part of our overall health, celebrates parenting, promotes self-care and recognizes the value of all caregivers and their role in the social-emotional well-being of children; to grow in self-esteem, focus and learn.
Tickets/Registration are required for this program. Please  obtain one per child (adult included).

Ready to Play is a parent/child interactive early learning program for children ages 18 - 36 months. The primary goal of this program is to help parents support their child’s social-emotional development through play (A Child’s Work).
Social-Emotional Development is a child’s ability to understand the feelings of others, control his/her own feelings & behaviors, get along with other children and build relationships with adults. Children learn about their world, practice & refine skills, use imagination and learn about relationships. Play is the perfect time for toddlers to work out strong feelings like anger. Also, parents will receive monthly information on how they can implement best practice in their homes to support their child’s social and emotional development.
Tickets/Registration are required for this program. Please  obtain one per child (adult included).

Shore Suppers is a program that benefits residents of the Eastern Shore is various ways - Family time while preparing, Literacy & Math by using simple recipes with measured ingredients and Financially as it is FREE.

Sponsors include NSLC (2023-24),  Sobey's (2023-24),Telus Future Friendly Foundation (2022-23) and Superstore (2022-23).

Selections can vary by season with a limitation of one (1) choice per household of the selections offered per 5 week session.

Monday - Friday (except holidays)

8:30 am to 12:30 pm

ESFRA Centre & Porters Lake Community Centre

2 outdoor activity days each week (weather permitting)

Begins July 4 to August 25/23 

Monday to Friday
ESFRA Centre
Contact for availability of program offerings: 902-827-1461. 

Wee Bears is an Early Learning Parent/Caregiver and Child Interactive program for children age 1-3 years. Enhancing connection between parent and child via age appropriate activities.
Wee Bears, our signature program, has been providing quality early learning opportunities for families on the Eastern Shore since January 2000. 
Our programs and services are offered at no charge to the community. Please note Tickets/Registration for Wee Bears is required.
Tickets/Registration are required for this program. Please  obtain one per child (adult included).