Family Support at The PREP Program is open to all families who have a child with Down syndrome up to 18 years of age. Our Family Support Liaisons introduce families to the wealth of options, opportunities, and support available for their child with Down syndrome within Calgary and surrounding area. Liaisons support families by helping them to:

• Register for services at PREP and in the community;

• Access information that improves their child's quality of life;

• Advocate for improved health services;

• Integrate their child in community activities and events;

• Provide opportunities for families to connect with each other;

• Explore funding options; and

• Plan for the future.

Our Mission

We help parents enable their child to lead a healthy, active and productive life.

Your free membership entitles you to:

• A tour of the Woodridge PREP Centre

• Orientation to the educational and therapy services at PREP

• Parent workshops

• Individual appointments

• Special events

What's on this month?

Coffee Mornings for PREP 1 & PREP 2 Parents
Monthly: see Calendar for dates.

Down Syndrome Chat Nights
Monthly: second Tuesday of every month during the school year.

Who can register for Family Support services?

Family Support Services at PREP are funded by Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD ). Any family who has a child with Down syndrome (age 0-18) is welcome to register with Family Support, regardless of whether their child is enrolled at PREP. Our services are private and confidential, and we want parents to know that PREP Family Support is here to help.

How do I access Family Support Services?

1. Register for Family Support Services by completing a form in person on your first visit, calling us to have a form mailed out, or by clicking here to download a copy (PDF Document).

2. Upon registration, your family will be assigned to a Family Support Liaison who will call and invite you for an introductory visit and a tour of PREP. Depending on the information and support that you require, we mail out resource information, talk over the telephone, arrange in-person meetings or schedule a home or community visit.

PREP 1 and PREP 2 Family Support (ages 0 to 4)

Family Support focuses on helping parents to meet and build connections with other parents of preschoolers. We help parents learn about the therapy and educational services available at PREP and the benefits of inclusion in home, school and community life. Explore government funding programs and the wealth of community resources available to help your child learn and grow.

PREP 3 Family Support (ages 5-12)

Family Support focuses on assisting parents to explore their options in the areas of education, recreation, and community inclusion. We help parents keep their child active by connecting them to social and recreational activities and inclusive summer camps. We support families in their parenting role by connecting them to respite services, Resource Fairs, and other parents who will share their experiences.

For families who are new to Canada, we help parents overcome cultural difficulties by accompanying them to meetings, arranging interpreters and visiting families in their homes.

PREP 4 Family Support (ages 13-18)

Family Support focuses on planning and preparing for the transition from youth to adulthood. Knowledge is power, and parents can better cope with adolescence if they stay informed. Family Support presents workshops on a variety of topics such as puberty, sexuality, and mental health. We are here to lend a listening ear when changes are overwhelming, and can meet privately with you to make outside referrals if needed.

Look ahead and plan for your teens' transition to Adult Services! We provide information on adult programs, offer assistance with completing applications, and help families prepare for the future with our Transition Guide.

Since PREP's inception in 1988, we have seen many PREP students develop and grow from birth to graduation. We understand that parenting a child with special needs offers a unique set of challenges, and we are here to help you along the way! The staff at PREP feel privileged to be a part of your family's journey!

Contact Family Support Services: