A free Steinbach preschool program catering to low-income families has quadrupled in size over the year.

Steinbach Family Resource Executive Director Jo-Anne Dalton says their preschool program used to run every two weeks but is now being offered twice a week to fulfill the growing needs of the community.

As Dalton explains, the program is for parents and guardians to attend with their children. It offers education on everything from breastfeeding to the common cold. “A couple of community agencies got together and realized there was a need for healthy nutrition and resources,”  Dalton says. “Especially in those early childhood years when families tend to be more isolated.”

The Centre was conceived twenty years ago when, Founder and Board Member Carmel Wiebe, got together with Child and Family Services to raise support for healthier pregnancies and early childhood families. Together they obtained funding through the Canadian Pre-natal Nutrition Program, who still partly funds the program today.

“We have lactation consultants, doulas, and medical professionals who come in and speak on a variety of topics,” explains Dalton. “Anything that you could think of from picky eating to breastfeeding support, and more specialized needs as well.”

Learning the alphabet, pre numeracy and socialization are all important facets of Teacher Andrea Reimer’s 'Learn and Play' Preschool Program. Says Reimer, “We also do a lot of fine motor skill activities, strengthening their little hands so they can hold pencils, and large motor skill activities that strengthen the core so, they can sit at a desk.”

Dalton moved to Steinbach ten years ago with a background of working for charitable organizations. “I worked for the Winnipeg Humane Society for thirteen years, I worked for a personal care home” Dalton reminisces. “I’m just passionate about advocating for animals and anyone who cannot advocate for themselves.”

After her second child was born, Dalton opened and maintained a daycare for five years.  She says the experience helped her to identify the difficulties of the services she now oversees. 

“We have free family programming for all age groups, for all families, for every age level, and every developmental milestone, says Dalton.

With all the growth the program is experiencing, Dalton insists there is room for more.