Free child development support in Calgary

Families with children 0-6

The primary focus is on the early years (0-6), which is the most important window for catching and addressing developmental concerns. Some programs extend beyond 6 — Trellis offers registered programs for children up to 18.

Any Calgary family

No income requirements, no referral needed, no immigration status checks. If you have a young child and you're wondering about their development, this is for you. You don't need to have a specific concern to connect.

Step 1

Contact your hub

Find your FRN zone and call your hub. Tell them you're interested in child development support or screening. They'll connect you to the right program in your area.

Step 2

Developmental screening

A trained professional works with you and your child to screen developmental milestones — things like speech, motor skills, social interaction, and behaviour. It's not a test; it's a conversation and some guided play.

Step 3

Understand the results

You'll get a clear picture of where your child is at developmentally. If everything looks typical, great — you'll get guidance on what to watch for next. If there are concerns, you'll understand exactly what they mean.

Step 4

Get connected to support

If concerns are identified, your program worker helps you figure out the next steps — whether that's ongoing monitoring, a home visitation program, a referral for specialized assessment, or connecting with other families navigating similar situations.

Ongoing

Ongoing programs & drop-ins

Many zones offer developmental drop-in programs and registered child development groups. These give your child structured play and learning experiences while giving you a chance to connect with other parents and professionals.

What kind of concerns can FRN programs help with?

Speech and language delays, motor skill development, social-emotional development, behavioural concerns, and general developmental milestones. They provide screening to identify concerns early and connect you to the right resources.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No. FRN developmental programs accept self-referrals. You can call your hub directly. If screening identifies concerns that need specialized assessment, your program worker can help connect you.

Is screening the same as a diagnosis?

No. Developmental screening identifies potential concerns and tracks milestones — it's not a medical diagnosis. If a potential issue is found, you'll be connected to appropriate professionals for formal assessment.

What if my child is older than 6?

The primary focus is 0-6 because early intervention matters most. But some programs extend beyond — Trellis Society offers registered programs for ages 0-18, and youth mentoring is available for ages 6-18. Call your hub and ask what's available for your child's age.

What happens if a delay is found?

Your program worker will help you understand what it means and what to do next. That might include ongoing monitoring through home visitation, a referral for specialized assessment (like speech therapy or occupational therapy), or connecting with other families in similar situations. You won't navigate it alone.