Multicultural Parenting Education and Cultural Connection Program

Welcome to ASSIST’s Multicultural Parenting Education and Cultural Connection Program! This program supports newcomer and refugee parents and caregivers raising children and Youth aged 0–24 in Alberta.

The program strengthens caregivers’ knowledge, confidence, and skills to support healthy child development—from infancy through adolescence.

Delivered in collaboration with community partners, this program is culturally responsive and language-specific, ensuring families can learn, share, and engage in a way that reflects their lived experiences and cultural values.

Program Approach

The program consists of five core parenting programs and is delivered directly within ethnocultural communities in the preferred language of participants. Sessions are facilitated by trained educators who create welcoming, supportive, and practical learning environments.

Languages Offered

Programs are currently available in the following languages:

Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program

(For parents of children aged 0-6 not 7-11 years old)

Nobody’s Perfect is a nationally recognized parenting program offered in Canada since 1980. It supports parents and caregivers of children ages 0–6 years by building knowledge of early childhood development and positive parenting strategies.

Participants also learn about:

Fatherhood Initiative Program

(For parents/caregivers in father’s role of children aged 0-12 years old)

The Fatherhood Initiative Program focuses on the important role fathers play as caregivers. This program supports dads raising children ages 0–6 years, strengthening their confidence and parenting skills.

Topics include:

Preteen Parenting Program

(For parents of children aged 7-11 years old)

This program supports parents raising pre-teens as their children approach puberty. Participants learn effective strategies to stay connected, communicate openly, and navigate common challenges during this important developmental stage—helping foster stronger parent-child relationships.

Youth Parenting Program

(For parents of children aged 12-18 years old)

Adolescence can be a challenging time for both youth and caregivers. This program prepares parents and caregivers to support teens facing issues such as:

Bullying

Substance use (drugs and alcohol)

Gender diversity and identity

Consent and healthy relationships

Emotional wellbeing

The program also includes a brief overview of the Canadian Justice System to help caregivers better understand youth-related legal contexts.

Young Adult Parenting Program

Parents of Young Adults Ages 18–24

Parenting doesn’t stop when children become adults. This free program supports parents as they navigate the transition to adulthood, strengthen family relationships, and help their young adults become confident, responsible, and independent.

Topics include:

Learn practical parenting strategies to support your young adult while encouraging independence.
Improve communication and reduce family conflict through positive, respectful conversations.
Understand common challenges such as finances, education, employment, and sharing responsibilities at home.
Connect with other parents and discover community resources to support your family's success.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

(For parents of children aged 0-12 years old)

Offered in Malayalam and Mandarin

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is for every parent—because children don’t come with an instruction manual. Triple P is one of the most recognized parenting programs worldwide, grounded in positive parenting principles and the belief that small changes can lead to big improvements for children and families.

Who Can Join

This program is designed for:

One-to-One Family Support

Sometimes families need support that is specific to their situation. Through the Multicultural Parent Education (MPE) Program, parents and caregivers can receive confidential, culturally responsive one-to-one support from our Community Educators.

Our educators can help families:

Navigate parenting challenges and family concerns.

Better understand children’s development, behaviour, and changing needs.

Strengthen parent-child communication and relationships.

Understand Canadian school, community, and family support systems.

Access relevant community resources and services.

Receive support in their preferred language, where available.

Develop practical strategies that respect their family’s culture, values, and strengths.

Support is strengths-based, non-judgmental, and tailored to each family’s needs. When needs go beyond the scope of the MPE Program, educators can help connect families with appropriate community or specialized services.

Need one-to-one support?
Contact the MPE Program to speak with our team and learn how we can support your family.

Funded by Family Resource Network (FRN)

The Multicultural Parent Education Program is funded as a Spoke of the FFRN and MCHB Hubs under the Family Resources Network (FRN). FRN is a coordinated network to provide Albertans with equitable access to evidence-based services that support child safety, well-being and development, and caregiver capacity and support.

ASSIST proudly participates as a spoke partner in both these FRN networks:

Intercultural Family Resource Network (IFRN) – Programs grounded in cultural diversity and inclusive practice.

Southwest Family Resource Network (SWFRN) – Offering welcoming, accessible services for families in southwest communities.

These partnerships help us ensure programs are effective, community-centric, and accessible to diverse family needs.