Welcome to Parenthood© Alberta (W2P© - AB)

In Alberta, nearly 27% of children have delayed development by the time they are ready to enter school. Children coming from low-income families are at the highest risk of developmental delays. Starting in 2005, the Federal and Alberta Provincial Governments committed to ensuring that children have a healthy start. Alberta’s goal was to develop a system of early childhood supports that focus on:

• A healthy start for all children
• Supports for children to reach their full potential for success by school age
• Supports for parents
• Safe and supportive communities for children to grow and learn

Welcome to Parenthood© (W2P©) is an innovative program that was developed to contribute to Alberta’s vision to ensure children grow up healthy and strong. W2P© supports parents (mothers, fathers, and other co-parents) during the transition to parenthood. W2P© was designed to help increase first-time parents’ knowledge of healthy pregnancies, learn positive parenting skills, manage stressors, and receive information and referrals to supports.

W2P© has three components:

1. Brain-based parenting education
2. Mentorship from a specially trained adult in the family’s own social network
3. An evidence-based baby kit that contains essential items for newborns and that support positive early childhood outcomes

We tested W2P© - Alberta (W2P© - AB) in partnership with 11 Parent Link Centres across the province.

Study Status: Manuscript submitted for peer review