Terra Centre for Teen Parents

Calling all Terra parents! Whether you graduated from Braemar or another school program, or connected with us though groups and services, we want to re-connect!!

If you were involved with Terra anytime from 1971 - 2025, sign up for our Alumni Newsletter to stay connected to the Terra community.

We are planning an alumni activity this fall - hope to see you there!

https://terracentre.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/terracentre/subscribe.jsp?subscription=20

There’s something extra special about tasting a berry you picked yourself!

The children at Terra's childcare put their taste-testing skills to work, picking and enjoying fresh saskatoon berries straight from the bush in our community garden.

Our educators are intentional about creating opportunities for children to explore the natural world through all their senses - touching, tasting, noticing and discovering. These experiences help nurture curiosity and grow a connection to the world around them.

Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework reminds us, children’s learning is strengthened by caring and compassionate adults who support their first-hand engagement with the natural world.

A special day enjoying the richness of nature!

Terra participants attending summer school experienced a guided exploration of Edmonton's natural spaces, thanks to Steve and Aaron from TELUS World of Science - Edmonton

The group also participated in a sharing circle, enjoyed fire-cooked bannock, and learned a trick to keep mosquitos at bay with the help of a birch tree.

We're looking forward to welcoming everyone to our Christmas in July Open House on July 28!

A huge thank you to our new friends at Spartan Controls for helping us get ready by baking delicious sugar cookies for the celebration.

We're also so grateful for the essential items they brought to support the young families we serve. Your generosity is helping us create a welcoming event while making a meaningful difference in our community.

Thank you, Spartan Controls, for being part of the Terra family - we can't wait to celebrate together!

The toddlers are finding wonderful ways to stay cooool during summer school!

Some children enjoyed watching the water from a safe distance, while others jumped right in, exploring all of the refreshing, splashy fun with their whole bodies.

The morning was filled with laughter, shared joy, and moments of empowerment. In Flight, this type of experience is described as Dizzy Play, where educators "recognize and accept this kind of play, valuing it for what it provides for the children: a release of physical energy, a sense of power, and often an expression of pure joy" (p. 101).

We hope you're finding fun ways to stay cool this summer, too! Remember to practice sun safety, stay hydrated, and enjoy every splash along the way.

Summer is full of opportunities!

This week, our participant families enjoyed a beautiful day at Hawrelak Park. Little ones soaked up the sunshine with bubbles and outdoor play, while older children set off on a scavenger hunt before creating beautiful nature-inspired artwork using the plants and treasures they discovered along the way.

Of course, no Terra adventure is complete without delicious homemade snacks, lovingly prepared by our amazing team.

These weekly summer outings create opportunities for families to connect, children to learn through play, and parents to build lasting memories with their little ones.

We can't wait to share more of the magical moments we're capturing together all summer long.

Hey friends! We are trying something new to help us prepare for the holiday season. All month long we are collecting new toys for our teen parent families to be shared at our holiday events. Then, on July 28th, we hope to celebrate with a fun summer party/open house to thank everyone and connect to more community.

We hope to see you there!

Learn more: https://terracentre.ca/christmas-in-july/

This moment reminds us just how important relationships are.

When this mom first came to Terra's childcare, her son was only a few weeks old. Over the years, our educators have had the privilege of watching him grow, learn, laugh, and reach new milestones. Together, they have shared countless moments, creating memories that will stay with them long after this chapter comes to an end.

As families move on to new adventures, there is always a mix of pride, gratitude, and emotion. These goodbyes remind us that the relationships formed between children, families, and educators truly matter.

As Flight, Alberta's Early Learning and Care Framework, reminds us: "It is the quality of the relationships between educators, children, and families that characterizes the early childhood community experience for families and remains in their memories and the memories of their children."

To all of the families who have trusted us with their children over the years - thank you. It is a privilege to walk alongside you.

More than 200 community members gathered at Promising Futures to stand alongside teen parents and their children.

During our signature fundraiser, we heard powerful stories resilience and determination to overcome barriers.

Guests were inspired by Emily, who shared her journey as a young parent and the impact Terra had on her family. We also heard from Terra alumna Debi and her daughter Jennifer, whose story demonstrated the lasting, generational impact that support can have. Nearly 50 years after receiving support from Terra as a teen parent, Debi's experience remains a testament to what is possible when young families are given the opportunity to thrive.

Throughout the evening, we were reminded that teen parents want what all parents want: healthy children, opportunities to succeed, and hope for the future.

Thank you to our sponsors, table hosts, volunteers, speakers, donors, and every guest who joined us. Your support helps ensure that young parents in our community have access to the resources, relationships, and encouragement they need to create promising futures for themselves and their children.

Together, we are creating a community where teen parent families can thrive.

Please join us in congratulating all the Terra participants who crossed the stage as part of the Braemar Class of 2026!

Each graduate has worked hard to reach this milestone while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood, education, and personal growth.

As they begin their next chapter, we know they will continue to build bright futures for themselves and their families. The possibilities ahead are endless, and we can't wait to see where their journeys lead.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and excited for all that is still to come.