The Early Years Wellness Fair took place Saturday at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park where information for children aged newborn to six years old was provided to families.
There were several information booths, children's activities and prizes available for those who attended.
The focus of the event was the importance of child development and early learning, Lori Armstrong, early years regional coordinator for the United Way, said.
"We brought the community agencies out into the public so people can learn about speech and language and they can connect with those community partners on site," Armstrong said.
Once people have been introduced to the local agencies, they are more likely to reach out to them if they have any concerns about their children's development, she added.
Self referral is easy to agencies like the Prince George Brain Injured Group, Intersect and the Child Care Resource and Referral who were among those in attendance Saturday.
Twins Teagan and Aubrie, 21 months, were playing with bubbles while parents Brittany and Mike Jones looked on.
"We thought it would be good to get the girls out and see what it was all about," Brittany said, who is a former child care worker who focused on child development when she attended college. "It's always nice to get the handouts and re-read the information and apply it to your own kids. I think this is a great community event."
The turnout was good despite the weather, said Samantha Starkes, family consultant for the Child Care Resource and Referral, which offers child care providers and families with support like child care referrals, training for providers, a resource lending library and community outreach support.
"It's been great," Starkes said about the event.
