A special needs support group begins this week.

Stepping Stones Triple P is hosting a 5 week course for parents or caregivers of children with special needs. Over the 5 weeks, parenting tips, ideas, and strategies will be shared among the group as well as creating a support network.

Tessa Davidson, Early Childhood Educator, says the group is open to all parents and is not limiting on the type of special need.

"Overall in Cochrane we want to try and provide as many services as possible to these families who have children with special needs."

While the Parent Link Centre does offer resources and support for parents with younger children (0-6), this course will help fill the gap.

"The nice thing about the Stepping Stones Triple P group is that it is for ages 2-12, and so we can help fill the gap a little more by offering 7 -12 as well."

Davidson says many challenges parents/caregivers face is sometimes not the knowledge about the special need itself but a feeling of support.

"The nice thing about this group is that the families who attend will receive a lot of different support from us as facilitators but also from the parents who are attending the group; just that shared experience and understanding."

There is no clear map for parents when it comes to looking or finding resources to parent a special needs child but the beautiful thing is many parents are willing to share their own story.

This is a registered group for adults only, running from March 16- April 13 from 7-9 pm. To register call FCSS at 403-851-2250.