Home

WELCOME!


The Smoky Lake Community Learning Council is a non-profit organization striving to bring and promote lifelong learning by presenting opportunities and removing barriers for the learners in the Smoky Lake County region. 

We acknowledge and respect that the land on which we gather and call home is on Treaty 6 Territory, the traditional gathering place for diverse indigenous peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta. We hope to continue to share our cultures to enrich our vibrant community.


What We Do

Our Community Learning Council focuses on these areas:

- Adult Literacy & Foundational Learning

- English Language Learning

- Basic Digital Skills

- Family Literacy

- Community Capacity Building: Courses that focus on enabling all members of the community to develop skills and competencies so as to take greater control of their own lives and also contribute to family and local development.


Literacy and Foundational Learning

Literacy, numeracy, the skills and habits needed to engage in learning, the ability to use basic digital technology, and proficiency in the English language are core skills Albertans need to be able to participate actively in society, pursue further learning, and be successful in their work. For this reason, the Community Adult Learning Program is focused on ensuring adult foundational learners in all funded communities are able to access learning opportunities and supports in these areas.

In addition to these requirements, the following apply to the delivery of learning opportunities in the literacy and foundational learning programming area. All learning opportunities, services, and supports must be approved through the Community Adult Learning Program grant application process. 

Within this programming area, based on the level of need in the community, grant recipients must provide learning opportunities to support the development of at least one of the following categories:

  • Adult literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Skills for learning
  • Basic digital skills
  • English language learning

These learning opportunities must be available locally, whether in-person or through the use of technology. Organizations must deliver these learning opportunities directly or in partnership with other delivery providers in the community. 

Programming Areas:
1. Adult Literacy: The ability to identify, understand, interpret, communicate, compute, and use printed and written materials associated within varying contexts.
2. Numeracy: The ability to use, apply, interpret, communicate mathematical information and ideas.
3. Skills for Learning: Learning opportunities that support the development of the foundational skills and habits of learning to build confidence, develop an identity as a learner, advocate for themselves, and engage in other learning.
4. Basic Digital Skills: The ability of individuals to understand and use digital systems, tools, applications, and networks in order to access and manage information and thrive in learning, the workplace, and daily life.
5. English Language Learning: The study and practice of the English language by individuals whose first language is other than English and who are unable to communicate fluently in English. English language learning helps them gain proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English.


The Family Literacy Program

If you're looking for programming for children and their caregivers, you've come to the right place!

Through our programs, parents of children 0-6 years old, learn activities that will build pre-literacy skills in their children. This learning should prepare the children as they move toward their school years. The activities are fun for everyone and encourage interaction and bonding between parents and their children. Programs are free and offer snacks.

Our programs are constantly evolving to suit the needs of our community. The most current information on which programs are being run can easily be found on our Facebook page.

While we love to innovate, these are a few of our tried, tested, and true programs that we continue to offer:

Books for Babies

This program encourages parents to discover the joy of reading with their babies beginning at birth.

The program includes four, one hour sessions for parents where book-sharing ideas and interaction are modeled. Parents are given guidance on choosing appropriate books for their baby. Parents may also be introduced to their local library and other available resources.

At each of the weekly sessions parents receive a quality children’s board book to read at home.


Rhyme Time

Programs involve circle time with parents and infants/toddlers during which rhymes, stories, and songs are shared and modeled.

This program promotes oral language development in babies and toddlers and provides a positive, supportive environment for parents through group-based delivery.

The program aims to strengthen the parent-child bond, provide a welcoming and supportive group for parents, enhance literacy skills, and help link them to other resources in the community.

Sessions are generally delivered once a week for ten weeks, with at least two program facilitators present at each session.


Tot Time

At Tot Time, we are dedicated to nurturing your child's growth and development through engaging and enriching experiences. Our program offers a wide array of special equipment and age-appropriate toys carefully curated to stimulate your child's motor skills and cognitive abilities.

While your child engages in creative play, you, as a parent, also have the opportunity to foster connections with other parents and caregivers. Tot Time is more than just a playgroup; it's a community where you can share experiences, insights, and valuable parenting tips.