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Programs and Resources

Drop In and Play

When playgroups are not in session, children birth to age 5 and their adults are welcome to explore all the toys and activities in our playroom.

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Playgroups

We host a variety of mixed-age (0-5) playgroups at our center and at off-site locations in Augusta, Altoona, Fall Creek, and Fairchild. Parents and children explore fun activities, sing and dance, have a snack, learn about child development, and connect with other families.

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Lending Library

We offer more than 60 activity bags and cooperative games, arranged by a child’s age, which families can sign out for two weeks at no cost, encouraging creative play and learning at home.

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Triple P

We offer free discussion groups, classes, and individual coaching to support parents—of newborns to teenagers—with special programs for divorcing parents and those with anxious children or those with disabilities. Triple P creates a calmer home life and puts more positive in your days!

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Infant Massage

Parents of infants 0-9 months learn gentle massage techniques and bond over the joys and challenges of caring for their infants.

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Parent Cafés

Parent Cafés offer parents and caregivers a chance to relax and practice their listening skills in this 2-hour facilitated discussion of the joys and challenges of parenting.

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Online Parenting Class

We offer online classes that give parents practical tools, expert advice, and encouragement—all designed to be taken at their own pace.

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Imagination Library

We help families build home libraries and reading routines by sending free books to children birth to age 5 each month, encouraging a lifelong love of reading.

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Community Partners

We collaborate with local, regional, and statewide partners to support families through early literacy, parenting programs, and best-practice family services. From prenatal support to early learning initiatives, our partnerships help ensure children and parents thrive.

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Open Play Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything to participate in a program or event?

All our services are offered free-of-charge and there are no qualifications for services and no referrals needed. The cost of our programming is covered by grant funding and charitable giving, from large organizations and individuals like you. We are a non-profit organization and your gifts may be tax-deductible.

Who can attend FRC events and use FRC programs?

All parents and caregivers are welcome at the FRC—no referral is needed, there is no income or geographic requirement, and there is no cost to families. Our programs are for every family!

Can I drop off my child?

No. Our playroom is a great place for children to explore, but parents and caregivers are always responsible for the children in their care. If childcare is provided as part of an event, parents are still responsible for toileting their children.

Do I have to sign up before I come in?

Yes and No.

Scheduled events such as Parent Cafés, Infant Massage, and Triple P Baby require pre-registration, as do Playgroups at the Oakwood Mall during the school year (9:30-10:45am Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) which occur in 6-week blocks that fill up quickly.

At all other times, families are welcome to drop by with their children, signing up beforehand or when they arrive.

Pre-registration is not required over the summer or for off-site playgroups.

How does clean-up work?
We ask parent/caregivers to help children clean up after themselves, age permitting. If your child uses a toy, please take care to put it back before you leave. Toys that have been mouthed or coughed on should be placed in our bin for staff to sterilize. Staff clean the bathroom, sweep/vacuum, and take out the trash every day.
Are you open only Monday-Saturday 9am-1pm?

These are the hours for our playroom and playgroups, but many programs are scheduled at other times. Parent Cafés, individual or group Triple P meetings with parents, and Family Advisory Committee meetings are just some of the events scheduled outside regular hours.

What are your policies for the Baby Pond?

The baby area is a protected area for infants and their parents. No shoes are allowed. Parents may allow an older sibling to join them in this area if there are no other families using it and the child removes their shoes. Otherwise, children who able to walk are not permitted.

Who pays for the FRC?

Our playroom, programs, and staff are paid for by a mix of grants and donations as well as County support.

Find Us

Address:

We are located in Oakwood Mall at 4800 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Where to park:

Park between the former Sears building and the backside of Hobby Lobby.

Mall entrance:

Please enter through Service Door 21 starting at 9:00 am.

All other mall doors remain locked until 10:00 am.