EarlyON

EarlyON CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE

At our main location (240 Centrum Blvd.), numbers will be distributed at 9:20 a.m. only.  For your child’s well-being, we strongly recommend arriving at 9:30 a.m. in order to avoid an extended wait before playgroup starts.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from early childhood professionals.

EarlyON Centres are open to all families in Ontario. They’re welcoming places that offer a range of services and resources, where you can:

  • Join fun activities such as reading, storytelling, sing-alongs and games

  • Get advice from professionals trained in early childhood development

  • Find out about other family services in your community

  • Connect with other families with young children

Please note that the morning playgroups at our main Centre operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 35 participants.

DID YOU KNOW?

The EarlyON Centre provides a free Toy Lending Library service. Resources available for lending include toys, games, and puzzles for children under 6. We have a large variety of toys for all interests!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & CALENDAR

Dear families and caregivers,

As we welcome November, we want to take a moment to thank you all for your continued positivity and support with our programming.

Friendly Reminder: Our Toy Lending Library Hours remain available for everyone. No appointment is needed—just come by during the scheduled times, and it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Monday: 11 – 11:30 AM

  • Thursday: 3:30 – 4 PM

  • Saturday: 11 – 11:30 AM

  • 3rd Tuesday of the month:
    4 – 4:30 PM

If these times don’t work for you, no worries! You can still book an appointment by emailing us at earlyonyva@crcoc.ca, and we’ll be happy to find a time that works best for you.

Please note: Our EarlyON Centre will be closed for all playgroups on November 26th, 27th & 28th for staff training.

This closure will not affect our Parenting in Ottawa Drop-In on November 27th—that program will run as usual.

See you soon! 

- Dominik, Gabrielle & Zoée

FRIENDLY REMINDERS!

We ask you not to participate if you or your child has any flu/cold/gastro symptoms.

When the EarlyON playgroup is full, we will:

  • Have a sign in the window beside the front door.

  • Post a message on our Facebook page.

Our morning playgroups at our main location have a maximum capacity of 35 people.

Our Friday Adapted Sensory Playgroup is for families with children with particular needs. Therefore, the ratio will be reduced from 35 to 25. Please note, this playgroup is by registration or drop-in. Registration opens every Friday at 7:00 a.m., but spots are always available for drop-ins.

If your child is neurotypical, please consider attending our other playgroups throughout the week.

Online Registration is ONLY required for Special Activities and Virtual Programming

First Words is the Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa and Renfrew County. We support families of preschool children of Ottawa and Renfrew County to reach their optimal communication development by providing free speech and language services. Our goal is to facilitate increased awareness, prevention, early identification, and intervention for early speech, language, and overall communication development in young children of Ottawa and Renfrew County.

PARENTING IN OTTAWA / BABY WEIGH-IN

During Parenting in Ottawa Drop-ins, parents can weigh their baby and speak, in person, with a Public Health Nurse :

  • Parenting

  • Get support for infant feeding

  • Learn ways to help your child eat healthy and be active

  • Make sure your child is on track with their growth and development

  • Ask about your child’s social and emotional development

The program is available to:

  • Expectant parents, parents and guardians of children aged birth to four years of age.

No appointment is necessary, first come first serve.

MFS (MILITARY FAMILY SERVICES)

Parents / Caregivers with children aged 0-4, please join us for Let’s Have a Playdate!

This is a wonderful opportunity to make connections and share as a community; while gaining information on valuable resources and supports.  

  • MFS Families can meet once a month in Orléans.
  • Wednesday sessions will be led by an MFS NCR staff member.
  • Please note we will be closed during July and August.
  • Registration required!

Spring & Fall sessions will run from 9:00-11:00 am – dates are for 2025:

  • June 18th 
  • September 24th
  • October 29th
  • November 26th
  • December 17th

CONTACT US!

Dominik Lavictoire

613 830-4357 ext. 303

Gabrielle Caron

613 830-4357 ext. 302

Zoée Perrault

613 830-4357 ext. 304