Who We Are

Connections' mission is to provide support, resources, and individualized services in French and English to promote the early learning and healthy development of our diverse community of families and their young children (0-6 years old) in Windsor-Essex County.

Connections Early Years Family Centre is a charitable organization that advances the healthy development of families and their children 0 - 6 years through family centered support, early learning opportunities, early identification, and intervention services in English and French.

Connections exists so that our youngest children are supported through meaningful opportunities to play, grow, and discover.

We are a community of strong, connected families engaged in raising their young children to reach their full potential. In the 50 years since its creation by local volunteers, Connections has become an exceptional resource for children, families, caregivers, volunteers, and community agencies in Windsor-Essex County.

Our Centre is located in Windsor, Ontario which is situated on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomie peoples. In acknowledging the Indigenous Peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today, we are sharing our friendship, respect, and appreciation of the resources we have received from the land.

We celebrate the diversity of the world and are committed to including every race, colour, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or ability in our activities. In our ever-changing and increasingly diverse world, Connections fosters environments and programmes that are accessible, equitable, diverse, inclusive and celebrate different ways of knowing.

Connections is for everyone.

As an organization, we are:

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FAMILY-FOCUSED

We consider what is best for everyone in the families we support so they can grow and learn together.

INCLUSIVE

We recognize individual strengths, respect opinions, and honour and value diversity in a space that is welcoming and accessible.

RESPONSIVE

We get to know the families and stay close to what the parents, children, and communities need so we can proactively design flexible and useful services.

INNOVATIVE

We are brave in leading new approaches and programs that can benefit families in our community and beyond.

ADVOCATES

We are a respected voice for the needs of children and families, and champion policies that will support them to thrive in the future.

Our Impact

Connections Early Years Family Centre has provided 50 years of support to the families and communities of Windsor-Essex. At Connections, you can watch your child interact with the world, discover new things, and develop as a family - all at no cost. We are a safe and supportive space for families to find belonging, community, and connection.

“Windsor has greatly benefited from your unwavering commitment to promoting the healthy development of families and their young children since 1974. Your dedication to fostering strong, connected families is truly inspiring. The impact you have made in nurturing children and helping them reach their full potential is invaluable… may your admirable work in providing programs and activities continue for many more years to come.” - Brian Masse, Former Member of Parliament Windsor West

We do what we do because we believe supporting families builds a stronger, more connected community. Our organization touches lives in ways we hear about not only in the moment, but sometimes decades later

Our Strategic Plan and Annual Report:

Read about our strategic goals for 2024-2028 and how we have grown to support families in Windsor-Essex in our 2024 Annual Report.