EarlyON Centre
EarlyON Child and Family Centres exist across Ontario, and provide FREE high-quality, inclusive programming that supports early learning and development for children ages 0-6.
EarlyON Facilitators create warm and welcoming environments that foster learning, creativity, and social skills. Children are able to engage in positive interactions with other children and adults, while parents and caregivers learn and play alongside their children.
At Connections' EarlyON Centre
Play is the foundation of all our programming and services. Play is how children learn. It is simple, creative, unplanned, rewarding, and doesn’t need to have a specific goal. Play helps children of all ages learn, develop, explore, and be healthy.
Parents and caregivers have access to high-quality programs that support them in their rol as their children's first educators, enhance their well-being, and enrich their knowledge about early learning and development.
We have spent the last 50 years lovingly cultivating our space for families to enjoy. Our EarlyON consists of 4 distinct rooms – the main playroom, a STEM room, a sensory room, a creative room, and an outdoor space.
Start planning your visit today:
What to expect
Adults are expected to fully participate with their children in all aspects of the program. This allows you to keep your children safe while they explore and discover all that is offered. Get down at their level and enjoy your time together! You are responsible for your child at all times while at our Centre. If you must step out of the room, please ensure another adult is looking after your child.
Upon registering, you will be given a scan tag to make scanning in easy and fast. The Province of Ontario requires statistics on how many people use our services; scanning in allows us to show that our programs and services are used by our community, which is directly used to determine our funding.
Activities
Children and their caregivers may engage in independent, small-group, and large-group activities. Children are free to move about and use their imagination. They are encouraged to explore materials and use toys in ways that make sense to them. Our staff will be there to support you as needed.
Food and snacks
A variety of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains are available during our programming for children to enjoy when they feel hungry. We offer a variety of seating for different ages, including booster seats and high chairs, along with age-appropriate plates and cups. Our EarlyON Centre is NUT-FREE. Please do not bring any food that may contain nuts or nut products into the Centre.
Visitors from community agencies
From time to time, there will be representatives from community agencies sharing their knowledge and experience with families. These trained staff are here to listen to your concerns and can help families with referrals to other services or community resources if needed or wanted
In case of illness
We ask that you be free of illness for at least 24 hours (as per Public Health guidelines) before visiting the Centre. We clean our space daily to ensure it is as safe an environment as possible, and all toys are disinfected at the end of every day.
What to bring
We know some children love to walk barefoot; however, for safety reasons, children must wear sandals, shoes, running shoes, boots, or slippers at the Centre. We encourage weather-appropriate clothing for any outdoor activities. You are welcome to bring in diaper bags, purses, or other personal items. We have cubbies in our Main Play Area for you to store them. Personal belongings are your responsibility.
Parking and strollers
Free street parking is available on Giles and Marentette, as well as on the surrounding streets. We have specially designed covered stroller storage in front of our building. We advise you not to leave any personal belongings in the stroller. Our staff are available to help you when you arrive and leave.
Photography and social media
We may use photography or video during our programs for documentation of children’s learning and/or to promote the Centre. All participants will be asked to sign a Photo Waiver. We always ask permission before taking any photo. If you do not wish to be included in pictures or videos, please let our staff know; we are very respectful of your wishes.
What's happening now?
Monthly Calendar
Outdoor Calendar
Season Schedule
