EarlyON Child and Family Centre Programs

All in-person EarlyON programs are now drop-ins and no registration is required. Admission to indoor playgroups is available on a first-come, first-served basis until program capacity is reached.

You can reach us at 613-591-3686, ext. 545 for more information. To receive the latest updates, join our email list and follow us on Instagram @earlyonyva.wo.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Open Drop-in Playgroup

The EarlyON Child and Family Centre provides a variety of free family drop-ins to Ontario residents where families can play and learn together in a child-friendly space. These regular programs are geared towards parents, caregivers, and their children from birth to 6 years old. Free-play includes arts and crafts, dramatic play, sensory play, games, songs, and stories. Bring a nut-free snack and a pair of indoor shoes or slippers. Drop-ins are facilitated by qualified Family Resource Workers who are happy to answer questions and provide access to referral services. This is also an ideal opportunity for parents and caregivers to meet others for social and community support, as well as to access our Resource Library and the Mobile Toy Lending Library.

Our main location is 2 MacNeil Court, Kanata, with several outreach locations: Carp Memorial Hall, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kanata Beaverbrook Community Centre, Corkery Community Centre, Bethel-St. Andrew’s United Church, and Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre. We also offer outdoor programs in various locations around our communities.

Specialized drop-ins include: Baby & Me, Francophone, Storytime, and CHEO Learn & Play.

In addition, we offer live virtual programs where families can join us for circle time from their own homes.

Drop-in

These drop-ins are for parents/caregivers with children from birth to 6 years old. The programs provide fun and a variety of activities including arts and crafts, games, songs, stories, and active circle times. The spaces are designed for adults where they can meet others in their community while playing with their children in a stimulating environment.

Carp (434 Donald B. Munro Dr.): Please note that this location does not have accessible access since it is down a flight of stairs, and parking is off-site in the City of Ottawa lot (on the right side of the lot shared with the restaurant).

Stittsville (2 Mulkins St.): The drop-in is located in the basement of the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church using the side entrance. Strollers must be parked outside.

Beaverbrook (1002 Beaverbrook Rd.): Drop-ins are at the Kanata Beaverbrook Community Centre on the main floor using the side entrance. Strollers must be left in the coat room.

Corkery (3447 Old Almonte Rd.): This is an outdoor drop-in program and runs rain or shine so please come dressed for the weather! Strollers can be parked outside under the covered entryway. * CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE *

Fitzroy Harbour (184 Jack Lougheed Way): This drop-in is run in the church hall. Please bring indoor shoes. Parking is available on the street and in the adjacent parking lot.

Constance Bay (262 Len Purcell Dr.): Drop-ins are at the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre on the main floor to the right.

Baby & Me Groups

The Baby & Me groups are for parents/caregivers and their non-walking infants. They are a great opportunity to meet other parents, learn more about parenting, make friends, and see babies at different ages and stages.

The Baby & Me group meets at Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (2 MacNeil Court) and at Carp Memorial Hall (434 Donald B. Munro Dr.). Each location adheres to strict sanitization processes and offers a controlled environment to get out of the house with your little one.

Special Needs Programming

In partnership with CHEO, specialized groups are offered Tuesday at Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (2 MacNeil Court). Please contact CHEO at 613-831-5112 for more information.

EarlyON CFC Workshops

We offer many free workshops, registration is always required. Topics include sleep, infant massage, child development (social, emotional, physical), etc. Workshops may be play-based with you and your child or adult learning presentation style. Visit the EarlyOn Eventbrite page to see a current list of workshops and to register.

Resource Library

The EarlyON Child and Family Centre offers two static resource libraries. The Kanata Resource Library is located at 2 MacNeil Court in the EarlyON Child and Family Centre. The Carp Resource Library is located at 434 Donald B. Monro Drive in the Carp Memorial Hall basement. Both libraries can be accessed during drop-in program hours. These libraries offer French and English books for parents and children, which may be borrowed for three weeks; CDs and DVDs for one week. There are also games, toys, puzzles, activities, and more! There are also general parenting books ranging in topics, such as sleep, self-regulation, child development and more available to borrow.

Mobile Toy Lending Library – Toys ON Tour

The Toy Lending library is equipped with books, games, puzzles, and toys that support your child’s development. We also have Parenting books covering key areas such as Sleep, Discipline, Child Development and more.

We will visit the outreach sites bringing Books, Puzzles, Activity Kits, Fun Games and Toys that support you and your child’s learning. The loan time is one to two weeks depending on the library’s rotational schedule.

Click here to check out more about the Toy Library & where you can find us in the community!