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 (various), Storytime (Chapters), Story Stretchers (Kanata Old Town Hall), and programs at Eva James Community Centre in Bridlewood.

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.

Chapters (400 Earl Grey Dr.): This drop-in is located inside Chapters at Kanata Centrum in the upper children’s section. This is a Storytime program with a focus on books and songs.

South March (821 March Road): This drop-in is located in the Old Town Hall. This is a Storytime program with a focus on activities that extend from the story. Please bring indoor shoes. *SEASONAL – Check calendar for more details*

Bridlewood (65 Stonehaven Drive): This drop-in is located in Eva James Memorial Community Centre. Programs take place in the gym or multi-purpose room. Strollers and outdoor gear must be left in the hallway. Please bring indoor shoes. *SEASONAL – Check calendar for more details*

Outdoor Programing (Various Locations): The Outdoor Adventures and Stroller Walk drop-in programs run all year round. These programs will run rain or shine so please come dressed for the weather! *See calendar for list of locations and for other Seasonal Outdoor Programs*

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.

Specialized Programming

CHEO Play and Learn: In partnership with CHEO, specialized playgroups are offered on Tuesdays at Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (2 MacNeil Court). Please contact CHEO at 613-831-5112 for more information.

Multicultural Newcomer Drop-in: In partnership with the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre (OCCSC), an open drop-in playgroup is offered on Fridays at Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (2 MacNeil Court). This is a safe space designed for newcomer families to make connections. Please contact OCCSC at 613-235-4875 for more details about their services.

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. To know when workshops are released, sign up for our mailing list.

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 provide a wide selection of French and English books. In addition, you’ll find a variety of games, toys, puzzles, and activities to enjoy. For parents, we have books on a range of topics, including sleep, self-regulation, child development, and more, all available for borrowing.

For more information, contact the Toy Library Coordinator, Michelle Burchill at burchill@wocrc.ca

Mobile Toy Lending Library – Toys ON Tour

Toys ON Tour is a mobile toy lending library which visits various locations across Western Ottawa communities to allow families to borrow toys, books, puzzles, and games for their children aged 0-6. We also offer parent resource books covering topics such as sleep, self-regulation, child development, and more!

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