Ontario Early Years Centres

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Children are born ready to learn.
Parents can help them succeed.

The Ontario government created Ontario Early Years Centres to be a place where parents and caregivers can get answers to questions, information about programs and services that are available for young children, and an opportunity to talk to early years professionals, as well as other parents and caregivers in the community.

Ontario Early Years Centres - A Place for:

Children Birth to age 6:

• To play and learn with their parent/caregivers
• To explore and experience activities to stimulate brain development
• To interact and play with other children

Parents & Families

• To experience drop in with child(ren) at any time. We offer a very flexible schedule.
• Parents have a chance to interact with their children
• Attend seminars and learn parenting tips
• Networking with other parents
• Come as a family and share time together at the Centre
• To borrow resources from the Family Resource Room/Library
• Obtain information on other Ontario Early Years services

Caregivers

• Provide an opportunity for children in their care to enjoy play based learning
• To obtain resources/information they could use at home (workshops as well)
• To network with other child care providers

Asset Building the YMCA Way

The YMCA is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Research has identified 40 "developmental assets" which are the essential building blocks that all young people need to be healthy, caring, competent adults. The YMCA of Niagara is incorporating the "Asset Building" approach into all our children's programs to help children make wise decisions, choose positive paths and grow up competent, caring and responsible. To find out more about Asset Building the YMCA Way, go to What's New.