About Family Centres and EarlyON Programs/Programmes ON y va
Family Centres and EarlyON Community locations in London and Middlesex County are operating with revised program schedules and protocols due to COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) precautions.
Please check with individual locations for updates and visit the Family Centre and EarlyON Program Calendar for a weekly list of online programming available during the closure.
Family Centres
Family Centres were developed by the Family-Centred Service System (a priority of the Child and Youth Network) to make it easier for London’s children, youth, and families to participate fully in their community, and to find and receive the services they want and need.
Through Family Centres and their on-site Community Connectors, families can access information, a range of free or low-cost activities, events, and programs, and also get connected to local resources and services that can help make their lives easier.
Families can get connected with information, programs, and services related to:
- parenting and early learning
- education, early childhood education and child care
- public health and wellness
- recreation, sports, and leisure
If specific programs or services are not offered on-site, Community Connectors and the team
within Family Centres will make referrals and connections to meet a family’s interests or needs.
Many Family Centres host EarlyON Programming. To learn more about EarlyON Programs/Progammes ON y va, please see below.
Community Connectors
In London, Community Connectors are the warm and welcoming faces that families see when they first come into a Family Centre. A Community Connector is a trusted person who can provide initial answers and a knowledgeable professional who not only knows who to call, but is also prepared to make the call together with families. He or she can make the connection to a service on behalf of a family or simply explain the service and how it might support the family.
Contact or visit a Family Centre to speak with a Community Connector.
In Middlesex County, Middlesex County Library Branches are trusted Community Connectors as they act as hubs for information, supports and services for families and service providers. Library Branch staff and/or EarlyON facilitators are knowledgeable and trusted professionals equipped to help connect Middlesex families to the services and supports they need. Staff are able to provide families information on services including whom and how to connect and key resources relevant to the service or support.
Contact or visit a Middlesex County Library or EarlyON program/Programme ON y va to speak with a Community Connector.
EarlyON Programs/Programmes ON y va
Indigenous-led EarlyON programs provide culturally relevant programming and supports for families. These programs include activities that support language revitalization and a strong sense of identity for Indigenous children. These programs are offered in London and Middlesex by Nshwaasnangong Family Centre and Child Care, and in Chippewa of the Thames by Enji-Maajtawaad EarlyON Programs, and in Oneida Nation of the Thames by Oneida Headstart Family Resource Centre. Please check the program calendar to find Indigenous-led programs.
French ON y va programs are offered within Family Centres as well as at La Ribambelle Centre ON y va Academie de la Tamise and La Ribambelle Ridgewood. Please check the program calendar to find French programs.
The warm, nurturing EarlyON/ON y va staff are committed to excellence and take great pride in creating attractive and unique learning environments for children. Staff receive ongoing support and participate in professional development opportunities.
Free EarlyON/ON y va programs and services include:
- playgroups with crafts, music and stories
- programs to introduce children to math, science, and reading
- pregnancy and new baby support
- parenting workshops and information on children’s development, behaviour, safety, and nutrition