The Establishment of the Early On Child & Family Centres took place over 20 years ago originally with the TDSB. In 2007, the Ministry announced they would fund the establishment of the Early ON Child & Family Centres (formerly called Parenting & Family Literacy Centres) in selected school boards including the TCDSB across Ontario to promote positive early childhood development and parenting in an effort to support young children’s successful start to school. The TCDSB has 19 Early On Child & Family Centres in our schools across the city are now funded by the City of Toronto.

The TCDSB Early ON Child & Family Centres offer FREE inclusive, high quality, school-based drop-in programs where parents/caregivers & children ages 0-6 yrs old can participate together in an emergent, play-based learning environment with a focus on literacy, numeracy. They are located in schools to build familiarity and positive relationships for children and their families with the school. A qualified Early Childhood Educator employed by the TCDSB delivers the programs/services.

The Early ON Child & Family Centres follow 3 Mandatory Core Services:

Engaging Parent/Caregivers and Children

·        Inviting conversations and information sharing about child development, parenting, nutrition, play and inquiry-based learning, and other topics that support their role;

·        Collaborate with responsive support programs to enhance parent and caregiver well-being, enrich adult-child interactions and to support them in their role(s);

·        Providing targeted outreach opportunities designed for parents and caregivers who could benefit from Child and Family Centre programs and services

·        Parent workshops/information sessions on various topics in response to families and community needs & interests.

 Making Connections for Families

·        Responding to a parent/caregiver concern about their child's development through conversations and observations

·        Sharing information and facilitating connections with specialized community service as appropriate.

·        Ensuring Child and Family Centre staff have relationships with community partners and an in-depth knowledge of their community resources, linkages and information for families in various languages.

·        Providing Information about programs and services available for the whole family beyond the early years.

·        Collaborating with community agencies to provide adult/parent workshops, information sharing and/or consultation or referrals.

·        Community partnerships such as with Public Health, public library, various medical clinics, speech pathologists, social workers, ethno-specific agencies and more.

Supporting Early Learning and Development

·        Drop-in programs and age appropriate early learning programs and services that build responsive adult-child relationships and encourage children's exploration and promote play and inquiry in all skill areas of learning.

·        Resources used such as “How Does Learning Happen”, Reggio Emilia approach, various early learning development resources & Kindergarten readiness.

·        Aligning early learning pedagogy with current Kindergarten curriculum for successful, seamless transition for children into kindergarten.

·        Ongoing professional development/training offered by the Senior Manager of the TCDSB Early ON Child & Family Centres and also through the City of Toronto.

Online Interactive Programs for Families during Covid-19

·        Each Early On Child & Family Centre offers online interactive & pre-recorded programs & services for children and parents/caregivers, following the 3 Mandatory Core Services, Operating & Business Guidelines for online service delivery and Toronto Public Health guidelines/direction.

·        Online interactive & pre-recorded adult workshops, information sessions, provided by the Early Childhood Educator and/or in partnership with community agencies/ professionals.

·        Phone call allocated consultation time with each centre’s Early Childhood Educator for adult/parent support related to any parenting issues, concerns or resource information or referrals.

·        Online programs/service delivery are closely aligned to “in person” services.

In Summary:

The TCDSB Early ON Child & Family Centres promote relationships, which are significant in providing a supportive, caring, positive environment that helps strengthen good brain development in children in the early years who are then better able to self-regulate, gain confidence and independence, creating optimal learning for the transition into school. Strong connections between home, community partners and schools all play an important part in supporting healthy environments for children to grow, develop and gain a sense of well-being on their life long journey of learning!

All Are Welcome!

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