In response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, EarlyON child and family programs in York Region are closed to the public. EarlyON agencies are supporting families by telephone and email and through online sessions, which allow parents/caregivers to access live online programs and pre-recorded videos and resources such as tips and activities for parents to help keep children engaged while physical distancing at home.

Connect with EarlyON agencies for online programs, parenting resources, and community supports and services.

Learn more by visiting EarlyON agencies’ websites and social media platforms:

• Social Enterprise for Canada
  • List of Virtual programs and registration
  • EarlyON Child and Family Centres Woodbridge, Aurora and King –Facebook page (activities, program information)

• Family Day Care Services
  • EarlyON @ Family Day – Facebook group (programs)
  • EarlyON @ Family Day – Facebook page (resources)
  • Family wellness and ideas for keeping active and engaged at home

• The YMCA of Greater Toronto
  • YMCA of Greater Toronto – Facebook page (EarlyON and family fitness live programs)
  • EarlyON online registered programs and Google Classroom:
  • To sign up, call 905-883-6901 or email earlyon.richmondhill@ymcagta.org

• York Child Development and Family Services Inc.
• EarlyON Child and Family Centres Newmarket, East Gwillimbury and Georgina – Facebook page

• York Professional Care and Education
• York Professional Care and Education – Facebook page
• YPCE – Instagram page

• L’association des Francophones de la région de York (AFRY)
• - Centre ON y va, Markham (AFRY) – Facebook group

Thanks to a new collaboration between York Region Early Intervention Services and EarlyON agencies, parents can now speak with an early years professional over the phone about suggestions and strategies to help them with things like:

• Creating daily routines
• Promoting positive interactions 
• Learning behaviour guidance tips
• Supporting growth and development
• Other resources to support families with young children

If interested, please send an email to EarlyON@york.ca 

EarlyON Child and Family Centres (EarlyON centres) offer free drop-in programs for caregivers and children from birth to six years old in Ontario. EarlyON centres are welcoming places where you and your child can:

• Join fun activities – reading, storytelling, sing-alongs, games and more
• Get advice from professionals trained in early childhood development
• Find out about other family services in your community
• Connect with other families with young children

York Region is currently expanding and enhancing local EarlyON centres to ensure services and programs are high-quality, inclusive, accessible, responsive and welcoming for all children and their families.

Community Engagement

York Region held community engagement sessions with community partners and an online parent/caregiver survey in early 2018. Thank you to all participants who shared their feedback, providing York Region with valuable information that helps inform ongoing planning to meet the local needs of families. To learn more about what we heard and next steps for EarlyON centres in York Region, read the Community Engagement Summary Report.

If you would like more information about EarlyON centres in York Region or have any questions or comments, please send an email to EarlyON@york.ca

Timeline

York Region is taking a phased approach to integrate provincially-funded child and family programs, which will be ongoing until 2020.

2013

Ontario Early Years Policy Framework is released, setting a clear vision for Ontario’s early years child and family programs and services

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2016

Province announced:

• The transformation of child and family programs funded by the Ministry of Education to Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres
• York Region is responsible for the management of newly-created Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres

York Region launched local needs assessment and working groups to develop a made-in-York Region plan

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2017

York Regional Council was updated on the Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centre Provincial Initiative

Province of Ontario released Renewed Early Years and Child Care Policy Framework

The Canada-Ontario Early Learning and Child Care Agreement was announced

York Region sought input from parents/caregivers and community partners on the creation of the centres

York Region submitted Transforming Early Years Programs and Services initial plan to the Ministry of Education (September 2017)

Province of Ontario renamed Ontario Early Years Child andFamily Centres to EarlyON Child and Family Centres

York Regional Council approved financial oversight for EarlyON centres (November 2017)

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2018

Transition year

York Region became responsible for the management of EarlyON centres in York Region on January 1, 2018. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Education’s journey towards evolving and integrating early years programs and services in Ontario.

York Region sought input from parents/caregivers and community partners on the creation of the centres

York Region submits progress update report to the Ministry of Education (August 2018)

York Region expands EarlyON centres locations and hours of operation to meet the needs of our communities

York Region publishes Community Engagement Summary Report

Four new EarlyON centres open in York Region
 

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2019

All EarlyON centres will meet the core program requirements

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2020

Ongoing operations

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The Regional Municipality of York acknowledges the contributions made by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada.