Welcome to the web site of the Ontario Early Years Centre - North Halton.

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. You and your child can visit the Halton Ontario Early Years Centre for a range of free services including:

Early learning and literacy programs for parents and their children such as:

• Mother Goose- This program offers parents a refresher course on nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and songs from their own childhood. The lively discussions, which often arise, provide a chance for parents to trade information and ideas.
• Adult & Child Together (Drop In)-Parents and Caregivers with children birth to kindergarten age are welcome to attend our informal friendly program.  A variety of activities are offered such as: creative, free play, circle and stories.  It is a non-structured environment allowing you to interact with your children, talk with other Parents and Caregivers, or make use of our resources while watching your children.
• Music & Movement Programs-This program provides an opportunity for adult and child to participate together in an early learning experience. Your child will learn to build on many skills such as: listening, speaking, counting, singing, moving and participation in a group, while using equipment as balance beams, bean bag toss, balls, hoops and our huge parachute.
• Playgroup-A small structured group experience for adults and children. Stimulating activities such as art and creative activities, active play, circle and story are offered. They also participate in field trips with the group.
• Dad & Me Together- This informal, friendly program is for father's and their children aged 0-6. We offer creative activities, free play, circle and stories. It is non-stuctured allowing you to interact with your child. This program is offered the first and third saturday of each month.

Parenting programs that support parents and caregivers of young children in all aspects of early childhood development including:

• The Parent Resource Library offers a selection of books, videos, tapes and articles on a range of topics related to parenting.  Parent/Child Resource Kits are also available.  These bags of reusable resources allow adults to explore specific topics with children.The Parent Resource Library Hours at Main location are as follows: Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm, Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 7:30pm and Saturdays (1st through 4th) 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
• Networking Groups- A 10-session informal networking group. Guest speakers will share information on a variety of topics as; Dealing with Anger, Sleep, Mealtime and many more.
• Young Parents Dinner Club- Weekly session for parents 14-25 years old. Parents participate in meal preparation and workshops. Children participate in learning activities. All families dine together.
• Hour Time Together- Enjoy a cup of coffee with other adults and participate in discussion group activities with guest speakers. Children take part in child-based activities.
• Special Needs Parent Support Group - Join other parents to share the challenges, joys and fears of raising a child aged 0 to 6 years with undiagnosed or recently diagnosed special needs. For further information contact Melanie at 905-873-2960.
• Parent Group - For parents of children with special needs.  This group offers parents the opportunity to network with others and build upon their knowledge & resources.  Participate at your personal comfort level. For further information contact Sue at 905-876-1244, ex. 22

Information and training for new parents about pregnancy and parenting such as:

• Calling New Parents- An informal weekly program for parents with new babies ages 0-6 months. Each week a new topic is discussed such as postpartum adjustment, sleeping, crying, car seat safety, etc. Presented by the Region of Halton Health Department.
• Public Health Nurse Visits-Once a month they will be on-site to share information and resources through formal and informal consultation. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and chat!
• Healthiest Babies Possible Prenatal Program- A prenatal and parent education program led by a Public Health Nurse.
• DEIPP Clinics-For families with children newborn to 5 years of age who live in Halton.  The purpose of the clinic is to provide a quick 15 minute consultation for parents who are questioning whether or not they should be concerned about their child's development.  DEIPP offers consultations with professionals from community agencies in the following areas: Speech-birth to 5, Hearing-birth to 5, Behaviour-birth to 5 years, Preschool development 2 to 5 years, Infant development -birth to 2 years.
  

The Halton Ontario Early Years Centre also brings together in one location information about children's services and programs in the community. If you have questions about your child's development, or want to know how to get information or services for your child aged 0-6 in Halton, please visit your Ontario Early Years Centre at 410 Bronte Street South, Blg B, Milton, call us at (905) 876-1244, or e-mail us at barbw@mcrc.on.ca