EarlyON
EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide opportunities for children from birth to 6 years of age to participate in play and inquiry-based programs, and support parents and caregivers in their roles. These centres will offer safe and welcoming environments open to all families across Ontario, with qualified professionals and quality programs. Families and caregivers will be able to find support, advice, make personal connections and access a network of resources.
What is the focus of EarlyON Playgroups?
EarlyON embraces the importance of play wholeheartedly, understanding that when children imagine they are deep sea divers, build a fort out of blocks, or invent magic potions, they are demonstrating unstructured, child-led play. Decades of research support play as the essential way that young children learn. It is through self-directed, active play experiences that children build cognitive, social emotional, and physical skills. Play strengthens creativity, social-emotional skills such as empathy and conflict resolution, and executive function skills like planning and self control. Play is the work of children and provides the foundation for all future learning and achievement.
How does EarlyON support play?
EarlyON runs weekly playgroups across Lanark County. Our playgroups ensure that children, along with their caregivers, have access to quality play environments that are welcoming and inclusive. In addition to playgroups, facilitators design and run special events on weekends to ensure that families in the community have access to quality experiences that focus on hands-on, active learning both indoors and out.
- Relaxed meetings of young children who haven't yet started school and their caregivers
- Provide varied experiences such as art, craft and construction activities, sensory and water play, adventure play, music and movement, books and stories, etc.
- Children and their caregivers can socialize and meet others
- The play spaces where playgroups occur “buzz” with conversation and activity!
- Participants connect and converse while engaging together in exploration and play
Playgroup is for children of all ages. Babies thrive when exposed to a wide variety of quality play experiences that enhance their development. Playgroups offer stimulating objects for babies to look at, music or sounds to listen to and objects that babies can touch and feel. In addition, the social setting where babies are exposed to new adults and children encourages healthy social and emotional development by widening their world to a variety of others.
What do Facilitators do?
- Provide welcoming and inclusive environments that are accessible, safe and rich in a variety of play materials.
- Facilitators view all children as competent, capable and curious.
- Believe children can direct their own play and learning while benefiting from adults who join in as active partners, players and learners.
- Facilitators assist participants in exploring the environment and meeting others while maintaining an environment that is friendly, caring and responsive to the needs of all.
- Knowledgeable and experienced.
- Can assist caregivers who are seeking support and advice.
- Can direct caregivers to additional resources.
- Can provide referrals to community partners and agencies that support child development and healthy families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CROW?
Children’s Resources on Wheels (CROW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening child care, family life, child development and community links in Lanark County. We currently provide Lanark County families with two main streams of service: EarlyON Child and Family Centre and Licensed Home Child Care.
What is EarlyON Child and Family Centre?
EarlyON Child and Family Centres can be found throughout the province of Ontario. EarlyON Child and Family Centres are parenting centres where parents and caregivers can:
- Take part with their children in a range of programs and activities.
- Get answers to questions.
- Get information about programs and services that are available for young children and their families.
What does the EarlyON Child and Family Centre do?
EarlyON offers playgroups, parent education workshops, support, and a variety of family centred activities and information links to community services. Playgroups offer participants the opportunity to explore and learn through play while establishing friendships and networks of support. We also work with a number of community partners to plan and deliver programs, workshops, and support to families.
When and where are EarlyON programs and services offered?
The EarlyON main office is in Smiths Falls and EarlyON programs and services are delivered throughout the County of Lanark. For more information about specific program and service locations go to our calendar on our website or phone 613-283-0095 (toll-free at 1-800-267-9252). Like us on Facebook!
Who can access EarlyON?
EarlyON offers programs and services for families and caregivers with children 0 to six years old to support optimal development. Staff at the Centre also helps families find information about other community services. While the focus in on the early years, staff may have information about other services and programs for children older than six.
How much does it cost to attend EarlyON programs?
Free! All services are free to parents and caregivers of young children.
How do I find out about EarlyON programs?
You can visit our website at www.crowlanark.com for up to date information on programs and services. Call us at 613-283-0095 or toll-free at 1-800-267-9252. Like Us on Facebook!
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter online or call the Centre.
How can I find support as a parent?
EarlyON offers parents and caregivers opportunities to participate in parenting education workshops and discussion groups. EarlyON staff are available for parent and caregiver questions at playgroup, workshops, community events, online and by phone.
How can I find information about other community programs?
- Call EarlyON at 613-283-0095 or 1-800-267-9252
- Ask a playgroup facilitator or workshop facilitator for information.
- Visit our Community Resources
Where do I go if I have a concern about my child?
If you have a concern about your child you can discuss it with a playgroup facilitator, parent education coordinator, your physician, or call EarlyON for information and referral. Visit 211 Ontario, Health Action Line, or Telehealth.
How is EarlyON funded?
The EarlyON Child and Family Centre receives funding from the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Education, through the County of Lanark.
