There are now more opportunities to register for programs; our goal is to offer programs in a variety of formats so all children and their families feel comfortable and safe to participate. EarlyON Child and Family Centres at Empower Simcoe are now offering both In-Person* indoor and outdoor programs, as well as Virtual programs. Register online today. If you have questions please contact us at facilitator@empowersimcoe.ca.

*Masking indoors for each parent or caregiver is encouraged but not required*

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

Formerly the Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC)

The EarlyON programs at Empower Simcoe are built on four foundations: Belonging, Well-being, Engagement and Expression, which promote the healthy development of children and provide parents and caregivers with support to ensure their child and family have the resources needed to raise healthy, thriving, resilient children.

The EarlyON Centres, formerly OEYC’s, offer families/care providers with children prenatal through 6 years, a range of core services which can assist them in their parenting or caregiving role as well as provide a safe environment where children can experience a variety of learning activities and practice new found skills. The activities provided for the children include creative experiences, science and math experiences, circle time, snack time, activities that promote literacy and experiences that promote social and emotional development. The environment is well equipped with age appropriate materials and furnishings that contribute to the overall learning experience.

register for kindergarden — Was your child born in 2017 or 2018? It is time to register your child for JK or SK. Click for more information!

Social Distancing may have physically distanced us but it has not prevented us from connecting with each other:

Would you like to have a conversation with an EarlyON Program Facilitator?

You can reach out to talk to us, by emailing us at: facilitator@empowersimcoe.ca. Let us know what you would like to chat about, and one of our fabulous Program Facilitators will get back to you to start a conversation. Perhaps you would like to discuss some strategies for sleep or mealtimes. It could be that you are wondering about new activities to offer your toddler or preschooler. Maybe you have questions about your child heading to school in the fall, or you are a new or expecting mother wondering about ‘what’s next’. Or maybe you are looking for resources in your community.

Baby Smiling at camers | Ontario Early Year Centre | Simcoe Community Services

IN-PERSON PROGRAMS

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

Young child playing with bubbles outside | Simcoe Community Services

HOURS AND LOCATIONS

HELPFUL RESOURCES

INDIGENOUS EarlyON

OEYC | Ontario Early Years | Simcoe Community Services

EARLY LITERACY

BABY BYTES

GRANDPARENTS PARENTING AGAIN

For parents and care providers, EarlyON offers developmental screening for children, information and referral to a variety of supports and services, a parenting resource library, a wide range of workshops, newsletters and a friendly atmosphere that fosters networking among parents and care providers.

A toy lending library is located at the Barrie EarlyON Centre at 129 Ferris Lane, Barrie. A variety of age appropriate toys, including a special toy selection for children with special needs is available for loan to families, care providers and child care centres.

The EarlyON Satellite Centres are informal drop-in programs for families and care givers of children ages 0 through 6 years. They are located throughout Barrie, Innisfil and the Bradford area primarily in libraries, community centres, churches and non-profit housing sites.

The EarlyON Child and Family Centres serve as a gateway for parents and caregivers to get answers to questions they may have as well as information on available programs and services for all children prenatally through 6 years of age. All programs provided at or through the EarlyON Child and Family Centres are free of charge and funded by The Ministry of Education to allow for universal access.

Child Playing with a fish puzzle | Simcoe Community Services

We’re On YouTube!

Our new YouTube Channel is full of content for you and your little ones to enjoy!

Find lots of videos with boredom busters, family challenges, circle times, stories and activities you can try at home. You will also find information on calming and regulation, getting ready for school and more! Have you wanted to participate in Infant Mother Goose, but weren’t able to attend a live session? Now you can find these sessions on our YouTube Channel too!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any new content.