On this page you will find the Program Descriptions for the programs that we offer as EarlyON Child and Family Centres in the City of Stratford. Some of our programs and services are drop-in and some require pre-registration. Visit our EarlyON in Stratford Program Calendar page to learn when and where programs are offered. You can also use our Find a Program tool.
EarlyON Programs offered in the City of Stratford
EarlyON Play and Learn (birth to 6 years)
How Does Learning Happen? Through Play! Join other children, caring adults and families in play and exploration together! EarlyON Educators are available to provide support and information around early learning topics, community resources, programs and referrals in our play based environment. Pre-registration is not required for EarlyON Play and Learn.
Baby Time (birth to 18 months)
A time for parents/caregivers to find support & encouragement from their peers and EarlyON Educators in a safe and welcoming environment. For the first 30 minutes, this program will feature an engaging circle, giving infant and adult the time to delight together and find creative ways to use songs and puppets alongside developmental milestones! Families are then encouraged to play and participate in informal conversation with EarlyON Educators and other families. We welcome your family to Drop In anytime that works for you during this program. Pre-registration is not required for EarlyON Baby Time.
Music and Movement (birth to 6 years)
Join an EarlyON Educator and other families as we sing, dance, and explore music and movement together! Children and adults of all ages are welcome! This program features 30 minutes of guided songs and movement activities followed by 30 minutes of unstructured play and movement exploration. The program will close with some cool-down activities and a transition song. Pre-registration is not required for Music and Movement.
Run, Jump, Climb! (birth to 6 years)
A variety of gross motor activities and play toys and equipment will be available for you and your little ones to get active and have fun indoors. This program is offered in the gym at the Stratford YMCA. Pre-registration is not required for Run, Jump, Climb!
Stroller Walk (birth to 6 years)
Come join us outdoors for a walk in our neighbourhoods! Join our EarlyON Educators as we connect, explore and enjoy the outdoors together. Participate in songs, conversation and activities along the way. Participants will need to register for this program. We will not be able to accept late or unregistered participants due to insurance purposes. We will leave promptly at the program start time indicated. Please pre-register at www.KEyON.ca. Please turn notifications to “on” in KEyON to ensure you receive notifications of any closures due to inclement weather.
Explore with Us (2-6 years)
Join other children and families with preschoolers as we explore literacy, numeracy, and science-based activities! Together, we will be creative, problem solve investigate, and gain a stronger understanding of our world through play. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is not required for Explore with Us.
EarlyON in the City of Stratford Targeted Specialty Programs
Baby Connections (6 to 12 months)
The Baby Connections program helps families develop their babies’ literacy and language skills, and provides each family with a take-home kit of resources. The program has been specifically designed for parents/caring adults and young babies, 6-12 months of age. Join us to gain confidence in playing with and promoting literacy and learning with your baby and receive a free Baby Connections Resource Kit. For in-person programs, registration closes at 9:00am, one business day before the series starts. For online programs, registration closes at 9:00am, 5 business days before the series starts to enable you the opportunity to pick up your kit at a local EarlyON Centre.
Circle of Security Parenting
At times all parents feel lost about what our children might need from us. Imagine what it would feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security Parenting program is based on decades of research about how secure Parent-Child relationships can be supported and strengthened. In this 8-week in-person program, facilitators will work with parents and caregivers to:
- Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
- Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
- Enhance the development of their child’s self esteem
- Honour the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure
This program is offered in partnership with Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society. Pre-registration is required. Limited childminding will be provided onsite through EarlyON. Register at www.KEyON.ca
Infant Massage (birth to 12 months)
Building a strong attachment with your infant is one of the building blocks to social development. This program is a great way to build this attachment while learning techniques for stimulating, relaxing, and providing relief for your infant. The adult attending and participating in infant massage must be the child’s parent or legal guardian. Please turn KEyON email notifications “on” when registering for Infant Massage. An email will be sent to you that includes information you need to know about Infant Massage prior to attending. Registration closes at 9:00am, 2 business days before the series starts for both in-person and online programs.
Infant Series (birth to 6 months)
Having a new baby is a time of change, discovery, and often many questions. We invite you and your baby to join EarlyON professionals (and some guest speakers) and other families with babies. In the first part of the program, we will share up-to-date information/resources and provide an opportunity for families to share their experiences and learn from others in a supportive environment. We then welcome you to stay for play and informal conversation for the rest part of the program. Register at www.KEyON.ca
Make the Connection (0-1 year)
Make the Connection provides interactive discussions to help parents reflect on key components of secure attachment. This secure beginning sets in motion a positive course for a child’s social and emotional well-being, learning in school, and contribution to society. We will also incorporate hands-on parent-baby activities throughout the program to align with discussion topics. Registration closes one business day at 9:00am. Register at www.KEyON.ca
Play & Swim (birth to 6 years)
This program is offered at EarlyON at Stratford YMCA (Address is 204 Downie St., Stratford)
The YMCA of Three Rivers and EarlyON in Stratford are excited to invite you to join us for a swim in the shallow end of the YMCA pool and some fun, facilitated activities with your child. Pool ratio is 1 Adult to 1 Child. EarlyON staff may be able to provide limited child minding for children on the pool deck. Support must be requested at time of pre-attendance phone call and will be on a first come, first served basis up to our childminding capacity, if available. Please come dressed ready to swim. Each individual who is entering the pool needs to be registered. Life jackets and floatation devices are available for both adults and children. You may bring in a floatation device from home, however, puddle jumpers and water wings are not permitted. Registration Capacity is limited. Please register for one timeslot only.
Please turn notifications on in KEyON to receive important information about this program.