On this page you will find the Program Descriptions for the programs that we offer as EarlyON | Waterloo Region. Some of our programs and services are drop-in and some require pre-registration. Visit our EarlyON | Waterloo Region Program Calendar page to learn when and where programs are offered. You can also use our Find a Program tool.
Visit our services page for on-site community partner information.
EarlyON | Waterloo Region Drop In Programs
EarlyON Drop-In
“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 Drop In.
Baby and Me (birth-12 months)
Learn and play together with your baby while connecting with other families through music, songs, fingerplays, rhyming, conversations and other activities. Our EarlyON Educators are there to support you in finding parenting information, resources and referrals. Pre-registration is not required.
Dad and Me
Whether you are a dad, grandfather, or caregivers that identify as men, in this program you can connect, have fun, and explore with your children and other families. Our EarlyON Educators are there to support you in finding parenting information, resources and referrals. Pre-registration is not required.
Explore With Us (2-6 years)
Join other children and families with preschoolers as we explore literacy, numeracy, and science-based activities in this 3-week series! Together, we will be creative, problem solve, investigate, and gain a stronger understanding of our world through play. Registration is required for this program. Registration will close at 9:00 am the day before the series start date.
Kaleidoscope Kids
As special needs families, life is constantly changing but together we can help each other see that it remains beautiful. Come play, connect, support and be supported as we bring our differences together. Kaleidoscope Kids is a free drop-in program for children under 8 years of age and their parent or caring adult. You are encouraged to bring your children with special needs, siblings or come by yourself. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@wrfn.info.
Music and Movement (birth-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 is a drop in program. Registration is not required for in-person programs.
Musique et Mouvement (birth-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 is a French Immersion program designed to introduce and expose your family to the French Language. You do not need to know how to speak French to participate.
Rejoignez un(e) éducateur(trice) d’On y Va et d’autres familles pour chanter, danser et explorer la musique et mouvement ensemble! Les enfants et les adultes de tous les âges sont bienvenus! This is a French Immersion program designed to introduce and expose your family to the French Language. You do not need to know how to speak French to participate.
Rainbow Family Drop In
Join other 2SLGBTQIA+ children (aged 0-6), caring adults and families in play and exploration together in the EarlyON Drop-In environment. EarlyON Educators and a SPECTRUM Registered Early Childhood Educator are available to provide support and information around early learning topics, community resources, programs, and referrals in a play-based environment. This is a drop-in program. Pre-registration is not required.
Read and Relax (birth-6 years)
Join our EarlyON Educators and other families as we read a story and participate in sensory, movement and relaxation activities together. When we read together, we can explore emotions, build language and literacy skills and connect with others while making sense of our world. This is a drop-in program. Pre-registration is not required.
Ready Set Move! (birth- 6 years)
Encouraging physical activity supports your family in making healthy lifestyle choices. This program encourages you and your child to be active together through a variety of fun physical activities, songs and games. This is a drop-in program. Pre-registration is not required.
S.T.E.A.M for Preschoolers (2-6 years)
Drop in and join other families with preschoolers and our EarlyON Educators in exploring literacy, numeracy and science activities. Together we will use our curiosity and ask questions as we connect, play and learn about the world around us through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.). Pre-registration not required.
Toddler Play and Learn (12–24 months)
Toddlers learn through play. Join our EarlyON Educators and other families with toddlers to connect and play together in an environment where your toddler can work on their physical, social, language and thinking skills. We encourage you to follow your child’s lead and play with them as they explore, play, learn, discover and gain meaning of their world. This is a Drop In program. Pre-registration not required.
Venez Jouer et Chanter
Venez Jouer et Chanter est un programme entièrement en français pour tous les âges qui inclus les chansons, des jeux libres et des activités amusantes! Inscrivez-vous à l’avance chaque semaine pour participer. This is a Francophone program and is offered fully in French.
EarlyON | Waterloo Region Targeted Specialty Programs
Baby Connections (6-12 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
Do you have questions about building a strong attachment with your child(ren)? Our EarlyON Educators, trained in the Circle of Security® Parenting™ program, welcome you to this 8-week relationship-based series where we will explore parenting and attachment together. This program was developed by Circle of Security International. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes at 9:00 am, 1 business day before the series starts. Limited childminding may be available for children aged 16 months to 6 years. This program may be offered in-person or virtually. Register at www.KEyON.ca.
Stroller Walk (birth-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.
Infant Massage (Birth-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.
Make the Connection 0-1 (Birth to 12 months)
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 09:00am before the session starts.
Parenting My Baby (Birth-12 months)
Having a new baby is a time of change, discovery, and often many questions. We invite you and your baby to come out and meet other families with babies for discussion around a variety of topics. An EarlyON professional (and some guest speakers) will offer up-to-date information/resources and support. Register at www.KEyON.ca
Parents and Caregivers in Conversation
Join EarlyON Educators and other parents and caregivers to discuss a variety of topics to support you in your role as a parent or caregiver. This program is for parents and caregivers with children up to age 6. We welcome you to learn, ask questions, and share experiences, and ideas. Pre-registration is required. Limited childminding is available for children aged 16 months to 6 years. Register at www.KEyON.ca. Please register adults only.
Starting School (3-6 Years – Children must be entering JK/SK in 2024)
Children will explore, play and learn with other children and educators in an environment based on the kindergarten curriculum to support their transition to the school system. We invite the parents/caregivers to join us for the last 20 minutes each week to explore with us. Registration for this program is limited to 8 children. Children must be eligible to start kindergarten in September 2024. Parents/caring adults must remain onsite and within the EarlyON location for the full duration of the program. Registration closes at 9:00am, one business day before the Starting School series starts.
Super Dads Super Kids
As research continues to prove, involved, responsible and devoted dads improve their kids’ cognitive, emotional and social development. Are you a dad or other male caregiver? Join us for this 8 session series where we will discuss: The Unique Role of a dad; Child Development; Communication; Emotions and Mental Health; Discipline and Setting Limits; Physical Health – Activity and Nutrition; Physical Health – Injury Prevention; and Family/Life/Work Balance. Registration closes at 9:00am, 1 business day before the series starts.
Village Drop In (Monica Place) (For Parents age 12-29)
Join Monica Place team members at EarlyON | Roger Street one Monday each month to chat, sing and play together! Everyone who attends will receive a gift! Village Drop In is offered at Monica Place additional days each month. For more information, please contact Judy at judyf@monicaplace.ca or Andrea at andrear@monicaplace.ca.
Community Partner Programs
Young Parents Connect Co-facilitated with Cambridge Family Early Years Centre
This program provides an opportunity for young parents (under age 29) to come together to share experiences, concerns, parenting tips and ideas. Each week we cook a meal that we enjoy together and discuss a parenting topic/resources/service that is of interest to the group. At the end of each session, we have a fun interactive circle time with the children. We provide bus tickets, healthy recipes, and food certificates. EarlyON offers limited childminding for children 4 months to six years of age. Please provide a labelled snack and drink for your child. For more information please call EarlyON I Waterloo Region at (519) 741-8585 x3001. Additional information is also available on the Parenting Programs Page on Cambridge Family Early Years Centre’s website. This is a drop-in program. Registration is not required.
Grandparents Connect Co-facilitated with Camino Wellbeing and Mental Health
Are you the legal guardian for your grandchildren, or assuming the primary responsibility for their care on behalf of parents who are deceased or experiencing barriers that prevent them from acting as the main caregiver to their children? This program brings together a compassionate community ready to provide you with the knowledge, resources and emotional support you need to make the most of this important role. Weekly meetings include free childminding, snacks and the opportunity to increase your circle of support! For more information please contact Camino Wellbeing and Mental Health at (519) 743-6333 or EarlyON I Waterloo Region at (519) 741-8585 x3001. Additional information is also available on the Group Programs Page on Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health’s website. Registration will close each week at 9:00am, on the Monday prior to the programs date. Registration for Grandparents Connect is through capc@caminowellbeing.ca. If you are not certain if this is the group for you or would just like more information, please contact Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health at capc@caminowellbeing.ca and one of our program facilitator will be happy to support you.
Community Kitchen Offered and Hosted by Cambridge Family Early Years Centre
Join other parents for this free nutrition program and cook together. At each session we will prepare an affordable, healthy recipe that you can take home for your family to enjoy. Participants sign-up for individual sessions of their choice. EarlyON Educators offer limited childminding for children 4 months to 6 years of age. Please provide a labelled snack and drink for your child. For more information please EarlyON I Waterloo Region at (519) 741-8585. Registration closes at 9:00am one business day before the program starts. Register at www.KEyON.ca for registration support, call 519-741-8585 x3001.
Stories and Stretches Offered by Region of Waterloo Library
Come join us as we read stories, and sing together all while using our bodies to move in different ways! Children of all ages accompanied by an adult are welcome! This program includes singing indoors. For more information please EarlyON I Waterloo Region at (519) 741-8585 or visit the Region of Waterloo Library website. This is a drop in program. Registration is not required.
Sleep and Your New Baby (Birth-12 weeks)
Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services and the EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Waterloo Region are inviting you and your baby to a free session to help you get to know more about your baby’s sleep patterns and how to respond. Visit our Sleep and Your New Baby web page for more information or www.KEyON.ca to register. Registration closes at 9:00am, one business day before the session starts.
Preparing for Parenthood (Prenatal)
Planning a pregnancy and expecting a new baby are both exciting times full of change, growth, discovery, and often many questions. Preparing for Parenthood is a free program series that offers information about having a healthy pregnancy and becoming a parent. Visit our Preparing for Parenthood web page for more information or www.KEyON.ca to register. Sessions run in-person and online through Zoom. Registration closes at 9:00am, one business day before the series starts.
Transitioning to Parenthood (For parents with children under 2 years) (on Zoom)
There is no training for becoming a parent. Although exciting, the transition to having a new baby at home can also be challenging. Transitioning to Parenthood is an 8-week series where you can talk with others who have a new baby, or a child up to age 2, and be connected to community resources and information by our EarlyON and Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health (CPNP) team including a clinician (MSW). Topics include: Exploring the role of new parents; Coping with parenting stressors and the impact of COVID-19; What is post-partum depression?; Circles of support; Attachment theory; And community supports.
Coping with Separation Anxiety in Toddlers and Preschoolers Co-facilitated with Camino Wellbeing and Mental Health
Join us for a conversation about separation anxiety in toddlers and preschoolers. Learn about some of the needs that may be hiding behind the behaviour, and some tips and strategies to support your family. Free childminding and interpretation are available and must be requested upon registration.