Program Descriptions

Find a program for you!

Please note that programs with an * require registration.

Baby and Me (Birth to 12 months)
Learn and play together with your baby (birth to 12 months) in the discovery of music, language, rhyming, toys and activities. Connect with other adults who are caring for babies. An EarlyON facilitator will also be available for parenting information, resources, referrals and support.

Baby & Me Discovery (6 to 18 months)
Meet and connect with other parents and caring adults of older babies and follow your baby’s lead as they explore, play, learn and discover using all of their senses.

Baby Connections (6 to 12 months)*
The Baby Connections program was developed as a resource to help parents/caregivers introduce early literacy skill development to their infants who are 6-12 months. Join us to gain confidence in playing with and promoting literacy and learning with your baby and receive a free Baby Connections Resource Kit. 

EarlyON Drop In (Birth to 6 years)
How Does Learning Happen? Through Play! Join other children, caring adults and families in play and exploration. EarlyON facilitators are available to provide support and information around early learning topics, community resources, programs and referrals in our play-based environment.

Explore with Us (Birth to 6 years)
Drop in and join other families and our EarlyON facilitators in exploring literacy, numeracy and science activities. We will create, problem solve, and gain a stronger understanding of our world through play. ​

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. Click here to register for an upcoming series.

Make the Connection 0-1 (Birth to 12 months)*
Make the Connection Birth to 1 year incorporates hands-on parent-baby activities and 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. Click here to register for an upcoming series.

Make the Connection 1-2 (1 to 2 years)*
Make the Connection 1-2 years incorporates hands-on parent-baby activities and 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. Click here to register for an upcoming series.

Mother Goose (Birth to 12 months)*
Each group of parents and children meets with two teachers once a week throughout the year.  Together, parents and children in the program: experience the spark of delight and magic that comes from enjoying a favourite rhyme or song These skills, pleasures and insights are taken home and shared with older children, grandparents, and other parents.  The whole family benefits! 

Music and Movement (Birth to 6 years)
Imagination and creativity are developed and explored through rhymes, songs, finger plays, and gross motor activities. Support your child’s language development and experience the benefits of physical activity.

Parenting in a New Society (Parenting Workshop)*
Welcoming Parents from different countries: to learn more about raising your children in Canada, to get to know helpful resources in the community and to make new friends. Visit https://www.ourplacekw.ca/programs for more information.

Parenting My Baby (Birth to 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 Early Years Professional will offer up to date information/resources and support. Register each week for different topics. Click here to register for an upcoming session.

Parents Learning Together
This Peer Worker led program provides an opportunity for parents to come together and have an informal discussion around parenting successes and challenges. Adults and children come together at the end of each program to participate in fun and engaging activities facilitated by an EarlyON team member. 

Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (Parenting Workshop)*
Positive discipline is a parent workshop series that promotes non-violent discipline and respects the child as a learner. It is an approach to teaching that helps children succeed, gives them information, and supports their growth from infancy to adulthood.

Preparing for Parenthood (Prenatal Workshop)*
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 registration and session information.

Ready Set Move (2 to 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.

Sleep and Your New Baby (Birth to 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 registration.

Starting School (3 to 6 Years)*
Is your child scheduled to start kindergarten in September? We recognize that COVID-19 may result in changes to the kindergarten experience. Join us to talk about how you can support your child in the transition to the school system. Together we will explore the skill sets that are focused on during kindergarten as well as brainstorming fun and engaging activities to help your child to practice and learn these skills to set them up for success. Register each week for different topics. Click here to register for an upcoming session.

Venez Jouer et Chanter! (Birth to 6 Years)*
Venez Jouer et Chanter est un programme en français qui intégrera le chant et la danse avec une activité amusante! Inscrivez-vous chaque semaine pour participer. Cliquez ici pour vous inscrire à une prochaine session.

Virtual Drop-In (Prenatal to 6 Years)*
Join us for Virtual Drop In on Zoom! We all miss our EarlyON locations being open and the chance to connect with each other. We welcome you to drop in for a few minutes or for the full session! EarlyON professionals will bring the resources and evidence based information and will start the conversation. Register each day for different topics of discussion and to meet new people. Click here to register for an upcoming session.

Young Parents Connect (Birth to 6 Years)*
This is an informal support group for young (Under 26 years) parents or parents-to-be. It provides an opportunity to meet other parents, share concerns and questions about parenting and how to make healthy food choices within your budget. A lunch is provided and all participants receive a cookbook, food certificates and bus tickets. At the end of each session we have a fun, interactive, activity for the children and parents together.