On-Site Services EarlyON Waterloo Region

Our EarlyON Team Can Help

Parenting and caring for children and youth is not always easy. Often parents and caregivers have many questions and trying to find the right person and community agency to talk to can sometimes be overwhelming. We have included some of our local community partners below, and we encourage you to call us at 519-741-8585 ext. 3001 or email us at earlyyearsinfo@ytr.ymca.ca to talk with an EarlyON professional. We can support you with the information or referral resources you are looking for.

​Talk with an EarlyON Professional

Our EarlyON team is here for you.  We can support you with the information or referral resources you are looking for.

• Call us at 519-741-8585 ext. 3001
• Connect with us through our website chat box
• Email us at earlyyearsinfo@ytr.ymca.ca

Do you have questions about your child’s development? Are you looking for local resources or evidence-based information? Do you want to talk about parenting strategies? Book a conversation (mornings, afternoons, and evenings) with an EarlyON professional. You can use this link to request your appointment and we will follow up with you as early as the next business day to confirm a time and platform. Appointments will be held at EarlyON locations. Virtual appointments occur via telephone, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.

Breastfeeding Buddies – Me Breastfeed

In this two hour class, we will talk about What to Expect In The First Seven Days of Breastfeeding Your Baby, Why Is Breastfeeding Important, Strategies For Nursing Your Baby and Parenting Resources in Waterloo Region. Connect with families that are due around the same time as you and learn about our ‘We Are Breastfeeding’ drop in classes for after baby arrives. See a live nursing demonstration and ask all of your questions. To register for this class and to learn more about Breastfeeding Buddies, click here.

Breastfeeding Buddies – We Are Breastfeeding

“YAY! The baby’s finally here… now what do we do!?” Come on out to your Local Early ON Centre for a drop in visit. No Registration Necessary…all age of babies and all feed methods are welcome. It’s a great way to meet other parents and find the tips, tools, and information you need to reach your family’s Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Goals. Pre-registration is not required.

If you would like to attend but have barriers with transportation, please call Breastfeeding Buddies directly at 519 772 1016.

Breathing and Connecting Together

This 4-week series offered by Woolwich Counselling Centre will promote connection between caregiver and child through playful yoga poses, engaging theraplay activities, breathing techniques and mindfulness strategies. Due to the nature of the program, it is recommended that each child is accompanied by a separate adult. Yoga mats are recommended. EarlyON has a limited number of mats onsite. This program is intended for children ages 3-6 and their parent or legal guardian. The adult must be legally able to sign a permission form on behalf of the child.

Dental Screening (Region of Waterloo Public Health)

A Registered Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistants from Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services will be onsite to provide free dental screening to children from birth to 17 years of age. Each screening appointment is 30 minutes in length and individual appointments must be booked for each child. If the dental hygienist identifies that a child has a dental problem, parents will receive information about how to access dental care. Once you have registered for a specific timeslot, please ensure that your KEyON notifications are turned on. Our EarlyON team will follow up with you with additional information to complete your registration. Please book an individual appointment time slot for each child. The parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment with the child.

Early Years and Child Care Navigators

Connect with an Early Years and Child Care Navigator, who will provide support in your journey. EYCC Navigators support families by providing information about licensed child care, subsidies and applications, early learning programs in the community, and additional resources. To book your appointment, click here.

KidsAbility Intake Appointments

KidsAbility is a SmartStart Hub for Waterloo Region and provides a range of therapy services to children and youth aged birth to 18 (or until age 21 if attending a publicly funded school in our area). This can include (but is not limited to) Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Social Work. As a SmartStart Hub, KidsAbility supports and connects families with concerns related to their child’s development and day-to-day functioning.

To ensure your child is connected with the right supports, we offer intake appointments provided by Intake Social Workers from KidsAbility onsite at our EarlyON locations. These appointments typically last around 45 minutes and concentrate on screening your child’s development and exploring any concerns you may have. KidsAbility Intake Social Workers will work closely with you and your family during this session to pinpoint the services that best align with your child’s needs.

**Please note- this is not a therapy assessment. If your child is already connected with KidsAbility’s services, the team may be able to support in exploring additional community resources & supports. Please be aware however, this appointment will not impact or change the status of your services with KidsAbility** To book your appointment, click here. During the summer months, if you are wanting to book appointments, please book with KidsAbility directly by call at 519-886-8886 ext. 1214 or book online at Online Referral to KidsAbility for phone appointments. 

​Monarch House Screening Clinics

At these clinics, Board-Certified Behaviour Analysts® and speech-language pathologists will meet with you and your child for 15-30 minutes. Early identification for delays in developmental milestones is critical which is why Monarch House offers developmental screening clinics – free of charge. They will use screening tools such as the LookSee checklist to identify areas for education or need for follow-up in brief consultations. Each appointment will be a maximum of 30 minutes. Please book an individual appointment time slot for each child. The parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment with the child. Please click here, to book your appointment.

Public Health Neighbourhood Nurses

Public Health neighbourhood nurses meet people where they are. They support people in spaces where they are comfortable. They help people navigate their health care needs and connect to community support. The nurses specialize in helping people who often experience barriers to health care. Services are free, and a health card is not needed.

They provide access to many public health services and supports, including:

• Vaccines – The nurses can give vaccines and help you figure out which vaccines you need.
• Sexual health – Get counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Nurses can help you with emergency contraception and access to birth control.
• Harm reduction –  Nurses can provide supplies for safer drug use. They can also connect you to information about treatment and support.
• Mental health – Connect to mental health supports and peer help groups in your community.
• Prenatal health – Nurses provide advice and connections to health supports during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding – Get practical information about feeding babies and connection to ongoing support.
• Childhood development – Nurses can help you identify development concerns for your child.  They can connect you with community organizations for support.
• Dental health – Nurses can help you figure out if you are eligible for dental coverage. They can provide information on dental care options.

Email phnnt@regionofwaterloo.ca or call 519-575-4400 ext. 5897 for more information. 

Quick Response Counselling (Woolwich Counselling Centre)

Quick Response provides children and youth up to the age of 18, and/or their families, a brief consultation and counselling session to help you to feel connected and supported quickly. After the consultation, you will leave with a plan including strategies and possible referrals to other supports or services. Quick Response at Woolwich Counselling Centre is offered through a partnership with Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health.

Please book an individual appointment time slot for each family unit.  Please click here to book your Quick Response Consultation.  Children/youth ages 12 or over may attend the appointment on their own or with their parent or legal guardian. Youth must be 16 years of age or older to enter EarlyON without an adult.  The parent or legal guardian for children ages 11 and under may attend with or without their child. 

Settlement Services

Free help and support for new immigrants to Canada.

Immigrant Services at the YMCA of Three Rivers will help you with services to you and your family as newcomers to Canada. Services Settlement Workers are located at EarlyON | Oak Creek location. We can help you with information and referral such as health care, education, language, employment and more. The Y will help you live, work, and settle in your new community .
Our Immigrant Services staff speak a variety of languages. Meet a settlement worker to discover programs for immigrant youth, and get help with unfamiliar processes. Book to an appointment, please click here.

Here are just some of the ways we can help you:

• Completing forms and documents
• Personal and family settlement process
• Immigration and legal issues
• Canadian life and culture
• Employment and education
• Licensing and accreditation
• Interpretation and translation
• Information, advice and support
• Access to programs and services
• And more!

Special Needs Resourcing

Drop in to an EarlyON Centre and spend time talking with Early Learning Resource Consultants from Special Needs Resourcing (SNR)! They will provide valuable resources and talk about ways to support the children in your care, especially where you have concerns. They will have a resource table, and will be available to answer your questions regarding child development. Each visit they will also come prepared to share resources through conversation on a topic related to their monthly newsletter. Sign up for their newsletter here.

SPECTRUM – 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.

SPECTRUM – Rainbow Family Stories and Songs

Join RECE Rea from Spectrum and other Rainbow families with children aged 0-6 in stories and songs. There’s no criteria for participation — anyone who feels their family is a rainbow family is welcome to join. Come connect, have fun, read, sing, play, and build community together! Register at www.KEyON.ca.
Rea will also be on-site before program at 11, and after the program, to provide support and information about early learning topics, community resources, and other programs that may be of interest.

Stork Secrets

Stork Secrets is a peer support group program for expectant and postpartum parents who may be experiencing challenges to the adjustment of new parenthood, or who may be experiencing some form of perinatal mood and/or anxiety disorder (PMAD). This program is for anyone who is currently expecting a child or is a new parent (whether through birth, adoption, or surrogacy) and offers support and a space to share experiences, obtain information and resources, and overcome feelings of isolation commonly felt during the perinatal period. To register, please click here.

For our Stork Secrets group in English, please contact Theresa at theresa@shorecentre.ca for assistance with registration.

For our Stork Secrets group in Arabic, please contact Hala at hala@shorecentre.ca for assistance with registration.

University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science*
​Eye Exams (6 months – 6 years) 

This service will provide a full vision exam if families do not have an existing family optometrist. OHIP will cover this exam. You will be asked for your child’s OHIP number to attend the appointment. Spaces are limited. Please note: The child’s parent or legal guardian is required to attend the appointment with the child. Register for your child’s appointment by clicking this link or by calling 519-741-8585 x 3001.

​Waterloo Region Family Network

This service focuses on supporting all families impacted by special needs; with or without a diagnosis. Waterloo Region Family Network supports families in making connections and navigating community resources in Waterloo Region. They aim to support you in making informed decisions for your family. Learn more by visiting their website. A Waterloo Region Family Network Family Resource Coach will be onsite at EarlyON Child and Family Centres. Drop in, ask questions and gain 1:1 support if needed. Dates and times are listed below. A KEyON account is required to attend the EarlyON location. Accounts can be created on arrival.

Zero2Six Children’s Mental Health Consultation

The Zero2Six program offers consultation sessions to parents and legal guardians of infants, toddlers and preschoolers (birth to six years of age). Consultations focus on social and emotional development, behaviour challenges, and parenting strategies. Please note: Appointments must be booked by and attended by the child’s parent or legal guardian. To book your consultation, click here.

If you cannot find an available time slot that works for you, or if you have questions or concerns about a Zero2Six consultation, please contact Camino’s Intake Team at 519-743-6333.  A member of the team will be happy to discuss options for you to access supports.