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 of Waterloo Region*
Join trained peer volunteers and other breastfeeding parents! We will connect; ask questions; and learn from each other. This support is available at select EarlyON locations. No pre-registration required. A KEyON account is required to attend the EarlyON location. Accounts can be created on arrival.
Please visit https://www.breastfeedingbuddies.com for more information on their programs and services or to register.
| Location | Dates | Time |
| EarlyON | Roger Street 161 Roger Street, Waterloo | Every Monday starting September 19th Site Closed October 10th | 10:00am-11:00am |
| EarlyON | Oak Creek 80 Tartan Avenue, Kitchener | Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26 | 10:00am-11:00am |
| EarlyON | Water Street 73 Water St., N., Unit 105 Cambridge | To be determined | To be determined |
Breastfeeding Buddies of Waterloo Region*
Me Breastfeed Prenatal Workshop
Are you expecting a baby? Do you have breastfeeding questions? Was your last time breastfeeding harder than you expected? #YOURbreastfeedinggoals are important! Breastfeeding is a learned skill. Join us to learn about breastfeeding while you are pregnant. You and a Support Person are invited to join us for our FREE 2-hour Virtual or in-person Prenatal Workshop. Please visit https://www.breastfeedingbuddies.com/neve-home/about-services/me-breastfeed-workshop/ to register for the online workshop or the in-person workshop at community locations.
| Location | Dates | Time |
| EarlyON | Roger Street 161 Roger Street, Waterloo | Saturday October 29th | 9:30-11:30am |
| EarlyON | Oak Creek 80 Tartan Avenue, Kitchener | Tuesday November 29th | 6:30-8:30pm |
| EarlyON | Water Street 73 Water St., N., Unit 105 Cambridge | To be determined | To be determined |
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.
| Location | Dates | Time |
| EarlyON | Water Street 73 Water St., N., Unit 105 Cambridge | To be determined | To be determined |
| EarlyON | Oak Creek 80 Tartan Avenue, Kitchener | To be determined | To be determined |
| EarlyON | Roger Street 161 Roger St., Waterloo | To be determined | To be determined |
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.
| Location | Dates | Time |
| EarlyON | Water Street 73 Water St., N., Unit 105 Cambridge | Thursdays October 20th November 17th | One appointment per time: 9:30, 9:45, 10:30, 10:45, 11:30, 11:45, 1:15, 1:30, 2:15, 2:30 |
| EarlyON | Riverside 250 William St., Elmira | Thursday November 3rd | One appointment per time: 9:30, 9:45, 10:30, 10:45, 11:30, 11:45, 1:15, 1:30, 2:15, 2:30 |
| EarlyON | Cedar Creek 55 Hilltop Drive, Ayr, Ontario | Thursday October 6th | One appointment per time: 9:30, 9:45, 10:30, 10:45, 11:30, 11:45, 1:15, 1:30, 2:15, 2:30 |
| EarlyON | Oak Creek 80 Tartan Avenue, Kitchener | Thursdays September 29th October 27th November 24th | One appointment per time: 9:30, 9:45, 10:30, 10:45, 11:30, 11:45, 1:15, 1:30, 2:15, 2:30 |
| EarlyON | Roger Street 161 Roger St., Waterloo | Thursdays September 15th November 10th December 1st | One appointment per time: 9:30, 9:45, 10:30, 10:45, 11:30, 11:45, 1:15, 1:30, 2:15, 2:30 |
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 locations this fall. Drop in, ask questions and gain 1:1 support if needed. Dates and times are listed below. No pre-registration required. A KEyON account is required to attend the EarlyON location. Accounts can be created on arrival.
| Location | Dates | Time |
| EarlyON | Water Street 73 Water St., N., Unit 105 Cambridge | Tuesdays September 20th October 18th November 15th December 20th | 9:30 – 10:30am |
| EarlyON | Riverside 250 William St., Elmira | Tuesdays September 13th November 8th | 9:30 – 11:00am |
| EarlyON | St. Boniface 225 Starlight Avenue, Breslau | Wednesday September 21st | 10:00 – 11:00am |
| EarlyON | Oak Creek 80 Tartan Avenue, Kitchener | Wednesdays October 19th November 16th December 21st | 10:00 – 11:00am |
| EarlyON | Roger Street 161 Roger St., Waterloo | Wednesdays September 14th October 12th November 9th December 14th | 10:00 – 11:00am |
| EarlyON | Cedar Creek 55 Hilltop Drive, Ayr, Ontario | Fridays October 14th December 9th | 9:30 – 11:00am |
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