On-Site Services

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.

​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. Please click the date of interest to register for an appointment. The parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment with 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. Please click the date of interest to register for an appointment. The parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment with the child.

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.

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.

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. 

​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.

Breastfeeding Buddies – We Are Breastfeeding

“YAY! The baby’s finally here… now what do I do!?” Be sure to register for our upcoming FREE “We Are Breastfeeding” series! This In Person series of six workshops will cover common questions & concerns that often come up in the first few weeks with your new baby. It’s a great way to meet other parents and find the tips, tools, and information you need to reach your goals! Our first session begins October 16th at the EarlyON | Roger Street (161 Roger Street, Waterloo). To register visit www.KEyON.ca and the EarlyON | Roger Street calendar.

Early Learning and Child Care Navigators

Drop in to connect with an Early Learning and Child Care Navigator, who will provide support in your journey. ELCC Navigators support families by providing information about licensed child care, subsidies and applications, early learning programs in the community, and additional resources.