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.

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.

​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.

Monarch House Screening Clinics

At these clinics, multiple Monarch House staff (Board-Certified Behaviour Analysts®, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and mental health professionals) 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 and ASQ mental health questions to identify areas for education or need for follow-up in brief consultations. Each appointment will be a maximum of 30 minutes. Register for your Screening Clinic appointment here. Please book an individual appointment time slot for each child. The parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment with the child.

Children and Parents Connecting (CAPC) – Carizon

While your family is onsite connecting with our EarlyON team and other families, professionals from CAPC will also be onsite at select EarlyON locations to support your family. CAPC professionals can support your family in working through your parenting challenges; answering your questions about your child’s behaviour and development and connecting you with local community resources informally in our drop in areas. See the chart below for upcoming CAPC visits.

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.

​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.