Knowing where and how to access services for your family can be a challenge. The EarlyON Child and Family Centres of Waterloo Region are a one-stop hub of resources and information where you can meet community professionals to get answers to questions about your family’s well-being.
We have provided links below to resources and information in our community. We hope that you will also connect with us and speak with a member of our staff teams who will support you in connecting with specialized services throughout our region and provide information and resources to meet your needs through brochures, conversations and referrals.
- Child Care – OneList Waterloo Region
- Family Compass Waterloo Region
- Online Prenatal Program
- Parenting Support
- Pregnancy and Baby’s First Year
- Canadian Pediatric Society
Download your Region of Waterloo – Parenting and Child Health Resource Booklets today.
Are you unsure of where to start in your search for resources and information?
Call 519-741-8585 ext 3008 and ask to speak with a YMCA Community Connector. The role of a Community Connector is to share information about resources available in Waterloo Region that support the healthy development of children and their families. You can also reach our Community Connector via email.
Are you looking for Child Care? Do you have questions about programs for children under age 6 in Waterloo Region?
Consider connecting with an Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Navigator.
As one of the first points of contact for children and families attempting to access a variety of early learning and childcare programs, ELCC Navigators provide free one-on-one support. Early Learning and Child Care Navigators are funded by the Region of Waterloo.
Learn more and connect with an ELCC today
Local Community Resources
Breastfeeding Buddies
If you are looking for in person or virtual breastfeeding peer support, visit the Breastfeeding Buddies website at https://www.breastfeedingbuddies.com or contact them at 519-772-1016. Breastfeeding Buddies offer Latch and Learn sessions virtually and in-person on a variety of topics and they offer free prenatal. Breastfeeding Buddies also offer FREE 2-hour Virtual or in-person Prenatal Workshops.
House of Friendship
Family Outreach Program
A Family Outreach Worker can assist you in connecting with services that you and your family may need. The Family Outreach Program is operated by the House of Friendship. Family Outreach Workers can meet families throughout Waterloo Region. Please call 519-742-8327 x 240 or email info@familyoutreach.ca for more information.
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health*
Children and Parents Connection Program (CAPC) provides services to parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 6. Our program focuses on parenting education, healthy child development, and enhancing the parent-child connection. We offer group programs, home visiting services, and workshops. Currently, our services are offered both virtually and in-person. For more information please view the current program list or contact us at 519-743-6333 ext. 2383.
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health and Lutherwood*
Front Door is your starting point for accessing child and youth mental health services and supports in Waterloo Region www.frontdoormentalhealth.com. Visit our website for more information about services such as the Zero-Six consultation and Intensive Treatment program.
KidsAbility*
Speech and Language (0-3 years)
Do you have questions about your child’s speech or language? A Speech and Language Pathologist from KidsAbility will offer Speech and Language support and suggestions. You can contact KidsAbility directly by calling 519-886-8886 or by visiting their website to learn more about their Early Years Supports including how to make a Speech and Language Self-Referral for your child. KidsAbility’s new Communications Checkup Tool is a resource for parents and caregivers in Waterloo Region and Wellington County who have concerns about their preschooler’s speech and language or development progress. The tool is available for children aged six months to Junior Kindergarten. It screens for areas of development based on a child’s current age, and includes: speech, language, fine and gross motor skills as well as social communication.
Parenting Now
Parenting Now supports the parent on their journey of parenting. Connect in with their team over email, join their newsletter or attend one of their parenting events. Learn more by visiting their website.