Program Statement

Program Statement

Engaging Parents & Caregivers:

We engage parents and caregivers through discussion and information sharing about child development, parenting, nutrition, play and inquiry based learning and other topics that support their roles. We offer pre and post-natal support programs to enhance parent and caregiver wellbeing and support them in their roles. We also offer targeted outreach activities directed at parents and caregivers that could benefit from these services but may not be accessing them. We have a more complex view of children – ways in which they learn and make sense of the world around them. We offer children a variety of experiences and ways of exploration. Programming, relationship building and support groups are all informed by How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years. Some programs offered that are aimed at developmental health and well-being are Pre/Post Natal, Infant Massage, Triple P, Mommy and Me Yoga, Roots of Empathy and Lunch and Learns. We create and environment that welcomes families into the space, inviting their perspectives and providing opportunities for families to participate in meaningful ways.  We consider ourselves the nucleus of our communities.  We are a place in which families feel safe, taken care of, relaxed and accepted.  The environment promotes relationships and educates through meaningful interactions with educators and peers.  Support groups such as Pre/Post Natal, Postpartum and Breastfeeding create opportunities to build on these relationships.  We cultivate authentic, caring relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults, and the world around them.  We ensure that our programs value the unique and diverse characteristics of the children’s families and the communities in which they live. Programs are reflective of the cultural and linguistic background of the children and families we serve, including First Nation and Francophone communities. 

Supporting Early Learning and Development:

Our programs and services build responsive adult-child relationships and encourage children’s exploration, play and inquiry and is supported by How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.  We are knowledgeable about child development theories and pedagogical and curriculum approaches that are inclusive and support children’s individual and group learning experiences. We participate as co-learners with families and children.  We value children as individuals and as active and competent contributors with their own interests and points of view and encourage families to guide us in our programming. We engage in critical reflection, collaborative inquiry and demonstrate our commitment to our practice by engaging in Continuous Professional Learning.

Making Connections for Families:

We respond to parent and caregiver concerns about their child’s development through conversation and observation supported by validated tools and resources and will make referrals to other agencies when needed.  We share information about connections with specialized community services, coordinated service planning, public health, education, child care and child welfare as appropriate.  We also share information about programs and services available for the whole family beyond the early years.  Our programs and services are developed, coordinated and delivered in collaboration with community agencies such as Algoma Public Health, Algoma Family Services, Michipicoten First Nation, and Wawa Family Health Team.  We help families build connections with our community through Lunch and Learns, referrals to social services and through offering families and community members opportunities to participate in events together.   Many of our programs and services are by request of our parents and caregivers who attend as members of the EarlyON Child and Family Centres.  Advisory committees are created and meet quarterly in order to discuss gaps in service, strengths and future possibilities.