Early Years

As a faith-filled Catholic community we recognize parents and families as the first educators of our children.

Children's first six years of development set the foundation for their success in school and future well-being. Children's development during these first six years affects their learning, behaviour, and physical and emotional health throughout adulthood.

We have the blessed privilege of journeying with our families and easing the transition from home to school in a number of ways.

Our support of the early years through programs and collaborative partnerships allows us to form a relationship with learners as they begin their journey of growth within the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations and towards their vocational calling.

The following links offer ways for families to give their children the best start possible.

Early ON Child and Family Centres

EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, drop-in programs for children up to six years old and their parent/caregivers. EarlyON centres are places to connect with other families in the community and feel a sense of belonging.

You will be welcomed by qualified early years professionals who can provide support, advice, and helpful resources.

Programs and Resources

EarlyON centres offer children, parents and caregivers a friendly environment that fosters positive learning with a wide range of quality programs and services to help your child reach their full potential, with:

• Programs designed especially for children up to six years old

• Play-based learning experiences such as painting, drawing, building, creating, reading, storytelling, singing and much more

• Advice from professionals trained in early childhood development

• Information or referrals to specialized programs and services within the community

• Opportunity to meet and make connections with families with young children

You don't need to pre-register, just sign-in each time you visit. Parents and caregivers participate in the program with their children and are required to stay at the centre for the duration of the visit.

Find an EarlyON Child and Family Centre near you at www.ontario.ca/earlyon

Link to Kindergarten Information

Resources

Health

Peel Health
www.peelregion.ca/health/topics/child/parents.htm

Growing Healthy Kids
www.growinghealthykids.com

Kids Health
www.kidshealth.org

Wellington, Dufferin Guelph Public Health
http://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/

Dufferin Coalition for Kids
http://www.dufferincoalitionforkids.ca/

Learning & Development

Dufferin Family Directory
http://www.dufferinfamilydirectory.org/

Family Education Centre
http://www.familyedcentre.org

Peel Child & Youth Initiative - Enrolled by Six
http://www.pcyi.org/enrolled-by-six

Peel Early Years
www.infopeel.ca

Peel Infant Development
www.icdspeel.ca

Child Development Resource Connection Peel
www.cdrcp.com

Success By 6 Peel
https://www.cdrcp.com/sb6

Understanding the Early Years
uey.peelschools.org

Parenting

Dufferin Family Directory
http://www.dufferinfamilydirectory.org/

The Parent's Journal
www.parentsjournal.com

iParenting Canada
www.iparentingcanada.com

Today's Parent
www.todaysparent.com

Parenting iVillage
http://parenting.ivillage.com

eParenting Network
www.eparentingnetwork.ca

Peel Children's Aid Society
www.peelcas.org

Dad Central Ontario
www.dadcentral.ca

National Fatherhood Initiative
www.fatherhood.org

Multilingual Resources

Great Beginnings – Child Development brochure – translated in several languages
http://www.peelregion.ca/health/translated/