RECENT NEWS
All children, families, and caregivers are welcome. The building is wheelchair accessible and includes an accessible washroom and furniture arranged to promote inclusion for all.
Offering equitable programs is important to us. We do our best to create a sense of community in a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels that they are heard and included, and that they experience a sense of belonging when they are at the EarlyON. Please let us know if you have suggestions about how we might make our space more inclusive.
If you or your child require accommodation, assistance, or support, please let us know how we can help. We’re here if you need us.
There is no cost to come to the EarlyON Family Resource Centre. We are open for families, parents/guardians, caregivers, nannies or any adult caring for children from birth to six years of age.
Learning opportunities are designed to build on children’s interests, strengths, development, and emerging skills. Activities and experiences are crafted to encourage play, inquiry based learning, exploration, engagement, and expression.
During their time at the EarlyON children develop skills such as self-regulation, empathy, taking turns, socializing, making new friends, and practicing routines to help prepare them for child care and school.
Warm, responsive interactions between children, their families and caregivers, early childhood educators, and family resource program staff help to create a sense of belonging and well-being.
We have the experience and credibility of a not-for-profit multi-service organization with over 45 years of innovative and successful services to communities. We have demonstrated expertise in providing high quality, user responsive, well-managed, standard-setting care and services. Care environments reflect a commitment to helping children develop skills for life long learning, concentration, independent thinking, creative expression and social development. Our aim is to create caring, inclusive communities where children will develop a love of learning, be compassionate and responsible, be aware of and care for the environment, and have the skills to resolve conflicts peacefully. We are committed to helping children get the best possible start and acquire a solid foundation for healthy development and learning.
The EarlyON Family Resource Centre is open to parents/guardians, families, nannies, caregivers, grandparents, or any adult who is caring for children from birth to six years of age to provide opportunities for children and adults to learn and play together.
Learning opportunities and activities include: reading books and listening to stories; exploring music while singing songs and playing instruments; developing literacy and numeracy skills; building life skills, role play, and imagination through drama and block play; using materials that promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math); exploring nature and the senses through the use of various art and sensory materials including paint, glue, playdough, sand, and water; and developing fine and gross motor skills by using markers and crayons, puzzles, and while playing interactive games during group time.
Early Childhood Professionals are available to support adults as they play alongside their children, guiding them through learning opportunities. If requested, they might offer suggestions to build on children’s interests and emerging skills to extend learning while at the centre and at home.
For adults, we offer a book lending library and current resources including information about child development, self-regulation, childcare, advocacy, and health and nutrition.
Adults tell us they enjoy spending time with their children as well as meeting other adults to socialize, reduce feelings of isolation, and to share experiences with each other.
Support and referrals to other agencies and services can be made at a family’s request. We are also here to help you advocate for your children and to walk with you through the process of accessing supports for your children in whatever ways are most comfortable for you and your child.
Informed choice for parents/guardians regarding childcare options, the types of childcare available, and the ability to access quality care is a fundamental right.
Working together strengthens our ability to model current childcare and parenting practices, learn from one another’s experiences, support and encourage one another, and enables us to build on our knowledge and capability as parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals.
Remaining updated about community programs and partnering with community agencies strengthens our ability to refer children to additional programs or appropriate support systems.
Demonstrating knowledge and awareness about child development, while identifying the strengths and emerging skills of individual children, allows us to implement learning and play opportunities that meet the needs of children individually and within a group setting.
Family and caregiver involvement is important. Recognizing the knowledge and understanding that families and caregivers have about their children allows us to partner and work together to create meaningful experiences for children and adults.
Respect for diversity is essential. Demonstrating respect for the values, traditions, and differences of another helps build supportive, trusting relationships.
Helping another to discover their own unique skills and strengths can bring out a joy and confidence within them that enriches their parenting and care-giving experiences.
Children’s individual strengths and differences must be recognized and celebrated.
Children have the right to be free from corporal punishment, shaming words or actions, isolation or time out, physical confinement, and all forms of abuse/neglect.
We are located at 184 Main Street on the North-West corner of Main Street and Gerrard Street East, directly across from the Ted Reeve Arena.
We are open
Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Fridays from 9:00 am-11:30 am.
Parking: Limited meter parking is available in the front. Parking is also available on nearby side streets.
Public Transit: From Main Station, take either the 64 or 135 Bus, or the Carlton Streetcar. Get off at Gerrard Street East. The centre is on Main Street and will be on your right.
Walking: The centre is approximately a five minute walk South over the bridge from Main and Danforth. There is space for strollers outside.
Family Resource Centre
184 Main St, Toronto
(416) 690-0102
earlyonfamilyresource@gmail.com
Drop-In Hours
Mon-Thu 9:00am-3:00pm
Fri 9:00am-11:30am