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Middlesex EarlyON
Middlesex EarlyON programs are free for caregivers and children from birth to six-years-old. Our centres are open to all families. These programs are welcoming spaces that offer:
Play-based learning opportunities that allow children to develop their social and emotional skills, reach developmental milestones and begin their journey of lifelong learning.
Opportunities for sensory play, creative art, music and movement, language and literacy, science and nature, dramatic play, active play and problem solving.
Fun and interactive activities including storytelling, songs and games.
Opportunities to connect and network with other caregivers and families.
Our EarlyON facilitators can support caregivers with:
Answers to questions about child development and parenting.
Information about services and supports available from local community agencies.
Connections to other children's programs in the community.
EarlyON Facilitators have a degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education and are registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators. Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE) play a key role in delivering high quality early years programs and have specialized knowledge and expertise in child development and play and inquiry-based learning. For more information, visit the College of ECE website.
Funding
Middlesex EarlyON programs are funded by the Ministry of Education. In 2016, the Ministry of Education announced its plan for transforming Ministry-funded child and family programs across Ontario to integrate under one umbrella, which we now refer to as EarlyON. The goal of EarlyON is to enhance the quality and consistency of child and family programs across Ontario. For more information on EarlyON Child & Family Centres visit the Ministry of Education website.
When you arrive at a drop-in program, staff will have you sign in. This will allow for us to monitor attendance and capture statistics for reporting purposes. Families who are new to EarlyON will be required to complete the Family Registration before entering into the program. Access to the registration form will be available on location, or you can complete online.
Capacity Limits
We have established guidelines for capacity for each of our program spaces. Capacity limits are set according to fire regulations as well as considerations for the safety and comfort of families and staff. EarlyON staff will be monitoring attendance in the program room and when capacity has been reached, they will place a sign on the entry door to the program space. Please understand that staff are not keen on turning anyone away, but unfortunately may need to do so. We ask that you be respectful of staff and of the signage and not enter into the space.
Cancellation of Drop-In Programs
Should we need to cancel a drop-in program due to staff illness or other unforeseen circumstances, we will send an email through the email list-serve and post on our socials (Instagram and Facebook). We suggest checking your email or our socials before heading out to a program in case of a cancellation. We will also aim to keep information updated on the online event calendar.
More Information
Select any topic to expand for more details.
In-Person Programs for Little Babes (0-12 months)
Check our current program calendar for dates and times.
Little Babes Baby Time: Baby Time is a play-based learning opportunity for infants 0 to 12 months of age and their caregivers. Our EarlyON Facilitator will lead the group in singing and moving with baby as well as conversations around infant topics. Drop-in, no registration required.
Little Babes Stroller Walks: Join EarlyON for a walk around your community! Get some fresh air and exercise while meeting other parents. Babies and siblings welcome in stroller or wagon. Dress for the weather. Please bring a blanket for the optional social time.
Special Programs: These programs focus on a variety of special topics for caregivers with infants under the age of 12-months. Your facilitator will indicate whether there are any special materials you may need to bring. Registration required: email earlyon@middlesex.ca or call 519-666-3227 and leave a message.
In-Person Programs for 0 to 6 years
Check the current Program Calendar for dates and times.
Open Spaces Outdoor Adventures: Join us as we enjoy free play and adventures in learning in the great outdoors. We will let your child(ren) take the lead in these nature-based programs. We offer a circle time (songs and stories) at the end of program. Dress for the weather. Please bring a blanket for the circle time. Best suited for children 2 to 6 years of age, but children from 0-6 ages welcome. Registration required: email earlyon@middlesex.ca or call 519-666-3227 and leave a message.
Outdoor Play & Learn: Join us in our Thorndale and Ilderton outdoor play spaces for a play-based learning opportunity. Activities planned will encourage positive parent and child interaction and inspire play and learning! We offer a circle time (songs and stories) at the end of program. Dress for the weather. Please bring a blanket for the circle time. Best suited for children 2 to 6 years of age, but children from 0-6 ages welcome. Drop-in.
Play & Learn: Each Play & Learn program will offer a play- based learning opportunity in one of our indoor library program spaces. Activities planned by our EarlyON facilitators encourage positive parent and child interaction and inspire play and learning! We also offer a circle time (songs and stories) at the end of program. Drop-in.
Special Programs and Events: We offer on occasion indoor and outdoor special programs and events. We will outline these opportunities in our Monthly Program Calendar. Registration most often required: email earlyon@middlesex.ca or call 519-666-3227 and leave a message.
Ready Set Learn School Readiness Program: A 4-week program that will provide you and your child with a learning experience that will support a successful school start. Each week we offer activities that will help your child develop skills and behaviours important to the school transition; free play using creative materials and toys; conversations with our Early Childhood Educator on a variety of learning and development topics; circle time (songs and stories) and a healthy snack. This program is offered through the winter and spring. Registration required; for families residing in Middlesex County. Email earlyon@middlesex.ca for more information.
We also have a Read Set Learn Virtual Classroom! Our virtual classroom houses instructional videos and resources to support at-home learning. Call 519-666-3227 or email earlyon@middlesex.ca for details.
Virtual Programs
Registration is required for all virtual events: email earlyon@middlesex.ca or call 519-666-3227.
Check the current Program Calendar for dates and times.
Baby Time Special Topics: Join Allison as she offers a special topic for caregivers with infants under the age of 12-months.
Special Programs and Events: We offer on occasion virtual special programs and events. We will outline these opportunities in our Monthly Program Calendar
Registering for Programs
Most programs are drop-in effective May 2022. Registration is still required for some programs. Contact us by email at earlyon@middlesex.ca or phone at 519-666-3227 & our team can assist you in registering when required.
Family Registration Form
All families must complete a Family Registration Form before registering for any Middlesex EarlyON programs (virtual or in-person). This form only needs to be completed once in a calendar year. Complete the form online now.
Important Information About In-Person Programs
Signing in upon arrival
When you arrive, staff will have you sign in. This will allow for us to monitor attendance and capture statistics for reporting purposes. Families who are new to EarlyON will be required to complete the Family Registration before entering into the program. Access to the registration form will be available on location.
Registration
Most programs are drop-in effective May 2022. Registration is still required for some programs.
Capacity Limits
We have established guidelines for capacity for each of our program spaces. Capacity limits are set according to fire regulations as well as considerations for the safety and comfort of families and staff. EarlyON staff will be monitoring attendance in the program room and when capacity has been reached, they will place a sign on the entry door to the program space. Please understand that staff are not keen on turning anyone away, but unfortunately may need to do so. We ask that you be respectful of staff and of the signage and not enter into the space.
Cancellation of Drop-in Programs
Should we need to cancel a drop-in program due to staff illness or other unforeseen circumstances, we will send an email through the email list-serve and post on our socials (Instagram and Facebook). We suggest checking your email or our socials before heading out to a program in case of a cancellation. We will also aim to keep information updated on the library's online event calendar.
Illness
If your child has any symptoms of illness, they should stay home until they are feeling better for at least 24 hours and have no fever (48 hours if they have gastrointestinal symptoms). Use the province's screening tool, and follow the instructions at the end. The tool also gives advice for household members.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
Encourage your child to practice regular hand hygiene by washing with soap and water when available, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow is also important.
Weather
Should the weather not be conducive to run an outdoor program, we will email or call prior to the program to notify you of the cancellation. We will try to give as much notice as possible. Dress for the weather.
HOT Weather: Please remember to bring the following items with you for warmer weather programs: sunscreen, sunhats, sunglasses, and water. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under 6 months old, who can rub it in their eyes and mouth. Keep young infants in the shade and only apply sunscreen if shade or covering the skin is not possible. For infants over 6 months of age It is important to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside as well as every couple of hours when outside. We aim to offer our programs in shaded locations to help facilitate a cooler, comfortable and safe program. You may wish to bring an umbrella to create your own shade as well.
COLD Weather: Dress for the cold with warm coats & snow pants, boots, hats, mitts etc.
Assumption of Risk
By visiting any parks and publicly accessible spaces you voluntarily assume all risks including possible exposure to a communicable disease including COVID-19.
Meet the Team
Allison Beauchamp, EarlyON Senior Facilitator
Allison is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with 25 years of experience in the early years’ field. For the past 16 years she has been with the Ontario Early Years Centre (known now as Middlesex EarlyON). She has past experience working all age groups in licensed child care as well as supervisory and executive director experience in licensed child care. She also has her Developmental Service Worker Diploma and worked in that field when she first graduated college.
Donna Fleming, EarlyON Facilitator
Donna is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who started with Ontario Early Years Centre in 2017 (known now as Middlesex EarlyON). She has worked with children in various roles for most of her life- from summer camps, Sunday school, daycare and home child care, to teaching English in a kindergarten in Hong Kong. Donna supports EarlyON toddler and preschooler programming.
Sarah Sutherland-Sebo, EarlyON Facilitator
Sarah joined the EarlyON team in April of 2021. Sarah is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and resident of Middlesex County, and comes to the early years team with experience as a kindergarten classroom RECE with Thames Valley District School Board as well as child care program provider for newcomer children. She also has previous experience with the YMCA and as a Community Home Child Care provider. Sarah supports EarlyON toddler and preschooler programming.
Tara McInnis, EarlyON Facilitator
Tara commenced employment with us in early 2023 as a part-time EarlyON Facilitator. Tara will support Lucan and Komoka. Tara has been a Registered Early Childhood Educator for over 10 years. Her work experience includes support to Kindergarten classrooms in the Thames Valley District School Board. She is very excited to expand her ECE experience into community-based early years programming.
Locations
We offering programs in communities across Middlesex County. For information on locations, dates, and times of programs, view our current Program Calendar.
We continue to offer virtual programs as well. Information on these programs can also be found on the Program Calendar.
Ilderton EarlyON & Family Centre
Located within the Ilderton Library, located at 40 Heritage Drive.
Strathroy Early ON & Family Centre
Located within the Strathroy Library, located at 34 Frank Street.
Get Connected
For program-related inquires please email or call Middlesex EarlyON at earlyon@middlesex.ca or call 519-666-3227 and leave a message. An EarlyON Facilitator will respond to your inquiry within 2 business days.
For operational-related inquires, please call or email Nadine Devin, Middlesex EarlyON Early Years Project Manager at: 519-245-8237 ext. 4023 or ndevin@middlesex.ca
Keep up to date on Middlesex EarlyON programming and fun by following us on Facebook and Instagram
Discover virtual storytimes and more on our YouTube channel.
