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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.
Newsletter
Middlesex EarlyON sends regular updates by email; to be added to our mailing list, contact us at earlyon@middlesex.ca
Check our current program calendar for dates and times.
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.
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. Offered in some communities. Call or email to inquire.
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.
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.
Zumbini®: Zumbini® uses music and movement to support child development for children ages 0-4 years. This is a 6-week program. For Middlesex County residents only. Registration required.
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.
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; 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.
Bounce Back & Thrive!: Bounce Back & Thrive! (BBT) is a 10-week resiliency skills training program designed to meet the needs of parents and caregivers of children under the age of 8. BBT helps parents gain self-regulation and thinking skills that increase their capacity to provide caring relationships and role model resilience-building skills in daily interactions with their children. Then, it shows parents how to directly introduce basic resiliency skills to children. Registration required.
Special Programs and Events: We offer on occasion virtual special programs and events. We will outline these opportunities in our Monthly Program Calendar
Having trouble? Please contact us by email at earlyon@middlesex.ca or call us at 519-666-3227.
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.
Early Developmental Screening
Did you know that regular developmental screenings after 1-month of age is encouraged? Our Early Childhood Educators can support you & your child in identifying areas for education or need for follow-up. Have your questions answered regarding topics such as Physical Growth, Social/Emotional Development, Motor Skills, Language Development and more!
How can you access this support?
1.Visit a Baby Time or Play & Learn Program.
2.We incorporate information on developmental screening and support into the Ready Set Learn school readiness program.
3.Three times a year we offer Developmental Screening Programs. These are drop-in & free.
Allison is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with +25 years of experience in the early years’ field. For the past 19 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.
Allison facilitates programs in Mount Brydges as well as all our Virtual programs. She is trained in Reaching in, Reaching Out, and trained and facilitates Bounce Back & Thrive (resiliency and self-regulation). She is also trained in Ages & Stages (ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE-2), Make the Connection (infant attachment) and Infant Massage.
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 facilitates programs in Dorchester, Thorndale and Ilderton. She also facilitates our Open Spaces Program and Ready Set Learn Program. Donna is trained in Ages & Stages (ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE-2) and Infant Massage. Donna also facilitates Roots of Empathy.
Sarah Sutherland-Sebo, EarlyON Facilitator
Sarah commenced employment with us in the spring of 2021. Sarah, a Registered Early Childhood Educator and resident of Middlesex County, 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 facilitates programs in Strathroy, Glencoe and Parkhill. She is trained in Zumbini and Infant Massage.
Ki Hulley, EarlyON Facilitator
Ki has been a Registered Early Childhood Educator for 10 years. Prior to commencing work with Middlesex EarlyON, Ki worked with London Bridges Child Care Services where she provided care and facilitated learning in all classrooms, stepped in as acting director, mentored students, and lead professional development workshops for educators. Ki has specialized training in sleep training, supporting children with autism and children’s mental health.
Ki facilitates programs in Lucan, Komoka and Ilderton.
Locations
We offer 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, Instagram and Tiktok.
Discover virtual storytimes and more on our YouTube channel.
