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We want the best for Ontario's babies and children. That means making sure they get the best possible start in life.
That's the goal of Best Start. To make sure children in Ontario develop the skills to succeed in school.
Best Start focuses on:
With the introduction of full-day kindergarten, we are looking at other ways to support families. This includes Ontario Best Start Child and Family Centres.
Learn about Ontario’s newborn screening.
Help is available for parents and children through Healthy Babies Healthy Children.
Learn more about your child’s 18-month checkup
Learn more about Ontario’s vaccine program.
Can your baby hear? If you have concerns, the Infant Hearing Program will help.
Find out about your child's speech and language development, and the help that's available.
Learn about our Early Intervention Program.
Ontario Early Years Centres are for children up to age six and their parents/caregivers. Here they can take part in programs and activities together.
The Ministry funds several programs to help children up to age five with developmental disabilities. There are also programs for children who are at risk of developmental delay.
For more information contact the regional office nearest you.
To help you understand your child's growth and development, try the Nipissing District Developmental Screen. Our Ministry has the rights to provide this checklist to Ontario parents at no charge. If you live outside Ontario, there is a fee.
