Frequently Asked Questions

An Ontario Early Years Centre is a place for children up to the age of six and their parents and caregivers to take part in programs and activities together. Parents and caregivers can also get information about their children's development and about services to support that development.

Every Ontario Early Years Centre offers the services listed below. The programs and services are free to all parents and caregivers of young children.

• Early learning and literacy programs for parents and children.
• Programs to help parents and caregivers in all aspects of early child development.
• Programs on pregnancy and parenting.
• Links to other early years programs in the community.
• Outreach activities so all parents can get involved with their local Ontario Early Years Centre.

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Ontario Early Years Centres offer services and programs for parents of children up to the age of six. Staff at the Centres can help you:

• Get ready to be a parent if you are going to have a baby.
• Help your child learn to talk, play and read.
• Learn new parenting skills.
• Meet the needs of your family by offering information about other community programs

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In Ontario there are over one hundred Ontario Early Years Centres that offer services to parents, caregivers and young children.

Many Ontario Early Years Centres also have satellite sites and mobile programs to serve parents and caregivers in their own communities.

For more information about satellite and mobile services in your area please contact your local Ontario Early Years Centre.

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Ontario Early Years Centres have different hours. Ontario Early Years Centres offer some services throughout the day, in the evening and the weekend.

To find the hours for your Ontario Early Years Centre, visit the locations page of our web site. Go to the Centre Info page for information about its hours. You may also contact the Centre directly for more information.

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Yes. All services at Ontario Early Years Centres are free to parents and caregivers of young children.

If you are a parent or caregiver of a child, up to the age of six, you are welcome at the Ontario Early Years Centre in your community.

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The years before six are the most influential to a child's development. How we care for our children during the first six years sets the stage for their lifelong learning, behaviour and health.

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Yes. Ontario Early Years Centres are designed to meet the needs of all parents with young children. Each Centre is linked to child and family health and social services in the community. Staff at the Centres can refer parents to other services as needed. The focus of the Ontario Early Years Centre is to help all parents give their young children the best start in life.

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The Ontario government requires Ontario Early Years Centres located in designated areas to follow the French Language Services Act. Centres in non-designated areas may also offer services in French.

The following communities are in designated areas:

For more information on French services at Ontario Early Years Centres, contact your Centre directly.

* Indicates only specific areas within the area are designated. (See Schedule in French Language Services Act for details.)

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Yes. Ontario Early Years Centres can provide you with information about child care services in your community. Visit Ontario.ca/licensedchildcare.

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The Ministry's toll-free infoline can provide you with information about a specific early years program or service in your community.

Phone 1-866-821-7770 for more information.

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There are over one hundred Ontario Early Years Centres across the province to support parents and caregivers across Ontario (including those living in rural and northern areas), Ontario Early Years Centres also have satellite sites and mobile programs. These services allow all families with young children in Ontario to find early years services.

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Ontario Early Years Centres offer programs and services for children up to the age of six. Staff at the Centres also help families find information about other community services.

While the focus is on the early years, staff may have information about other services and programs for children older than six.

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The Ontario Early Years Centres employ staff with a range of expertise in early childhood development including trained early years professionals and volunteers.

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The Ontario Early Years Centres are funded by the government of Ontario.

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Ontario Early Years Centres offer a variety of programs at other locations. Satellite programs may be offered in schools, child care centres and community centres. Some Ontario Early Years Centres provide mobile services by using a van to travel from place to place offering a variety of services.

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