Accessible EarlyON a place where 'children in families who are experiencing extra support needs can be together'
Updated: Sep 15
Along with offering free, high-quality programs for children ages six and younger to help them develop skills around play, socialization, early learning, and more, EarlyON Child and Family Centres also help families build community with one another – and that’s especially the case with the Accessible EarlyON program.
“All children aged six years and younger are welcome at all EarlyON programs."
"We have the Accessible EarlyON in particular so that children in families who are experiencing extra support needs can be together, and they can talk about that common experience that they have, and support each other, and celebrate together,”
said Ellie Murphy, Child Development Worker with Child and Family Services of Grand Erie.
She and co-facilitator Claire Soden, Development Consultant with Lansdowne Children’s Centre, facilitate the Accessible EarlyON program at the TB Costain SC Johnson Community Centre, 16 Morrell Street, Brantford, on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Claire noted that the Accessible EarlyON is “a really great place to share the different supports that are available in our community, and share the successes."
"I’ve found the support and the sharing of information are just so valuable for the families.”
For the families, it’s all about “That feeling of knowing that you’re not alone; that there’s other people right here in our community that are looking to access the same resources and just going through the same situation,” Claire said. “It’s been great to see those connections happen, and hear those conversations.”
Sometimes, the Accessible EarlyON is a place where families are introduced to possibilities they had never really considered before.
Claire said some families have shared with her that they witnessed a huge shift in their child’s skill levels from before they started attending to after they’d been out a couple of times.
She said the parents and caregivers “didn’t know that (their kids) had these skills; they were almost hiding, and then
as soon as (the kids) had this environment, they blossomed.”
Claire added that the parents and caregivers are often amazed at how willing and able their child is to interact with their peers; she’s heard from many families that this makes them feel “more confident about those next steps, whatever those next steps may be.”
Accessible EarlyON sounds like a valuable space for families who may need a little extra support. Having a welcoming environment where children can play, learn and interact with others can make a real difference, while parents and caregivers also have an opportunity to connect with people who understand their experiences.
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EarlyON centres provide such a wonderful space for young children to build foundational social skills while simultaneously giving parents a chance to connect and form a supportive local network. Having accessible programs tailored to diverse needs ensures that every family feels included and welcomed in the community.
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Did you or your children ever participate in local early childhood programs, and did you find them helpful for building connections with other families?
Accessible EarlyON sounds like a valuable initiative for families who may need additional support. Creating a welcoming space where children can spend time together while parents and caregivers connect with others can make a real difference in building a stronger and more inclusive community. It is encouraging to see programs that focus on accessibility, participation and giving every child an opportunity to feel included.
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Accessible EarlyON sounds like a valuable space for families who may need additional support and want their children to have opportunities to learn, play, and spend time with others. Having an environment where families feel welcome and understood can make a real difference, especially when accessibility and individual needs are taken seriously.
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