In our blog this week, we explore the offerings of Shelldale Family Gateway’s EarlyON programs, for children from birth to age 6 and their parents/caregivers. These programs are funded through the County of Wellington and are open to all residents of the County, not just those folks from the Shelldale/Onward Willow Community. This provides a unique window for members of the wider community to see Shelldale Family Gateway and become acquainted with our neighbourhood and our amazing programs.
TODDLER PLAYTIME
This program is designed for toddlers, ages 18 to 30 months and their parents /caregivers.
Toddlers will explore sensory and creative activities and play during the morning. This program supports parents, guiding them through this busy stage of their child’s life with lively discussions over snack. The children and parents join in a fun active circle interacting with their child. Snack is provided.
Thursday 9:30 – 11:30
DROP IN PLAYTIME
A program designed for children ages birth to 6 years old, parents and caregivers.
The program provides opportunities for a fun- filled morning of play, exploring art, songs, interactive circle time and outdoor play. A warm and supportive environment is created for you and your child to explore. An informal discussion time during snack time is a time for parents to gain knowledge and ask questions in a supportive environment.
Monday 9:30 – 11:30 and 1:00 – 3:00
Thursday 3:00 – 7:00
Friday 9:30 – 11:30
Saturday 10:30 – 12:30
BABY DAY DROP IN
Baby day is a fun filled morning for parents and their baby’s birth to 18 months. Come on out and play, learn songs and rhymes, share a nutritious snack and meet new friends. Discussion around topics such as child health and development. This is a time to meet our staff and learn about how they can support you and your baby.
Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Shelldale Gym
INFANT MASSAGE
Infant Massage connects you deeply with your baby. It helps you to understand your baby and respond with love and respectful listening. You and your child will love the special time together! This program is for baby’s birth to pre-crawling.
Registration is required
WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS
Workshop Wednesdays is a program that provides a mixture of structured and unstructured learning opportunities for mothers, fathers, and caregivers. Children under the age of 1 year stay with their parents. Childminding is available.
Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 am in the Shelldale Gym
GET SET LEARN
Get Set Learn is a family literacy program that focuses on parents and their Preschool children. The program will have a parent and child time where parents can play with their child in ways that are literacy and math rich. Then the parents will separate from their children to have an active learning session on how to have a literacy rich home, and the children will engage in play in a separate room.
Registration is required.
BOUNCE BACK AND THRIVE
Bounce Back and Thrive is a 10 week Resiliency skills training that helps parents build their capacity in their interactions with their children.
Start date: Next start date to be determined
Registration is required.
CIRCLE OF SECURITY
Circle of Security is a parenting program which helps us support our children. Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs. Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions, enhance the development of your child’s self-esteem.
Start date: Next start date to be determined
Registration required.
If any of these programs interest you, or someone you know who has a child between the ages of 0 and 6, please contact us at 519-824-8498.
Remember, Shelldale Family Gateway is still looking for fundraising rock stars to help us launch Friends of Shelldale Family Gateway. If you think you can help, please connect with our Executive Director Diana Boal at dboal@shelldale.ca
