EarlyON — Shelldale Family Gateway

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EARLYON PROGRAMS AT SHELLDALE FAMILY GATEWAY

Shelldale Family Gateway is a provider of EarlyON programs and services that support families and enhance children’s learning and development in Guelph and Wellington County

EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from early childhood professionals.

EarlyON Centres are open to all families in Ontario. They're welcoming places that offer a range of services and resources, where you can:

Join fun activities such as reading, storytelling, sing-alongs and games
Get advice from professionals trained in early childhood development
Find out about other family services in your community
Connect with other families with young children

To register for programs:

Phone: (519) 824-8498

Email: Rachel at rpearson@shelldale.ca or Jacqueline at jblundell@shelldale.ca

Download Current Program Schedule

Program Descriptions

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 and gain knowledge and ask questions in a supportive environment.

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.

BEDTIME STORIES (VIRTUAL)

Join an EarlyOn staff on Monday evenings, snuggle up with your child to listen to some stories before it’s time to say Good night.

BABY 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, 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.

STROLLER WALKS

EarlyON welcomes families to enjoy a great stroll along the trails in Guelph. The fresh air and exercise are a lovely activity to add to your day. This is a program where you can walk and talk, enjoy fun activities and share the experience of nature with your child. Bring a snack, water, and a blanket to enjoy a sing a long after the walk.

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.

Registration is required.

PARENT CHAT (VIRTUAL)

Join our lively discussions on Wednesday afternoons. Do you have a topic you would like to know more about? Let our EarlyON staff know and we will share information and resources to support you as a parent. Each month we will post the topics that parents have selected for Parent Chat. Contact our staff to share the link.

TODDLER DROP-IN

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. The children and parents join in a fun active circle interacting with their child. Snack is provided.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

This is an outdoor program where parents and children get to explore music and movement. Dance, sing, play instruments, go on nature walks, story walks, and explore the outdoors. Dress for the weather so you can enjoy the activities.