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:
To register for programs:
Phone: (519) 824‑8498
Email: sfgearlyon@shelldale.ca
Our Programs
Bounce Back & Thrive:
Age Group: Birth to 6 years of age:
Registration Required
BBT helps parents navigate everyday stress and role model these skills in daily interactions with their children helping them and their children to bounce back and thrive.
Workshop Wednesday
(Parenting support programs)
Workshop Wednesday is a program that provides a mixture of structured and unstructured learning opportunities for mothers, fathers and caregivers. Children under the age of 1 stay with their parents. Childminding is available.
Circle of Security:
Age Group: For parents and caregivers who have children over 1 year of age.
In this 8 week course, explore the question: Why does my child behave this way? Make sense of what your child is really asking from you.
Drop-In Program
Age Group: Birth to 6 years of age
The program provides opportunities for a fun-filled time of play, exploring art, songs and interactive circle time. A warm and supportive environment is created for you and your child to explore, gain knowledge and ask questions.
Infant Drop-In Playtime/Baby Drop-In
Age Group: Birth to 18 months
Infant Drop-In 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. Discuss 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.
Outdoor Walk
Age Group: Birth to 6 years of age
Registration Required
Gather for a drop-in outdoor walk. Email to connect with the staff for the meeting location.
Park Program
Age Group: Birth to 6 years of age
Visit different parks and meet the EarlyON staff for a playtime and join in on activities, songs and stories. See comments for Park location.
Supporting the Transition to Kindergarten
Age Group: Children entering Kindergarten and their siblings
Support your child in preparing for school. Learn together about routines, transitions, self-care and opportunities for your child to play and socialize with you and other children.
Infant Massage
(In-person or Virtual Options)
Age Group: Birth to 9 months
Registration Required
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!
Parent Chat
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
Reading Tent in the Park
Age Group: Birth to 6 years of age
Join us to enjoy stories and early literacy activities together in a relaxed outdoor setting. Designed to spark a love of reading, this programme invites families to connect, explore books, and build early learning skills under the shade of our cozy reading tent. See the comments for more details about park locations.
Toddler Drop-In Playtime
Age Group: 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.