Early Years

EARLY YEARS PROGRAM

The Early Years Program is designed to meet the needs of families with children from 0-6 years of age. Our programs and services are free and offered throughout Marmora, Madoc, Tweed and Marlbank area.

Our team is made up of an Early Childhood Development Worker, Registered Nurse, Health Promoter and an Outreach Counselor. Support and services can be customized to meet the needs of individuals and families.

Families can access our services by attending groups or calling Gateway Community Health Centre at (613) 478-1211.

Our programs include:

PLAYGROUPS/CRADLING ARMS PROGRAMS

Playgroups/Cradling Arms are a great play experience and an informal way for families and caregivers of young children to interact with others. Our drop-in groups are staffed by a qualified Early Childhood Educator and Registered Nurse. They rotate to the four different villages in Central Hastings on a scheduled weekly basis.

Drop-in and engage your infant/child in age appropriate activities, fun crafts and exciting toys and equipment. Each session includes a nutritious snack and a “large group time” with songs, stories and finger plays.

Playgroups are always equipped with lots of ongoing resources (pamphlets, hand-outs, schedules) for parents, expecting parents and caregivers. Our Early Childhood Development Worker is available to answer any questions related to child development and safety. Our Registered Nurse will address any questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding or caring for your baby.

When the EY Registered Nurse is on duty, infant scales are on site to check your baby’s weight and information regarding your infant’s health and development is available. Special events and guests are also planned on a regular basis – Please speak to one of our Early Years Staff for information regarding up and coming events.

PLAYGROUP/CRADLING ARMS SCHEDULE

*please note that groups are closed on Stat. Holidays

	Monday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
TIME	9:30-11:30	9:30-11:30	9:30-11:30	9:30 -11:30
LOCATION	Tweed	Madoc	Marlbank	Marmora
	Municipality Building	St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church (enter through back door)	St. Matthew’s Hall	Municipality Building
	(155 Metcalfe St.) Lower level	Lower level		Lower level of the Library

BABIES AND BEYOND

This weekly program runs in Madoc every Tuesday from 9:30-12:30 and welcomes all young parents and young parents-to-be. During program time participants can meet with other young parents in a relaxed, open and participant driven atmosphere. Everyone has an opportunity to work towards high school credits, participate in weekly topics, access support workers as needed and share personal experiences. Transportation, meals and child care are provided. For additional information please contact Lori Wagner at 478-1211 ext. 245.

PRENATAL CARE

If you are living in Central Hastings you can access our Early Years Registered Nurse through a referral from your health care provider or by calling (613) 478-1211 yourself and asking to speak to the Early Years Nurse.

Prenatal care is offered individually or in a group setting through classes. Classes are offered as a series of 4 classes in the evening, throughout the year. To find out locations and dates, please refer back to our “What’s Happening” section or call and speak to a member of our Early Years Team.

You can also receive Prenatal nutrition advice by asking to be seen by our Dietitian.

INFANT CARE & SUPPORT

Parents can access our Early Years Registered Nurse through our Cradling Arms Programs or through phone support by calling (613) 478-1211. Home visits can also be arranged with our Early Years Nurse. Our Early Years Nurse can answer any questions around your infant’s development that may include feeding, schedules, physical development, behaviours and routines. Assistance can be provided to parents who may need some support around their new parenting roles.

PARENTING SUPPORT/CLASSES

The Early Years Team offers a variety of parenting support classes throughout the year. The classes are designed to share information that will enhance and support the roles and challenges of being a parent. For dates and location of our next classes please refer back to our “What’s Happening” section.

Parents can also receive informal parenting support through our playgroups and cradling arms programs. The Early Years Team is always available and eager to assist any parenting questions or concerns that you might have about your young children. To reach us please call (613) 478-1211 and ask to speak to one of the Early Years staff.

SCHOOL READINESS

Throughout the year the “ABC Fair” is organized to assist parents in preparing their young children for school. These programs are done in partnership with the different elementary schools and usually organized around JK registration and school visits.

When you attend you can expect to find a wealth of information and resources available at your fingertips. These resources and services are focused around young children’s development and well being. Children would also have the opportunity to participate in dental, vision and speech screening.

For “ABC Fair” dates and locations please refer back to our “What’s Happening” section.

FAMILY SUPPORT & RESOURCES

The Early Years Team is always available to answer any family related questions or provide support and resources to families with young children.

Our services and support can always be customized to meet the needs of individuals. Our Outreach Counsellor provides support to expecting parents and families with young children who might need some extra support around every day living challenges. These may include assisting with housing, income, food, and education. To access our services, please call (613) 478-1211 and ask to speak with one of the Early Years Staff.

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