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EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free programs for parents and caregivers with children from birth to age six. The centres provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating program in which children can play and parents can connect. Activities that encourage children’s exploration, play and inquiry are incorporated into the programming, supported by How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.
These centres provide opportunities for:
Engaging Parents and Caregivers: Discuss and share information about child development and parenting.
Establishing School Connections: Build positive relationships with your local school.
Supporting Early Learning and Development: Participate in an intentional, planned program that focuses on children’s social and cognitive development, health and well-being.
Making Connections for Families: Establish connections with local resources and community agencies, including appropriate referrals for special needs.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:45 to 12:15
Join us for story & music time, drop-in and chat, discussions on parenting topics, community resources, and various activities, including art, science, cooking, loose parts and many more!
Making Connections: Monday to Friday, 12:15 to 12:45
Making Connection takes place daily in the EarlyON from 12:15–12:45 p.m., outside of child-based program hours. This dedicated time offers caregivers a private and supportive space to share concerns and ask questions. Through strong relationships with community partners and in-depth knowledge of local resources, I can help caregivers explore practical, actionable solutions related to parenting, child development, education, and family well-being.
Caregivers are welcome to drop in, schedule an in-person meeting, or connect virtually through a Zoom meeting if meeting in person is not possible.
To learn more, read our Frequently Asked Questions.
OCTOBER NEWS
OCTOBER NEWS
DAYS CLOSED
The EarlyON Center will be closed on Monday, October 12th, for the long weekend and Thursday, October 29th for a professional development day.
CLOSING EARLY
The EarlyON Center will be closing early (11:55) on Tuesday, October 6th.
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Paula, a Toronto Public Health Nurse, will be joining us to answer any general health questions you may have. Common topics are breastfeeding, vaccinations, meeting developmental milestones, and separation anxiety. Paula will be in the EarlyON Center on Friday, October 30th , from 10:00 to 11:00.
GROWING MICROGREENS
On Thursday, October 15 at 11:00 Aiden from Green Thumbs will be joining us to teach us how to grow microgreens that we can enjoy as a snack! Once we learn how to grow them, the children will have the opportunity to grow their own fresh, edible snacks throughout the year. It’s a fun way for children to learn about growing food, caring for plants, and where our food comes from!
HALLOWEEN/DRESS-UP DAY: FRIDAY OCTOBER 30TH
Saturday, October 31st is Halloween and, if you celebrate this holiday, feel free to come dressed up on Friday, October 30th. You are also welcome to bring a fun snack that day. This is not a requirement for attending the program. All are welcome!
PUMPKIN CARVING, COLLECTING & ROASTING PUMPKIN SEEDS
Over the summer, the pumpkin plants we planted in our front yard garden were successful!
From Monday, October 20, to Friday, October 24, we will be carving our biggest pumpkin with the children. The seeds we collect will be roasted to have as a snack
POT-LUCK PARTY
We will be holding a celebratory Pot-Luck Party on Friday, October 23. We are celebrating a few birthdays and the arrival of Fall. This is an opportunity for you cook and share your favourite food with others. However, Life happens so there is no pressure to bring anything, and you are welcome to join us! Lunch will start at 11:30. I am looking forward to seeing you!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EARLYON CENTRE
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EARLYON CENTRE
ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL & STROLLER PARKING
ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL & STROLLER PARKING
Entrance to the EarlyON Centre is through the east side doors of the school, accessible via a ramp from the sidewalk on Spruce Street. Look for the first set of double doors on the left side of the building. To enter, press the buzzer located on the wall to the left of the doors. The Office Administrator will buzz you in.
Stroller Parking is located under the stairs in the front hall vestibule. Please note, strollers must not be parked in front of the stairs leading to the first or second floor, nor beside the entrance way wall. To maintain the privilege of parking our strollers indoors, this area must remain organized and tidy. Remember to bring your valuables and any diapering supplies you may need into the room. A table has been set up beside the sign-in sheet table for you to store these items conveniently.
SHOES & BOOTS
SHOES & BOOTS
To help keep the space clean, we ask that both adults and children remove their shoes, rain boots, and winter boots when entering the room. Please place all outdoor footwear neatly against the wall to the left of the door; signs are posted to show where items can be lined up.
To help keep the space clean, we ask that both adults and children remove their shoes, rain boots, and winter boots when entering the room. Please place all outdoor footwear neatly against the wall to the left of the door; signs are posted to show where items can be lined up.
You’re welcome to bring an inexpensive pair of “indoor” shoes for yourself and your child to wear inside. A bin is available for storing indoor shoes if you’d like to leave them here.
You’re welcome to bring an inexpensive pair of “indoor” shoes for yourself and your child to wear inside. A bin is available for storing indoor shoes if you’d like to leave them here.
PHONES
PHONES
The Toronto District School Board requires students, staff, and visitors to schools to mute their phones and always keep them out of sight. This extends to us in the EarlyON. However, phones can be used to translate information, contact your employer, take pictures, and for health and medical purposes. I understand that this can be difficult, and I appreciate your cooperation.
The Toronto District School Board requires students, staff, and visitors to schools to mute their phones and always keep them out of sight. This extends to us in the EarlyON. However, phones can be used to translate information, contact your employer, take pictures, and for health and medical purposes. I understand that this can be difficult, and I appreciate your cooperation.
ARTWORK
ARTWORK
Fact: Children produce a lot of artwork! Your fridge may be overwhelmed by the amount of art hanging on it. There is a simple solution: if you want to keep your child’s artwork, write their name on it and, when it dries, I will put it in the art bin (located under the sign-in sheet). If you don’t want to keep it, don’t write their name on the masterpiece, and I will dispose of it.
Fact: Children produce a lot of artwork! Your fridge may be overwhelmed by the amount of art hanging on it. There is a simple solution: if you want to keep your child’s artwork, write their name on it and, when it dries, I will put it in the art bin (located under the sign-in sheet). If you don’t want to keep it, don’t write their name on the masterpiece, and I will dispose of it.
MUSIC & STORYTIME
MUSIC & STORYTIME
Music & Story, though scheduled for 11:15 – 11:30, is fluid. If the children are engaged in play, I may move the time to later in the day. However, at any point during the morning, we may hold an impromptu circle!
Music & Story, though scheduled for 11:15 – 11:30, is fluid. If the children are engaged in play, I may move the time to later in the day. However, at any point during the morning, we may hold an impromptu circle!
BOOK-LENDING LIBRARY
BOOK-LENDING LIBRARY
The EarlyON Centre has received a wonderful collection of new books, and I’m thrilled to share them with you! Our updated Children’s Book Lending Library now includes titles in:
The EarlyON Centre has received a wonderful collection of new books, and I’m thrilled to share them with you! Our updated Children’s Book Lending Library now includes titles in:
• Dual languages
• Dual languages
• LGBTQ+ inclusion
• LGBTQ+ inclusion
• Accessibility and diverse abilities
• Accessibility and diverse abilities
• Math, Coding, and Engineering
• Math, Coding, and Engineering
• Feminism
• Feminism
• Cultural diversity
• Cultural diversity
There’s also a large collection of music CDs, vintage children’s storybooks, and parenting resource books that you’re welcome to borrow!
There’s also a large collection of music CDs, vintage children’s storybooks, and parenting resource books that you’re welcome to borrow!
DIAPER CHANGING AREA
DIAPER CHANGING AREA
There is a diapering space in the All-Gender Washroom, located on the left side of the north hallway. A changing table is available there for your use! For everyone’s safety and hygiene, please:
There is a diapering space in the All-Gender Washroom, located on the left side of the north hallway. A changing table is available there for your use! For everyone’s safety and hygiene, please:
• Always secure your child on the changing table.
• Dispose of soiled diapers in the Green Bin.
• Use baby wipes for cleaning; please do not wash your baby in the sink.
• Wipe down the changing mat with the disinfecting spray before and after use.
PHOTOS FOR DIGITAL FRAME
PHOTOS FOR DIGITAL FRAME
At the EarlyON Center, we have a large digital photo frame where we share pictures of the wonderful children who attend our programs. While I do my best to capture special moments, I’m not always able to photograph every child during visits. If you would like your child to be included, I invite you to send a photo (or a few!) by email. Please note:
At the EarlyON Center, we have a large digital photo frame where we share pictures of the wonderful children who attend our programs. While I do my best to capture special moments, I’m not always able to photograph every child during visits. If you would like your child to be included, I invite you to send a photo (or a few!) by email. Please note:
All photos are stored securely on a laptop, not in the cloud.
If I ever want to print a photo for use in the center, I will ask your permission first.
If I ever wish to post a photo online, I will ask you to complete a Release of Media form.
Thank you for helping us build a warm, welcoming space where every family feels seen and celebrated!
FOOD & DRINKS
FOOD & DRINKS
Snacks are always free and available at the EarlyON Center. Feel free to help yourself or your little one to something from the fridge whenever you're hungry. If you'd like to bring your own food to leave in the fridge, please make sure your name is clearly labelled on it. Want to bring a snack to share with others? That's wonderful! Just please ensure that it is nut-free to help keep everyone safe.
Snacks are always free and available at the EarlyON Center. Feel free to help yourself or your little one to something from the fridge whenever you're hungry. If you'd like to bring your own food to leave in the fridge, please make sure your name is clearly labelled on it. Want to bring a snack to share with others? That's wonderful! Just please ensure that it is nut-free to help keep everyone safe.
If you want to bring your coffee and tea to EarlyON, please ensure it is in a travel thermos mug. The lid should screw on. This is to ensure that accidents involving hot liquids don’t happen. I have a couple of thermos mugs available to borrow.
If you want to bring your coffee and tea to EarlyON, please ensure it is in a travel thermos mug. The lid should screw on. This is to ensure that accidents involving hot liquids don’t happen. I have a couple of thermos mugs available to borrow.
You are more than welcome to bring lunch for yourself and your little one to eat in the EarlyON Center. Some people bring lots of food to share (like a mini potluck), and some bring food just for themselves. There is no expectation for you to eat lunch or bring food to share. You do not have to leave if other people are eating.
You are more than welcome to bring lunch for yourself and your little one to eat in the EarlyON Center. Some people bring lots of food to share (like a mini potluck), and some bring food just for themselves. There is no expectation for you to eat lunch or bring food to share. You do not have to leave if other people are eating.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
If your little one is celebrating a birthday, why not do it while at the EarlyON Center? You don’t have to schedule anything. Bring whatever you want to make the day special! We will sing “Happy Birthday” and share in the joy. Please bring the necessary supplies if your birthday snack requires plates or cutlery.
If your little one is celebrating a birthday, why not do it while at the EarlyON Center? You don’t have to schedule anything. Bring whatever you want to make the day special! We will sing “Happy Birthday” and share in the joy. Please bring the necessary supplies if your birthday snack requires plates or cutlery.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Sprucecourt is not the only TDSB EarlyON site. There are 75 EarlyON Child and Family Centres located in elementary schools across Toronto. View EarlyON Child and Family Centre locations on a map. Click TDSB Early Years for further information.
Sprucecourt is not the only TDSB EarlyON site. There are 75 EarlyON Child and Family Centres located in elementary schools across Toronto. View EarlyON Child and Family Centre locations on a map. Click TDSB Early Years for further information.
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