Our EarlyON and Family Resource programs offer children and families a warm, welcoming environment that fosters participation, learning, and connection through a wide range of programs and services:
- Designed primarily for children from birth to 6 years old, with specialized programs extending to age 12;
- Play-based learning opportunities that support healthy child development;
- Access to resources and guidance from professionals with expertise in early childhood development;
- Prenatal programming and early supports for expectant parents;
- Parenting programs, discussion groups, and workshops that build confidence, skills, and peer connection;
- Information, referrals, and navigation support for specialized community programs and services;
- Opportunities to build meaningful connections with other families and children;
- Strong collaborative partnerships that enhance and expand supports for families;
- Food security initiatives, including food education and hands-on learning experiences.
All programs and services offered are FREE!
Nos programmes ON y va et de ressources pour les familles offrent aux enfants et aux familles un environnement chaleureux et accueillant qui favorise la participation, l’apprentissage et les liens, grâce à une vaste gamme de programmes et de services :
- Conçus principalement pour les enfants de la naissance à 6 ans, avec des programmes spécialisés allant jusqu’à 12 ans ;
- Des occasions d’apprentissage par le jeu qui soutiennent le développement sain des enfants ;
- Accès à des ressources et à des conseils de professionnels ayant une expertise en développement de la petite enfance ;
- Des programmes prénataux et des services de soutien précoce pour les futurs parents ;
- Des programmes parentaux, des groupes de discussion et des ateliers qui renforcent la confiance, les compétences et les liens entre pairs ;
- De l’information, des références et un accompagnement pour naviguer les programmes et services communautaires spécialisés ;
- Des occasions de créer des liens significatifs avec d’autres familles et enfants ;
- De solides partenariats de collaboration qui renforcent et élargissent les services de soutien aux familles ;
- Des initiatives en sécurité alimentaire, incluant l’éducation alimentaire et des expériences d’apprentissage pratiques.
Ces programmes et services sont GRATUITS!
Director, Family Services: Stephanie Brazeau
705-677-0440 ext 228 : stephanie.brazeau@ocof.net
Executive Director: France Gauthier
705-677-0440 ext 222 : france.gauthier@ocof.net
Programs and Services
Playgroup
By engaging in play, children and their parents/caregivers learn together in an open, welcoming, inviting, and inclusive environment.
Cooking with OCOF
Our Slow Cooker workshops and Community Kitchens are examples of cooking programs offered to parents and caregivers. They have the opportunity to learn about the importance of healthy eating and to develop their cooking skills while preparing healthy affordable meals for their families within a specific budget in a group environment.
Cooking with Kids
Children between the ages of 2.5 to 12 years old will have the opportunity to learn basic cooking skills by preparing pre-selected recipes with the support from their accompanied parent/caregiver.
Bridging Generations
Join us for a heartwarming program where parents and children come together with older adults for fun activities like arts and crafts, games, music and storytelling. All while enjoying snacks and refreshments together.
Time for YOU
A chance for parents to slow down, enjoy self-care, and try fun adult crafts while connecting with others.
Craft Corner
This interactive program provides children ages 2 to 6 the opportunity for art play and creative experimentation.
Story Time
A special time for children and caregivers to share stories, songs, and rhymes that support early language, literacy, and social development.
Parent Education Programs
These programs offer parents/caregivers an opportunity to receive education and support through programs such as: Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), H.E.L.P. Tool Box, Nobody’s Perfect, Bounce Back and Thrive, etc.
Parent Support Groups
These discussion groups offer parents/caregivers an opportunity to receive support from others who share similar challenges, joys, and experiences in raising young children.
Outdoor Playgroup
This outdoor play-based program gives children and their parents/caregivers the opportunity to interact with the natural world around them. This program makes outdoor play fun, easy, and adventurous while providing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that include risky play, land sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
Family Fun Night
This program gives families the opportunity to interact together in an open and welcoming environment while participating in games and physical activities together. A hot nutritious meal is served.
Dad’s Night
This program gives fathers/male role models and children the opportunity to interact together in an open and welcoming environment while participating in discussion, games and physical activities together. A nutritious meal is served.
Creating Healthy Babies – Prenatal Nutrition Program
This program supports pregnant individuals with education, connection, and resources focused on healthy pregnancy, birth, and newborn care. Participants will learn about nutrition, meal preparation, and healthy eating, while connecting with others in a supportive environment. Assistance such as bus tickets, milk vouchers, and grocery cards is also available.
Welcome Baby
Welcome Baby inspires parents/caregivers with babies up to 12 months of age to explore, interact and research with materials which supports curiosity, learning and development.
Infant Massage
Lead by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor, this program offers guidance in nurturing touch & attachment through infant massage.
Getting Healthy with OCOF
Family Yoga, Stroller Walks, Adult Fitness Programs are a few examples of physical fitness and wellness programs offered to families to promote healthy and positive lifestyle choices.
Movement & Play
This program is designed to help young children grow strong, coordinated, and confident through fun age-appropriate physical activities.
Special Events
Special Events give families a chance to socialize and have fun together. Some special events that we have hosted in the past include fire station tours, strawberry picking, beach & playground outings and much more.
Car Seat Inspections
We offer car seat inspection clinics to parents/caregivers to learn how to safely install and use a car seat.
Hearing and Developmental Screening
Individual screening is offered using a checklist designed to help monitor children’s emotional, physical and overall development. Hearing test may also be available. This screening is intended for children ages 18 months and older.
Transportation
Transportation may be available for registered participants.
Child Care
Child care may be available for registered participants during cooking and parenting programs.
Infant Food Cupboard
The Infant Food Cupboard Program provides assistance to families with infants under the age of 42 months who need infant formula, milk or diapers. This is an emergency service only and is not intended to provide permanent support. (705-677-0931)
Emergency Food Program
Our main objective is to ensure families with young children experiencing food security issues have access to nutritious foods which are available in all of our programs. We provide:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and protein sources according to Canada’s Food Guide;
- Nutrition training and education in the kitchen, which is a major component of our Food Security Program.
Registration
All participants are asked to complete a registration package. This information enables us to obtain statistical data for our organization and is being collected for the sole purpose of tracking how many parents, caregivers, and children we are serving. We also want to ensure the safety of the participants who attend programing by having information about their allergies, special needs, and emergency contact information should something happen while they are attending program. None of the participant’s personal information will be shared with outside organizations or individuals without their consent. Please complete the fillable registration package and e-mail it to the site you wish to attend. You can also bring the completed membership package to your first program. See monthly calendar for more information on programs available in your area. Registration packages can also be completed with a Family Resource Worker on site.