The EarlyON Child and Family Centre on 281 Second St. East is open again and keen to welcome children ages zero to six along with parents and caregivers to utilize the space.
Andrea Bell-Perreault, Child and Family Centre coordinator, said the EarlyON program was introduced at its current location last year, but COVID-19 interrupted the its opening before having it open again under limited capacity.
The EarlyON program is part of the projects administered and fully funded by the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB).
“We offer a wide range of programs. They are free and open to all parents and caregivers,” Bell-Perreault said.
The most popular program, Bell-Perreault said, is free play where parents and children come paint and play with the toys available.
Prior to COVID-19, the centre was open for drop-in sessions. But due to limited indoor capacity, parents and caregivers are now required to call in advance and pre register by calling the centre or messaging them on Facebook.
They have also found other creative ways to connect with the families and offer programs, Bell-Perreault said.
These include virtual craft days where parents have contact-less pickup for craft bags. Bell-Perreault then videotapes herself craft-making and asks parents to send pictures of their children following along. Bell-Perreault also said they have the coordinator connected in realtime if families and children want to ask questions along the way.
“It’s a great place for families to come and relax, let the children explore and create in a safe environment,” Bell-Perreault said. “It’s a place for socialization. For both adults and children, we offer a lot of resources for parents on topics from bedtime routines, healthy eating. If we don’t have what they need, we can set them up with one of our community partners who can help them.”
Bell-Perreault said she enjoys being coordinator of this program because she gets to meet families within the community.
“Each family’s unique,” Bell-Perreault said. “They bring something new each day. I get to learn about the people in our community while playing with children doing the crafts. It’s fun, and like I get paid to play basically.”
Regarding COVID-19 protocols, Bell-Perreault said each family is screened and provided a copy of the centre’s policies and procedures before they enter the building.
“Adults are required to wear masks and it is optional for children under two,” Bell-Perreault said. “After each program, all the toys and supplies are sanitized for the next program. We only offer toys that can be washed and sanitized. If we do any craft supplies or sensory materials, they’re only for that child. If they want they can bring them home, or they just get thrown out.”
Each session is anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours and the program is currently offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These days are not set and change each week. To know what days the EarlyON centre is open, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EarlyON.rrdssab.
