Early Learning and Preschool

Early Learning establishes important literacy and numeracy skills in pre-school children through stories, music, reading and play. Early Years Centres, Family Resource Centres, community centres, and other community organizations may offer early learning and parenting programs. Here are some of the pre-school programs and resources available in Northwestern Ontario:

Best Start is a government program that helps to prepare children for school at age 6. It aims to improve the health and well-being of families and children before and after birth, so that the children are ready to thrive when they start school.

A comprehensive network of Best Start hubs and satellites are provided right in Northwestern Ontario communities. Find your nearest Best Start location.

Ontario Early Years Centres are places for parents and caregivers of children up to the age of 6 to take part in programs and activities together to support their children's development. The programs and services are free to all parents and caregivers of young children. The Thunder Bay-Atikokan Ontario Early Years Centre and the Thunder Bay Superior North/Dorion Ontario Early Years Centre service most Northwestern Ontario communities.

Special Needs

The George Jeffrey Children's Centre in partnership with the Sherbrooke Community Day Care offers licensed full and part-time daycare for children aged 18 months to 5 years. Services support the inclusion of pre-school children with special needs in licensed quality care.

Useful links:

Visit the Children's Information Portal of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to find out more about child and youth services and programs, and child care services.

I am a

Relocating