EarlyON Playgroups | Parent Resource

EarlyOn Child and Family Centre

PRC’s EarlyON Child and Family Centre playgroups focus is on helping families give their young children the best start in life.

Located in Central East Ottawa (Sandy Hill) our Centre is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for parents, caregivers and children aged newborn to six years old. Our EarlyON Program is staffed by trained Registered Early Childcare Educators (RECE's) and our programs and activities are FREE.

Parents and caregivers are able to access information about services and programs available to them in the community, learn about their children’s development and get answers to their parenting and childcare questions from our experienced Early Childhood Development Specialists.

Your family can visit our Centre to access our range of free services including:

Drop-in Playgroups: Experience early learning activities and network with other families.
Information and Referrals: Early Childhood Development Specialists are available on-site to answer your questions or refer you to appropriate resources.
Learning Opportunities: On parenting, early childhood development, pre & post-natal services, and other related topics.
Parent Resource Library: Parenting books, resource books and children’s books available to borrow.
Toy Library: A great variety of toys for children newborn to six years available for loan free of charge.

Please refer to our Activity Calendar for more details on our programs and follow us on Eventbrite to see our dates, times and locations for learning opportunities.

All playgroups are open to Ottawa families on a walk-in basis (subject to centre capacity).

Please arrive on time to ensure you have a spot.

Baby Playgroups

Our Babygroups provide a welcoming space for new parents and their infants (nb - 18 months) to connect, play and share their stories while receiving support from an Early Childhood Development Specialist. See our Activity Calendar for dates and times.

Drop-in Playgroups

Our Drop-in groups provide flexible access to our play areas for children (nb to 6 years) accompanied by parents, grandparents, guardians or caregivers.  Early Childhood Development Specialists are on-site for support and to answer questions. See our Activity Calendar for dates and times.

Caregiver Playgroup

Our Caregiver group provide access to our play areas for children (nb to 6 years) accompanied by licensed childcare providers, grandparents, extended family members, foster parents, nannies, and other early years care professionals. Early Childhood Development Specialists are on-site for support and to answer questions. See our Activity Calendar for dates and times.

Parents Chat & Kids Play

We host parents for micro learning opportunities on Tuesdays from 1:00pm – 2:30pm. Topics vary from baby massage to sleep habits, temperament, early childhood development milestones, nutrition and more. Sessions and can be in-person or virtual. Facilitated by Early Childhood Development Specialists or guest community professionals, we are available to answer your questions. See our Eventbrite listings for date, time and location.

Nature Walks

Our Nature Walks take place Friday mornings throughout the spring and summer in Strathcona Park. Children (nb to 6 years) accompanied by parents, grandparents, guardians or caregivers are welcome!  Early Childhood Development Specialists are on-site to offer outdoor play-based activities for families and to answer questions. We are out rain or shine so please dress weather appropriate!

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Indigenous Wellness Circle

The Indigenous Wellness Circle is a welcoming place to learn traditional Indigenous teachings, and parenting strategies with facilitators from the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA). Includes free play, cooking, cultural activities, and circle time for families. Closed program. To inquire email: blarente@onwa.ca

Toy Lending Library

PRC’s FREE Toy Lending Library provides children with the opportunity to bring new and engaging toys home for a two-week period. Our Early Childhood Development Specialists are on-hand to help parents select developmentally and age-appropriate toys for their children at every stage of their early learning.  We love seeing the excitement borrowing toys from our Toy Lending Library brings to your children’s faces! 

NEW HOURS: Tuesday to Friday from 11:00am – 12:00pm and Saturday from 11:30-1:00pm. 

Parent Resource Library

PRC’s FREE Parent Resource Library has many wonderful resource materials to help families learn and grow together.  Our resources for parents include books and materials on early childhood development, parenting, self-regulation and emotions, baby sign language, self-care, yoga, family health, potty training, and so much more. We also have a selection of resources available in French and Arabic. 

NEW HOURS: Tuesday to Friday from 11:00am – 12:00pm and Saturday from 11:30-1:00pm. 

“The Parent Resource Center has played a huge role in the bonding through play relationship I have with my youngest son, Joshua. From different play areas for babies and toddlers, to the walls filled with art and useful information on parenting and raising healthy children, the PRC is a place where my son and I can play, sing and enjoy others company. It’s a great place for my son to learn important milestones in his development and a place for me to get some social needs met through conversations with staff and other parents. We love the PRC!"

Megan, Parent

EarlyOn Child and Family Centre

Contact Information

© 2024 Parent Resource Centre
Charitable registration number: 119076487RR0001

EarlyOn Child and Family Centre

© 2024 Parent Resource Centre Charitable registration number: 119076487RR0001

© 2024 Parent Resource Centre
Charitable registration number: 119076487RR0001