Family Support Programs

YMCA Family Support programs bring parents, children, caregivers and entire families together. Early Learning experts support the delivery of formal and informal services that help families communicate better with each other and make connections within their communities.

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EarlyON

EarlyON provides free family programming funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education. During the province-wide shutdown, EarlyON will provide virtual programming for you and your child.

Find a Program

Contact us for a schedule of EarlyON locations in your area.

Contact Durham EarlyON
Contact York EarlyON

EarlyON @ Home

The EarlyON @ Home program sends fun, age-appropriate lessons and activities right to your inbox for free.

Sign Up for EarlyON @ Home

 

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About EarlyON

EarlyON Child and Family Centres are safe and inclusive environments where children ages 0–6 can participate with their parent/caregiver in play-based programs and activities promoting healthy child development. At EarlyON centres, you’ll also find programs and workshops that allow you to connect with your community, obtain advice from qualified professionals regarding subjects relating to child-rearing, and learn about local family services and resources.

Keeping You Safe

EarlyON is committed to bringing families together in supportive and safe environments. All programs will follow guidance from the Ministry of Education and local Public Health units, and all staff are trained to implement measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Y Staff standing in line with masks, waving

Safety measures in all our child care centres and programs include:

  • all programs, including virtual and outdoor programs, require registration
  • families are screened before entering programs
  • staff are required to wear medical-grade PPE when interacting with families
  • adults are required to wear masks
  • toys are disinfected after each use
Find Out More

EarlyON staff is ready to welcome you back, or meet you for the first time. Watch this short video to learn about the safety measures our programs have implemented to make things safer for you and your family.

Brighten your days at home


With free online programming delivered live by EarlyON staff, from our living rooms to yours!

A group of 6 on Zoom

Free Programs for Families

Mondays to Saturday on Zoom

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Durham Supervised Access Program

The Durham Supervised Access Program provides a stepping stone towards renewing relationships in a neutral, child-focused setting

a young girl

What is Supervised Access?

  • a welcoming, safe, neutral place for all
  • a temporary place for parent/child access plans to occur
  • a visit or exchange where child-focus is maintained at all times; adult issues are not discussed
  • graduated access can combine visits and exchanges

What are Supervised Visits?

  • visits are planned for 2 hours
  • maximum frequency of one visit per week
  • available for ages 0 to 16 years
  • occurs in the presence of program staff and trained volunteers

What are Supervised Exchanges?

  • visits can be for the day or overnight
  • visits may use different locations to pick up or return
  • service is for drop off and or pick up only during available hours
  • occurs in a safe, child-focused setting

For both Supervised Visits and Exchanges

  • no contact occurs between parents
  • summary observation notes are available ($100 for 10 weeks of documents)
  • A $50 No Show fee is applied. Files will close after three No Shows
  • No assessment or recommendations for future access plans are available

Benefits of Supervised Visits and Exchanges

  • provides a safe, child-focused environment
  • visits stay routine and consistent
  • predictability is improved and tension for children is reduced
  • can help where physical or emotional safety of children or parents is a concern
  • presence or program staff limits potential of allegations being made
    • a young girl smiling

    To Register:

    • Family Court Order OR a mutually signed agreement for service is required
    • review dates for Court Orders or mutual agreements should be in place
    • CAS files must be closed before service can occur
    • $200 annually per parent unless the terms direct one parent to pay both
      • $50 non-refundable intake fee is charged
      • Reduced fees for those on limited income
      • Payment plans available
    • Each parent must call to register and book intake (905-619-4565 ext. 305 or 318)

    Here to Help

    Since March, our Family Support Programs have stepped up to support our communities by:

    • distributing over 200,000 meals to families of students in need
    • sharing story, song, game, and craft sessions daily on our YMCA's Facebook Livestream
    • providing free craft kits families can use at home
    • connecting with registered families through online learning portals
    • facilitating virtual visits between non-custodial parents and their children
    • offering online parenting and kindergarten-readiness programs
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