Onward Willow Better Beginnings, Better Futures

Children’s Programs (not yet in school)
Text Box: The children’s area at Shelldale Centre has been designed by parents and professionals to nurture, offer enjoyment, and enhance learning, and parents are encouraged to participate as they wish. Parent participation helps increase an awareness of child development and age appropriate behavior. Playgroups are designed as the primary vehicle for learning and are accessible to any child in the neighbourhood. Provincial Day Nurseries ratio guidelines are maintained to provide individual attention. The Chlidren’s Program Coordinator will make referrals to Kidsability, Infant and Preschool Support (IPS), Speech and Language screening and other services when early intervention is necessary. She will also maintain collaborative working relationships with public health nurses, infant development workers, speech and language specialists, schools, and the child welfare agency. This will assist parents in receiving access to needed services. Children’s Program options include play groups where the same children are enrolled for an ongoing period of time, Toddler Day, Kindergarten Readiness Group, Early Literacy Group, parent and child drop-in, Baby Day for infants and parents, and child care in the children’s homes or neighbor’s homes. Other resources for parents include toy and book lending, books for birthdays, special family events, and off-site outings. Parents also have access to emergency food packages, bread on a regular basis, and free clothing throughout the year. A roster of trained relief (on call) childcare assistants is maintained by the Children’s Program Coordinator. Women from the community will be trained in child development and program orientation, including a placement in one of the children’s programs. These women are then eligible to provide childcare when a regular staff person is unavailable. The training is offered to community residents 2-3 times a year who are then eligible to work with agency partners.

Family Gateway,

20 Shelldale Crescent,

Guelph, ON  N1H 1C8

Tel. 519-824-8498

 

 

 

 

 

Family Gateway,

20 Shelldale Crescent,

Guelph. ON  N1H 1C8

 

Onward Willow Centre,

15 Willow Road Unit K45,

Guelph, ON  N1H 1V7

Onward Willow Centre,

K45-15 Willow Road,

Guelph, On  N1H 1V7

Tel. 519-824-6892

Text Box: Our vision of caring for children is holistic, starting in infancy and extending into adolescence. We subscribe to the view that it takes a whole community to raise children. Hence, the children in this community will be cared for by their families, at the Family Gateway, in schools and day cares, and in their neighbourhood. These supports ensure that every child is nurtured and cherished, has high self-esteem, is stimulated to learn, and is safe from harm. The children’s cultural and linguistic heritage will be respected and development will be enriched by intercultural experiences and expressions.

Current Program Schedule
Text Box: Children’s Program Goals: Provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to play, learn, and thrive. Increase children’s self-esteem and confidence Ensure the program enhances emotional, social, and cognitive development of children Enhance children’s wellness with healthy snacks, outdoor and indoor play, and warm clothing for cold weather. Ensure that the children’s program reflects and enhances cultural diversity and intercultural learning Promote reading and language development

Email:  onwardwillow@netscape.net