Family and Children's Services is the lead agency for a number of Early Years programs in Welland, Pelham, Thorold, and Grimsby. This is a community-based bilingual program for parents and caregivers and their young children from newborn to age 6 years. Expert staff, resources, activities and community referrals promote healthy child development and positive parenting skills in a fun, educational and interactive way.

We feature a daily drop-in Interactive Play Program and the weekly Grow and Learn Together workshop series with themes designed to teach adults about the ages and stages of child development. Topics include: self esteem, literacy, health, infant bonding and the terrible twos, and many more.

Programs for new parents include: Prenatal classes, infant massage, breast-feeding support and nutrition. We provide information and referrals to local schools, public health, speech services, libraries and other community resources such as parenting help, anger management, access visitation, counseling, wellness and dental assessment.

Ontario Early Years locations:

Main Site: Central United Church, 12 Young Street, Welland. Please contact this location for more information about where you can access Early Years Services in your community. (905) 734-3563

Fenwick Satellite, Fenwick United Church

Kiddie Kastle, Satellite, Calder Community Centre and St.Joseph School, Grimsby

West Niagara Family Centre, Grimsby Beach Hall, Grimsby

Coin Des Famille, Centre de Sante-communautaire, Welland

The Mobile Resource Program visits various sites in Welland, Pelham and Thorold.

The Toy Lending Library is a mobile toy lending service that travels to 13 locations across Niagara including OEYC sites, schools and libraries, Aboriginal Head Start program.

For Early Years Centres in other areas of Niagara, please visit www.ontarioearlyyears.ca