Ontario Early Years Centre

[gerbil]

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I recall RFDs having a Parenting Section but I guess not enough participation.
OP, please redirect this thread I'm in the wrong section. Thank you.
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In the last 3 years I pretty much moved around due to the growing demand of my family but I always check out our local Ontario Early Years Center (http://www.ontarioearlyyears.ca/oeyc/en/home.htm).

In North York, I've been to the Willowdale locations in ..
* McNicoll Main Site =
155 McNicoll Ave. Rm 106, Toronto (416-494-1579 ext 301) (McNicoll/Don Mills, West of Don Mills, on McNicoll)
* Ravel Satellite = 100 Ravel Road, Rm. 105, Toronto (416-497-3462)
(Leslie/Finch, North of Finch)

and in Woodbridge ..
* 140 Woodbridge Ave, Unit E 400, Woodbridge Ontario (1-866-404-2077)
(Islington/Hwy 7, Downtown Woodbridge - Business Area)

but last Tuesday, we had to go to the Niagara Falls, Ontario. To kill some time having the storm passing by, we checked out the one closer to where we are. We went to the MCBAIN COMMUNITY CENTER @ McLeod Road. Man! I tell you, that place was so much nicer and lesser people. The place was only about a year old where YMCA, UNITED WAY, PUBLIC LIBRARY are all in the same complex. I thought that was neat.

Which one have you been to?

[3weddings]

There is a actually a very busy Parenting forum here at RFD :D

When mine were young we would be at the Georgetown location twice a week. it's a great way for mom's to network!

[CSK'sMom]

There is a parenting forum, if you look they are in alphabetical order. ;)

By the way, the McBain Community Center is just down the road from me. literally. ;) The outdoor, fully handicapped accessible playground opened in the fall and a splash pad is under construction now to open later this year. It's a great facility that was badly needed in this end of town. :)

[ayeung]

For people who want to find out a location closet to their home, here is their website:

http://www.ontarioearlyyears.ca/oeyc/en/home.htm

At least in Mississauga, they are organized/sponsored by different organizations. So, some are nicer and have more structured programs for parents/children than the other ones.

In Mississauga, the one on 10th line/Thomas is relatively new, nice and big and lots of great programs. The one in Mississauga Center (Confederation & Central Parkway) is ok but not as impressed.

[Bullseye]

I go to two in Burlington, Cumberland and Lakeshore, but generally only in the winter when it's too cold to take the kids outside. They're pretty decent, my kids love it. Good value, too. ;)

I'm usually the only dad there, though, so either the whole stay-at-home dad thing hasn't caught on here yet, or other dads just aren't into hanging out at the centres.

My only complaint is that the scheduled programs are always full, you have to enter a lottery to get in. Understandable, though, as everyone loves free stuff!

[3weddings]

I go to two in Burlington, Cumberland and Lakeshore, but generally only in the winter when it's too cold to take the kids outside. They're pretty decent, my kids love it. Good value, too. ;)

I'm usually the only dad there, though, so either the whole stay-at-home dad thing hasn't caught on here yet, or other dads just aren't into hanging out at the centres.

My only complaint is that the scheduled programs are always full, you have to enter a lottery to get in. Understandable, though, as everyone loves free stuff!

I know a SAHP from the other place....in your neck of the woods too!! Hmm...too many similarities once again ;)

I agree about the scheduled programs, they are well organized and free so they do fill up quickly!

[gerbil]

There is a parenting forum, if you look they are in alphabetical order. ;)

By the way, the McBain Community Center is just down the road from me. literally. ;) The outdoor, fully handicapped accessible playground opened in the fall and a splash pad is under construction now to open later this year. It's a great facility that was badly needed in this end of town. :)

really?

i was shock regarding it's condition and accessability ... which was great .. i meant everything's there ... my wife and i are so impressed regarding the place, and the people - next time we're in the area, we'll probably ask around to meet up. and we're hoping not to fight the weather conditions ... :cheesygri

[gerbil]

My only complaint is that the scheduled programs are always full, you have to enter a lottery to get in. Understandable, though, as everyone loves free stuff!
scheduled programs eh? is there anything in particular that you guys have there??

There is a parenting forum, if you look they are in alphabetical order. ;)

there is? i think i'm loosing it cuz I swear it used to be in the main section of the forum ..

[CSK'sMom]

gerbil, the parenting forum is there on the main forums page, right between the motor vehicle and personal finance forums... It's actually a fairly active forum.

[Hot Like Wasabi]

For people who want to find out a location closet to their home, here is their website:

http://www.ontarioearlyyears.ca/oeyc/en/home.htm

At least in Mississauga, they are organized/sponsored by different organizations. So, some are nicer and have more structured programs for parents/children than the other ones.

In Mississauga, the one on 10th line/Thomas is relatively new, nice and big and lots of great programs. The one in Mississauga Center (Confederation & Central Parkway) is ok but not as impressed.

The one on 10th & Thomas is only about two years old I think. Great programs and you can usually get into them, although you (or to be completely honest my wife :o ) do have to line up to sign up for them. Even if you don't you can be put on a waiting list and can usually drop in without a problem.

[deep]

I find the 10th line Mississauga Early Years Centre to be small, crowded, and not nearly as friendly as the ones in Dundas and Hamilton.

The building on 10th is new, but it is a low ceilinged strip mall-like location. I took my 2 yr old (now 3) there on a few occasions, and didn't like it at all. I never did try the Lakeshore location, although parents of my older son's classmates say it's better.

[ayeung]

The one on 10th & Thomas is only about two years old I think. Great programs and you can usually get into them, although you (or to be completely honest my wife :o ) do have to line up to sign up for them. Even if you don't you can be put on a waiting list and can usually drop in without a problem.

The 10th/Thomas location is actually a bit far from my place but I don't mind going there sometimes and it's much nicer and organized than the Mississauga Central anyways (the same plaza as T&T). However, they don't take over the phone sign up to groups/programs and I just don't think I can drive all the way there just to register and then realize they are full.

I may try Lakeshore location one day if the previous poster heard that it's even nicer than 10th/Thomas.

[gerbil]

gerbil, the parenting forum is there on the main forums page, right between the motor vehicle and personal finance forums... It's actually a fairly active forum.

Thank you! I found it :cheesygri

[tempperm]

My baby is 2 months old.....what's a good age for baby to start going to OEYC? Also opinions of the one at dufferin/castlefield and the one at Bridlewood Mall? Thanks in advance.

[Monette]

When they are that young, going to OEYCs are for the mom, not for the baby. It's good for new moms to get out and meet other parents, so go for it!

[bebe521]

You can look up the activities on the monthly calendar for each of the OEYC. Different centers have different programs & schedules.

I took my son to a few parenting workshops (e.g. child development, sleep problem..etc) at the OEYC Oakridges. Those workshops are quite helpful especially for first time parents. Some centers have baby program like "just you & your baby", "mother goose time". "sing & sign"...etc. It is a good to have your baby social with others as well as for you to meet other parents.

Be sure to check if any program require advance registration.

There are also activities in other commuity locations such as libraries & community centres. You can also find their schedules on the OEYC websites.

Have fun!