The EarlyON programming at the YMCA run by the regional social services board is ending.
On July 1, the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) is closing the EarlyON Child and Family Centre at the YMCA, on Poplar Avenue in Timmins, the organization announced today.
A full-service EarlyON Child and Family Centre will open this fall at Spruce Hill Lodge in South Porcupine. A soft launch of the programming is expected this summer, with it fully opening in September.
“The EarlyON Child & Family Centre at the YMCA has been our community's cornerstone of family programming. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff whose hard work and commitment have significantly impacted families throughout the years,” said director of social services Shannon Costello in a news release.
Setting up in South Porcupine has been in the works for months.
In November, Costello told the board they were working on a partnership with the retirement and assisted living facility in the former Porcupine General Hospital. At that time, it was noted that the building would need renovations for aesthetic improvements, safety upgrades and age-appropriate play areas.
SEE: New EarlyON site being explored for South Porcupine
South Porcupine used to have EarlyON programming at Golden Avenue Public School up until about 2019.
At the Timmins YMCA, CDSSAB says the space that was being used for the EarlyON program is being repurposed into a preschool room and 24 childcare spaces will open in the fall. For the summer, it will be used for the YMCA's summer programming.
In Timmins, there are also EarlyON sites at the Timmins Native Friendship Centre, 179 Kirby Ave., and the North Eastern Ontario Family and Child Services (NEOFACS), 707 Ross Ave.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding during this transition and remain committed to supporting families and children through our comprehensive EarlyON programs, designed for children aged 0-6 and their families,” said Costello in the news release.
