Northumberland Child Development Centre

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Port Hope, ON
Northumberland Child Development Centre

Northumberland Child Development Centre is committed to creating conditions within which children, youth and families may reach their full potential.

09/04/2026

Meet Laura 💙

Program Assistant & Intake Coordinator | Bright Starts Program Coordinator

Laura brings many years of experience in human services and a genuine passion for supporting children, youth, and families. She is committed to helping children and families feel supported, connected, and empowered as they navigate their unique journeys.

As one of the Centre’s first points of contact, Laura is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive experience from the very beginning. She helps families navigate services with clarity and compassion, ensuring they feel heard, informed, and confident about their next steps.

Laura’s warm and caring approach helps families feel connected to the support and resources they need, fostering growth, connection, and brighter starts for children and families in our community. 🌱

Please click the link below for more information about our Bright Starts Program!

https://www.ncdc.ca/northumberland-bright-starts-program

09/02/2026

🌱 Strategies to Empower Caregivers: Helping Children Name Their Emotions

1. Name emotions in everyday moments:
During everyday connections, naturally embed and label emotions-not only during challenging behaviours.

2. Validate before trying to fix:
Acknowledge the feeling without needing to immediately make it go away.

3. Use simple emotion words:
Start with basic words such as:
happy • sad • mad • scared • excited • frustrated • worried • tired

4. Use books, toys, and everyday experiences:
Ask questions during these moments such as,
“How do you think they feel?” "What happened that made them feel that way?”
“Have you ever felt like that?”

5. Model emotional language:
Children learn by watching adults. Appropriately narrate your own emotions.

6. Connect feelings to body cues:
Help children notice how emotions feel physically.

7. Offer choices when children can't find the words:
Instead of asking an open-ended question, try:
“Are you feeling sad, mad, or worried?”

8. Avoid minimizing emotions:
Try replacing:
“Don't cry.”
“You're fine.”

With:
“I can see that you're upset.”
“That felt really hard.”
“I'm here to help you.”

9. Celebrate emotional communication:
When a child names a feeling, reinforce the skill.

08/27/2026

✨ Meet Emma Real! ✨

We’re so excited to welcome Emma Real, Registered Social Worker, to the NCDC team!

Emma is the main therapist for Mosaic Minds, our play-based therapy program designed to support neurodivergent children and their families. Through play, connection, and a family-centred approach, Emma works alongside children and caregivers to help build confidence, strengthen relationships, and support emotional well-being.

Emma brings so much enthusiasm, compassion, and care to her work. Her warm, family-centred approach helps create a space where children can feel comfortable, understood, and supported.
We’re thrilled to have Emma as part of the NCDC family! 💙💛

Please see the link to our website for more information on our Mosaic Minds Program:
https://www.ncdc.ca/mosaic-minds

08/26/2026

With Back to School fast approaching, here are some tips and tricks to make the transition a smooth one!

Start easing into routines ⏰ Gradually adjust bedtimes, wake-up times, and morning routines before school starts.

Practice the morning routine 🥣 Get dressed, have breakfast, pack the bag, and get out the door—practice makes it easier!

Talk about what’s coming 💬 Chat about school, teachers, friends, and what the day might look like. Reading books about starting school can help too.

Visit the school or route 🏫 If possible, visit the school, playground, bus stop, or classroom ahead of time to make the environment feel familiar.

Let them help prepare 🎒 Let your child choose their backpack, lunch items, or outfit. A little control can go a long way!

Expect BIG feelings 💛 Excitement, worry, tears, and even resistance are all normal parts of a big transition.

Keep goodbyes short and positive 👋 Reassure your child that they are safe, loved, and that you’ll see them again soon.

Build in extra time 🚗 Give yourself a little extra time in the morning so everyone can start the day without feeling rushed.

Keep communication open ❤️ Check in after school and give your child space to talk—or not talk—about their day.

Remember: transitions take time! 🌟 It’s okay if things don’t go smoothly right away. New routines take practice!

And most importantly: You don't have to get it perfect! A little preparation, patience, and connection can go a long way. 💛

08/21/2026

Staff Highlight:

Meet Katelynn💙

We’re excited to introduce Katelynn, our Child and Family Counsellor! 🌱

Katelynn is a Registered Social Worker and Child and Youth Worker who is passionate about supporting children and families. She takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach, working alongside families to understand their unique needs and create meaningful goals together.

Katelynn believes that every family has their own strengths, experiences, and priorities. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where families feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Through compassion, collaboration, and individualized support, Katelynn works alongside families to help them navigate challenges and build on their strengths. 💙

We’re so happy to have Katelynn as part of our team! ✨

08/19/2026

💬 Families, we want to hear from you!

What topics would you like to see us discuss on our page?

Maybe it’s:
👶 Child development & milestones
🧠 Emotional regulation
🚽 Toilet learning
🗣️ Speech & language
🎨 Play & learning at home
💛 Behaviour & big feelings
🧸 Routines
🏫 Getting ready for school

What questions or topics would be most helpful for your family? Drop your ideas in the comments below! 👇

08/17/2026

Progress is not a race. See below for a few gentle reminders that every child learns and develops in their own way.

08/15/2026

Today we all counted on each other to have a blast in our final session of our Keys to Kindergarten Program this block. It added up to an amazing day and everyone was on cloud nine. To sum it up, our friends were one in a million and it was a ten out of ten kind of day!

Stay tuned for future sessions of this wonderful program in the Fall and throughout the year!

08/14/2026

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Play Therapy and Child & Family Counselling? While both can support children and families, they use different approaches to help children express themselves, build coping skills, and work through challenges.

🧸 Play Therapy
Children often communicate through play rather than words. Play therapy provides a safe, supportive space where children can use toys, games, art, and other activities to express feelings, explore experiences, and develop emotional regulation and coping skills.

🫶 Child & Family Counselling
Counselling may involve more conversation and can support children, caregivers, or the whole family. It can help with emotions, relationships, behaviour, communication, life changes, and family challenges.

The best part? There isn't a "one size fits all" approach! The right service depends on the child's age, needs, strengths, and what they are experiencing.

At Northumberland Child Development Centre, we offer both Play Therapy and Child & Family Counselling to help children and families feel supported, understood, and connected. 💛💙
Connect with us today to find what works best for your family! [email protected]

08/12/2026

Thank you Northumberland United Way and community!
Your kindness and generosity help ensure children in our community are ready to head back to school feeling prepared, confident, and supported.
🎒📓✏️
We are so grateful for your continued commitment to supporting local children and families!

Address

205 Peter Street
Port Hope, ON
L1A3V6

Telephone

+19058858137

Website

http://www.ncdc.ca/

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