EarlyON St. Thomas - Elgin

09/08/2026

EarlyON West offers Play & Learn on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 am at the Dutton Dunwich Community Centre!

We hope to see you soon!

For more information, please visit www.keyon.ca.

IMAGE: Three children and an adult playing with big LEGO blocks.

09/08/2026

September 10-19 is Welcoming Week!

Welcoming Week 2026 takes place September 10-19!
🎉This is a global celebration and a meaningful opportunity for newcomers, immigrants, and long-time residents across St. Thomas-Elgin to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

This year's theme, "Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect," reminds us that when we are curious and open to one another, we discover shared experiences that strengthen our sense of belonging and community.

📅 STELIP invites you to join us and our community partners throughout September:
• Sept. 6-13: Lighting of the Jumbo Monument
• Sept. 10: City of St. Thomas Flag Raising & Proclamation
• Sept. 11: Employment Services Elgin Job Search Workshop
• Sept. 12: St. Thomas Public Library Bilingual Storytime in Punjabi
• Sept. 22: Elgin County Flag Raising, Proclamation & Tour
• Sept. 22: Ignite Youth Centre Tasty Tuesday (International Street Food)
📍 See the event schedule in the poster for details.
Stay tuned for additional information and spotlights in the coming weeks!

🤝 Let's celebrate the people, places, and stories that help create welcoming communities for everyone.

09/08/2026

EarlyON East is offering free, 4-week sessions of Infant Massage in September in two different locations!

Registration is now open at www.keyon.ca.

Join us in Aylmer at the East Elgin EarlyON Child & Family Centre and at the Straffordville Public Library on Thursdays on September 10, 17, 24, and October 1, 2026.

Aylmer's Infant Massage is from 9:30-11:30 am and Straffordville's Infant Massage is from 1:30-3:00 pm.

Learn gentle massage techniques that can support bonding, relaxation, and communication between you and your baby.

Space is limited, and registration is required.

IMAGE: An infant lying on their stomach with adult hands touching their back.

09/07/2026

Register to join EarlyON West's Little Chefs on Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm at www.keyon.ca!

Join us at the Aldborough EarlyON Child & Family Centre where we'll make a fun and simple snack recipe, try new foods and learn some tips for the kitchen.

Ages 2.5-6 years old with their parent/caregiver.

IMAGE: Two smiling children in chef's hats and aprons, mixing dough with their hands.

09/07/2026

🏃‍♀️🌳 Ready, Set, Move! at Optimist Park 🌳🏃‍♂️

Get ready to move, play, and explore with us outdoors this September!

Join EarlyON Central for Ready, Set, Move! every Wednesday in September from 9:00-11:30 am at Optimist Park.

Designed for children ages 0-6 years and their parent/caregiver, this drop-in program encourages active play, movement, and exploration in a fun outdoor setting.

Children will have opportunities to build gross motor skills, gain confidence, and enjoy engaging activities while connecting with other families.

☀️ Run, jump, climb, and play!
🌿 Enjoy the fresh air and outdoor fun.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Meet and connect with other families in the community.

✨ No registration required. Just drop in and join the fun!

🌳💚👟

IMAGE: An infant crawling in the grass with balls in front of them and stepping stones in the background.

09/07/2026

Hello EarlyON families,

All EarlyON St Thomas-Elgin locations will be closed today, Monday, September 7, 2026, for the Labour Day holiday.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, September 8, 2026!

For more information, please visit www.keyon.ca.

09/06/2026

Take a peek at EarlyON West's Week at a Glance for September 7-12, 2026!

All EarlyON St Thomas-Elgin locations are closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, for the Labour Day holiday.

For more information and to view our full calendars, please visit www.keyon.ca.

09/06/2026

Spinning into Learning!

Movement is an important part of sensory play! As this little one explores the sensory spinning chair with their parent nearby, they are building balance, coordination, and body awareness while gaining confidence through play.

Every shared moment of exploration supports learning, strengthens connections, and reminds us that some of the best learning happens through movement and play.

IMAGE: A child on the ground sitting in a sensory spinning chair with an adult sitting at a picnic table in front of them.

09/05/2026

Take a peek at EarlyON Central's Week at a Glance for September 7-12, 2026!

All EarlyON St Thomas-Elgin locations will be closed from September 5-7, 2026, for the Labour Day holiday.

For more information and to view our full calendars, please visit www.keyon.ca.

09/05/2026

🌳📚 Saturday Mindful Moment: Read Outside 📚🌳

There is something special about sharing a book outside. Reading in nature encourages children and caregivers to slow down, focus on the present moment, and enjoy time together without distractions.

Outdoor reading can support mindfulness by helping children notice the sights, sounds, and feelings around them while listening to a story.

It also supports co-regulation, as children benefit from the calm presence, attention, and connection of a trusted caregiver.

💚 Strengthens caregiver-child connections
📖 Encourages focus and mindfulness
🌿 Creates a calm and relaxing experience
🗣️ Supports language and communication development
😊 Helps children feel safe, connected, and regulated

Whether it's under a tree, at the park, or in your own backyard, reading outside is a simple way to nurture learning, connection, and well-being together.

✨ A book, a cozy spot, and fresh air can create magical moments for children and families.

🌿📚💚

IMAGE: Two children outside reading books together at the Monsignor Morrison EarlyON Centre.