Bridlewood EarlyON Child and Family Centre
EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide opportunities for children from birth to 6 years of age to participate in play and inquiry-based programs, and support parents and caregivers in their roles. We offer safe and welcoming environments open to all families, with qualified professionals and quality programs. Families and caregivers will be able to find support, advice, make personal connections and access a network of resources.
Our core services are:
- Engaging parents and caregivers
- Supporting early learning and development
- Making connections for families
Bridlewood EarlyON Child and Family Centre is funded by Toronto Children’s Services. The centre is located at 3410 Sheppard Ave E, Suite 304 on the third floor of a medical centre in Scarborough. Bridlewood is an essential meeting place for the area’s predominantly ethnic Chinese community. As many as 35 people can visit at a time, with many of the Bridlewood staff members able to provide translation services in Chinese, ensuring the community is able to access their services and feel a sense of belonging.
Bridlewood originated more than 45 years ago when a current staff member, Ann, was looking for something more for her children and other families in the community. The first-ever parenting sessions were held under a tree outside, while the children were looked after inside. Subsequently, the centre has grown over the years from a Moms and Tots drop in program, to a Family Resource Centre, to an Ontario Early Years Centre and now the Bridlewood EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Barbara Staley is the centre area’s supervisor, having started out as a placement student 43 years ago and then growing alongside the organization over its many years of operating as a staff member. Barbara is a remarkably enthusiastic and caring individual, particularly when it comes to supporting families. Barbara consistently emphasizes the importance of passion among her staff, recognizing it as essential.
Under her leadership, the Bridlewood staff demonstrate strong support for families by incorporating various multicultural monthly holidays into their programs and actively listening to families’ input. Often, the centre is an important place of connection for the families in the area who are away from the places where they grew up. One example is the reunion of two Chinese grandmothers who attended the centre and discovered they had gone to school together in China. They both spoke a rare Chinese dialect and were able to find comfort and understanding in each other’s company after decades of separation.
Bridlewood has faced many challenges over the years, having relocated their centre multiple times. They are currently located on the third floor of a medical building, a relocation that occurred during the pandemic and posed many difficulties for centre and staff in managing health and safety for its visitors. Despite the limited space, they make the best of it for families. Looking ahead, Bridlewood aims to relocate again, this time to a more suitable location that is anticipated to attract more families and garner increased community support. Their goal is to achieve this transition by 2026, at the Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre, a new community Hub. Despite facing restrictions and challenges, Bridlewood has remained resilient, resourceful, and supportive to the children and families they serve. It stands as a beacon of care for those seeking to be heard and understood.
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