Region asking for input on early years centres

WATERLOO REGION — Parents are asked to share their thoughts on the Ontario Early Years Centres to help guide changes.

An online survey by the Region of Waterloo is seeking input on what experiences parents are interested in for both themselves and their child.

“What we’re doing right now is a full review of the services,” said Barb Cardow, regional director of children’s services. “It is to help us plan for the transformation.”

Survey answers will be used to plan for programs and services to best meet the needs of families in the region, as part of a provincial initiative to transition the centres into the Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres.

“The province is asking all centres to relook at our child and family services,” Cardow said. “There are gaps and we know we’re not consistent across the province with what parents can expect.”

Locally, the centres opened in 2003.

They’re a one-stop neighbourhood hub, offering programs and services for families with young children at various locations in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding townships.

The region wants families who use centres to fill out the 10-minute survey, along with those who don’t or don’t know about them.

The review will likely lead to changes, but Cardow said it’s too soon to know if those will be dramatic.

“We won’t know until we’re done our process.”

The survey is available online until April 4.