What is a Best Start Hub?

A Best Start Hub is a one-stop centre for families, often in a school setting, bringing together kindergarten, early learning and child care, parent-child programs, parenting supports, and access to a wide range of specialized services.

In Algoma, Hubs will be either in schools or in central locations and closely linked to schools.

 

At a Best Start Hub, you will find:

• A free drop in service for parents and children

• Everyone is welcome

• Services in French and English

• Literacy programs for parents and children

• Curriculum based on Early Learning Framework and book based curriculum offering age and developmentally appropriate early learning activities

• Resources and information

• Informative workshops for parents and caregivers

• School Readiness programs

• Toy lending library

• Children’s books and audio tapes

• Access to computers for children

• Access to the internet for parents

• Breastfeeding resources

• Pre and postnatal resources

• Links and referrals to other community Early Years and children’s services

• Safe, caring environment

• Also available at our Francophone, Dubreuilville,White River and Hornepayne Sites

Best Start Hubs will:

• support a rich early learning environment and family-centred services.

• provide parenting and school-readiness programs.

• serve culturally diverse families and families with children with special needs

• have linkages to schools and other local services such as Preschool Speech and Language and Developmental Screening Clinics.

• provide community resources and information.

 

 

The first three Hubs in the District of Algoma will be located in:

• Wawa

• Blind River

• Elliot Lake

How will parents be involved in the process of developing hubs?

Local advisory groups will be formed as each Hub begins to develop. As part of these advisory groups parents will be making decisions about the programs and services that could be provided and how the Hub will run.

Parents who wish to be involved in planning for Best Start at a broader level may wish to put their name forward to sit on the Algoma Best start Network as a parent representative.

If you are interested in being involved please contact:

Katrina Beerkens

Wawa Best Start Hub
66 Broadway
Wawa

Telephone Number : (705)-856-7354