Nurturing Development
A variety of services are available in both individual and group formats, supporting growth and learning opportunities for families of children ages six and under. The programming focuses on healthy attachment; ages and stages of development through play; and fostering organic social connection for all who attend. Further support includes:
- Linkage to other resources, including specialized services
- Parent support and connection
- Early intervention assistance
Pre-registration is required
Peninsula Early Years
The Peninsula Early Years Centre offers a welcoming, nurturing space for families and caregivers and their children ages zero to six years. Families will find programming that offers times of connection and socializing, as well as valuable resources to help build a robust foundation of information on healthy attachment and ages and stages of development. Our goal is to ensure that every child receives the best possible start in life.
Find a Program
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Peninsula Best Babies
Location: 9924 Third St., Sidney
Schedule: Nine weekly sessions on Thursdays from 12–2:30 p.m. in spring, fall and winter.
Peninsula Babies programming offers diverse pathways to enrich parents’ understanding of their infants’ stages of growth and development, promoting a fresh, healthy start. Tailored to offer prenatal or newborn support for up to 25 Peninsula parents who have limited parenting knowledge or are facing challenging circumstances, discussions are facilitated by community members with expertise in family caregiving. A public health nurse is also available for further support. Please contact program facilitator for more information.
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StrongStart
Location: Sidney Elementary School, 2281 Henry Ave. Sidney, BC
Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:30–11:30 a.m. from September to June.
StrongStart BC provides rich learning environments designed for early learning—language, physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Led by qualified early childhood educators, these free drop-in sessions for parents and children ages zero to five years provide play-based activities like stories, music and art. The program helps prepare children for kindergarten success while offering parents support, information, resources and opportunities to connect with others. To attend drop-in sessions, register with either a copy of your child’s birth certificate, passport or Indigenous status card and BC health card. This service is made possible by our partnership with School District 63.
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Early Learning Drop-in
Location: ILC Early Years Room, 1649 Mt. Newton Cross Rd., Saanichton
Schedule: Fridays 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join our Friday Family & Friends program for a play-based early learning environment, fostering social connections among caregivers and children ages zero to six. We emphasize literacy and healthy attachment through play, offering support and awareness of community resources for early-year needs. Drop-ins welcome with a one-time registration.
Child Care Resource and Referral Centre (CCRR)
Coming Soon!
The centre works to support access to resources and inclusive, high-quality, affordable childcare. The CCRR assists all Service Users in navigating government childcare funding programs and works in partnership with the childcare sector to enhance and enable the expanding programs delivered under the ChildCareBC plan for communities in BC. In addition, the CCRR recruits mentors and provides training and Professional Development to individuals working in the childcare sector to enable continued skill development.
Opening July 2024
