Best Start Northwood
Sherbrooke, & McKenzie locations
“Children’s early experiences last a lifetime”
Best Start supports:

PLAY is the work of a child.

All families want the best for their children.

Children learn from the day they are born and thrive through everyday experiences and
healthy relationships.
Visit our website www.yourbeststart.ca for more information
Our programs are developed around four foundational conditions that are important for children
to grow and flourish:
Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement and Expression
Visit the Ontario Ministry of Education’s website for more information
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/HowLearningHappens.pdf
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Play
One of the best things about kids is their sense of fun and adventure. Whether it’s playing
pretend, drawing, or freeze tag, they are enthusiastic participants. And while all this playing may
seem like just fun and games, research shows it is actually at the core of child development.
Play helps children express and develop creativity
Play helps children develop social-emotional skills.
http://www.yourbeststart.ca
Play helps children develop healthy, active lifestyles.
- whenever children play, there is important development at work!
http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/articles/features/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-play
Playroom Policies
Cell Phones: We ask that you avoid using your cell phone when you are in the program with your
child. Research suggests that cell phones are a distraction that can affect the relationship
between the parent and child and can have an impact on the child's brain development.
Allergies: Due to health concerns with exposure to nuts and perfumes/scents, we discourage the
use of scented products as well as all nut and nut products. Please be aware that some sites might
have a policy banning all nuts and nut products.
For Health and safety reasons all snack items must come in the original labeled package.
Behaviour Management: All participants are asked to adhere to Best Start policies that treat all
children and adults with respect. Rough play, hitting, biting, throwing are not permitted. Parents
are not permitted to use any form of physical discipline (i.e. spanking, slapping etc). We
encourage adults to speak to a staff member concerning any issue at the Best Start.
Supervision of Children: Children are to be supervised by their parents/ caregiver at all times.
Children are never to be left alone. If you need to leave the room for a period of time, please ask
another participant to supervise your child. Staff are not able to supervise children in a caregiver’s
absence.
Shoes and socks: We ask that all participants wear socks or indoor shoes while in the program.
Bare feet are not allowed.
Diapering of children: For Sanitary purposes all diaper changes are to be done only in designated
areas of each Best Start.
Fire Evacuation Procedure: Please ensure that you are up to date on the fire evacuation
procedure at the Best Start you are visiting.
Food: Children are to sit if eating snack/ drinking in the designated areas at each Best Start. Best
Start is breastfeeding friendly.
Hot Drinks: Hot beverages are available. Please ensure they are contained in a cup with a lid.
Hand washing: Please assist your children with frequent hand washing and follow the procedures
posted in each bathroom. This will help avoid the spread of germs.
Health Policy: We will take every precaution to protect the health and safety of you, your children
and our staff. For all adults and children using the Best Start:
We respectfully ask that you not visit a Best Start if you or your child is sick
If a child or adult become ill while at the Best Start we ask that you take your child home.
If any of the following symptoms are present, the child or adult may be considered ill and therefore
not able to participate in the program:
 Fever
 Vomiting
 Discharge from eyes / ears / nose
 Constant crying
 Undetermined skin rashes and marks
 Lethargy, unusual tiredness and weakness
 Excessive coughing and sneezing
In the event of a pandemic, the Best Start will follow directions from the Thunder Bay District Health
Unit.
The Good Food Box
The Good Food Box is a non-profit program for
families and individuals who want to purchase
high-quality, fresh, local produce at a lower price
than shopping at grocery stores.
Committed to strong, healthy children by
affirming and valuing the bond between fathers
and their children, Dad Central Ontario works to
provide relevant and well-crafted information
for fathers and for individuals, agencies, and
programs working with fathers.
For more information visit www.dadcentral.ca
Fair Start
Research shows that over 75% of a child's brain
actually develops after his/her birth, and with
most taking place in the first five years of life.
These years are most critical in shaping each
child's ability to think, love, trust, and build a
strong and positive sense of themselves.
Fair Start is for every child from 18 months to JK
entry.
Visit the Fair Start web site at
http://www.fairstart.ca/
Call 625-8817 to book an
appointment.
You can purchase a family box for $25 or an
individual box for $15.
Boxes are ordered and paid for by the first Thursday
of each month. Food is packed and distributed
from a main site to local host sites for pick up the
second last Thursday of each month.
Payments & delivery of
boxes will take place only at
the Sherbrooke location.
ASL Playgroup
The ASL playgroup is a drop in, no cost playgroup.
This is an opportunity for families and children who
are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing to meet other
families and children in an ASL environment.
Contact: Debbie at 474-1203 or Amanda at
[email protected] or text 620-2791
Children’s Centre Thunder Bay
Circle of Security: Plan for Creating Lasting Change
The program will help to strengthen the relationship between you and your
children which will increase their empathy, give them greater self-esteem,
improve relationships with peers and enhance school readiness and
functioning.
Facilitation of video-taped material over an 8 week period teaches caregivers to confidently support
their children’s development of self-esteem, independence, problem solving and develop lasting
relationships.
TRIPLE P POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM Support for every parent and every family
The Triple P Positive Parenting Program helps you give your child the best start in life.
Every child and family has unique needs. The great thing is Triple P has different
ways of helping.
Triple P is a parenting program for parents and is supported by 30 years of research. It follows a helpful,
positive approach to raising children. The goal of Triple P is to help you create a positive, caring
relationship with your children and family.
Triple P is for every parent, whether you have a specific problem or are just looking for advice on
common,everyday issues. It provides easy to use tips and new ideas that will help you build
confidence and new skills.
For more information about The Circle of Security Program or Triple P call Children’s Centre Thunder
Bay at 343-5000. For more information on Triple P visit Triple P Ontario :www.triplepontario.ca or call 211.
Communities Together for Children/Best Start
...providing families, caregivers and professionals with supports and resources
Parent and Children’s Resources
Parent & Children’s Books
Magazines
Parent & Children’s Videos
Games
Puzzles
Age Appropriate Toys
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Closed 12 – 1 for lunch
Free Adult & Children’s
Memberships
(every 5th visit grants a gift
from the treasure box)
Early Learning Kits
Early Learning
CD’s Kits
CD’s
Shape
Cutters /
Shape
Cutters /
Cricut
Cricut
Book
Binder
Book
Binder
Button Machine
Button
Machine
Laminating
Laminating
425 Edward Street N. (Northwood Park Plaza)
425
Edward Street
N. Suite # 11
Phone:
624-2378
Fax: 622-3980
(Northwood
Park
Plaza)
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
624-2378
Fax:
622-3980
Website: www.ctctbay.org
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ctctbay.org
Sherbrooke & McKenzie Closure Dates
January 1, 2016
- Closed for New Year’s Day
Resources for the whole family!
Library Services
Programs Offered
Drop In
Drop In is for all children aged newborn to 6 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to
follow their child’s lead and immerse themselves in the wonder that children experience through
play and exploration. Our environment is designed to foster children’s well being, belonging,
expression and engagement. Children, families and educators are viewed as co- learners – learning
with children, about children, and from children.
Babies Day Out
Babies’ Day Out offers a comfortable, fun and inviting atmosphere for parents and their babies up to
12 months of age. At Babies’ Day Out parents have the opportunity to meet guest speakers, Public
Health staff and Early Childhood Educators. We plan informal discussions on helpful topics such as
infant care, parenting and growth and development that are relevant in the first year with baby.
Join us for circle time where we will sing songs and interact with the babies to stimulate brain
development, and enhance attachment and bonding. Discussion begins at 1:30.
Caregiver Drop In
This drop in is an opportunity for In home Child Care Providers to bring a group of children.
Space is limited so this drop in is reserved for people who provide child care in their homes.
Caregivers play an important role in the lives of children and families and have a unique opportunity
to support how learning happens. There may be opportunities for Caregivers to spend time in
discussions regarding relevant Home Child Care Provider information while the children engage in
play and exploration with Early Childhood Educators.
Caregivers are encouraged to participate in the children’s experiences and engage children in
active, creative and meaningful exploration, play and inquiry.
Just Me and My Dad
Just Me and My Dad gives dads a chance to engage with their children, to network with other Dads,
and to HAVE FUN!! All dads, step dads, grandpas, uncles and special male role models are welcome
to join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
Skills and Fun Evenings
Realize Community Potential, Child & Community Resources and Best Start Northwood work in
partnership to offer the Skills and Fun group. Children, friends and siblings of a family member affected
by Autism are welcome to join us on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for an informal playgroup
at the Sherbrooke location. ABA Parenting Education Workshops may be offered during the drop in
time. For more information call 624-2379. Registration is required.
http://tbskillsandfunmondays.eventbrite.ca
Supervision of children/youth at this Social Learning Opportunity is the sole responsibility of
parents/guardians and caregivers; childcare will not be provided.
Due to allergies and sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, aftershave, or scented
products such as hairspray or lotions.
Post Partum Group Project
To find out more about this group please visit ww.sjcg.net or call 624-3400.
Babies on the Way
Early prenatal drop in classes offered free to anyone in the community who is expecting or who is a
support person of a pregnant woman.
There will be prenatal classes at the Northwood Hub in Sherbrooke school on the first Wednesday of
the month from 6-7 pm and the third Wednesday of the month from 12-1 pm. A Public Health Nurse
will present 30 minutes of information on a pregnancy related subject for each month. The second 30
minutes will be for questions and socializing.