Early Literacy begins at home.  Through the programs and workshops that are offered by the Literacy Specialists, ways to enhance at home Literacy are explored.

"With parents involvement, students have higher grades and test scores, better attendance, complete homework more consistently and exhibit more positive attitudes and behaviour."  Paul Brent (Literacy at Work Magazine)

The programs and workshops are designed to show parents and caregivers how to begin the life long learning process from ages 0 - 6 years.

Professional workshops are designed to give Early Learning professionals the support and knowledge they need to give our children the best possible Literacy start.

For information on Toy Lending and Resource Lending


Titles of our Literacy workshops for professionals include:

Train the trainer offers an outline of the program and allows you to become a program facilitator.

Jolly Phonics Train the Trainer offers an overview of the program and implementation ideas.

Family Math Train the Trainer offers an outline of the program and allows you to become a program facilitator.

Family Literacy Train the Trainer offers an outline of the program which allows you to become a facilitator.

Marrying Jolly Phonics and Handwriting Without Tears discovers how to combine these two proven programs to further enhance your child's phonetic and writing skills.


Titles of our Literacy workshops for parents, caregivers and professionals include:

Author Series (6 weeks) explores 10 different authors, their background, their books and create ways to best use those books.

Babies Need Books Too explores early language and literacy development with infants.

Bookmaking explores one or more book types that can be made with and for young children.

Books, Rhymes and Songs teaches how to extend children's literature and songs through fun activities.

Boys and Books explores the reason why boys and books may not get along and what we can do to change that.

Brain Development teaches how the young brain develops and uses this knowledge to create improved classrooms and centers.

Build It Forward - Science and Literacy starts with a book and builds literacy and science activities around it. Learn songs, rhymes, and creative science ideas.

Celebrate Me discovers different ways to incorporate your children's names into a learning tool.

Everyday Literacy explores how to use environmental print to enhance Literacy.

Every Child is Unique is a workshop series that promotes inclusion for special needs children.

Jolly Phonics parent workshop teaches ways to support the program at home.

Kindergarten Readiness teaches simple, but effective ways for children to make a smooth transition from home to school.

Lapbooks "Make & Take" teaches how to take file folder games to the max.

Learning with Games explores games to enhance learning, review skills and to stimulate all learning styles in children 0-3 years (Infants and Toddlers), 3 - 5 years (Preschoolers), and 6 - 12 years (School Age).

Literacy Around the House discovers effective strategies and inexpensive activities to promote oral language, reading, and writing.

Math Around the House discovers that Math is everywhere!  Learn from first hand experience what the five math strands are all about.

Reading Magic explores Mem Fox's book about the importance of reading to children.

Story Circles examines various ways for enlivening circle time for children, through the use of voice and props.

Storytelling (6 week series) explores new stories and makes activities to enhance those stories. Divided into age groups. Chance to share your favourite stories, rhymes, songs, games for circle time.


To see what workshops are currently running review the Your Guide and the Professional Development calendar.

For more information call the Ontario Early Years Centre at 519-429-2875 or 1-866-463-2759.