The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) are pleased to announce the official opening of their three Prescott and Russell EarlyON Child and Family Centres located in Casselman, Rockland, and Hawkesbury. Earlier today, the grand opening was held at the Casselman Centre where families, Elected Officials, and members of the community gathered to celebrate.
In 2020, the UCPR opened their first EarlyON Centre in Rockland. Unfortunately, it had to be closed again just two months later due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as the health restrictions were lifted, the UCPR were not only able to reopen the Rockland Centre but also to launch new locations in both Hawkesbury and Casselman.
The EarlyON Centres act as true community hubs, enabling the UCPR Ontario Works program and Housing Services as well as complementary community services to be offered under the same roof.
“Although the Centres have been open to the public for some time, we felt it was important to properly inaugurate these wonderful spaces for families. When we talk about the long-term vision of health and education in the UCPR, we are especially thinking about making these services available for children from their earliest age. It is essential to guide them by giving them a good start and opportunities for healthy development. These youngsters will become the adults of Prescott and Russell and residents who will contribute to our society,” said Genevieve Lajoie, Mayor of the Municipality of Casselman.
“The UCPR EarlyON Child and Family Centres are crucial for our population. They give local families access to resources that ensure the well-being, education, and development of their children. Our services and programs focus on social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive development in a holistic way, enabling children to learn continuously,” explained Sylvie Millette, Director of Social Services of the UCPR.
The Prescott and Russell EarlyON Centres
The UCPR manage three EarlyON Child and Family Centres located in Hawkesbury, Casselman, and Rockland. At the Centres, parents and caregivers can obtain information and advice from Early Childhood Education Professionals, meet other parents, and play with their child as he or she learns while having fun.
The EarlyON Centres offer free, high-quality, bilingual programs for families and children from birth to six years old. Activities are organized not only at the Centres but also in the communities, for example, in parks or libraries.