Kids and parents needs to be addressed at Early Years Centres

Ken Johnston

Amidst smiling faces and kids playing the Rainy River Early Years Centre held its official opening last Thursday.
The centre, located in the Rainy River Toy Library on Main Street, joined a network of satellite centres that span the entire Kenora-Rainy River Districts, with Kenora being the main hub. In this area Stratton, Emo and Fort Frances also have satellite centres.
RR Mayor Glen Armstrong kicked the official opening ceremonies off with a short speech. “It is great to see the support of the province play an important role in the development of children. Kids are our foundation for a successful community.”
Early Years Centres were created in Ontario to serve as a central hub for parents or caregivers to get answers to questions about their child’s development or well being. The provincial government recognized that the first six years of a child’s life are crucial in determining their success at a later part of their childhood and eventually adulthood.
The centres offer programs in early learning and literacy, programs on nutrition, information and training about pregnancy for new parents, on parenting as well as providing information about many other early years programs in the community.
Director of Early Years for Kenora/Rainy River, Leanne Mineault, said that placing the Early Years Centre in the Rainy River Toy Library and Resource Centre was a perfect fit. It already attracts many of the young families that the Early Years program is geared towards.
“I have worked with Gabe (Langlais) and Rainy River is very lucky to have staff as compassionate as her. She goes beyond the normal call of duty,” said Mineault.
Langlais is the coordinator for the Rainy River Toy Library/Resource and Early Years Centre.
Toy Library/Resource Centre President Dianne McCormack said, “Gabe likes the phrase it takes a village to raise a child.” McCormack said that volunteers on the board help do just that. “It is a wonderful and welcome place to come,” referring to the centre. “We all want the best start for our kids and this is a place where kids, before entering the formal education system can have experiences.”
“This centre is not changing. It is just growing and getting better,” concluded McCormack.