SMOOTH ROCK FALLS – MARCH 1, 2016
The United Way Cochrane – Timiskaming has made it possible for North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) and Brighter Futures Program (BF) to offer opportunities for local preschool children to participate in a School Preparedness” program offered the week of February 29 to March 4, 2016.
On Friday, March 4th 2016 from 11:30am to 12:30pm, staff from NEOFACS along with families will gather at the Ontario Early Years Centre in Smooth Rock Falls to celebrate their children’s accomplishment throughout the week.
“Our programs and services are responsive to the needs of our communities. We continuously look for opportunities that provide support for parents and offer programs for young children to ensure they have the best possible start in life,” said Rachelle Pelletier, Ontario Early Years Centre and Brighter Futures Coordinator with NEOFACS.
The School Preparedness program provides an opportunity for five preschool aged children to experience a learning environment designed for the interest level and needs of children entering school for the first time.
"The School Preparedness program will help preschoolers experience and understand what school will be like and what is expected of them. The program will prepare them for their academic start,” said Rachelle Pelletier.
"The program will be offered in both official languages. There is an emphasis on sharing, taking turns and following a school like routine. The program also prepares children for school as they practice separating from their parent/caregiver”, said Joanne Proulx, Community Support Worker, NEOFACS.
Children experience play-based learning activities throughout the week. The preschoolers will celebrate their successes at the end of the week with family and friends.
The United Way Cochrane – Timiskaming’s Community Partnership Grant Program is designed to support charities in the provision of sustainable solutions to identified community opportunities. Their contribution of $1100.00 in funding for the School Preparedness program will help five children reduce "first-day anxieties" through play-to-learn activities in a safe and child-focused environment.
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About NEOFACS
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is an integrated agency, providing services to children, youth and their families in the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming. Our client responsive programs and services are innovative, evidence-based, and designed to meet the unique needs of those we serve.
Our Agency provides Child Welfare, Children’s Mental Health, Youth Justice and Prevention programs such as Brighter Futures and The Ontario Early Years Program. NEOFACS is a non-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose funding is received primarily from the Ministry of Children & Youth Services. Several other funders support programs as well.
For further information, please contact:
Media Contact:
Brooke Ballantyne
Communications Coordinator, North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services
Phone: 705-360-7100 ext. 5217
Email: brooke.ballantyne@neofacs.org
Rachèle Pelletier
Ontario Early Years Centre and Brighter Futures Coordinator
Coordinatrice du Centre de développement de la petite enfance de l'ontario
et l'initiative grandir ensemble
Timmins Campus / bureau de Timmins
705-360-7100 poste/extension 5029
Joanne Proulx
Ontario Early Years Centre and Brighter Futures Coordinator
Ontario Early Years Support Worker / travailleuse communautaire Centre de la petite enfance
Smooth Rock Falls Campus / bureau de Smooth Rock Falls
105 2nd Avenue ON P0L 2B0
Phone: (705) 338-2800extension 6801
Jean Warren M.Ed.
Executive Director
United Way Cochrane – Timiskaming
P.O. Box 984 Timmins ON P4N 7H6
Tel. 705.268.9696