Family & Schools · Family Support
Free early-years and parenting programs
Every province funds drop-in centres and public-health support for babies and toddlers — free, and a great way to meet other parents.
During the early years, your family has access to more free public support than you might realize. Every province funds drop-in centres, public health visits, and parenting programs—all available without cost to help your baby grow, your family settle in, and you meet other parents on the same journey.
Early-Years Drop-In Centres
The most widely used service across Canada is the early-years drop-in centre. These are staffed spaces where parents and caregivers bring babies and children (usually from birth to age six) to play, sing, and learn together in a relaxed, judgment-free setting.
EarlyON in Ontario
In Ontario, these centres are called EarlyON Child and Family Centres. They offer free programs for children aged 0 to 6 and operate in most communities across the province. At an EarlyON centre, you will find open play environments, circle time with songs and stories, and access to Early Childhood Educators trained in child development. Staff can help you find local resources, answer parenting questions, or refer you to specialized services if needed. All programs and services are free—no membership or registration fees. Most centres operate during weekdays, and many now offer evening and weekend sessions to fit working parents' schedules.
To find an EarlyON centre near you, visit the Government of Ontario website or your local city's webpage. You'll often be able to see current hours, special programs, and a map of nearby locations. Some centres offer virtual programs as well. There is no application process; you simply arrive during drop-in times or, for certain workshops, register in advance.
StrongStart BC
In British Columbia, the program is called StrongStart BC and operates similarly. StrongStart BC is a free drop-in program for children from birth to age 5, run by certified Early Childhood Educators in school district locations. Parents or caregivers attend with their children to participate in play, learning activities, circle time, and a healthy snack. StrongStart BC is intentionally designed so that English is not required to participate—families from all language backgrounds are welcome.
StrongStart BC operates during the school year (September through June) on a drop-in basis during posted hours. To attend, you typically register once at your chosen centre with proof of your child's age (birth certificate or passport), and then you are free to drop in anytime during open hours. When you register, your child will receive a Personal Education Number (PEN), which will carry forward when your child enters kindergarten.
Other provinces
Every province funds similar early-learning programs—the names vary. Look for programs called Healthy Child Manitoba, Parent Child Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador, or programs through your local public health unit. Your provincial government website or local library can point you to the nearest location.
Public Health Nurse Visits and Support
Beyond drop-in centres, every province offers free home visiting services, where a public health nurse or family home visitor comes to your house (or another location if you prefer) to support you during pregnancy, after birth, and through your child's early years.
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (Ontario and other provinces)
In Ontario, the program is called Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC). It is a free and voluntary program that provides home visits from public health nurses and family home visitors. You are eligible if you are pregnant, have a new baby, or have young children not yet in school. The program is available to anyone living in Ontario, regardless of immigration status—you do not need a provincial health card (OHIP) to receive service. If you are a newcomer to Canada and this is your first baby in Canada, you are specifically identified as a priority group for this program.
During visits, a public health nurse or family home visitor can help you with healthy pregnancy information, breastfeeding support, infant feeding, child growth and development, safe sleep practices, parenting advice, and connecting to other community resources. The program offers interpretation services and employs family home visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds who may be able to communicate in your preferred language. To access HBHC, you can speak with your doctor or midwife, call a local public health unit, or self-refer through their website.
Similar programs operate in other provinces under different names. In Nova Scotia, look for Early Years services and Nurse-Family Partnership programs. In Manitoba, British Columbia, and other provinces, public health units offer comparable home visiting services. Your provincial health authority website will have details about eligibility and how to get started.
Prenatal Classes and Breastfeeding Support
Most public health units offer free prenatal classes covering topics like labour and birth, infant care, sleep, and feeding. These classes are sometimes offered in-person and increasingly online, making them more flexible for busy families. Breastfeeding classes and clinics are also free and run by lactation consultants or nurses who specialize in infant feeding.
The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) is a national, community-based program that provides prenatal and postnatal health education, nutrition counselling, prenatal vitamins, and breastfeeding support to pregnant people and new parents who face challenges such as poverty, social isolation, or being a newcomer to Canada. CPNP sites are located in communities across all provinces and territories (about 230 sites nationally). Services are provided by community groups, health agencies, or coalitions, and all services are free. To find a CPNP program near you, contact your local public health unit or settlement agency.
Free Vaccination Clinics
Routine childhood vaccinations are fully funded by each province and territory. You do not pay out of pocket for vaccines—they are covered through your provincial health insurance. Vaccination clinics are offered at public health units, some pharmacies, doctors' offices, and community health centres. When your baby is born or shortly after arrival in Canada, you will be given information about vaccination schedules specific to your province. Keep in mind that immunization records are important for school enrollment, so it is helpful to maintain records or request them from the clinic where your child was vaccinated.
Newcomer Parent Groups Through Settlement Agencies
If you are a permanent resident, protected person, or refugee, you may be eligible for services through government-funded settlement agencies. These organizations, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or provincial governments, can connect you with parent support groups, parenting workshops, and community activities designed specifically for newcomer families. Settlement services are free and available in multiple languages in communities across Canada.
Settlement agencies often run or know about newcomer parent circles, playgroups, and informal meetups where you can connect with other families who are navigating similar transitions. Many also offer referrals to other community resources, including childcare information, school registration support, and access to food banks. To find a settlement agency near you, visit the official IRCC newcomer services finder website or contact your provincial settlement coordinator.
How to Get Started
- Search online for 'EarlyON centres near me' (Ontario), 'StrongStart' (British Columbia), or the equivalent program name in your province.
- Visit your provincial government website or local public health unit website to learn about drop-in times, registration requirements, and any special programs.
- Call your local public health unit to ask about home visiting services and prenatal classes.
- If you are a recent newcomer, contact a settlement agency in your area to learn about parent groups and community connections.
- Ask your doctor, midwife, or hospital if you need a referral to home visiting programs such as Healthy Babies, Healthy Children.
- Bring proof of your child's age (birth certificate or passport) to your first visit to a drop-in centre, as most programs ask for this information.
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