Raising a child is a journey filled with questions, milestones, and moments when a little support goes a long way. In Toronto’s vibrant east end, EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs designed to foster learning, play, and connection for young children and their caregivers. Whether you're a new parent adjusting to life with an infant or a caregiver with an energetic toddler, these centres provide a welcoming space for families to grow together.

What are EarlyON Centres?

EarlyON Child and Family Centres are government-funded hubs offering free services for children (from birth to six years old) and their caregivers.

These centres focus on early childhood development through a range of programs, including:

Play-based learning activities: From sensory exploration to arts and crafts, EarlyON offers opportunities for kids to learn through play in a safe and supportive environment.
Parenting workshops: Caregivers can attend workshops on various topics such as child development, sleep routines, and positive parenting strategies.
Community connections: Alongside East End Mom Friends Playgroups, EarlyON centres are a great way to meet other parents and caregivers in the area, creating a community where people can share experiences and support one another.

Why visit an EarlyON Centre?

Every family’s needs are unique, and EarlyON centres are designed to be flexible, inclusive spaces. Here’s why many parents in the east end of Toronto love these centres:

Accessible support: Whether it’s your first child or your third, parenting comes with challenges. EarlyON staff, including early childhood educators, can offer personalized guidance and practical advice at no cost.
Fun for kids, connection for parents: While children enjoy structured and unstructured play, caregivers can socialize with others, exchange tips, or simply have a moment to relax.
Local resources: The centres often host guest speakers or connect families with local services, such as health clinics, childcare options, and special needs support.

Toronto’s east end is a wonderful place to raise a family, and EarlyON Child and Family Centres play a key role in supporting young children’s development and fostering community connections. If you’re looking for a friendly, inclusive space for your little one to learn and play—or just want a place to meet other local families—an EarlyON centre might be just what you need.

What to expect when you visit

Visiting an EarlyON centre is straightforward. Most centres don’t require pre-registration—just show up during operating hours and register when you arrive.

Note: Registering is SO important because EarlyON funding depends on how many people visit!

Sessions typically begin with free play, followed by a group activity like storytime or songs.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate, but there’s no pressure. The relaxed environment allows everyone to engage at their own comfort level.

EarlyON locations in Toronto’s East End

There are more than 600 EarlyON Child and Family Centres across Ontario and additional 400 locations operating out of libraries, schools, parks, and community centres throughout the province. We have some of the best in Toronto’s east end, with each location offering slightly different programs to fit the community’s needs.

EarlyON locations marked with a pink asterisk* below consistently offer unique or exceptional programming, according to feedback from East End Mom Friends members.

Abiona EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlight: Morning, afternoon, and Saturday drop-in; baking every Wednesday from 2-4pm; cooking programs (registration required); crafts during weekday drop-in times

Neighbourhood: Broadview North

Main intersection: Broadview Ave and Cosburn Ave

Address: 1102 Broadview Ave

Program times vary - view the monthly calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Access Alliance EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlights:

Drop-in Monday mornings 9am-12pm, Tuesday afternoons 1-5pm, Thursday mornings 9am-12pm
Online program Fridays 10:30am-12:30pm
Workshops (registration required)

Neighbourhood: Taylor-Massey / Woodbine-Lumsden

Main intersection: Danforth Ave and Main Street

Address: 91 Barrington Ave

Program times vary - view the website and monthly calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Applegrove EarlyON Child and Family Centre*

Highlights: Daily kids snack with coffee and tea for parents; toy library and clothing exchange

Neighbourhood: Leslieville / Greenwood-Coxwell

Main intersection: Queen Street East and Greenwood Ave

Address: 60 Woodfield Rd (main location) and 1470 Gerrard St. E. (East End Food Hub)

Program times vary - view the monthly calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Birchmount Bluffs EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlights:

Queer Family Time on Thursdays 9am-1pm

Neighbourhood: Birchcliff

Main intersection: Danforth Avenue/Kingston Road and Birchmount Road

Address: 93 Birchmount Rd

Program times vary - view the monthly calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Bruce EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlight: Open Monday through Friday 9am to 1pm

Neighbourhood: South Riverdale

Main intersection: Queen Street East and Leslie Street

Address: 51 Larchmount Ave

This EarlyON is in a school so it may only be operational during the school year.

Cosburn EarlyON Child and Family Centre*

Highlights:

Baby and me drop-in hours Wednesdays 9-11am
Book corner Tuesdays 3-4pm
Small group sensory play Thursdays 9:30-11:30am for families with children who find regular drop-in programs overwhelming, who may need support to interact with other children, or may have sensory needs that are not being met during a large drop-in (registration required)

Neighbourhood: East York

Main intersection: Cosburn Ave and Coxwell Ave

Address: 904 Coxwell Ave

Program times vary - view the website, monthly calendar, and social media profiles for the most up-to-date information.

Crescent Town EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlight: Open Monday through Friday 8am to 12pm

Neighbourhood: Crescent Town / East Danforth

Main intersection: Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue

Address: 4 Massey Sq

This EarlyON is in a school so it may only be operational during the school year.

Danforth EarlyON Child and Family Centre*

Highlights:

Baby and me drop-in hours Mondays 1:30-3:30pm
Book corner Tuesdays 3-4pm
Small group sensory play Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am for families with children who find regular drop-in programs overwhelming, who may need support to interact with other children, or may have sensory needs that are not being met during a large drop-in (registration required)

Neighbourhood: East Danforth

Main intersection: Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue

Address: 3079 Danforth Ave

Program times vary - view the website, monthly calendar, and social media profiles for the most up-to-date information.

Dundas EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlight: Open Monday through Thursday 8:30am to 1:30pm

Neighbourhood: South Riverdale

Main intersection: Dundas Street East and Boulton Ave

Address: 935 Dundas St E

This EarlyON is in a school so it may only be operational during the school year.

Eastview EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlights: Weekday story time, activity of the day, music and movement programming

Neighbourhood: North Riverdale / Blake-Jones

Main intersection: Danforth Ave and Jones Ave

Address: 86 Blake St

Open Monday to Friday and Sundays from 9:30am to 1pm.

Enagb Indigenous EarlyON Child and Family Centre*

Highlight: Indigenous teachings with elders, traditional cooking, field trips

Neighbourhood: Blake-Jones / Danforth

Main intersection: Danforth Ave and Jones Ave

Address: 16 Phin Ave

Registration required. Program times vary - view the calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Family Resource Connection EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlights:

Book lending library and resources about child development, self-regulation, childcare, advocacy, and health and nutrition
Guided Montessori for 2yrs+
Dad’s Drop-In Mondays at 1:30pm
Baby Circle Time Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:30pm

Neighbourhood: Upper Beaches / East Danforth

Main intersection: Gerrard Street East and Main Street

Address: 184 Main St

Open Mondays through Thursdays 9am-3pm and Fridays from 9-11:30am.

George Webster EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlight: Open Monday through Friday 9am to 1pm

Neighbourhood: Woodbine Gardens / O’Connor-Parkview

Main intersection: Dawes Rd and Victoria Park Ave

Address: 50 Chapman Ave

This EarlyON is in a school so it may only be operational during the school year.

Kimbourne EarlyON Child and Family Centre*

Highlights:

Large space for up to 60 people
Baby time for 0-15 months (strictly enforced) Tuesdays 12:30-3:30pm and Thursdays 1:30-3:30pm
STEM for 3y+ Fridays 9-11am

Neighbourhood: Danforth

Main intersection: Danforth Ave and Coxwell Ave

Address: 200 Wolverleigh Blvd

Program times may vary - view the website and monthly calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Morse Street EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlight: Open Monday through Friday 8:45am to 12:45pm

Neighbourhood: South Riverdale

Main intersection: Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue

Address: 180 Carlaw Ave

This EarlyON is in a school so it may only be operational during the school year.

Pape Avenue EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlight: Open Monday through Friday 9am-1pm

Neighbourhood: North Riverdale

Main intersection: Gerrard Street East and Carlaw Ave

Address: 220 Langley Ave

This EarlyON is in a school so it may only be operational during the school year.

Parent Resources EarlyON Child and Family Centre*

Highlight: Baby sign language circle time on Wednesdays

Neighbourhood: Leslieville

Main intersection: Gerrard Street East and Jones Ave

Address: 1117 Gerrard St E

Program times vary - view the monthly calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Roden Jr EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Highlight: Open Monday through Friday 9am-1pm

Neighbourhood: East Leslieville / Little India / Gerrard India Bazaar

Main intersection: Gerrard Street East and Greenwood Ave

Address: 151 Hiawatha Rd

This EarlyON is in a school so it may only be operational during the school year.

Sackville EarlyON Child and Family Centre*

Highlight: Small group sensory play on Friday mornings (registered program) designed specifically for families with children who find regular drop-in programs over whelming, who may need support to interact with other children, or may have sensory needs that are not being met during a larger drop-in

Neighbourhood: Corktown / Moss Park / Regent Park

Main intersection: Queen Street East and Parliament Street

Address: 80 Sackville Street

Program times vary - view the website and monthly calendar for the most up-to-date information.