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Parenting and Early Child Development

Services that can answer your questions and discuss your concerns about parenting and your child’s development.

For more parenting courses and workshops in Hamilton, see the Growing Together Guide at Family Resources - Hamilton Health Sciences. 

To learn about EarlyON locations, Early Years services, and resources see Early Years Services | City of Hamilton 

Blind Low Vision Early Intervention Program

Phone:
Work: 905-381-2828
Fax Number: 905-385-3244
Contact:
Email:
Web:
ascy.ca
Address:
1425 Cormorant Rd, Hamilton, ON L9G 4V5, Canada, 26 Arrowsmith Rd, Hamilton, ON L8E 4H8, Canada,
Hours:
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

For young children who are blind or have low vision, and their families.

 How to apply:

Contact to register. Referrals accepted by a physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, parent, or caregiver.

Provides education and support for parents to help encourage the healthy development of their children who are born blind or with low vision, to give them the best possible start in life. Parents learn to help their children develop the skills they need for daily activities at home and in early learning and care settings. Program services include:

  • family support
  • intervention services
  • child care consultation

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Government of Ontario. 

Centre de Santé Communautaire Postnatal Programs for Parents

Phone:
Work: 905-528-0163
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.cschn.ca
Address:
1320 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 2W1, Canada,
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

French-speaking parents and their children. 

 How to apply:

Contact for information.

Offers a variety of classes for new parents and their babies.

  • Baby Talk (0-12 months): child safety, introducing solids, first aid, postpartum depression
  • Workshops for Parents (0-6 years): postpartum depressing, parent/child bonding, burns, water safety, poisons, food safety, healthy eating for mother and baby, health impacts of obesity
  • Postnatal Yoga Classes (0-12 months): teaches relaxation for both mothers and babies while enhancing babies’ sensory experience and the development of their nervous system

Contact Hamilton Children and Youth Services

Phone:
Work: 905-570-8888
Contact:
Email:
Web:
contacthamilton.ca
Address:
140 King St E, Suite 4, Hamilton, ON L8N 1B2, Canada,
Hours:
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Children in Hamilton who are experiencing fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD), autism (ASD), developmental, and/or complex needs. 

 How to apply:

Contact for information.

This program helps children, youth, and their caregivers in the following ways:

  • Access Program: connects children and youth to services for their developmental, FASD, autism, and/or complex needs. 
  • Coordinated Service Planning: helps children and youth with complex needs, and their caregivers, coordinate their multiple services. 
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Service: helps families of children and youth with FASD, or possible FASD, access services in the community by working closely with the Hamilton FASD Collaborative to get families connected to their services, including case conferencing, training/education, and caregiver support.

Courses and Workshops, McMaster Children's Hospital

Phone:
Work: 905-521-2100 x77243
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca
Address:
325 Wellington St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 0A4, Canada,
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Open to children, parents, and caregivers.

 How to apply:

Register online.

Provides free educational courses and skills training workshops to the community on a variety of topics, including parenting, child development, and child and youth mental health issues. Programs are available for children, youth, and caregivers, and are held regularly at locations across the Greater Hamilton Area.

Early Words Preschool Speech and Language Program

Phone:
Work: 905-381-2828
Contact:
Email:
Web:
ascy.ca
Address:
1425 Cormorant Rd, Hamilton, ON L9G 4V5, Canada, 26 Arrowsmith Rd, Hamilton, ON L8E 4H8, Canada, 325 Wellington St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 0A4, Canada,
Hours:
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Early Words accepts speech and language referrals for children before they enter Junior Kindergarten.

 How to apply:

Complete referral form online. Parents can self-refer. 

Offers speech and language support and services for children from birth to school entry. Services include:

  • Assessment and intervention
  • Parent programs
  • Public education
  • Program discharge and school transition 

Program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Grace Haven Respite Program

Phone:
Work: 905-522-7336
Contact:
Email:
Web:
Address:
138 Herkimer St, Hamilton, ON L8P 2H1, Canada,
Hours:
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Open to all parents ages 24 and younger with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years

 How to apply:

Call the office before Thursday of each week to schedule an time.

Offers a respite program for young parents age 24 and younger. Children ages 6 weeks to 6 years can be dropped off while the parents run errands, attend appointments etc.

Hamilton Public Library Branch Services

Phone:
Work: 905-546-3200
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hpl.ca
Address:
300 Wilson St E, Ancaster, ON L9G 2B9, Canada, 571 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2Z3, Canada, 2641 Hwy 56, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0, Canada, 277 Carlisle Rd, Hamilton, ON L0R 1H2, Canada, 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1, Canada, 565 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 1A8, Canada, 18 Ogilvie St, Dundas, ON L9H 2S2, Canada, 1803 Brock Rd, Freelton, ON L0R 1K0, Canada, 625 Harvest Rd, Greensville, ON L9H 6A7, Canada, 103 Kenilworth Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8H 4R6, Canada, 285 Locke St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 4C2, Canada, 110 Lynden Rd, Lynden, ON L0R 1T0, Canada, 3027 Homestead Dr, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0, Canada, 256 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8H 5X7, Canada, 695 Queenston Rd, Hamilton, ON L8G 1A1, Canada, 131 Gray Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 3V3, Canada, 467 Upper Ottawa St, Hamilton, ON L8T 3T3, Canada, 777 Hamilton Regional Rd 8, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 5J4, Canada, 100 Mohawk Rd W, Hamilton, ON L9C 1W1, Canada, 352 Rymal Rd E, Hamilton, ON L9B 1C2, Canada, 970 Paramount Dr, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 1L8, Canada, 163 Dundas St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7, Canada, 955 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1K9, Canada,
Hours:
Hours vary by branch, visit website for details.
Cost:
Membership
Free for residents who live, work, or attend school in Hamilton. $100 fee for non-residents. Reciprocal borrowing available, contact for details.
Who can access this service:

Open to all with a valid library card.

 How to apply:

Register for a library card online or in person through your local branch.

Hamilton Public Library offers many services to residents who live, work, or attend school in Hamilton.

Services include:

  • Access to print, non-print, and digital collections
  • Public computers with internet access
  • Printing, photocopying, and scanning
  • Study tables and meeting spaces
  • Online learning resources
  • Information and referral 
  • Programming
  • Multi-lingual material
  • Large print material
  • Holds pick-up
  • Makerspaces
  • Faxing (Central branch, local and toll-free numbers only)

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre Canada Prenatal Nutritional Program

Phone:
Work: 905-548-9593 x227
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hric.ca
Address:
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada,
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Expecting families who are willing to learn through Indigenous styles.

 How to apply:

Contact for information.

Encourages and promotes healthy pregnancies for Aboriginal mothers and their babies, offering culturally appropriate support for babies up to 6 months of age and their families by improving maternal infant care, promoting healthy birth weights, and overall better health promotion for expecting mothers and their families. Services offered include:

  • Prenatal/Postnatal classes
  • Home/Hospital visits
  • Nutritional and prenatal supplements
  • Cultural teachings
  • Advocacy and referrals
  • Breastfeeding support
  • New parent support

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Home Visiting Program

Phone:
Work: 905-546-3550
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hamilton.ca
Address:
110 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3, Canada,
Hours:
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Pregnant people and parents with children from birth up to school entry.

 How to apply:

Call Health Connections at 905-546-3550 to register. 

Free and voluntary program providing in-home support by Public Health Nurses and family home visitors, helping pregnant people and parents with children from birth until school entry with:

  • having a healthy pregnancy and birth
  • fostering parent-child connection
  • promoting child's growth and development
  • breastfeeding, infant nutrition, and healthy eating
  • mental health support for postpartum depression or anxiety
  • connecting parents with community resources

Infant Parent Program, Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre

Phone:
Work: 905-521-2100 x77406
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca
Address:
325 Wellington St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 0A4, Canada,
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Parents of newborns, infants, and toddlers.

 How to apply:

Call, email, or register online for workshops. A referral form, found online, is required for other services.

Provides a variety of services to children 0-2.5 years old and their families. Team includes infant-parent specialists, a psychometrist, a psychologist, and a speech-language pathologist.

Services include:

  • virtual and in-person parenting groups and workshops
  • in-home sessions with Infant-Parent Program clinicians
  • developmental assessments
  • consultation with a speech-language pathologist
  • information about other services and resources

Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP)

Phone:
Work: 905-546-2424 x3088
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hamilton.ca
Address:
28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1, Canada,
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Must be a parent between 16 and 25 years old and receiving support from Ontario Works and/or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

 How to apply:

Phone or email for information. Ontario Works recipients can call directly or speak to their case manager.

Offers support to young parents navigating a return to secondary school, adult education, or alternative education options to complete secondary school (Grade 12). The LEAP program also provides encouragement and enhancement of parenting skills through community involvement as well as promoting independence, self esteem, and job readiness as a part of the City of Hamilton’s Youth Team.

New Choices Program

Phone:
Work: 905-522-5556
Contact:
Email:
Web:
Address:
431 Whitney Ave, Hamilton, ON L8S 2H6, Canada,
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Women with substance use concerns who are pregnant or mothering children that are age 6 and younger.

 How to apply:

Contact for information.

A community day treatment program for women who are pregnant or mothering young children and have substance addictions. Women attend once a week with their children. Provides the opportunity to access addiction and parenting services based on individual needs. Childcare is available for participants while they are at the program. 

Online Prenatal Program

Phone:
Work: 905-546-3550
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hamilton.ca
Address:
Hours:
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

New or expecting parents.

 How to apply:

Fill out the registration form online.

A free, online program for new or expectant parents, that can be done at their own pace using a computer or mobile device. Topics covered:

  • pregnancy
  • birth
  • breastfeeding
  • newborn care

Parenting Programs

Phone:
Work: 905-546-3550
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hamilton.ca
Address:
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Programs available for parents with children ages 6 and younger. Visit website for specific age requirements of each program.

 How to apply:

Call Health Connections at 905-546-3550 to register.

Offers drop-in and multiple week programs on a variety of topics to support and help improve parental skills. Contact or visit website for details on the programs offered, as well as dates, times and locations. 

  • Parenting with LOVE
  • Group Triple P
  • Triple P Discussion Groups
  • Theraplay

Recreation Assistance Program

Phone:
Work: 905-546-2424 x4569
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hamilton.ca
Address:
28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1, Canada,
Hours:
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Open to all individuals or families living in Hamilton who have a low income. Contact for details.

 How to apply:

Complete application form (available online) and submit with proof of family net income and proof of home address.

Completed applications can be submitted: 

  • by email (rap@hamilton.ca) or fax (905-546-2338)
  • in person at City of Hamilton rec centres or arenas
  • by mail: City of Hamilton
    Recreation Assistance Program
    Lister Block Building
    P.O. Box 2040
    Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5

 

Provides financial assistance to City of Hamilton residents living with low income to ensure the opportunity to participate in organized sports and recreation programs. 

Ujima Project

Phone:
Work: 289-659-3857 (Family Navigator)
Work: 289-659-5671 (Early Literacy Specialist)
Contact:
Email:
Web:
goodshepherdcentres.ca
Address:
1475 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 2X1, Canada,
Hours:
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Young parents, 29 years and under.

 How to apply:

Contact for information.

A one-stop model of access to services for young parents that strives to meet their children’s early developmental needs.

Programs include:

  • Age-based screening and assessment
  • Baby Love program
  • Family navigaton
  • Early literacy supports
  • Play and Learn

Violence Against Women Emergency Shelter

Phone:
Work: 905-664-1114
Crisis Line Number: 1-888-308-6559
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.nativewomenscentre.com
Address:
Hours:
Mon-Sun
24 hours
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Open to all women, regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin, sexual orientation, with or without children who are experiencing crisis in their lives. 

 How to apply:

Contact for information.

An 18 bed emergency shelter for women, with or without children, fleeing from domestic violence, dangerous situations, or experiencing homelessness.

Services offered include group programs, women’s abuse education program, referrals, assistance in finding safe and suitable housing, and traditional healing methods. Service is available for a time up to and including six weeks. All residents will receive meals, personal hygiene items, safety planning, and assistance with plans of care.

Young and Expecting Parent Program

Phone:
Work: 905-308-1543
Contact:
Email:
Web:
www.hwdsb.on.ca
Address:
1715 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 1E3, Canada,
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Young and expecting parents, age 14-21 years.

 How to apply:

Contact the guidance counsellor at the parent's school for registration information.

Students bring their infant to the classroom with them, where they work with a Secondary School teacher to earn credits and receive hands-on parenting support from an Early Childhood Educator. Students have the opportunity to learn alongside other young parents and connect with a variety of community resources such as the Ontario Early Years Centres.

Young Parent Program

Phone:
Work: 289-246-9064
Contact:
Email:
Web:
banyancommunityservices.org
Address:
688 Queensdale Ave E, Hamilton, ON L8V 1M1,
Hours:
Contact for information.
Cost:
None
Who can access this service:

Parents aged 25 and younger.

 How to apply:

Contact for more information.

Provides individualized ongoing support to pregnant and parenting youth and their children using a collaborative approach to help remove barriers and engage parents to develop skills, foster resiliency, and increase self-efficacy through coordination of access to community-based services, and planning and coordination of multidisciplinary services such as:

  • Health
  • Nutrition
  • Education
  • Parenting
  • Psychosocial development (emotional, intellectual, and social skills)
  • Life skills (empowering critical thinking, problem solving, self-reflection, and interpersonal skills)
  • Self-sufficient budgeting and housing solutions