EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, inclusive programs for families with children from birth to six years of age. Along with programs, we also share trusted resources to help you support your child’s growth, development, and well-being at home.

This resource is a helpful starting point for parents, caregivers, and community partners. You will find links to reliable local information, simple tools you can use at home, and clear next steps if you would like additional support.

How to Use These Resources

You can use these resources in a few different ways, depending on what you need:

  • Quick answers: Learn about common child development questions and what is typical at different ages.
  • Printables and tools: Use milestone charts and screening tools to better understand your child’s development.
  • Next steps and referrals: Find local services and supports in York Region.
  • One-on-one support: Connect with an EarlyON Educator to talk things through and get guidance.

If you are not sure where to start, begin with the child growth and development link below, then reach out if you would like help.

Child Growth and Development Information

York Region Public Health offers a clear overview of child growth and development, including what families may notice at different ages and when to seek extra support:

Child Growth and Development (York Region)

This information can be especially helpful if you are wondering about:

  • Speech and language development
  • Social and emotional skills
  • Movement and coordination
  • Feeding and sleep changes
  • Behaviour and routine challenges

Milestone Charts

Milestone charts can help you understand the skills children often develop from birth to school age. They are meant to guide you, not to compare children. Every child grows and learns at their own pace.

If you have questions about what you are seeing, an EarlyON Educator can help you talk through your child’s strengths and identify practical ways to support development through play and daily routines.

Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a simple screening tool that helps families better understand their child’s development. It looks at areas such as communication, movement, problem-solving, and social skills.

If you would like support with the ASQ, you can connect with an EarlyON Educator. We can help you:

  • understand what the questions mean
  • review results and identify strengths
  • talk through any concerns
  • connect to additional services if needed

Screening tools are not a diagnosis. They are one way to help you notice patterns and decide what supports may be helpful.

Trusted Local Supports in York Region

Depending on your needs, these York Region and community resources may be helpful:

If You Still Need Help

If these resources do not fully answer your questions, the next step is to connect with an EarlyON Educator. We can provide one-on-one support, share resources based on your needs, and help you decide what to do next.

Contact us to speak with an EarlyON Educator. You can also visit an EarlyON centre to connect in person.