FIREFLY EarlyON Centres offering mix of in-person and virtual services

Tim Brody - Editor

FIREFLY EarlyON Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Minto will be offering families some in-person programming starting this week.

FIREFLY informed in a June 28 news release that, “At this time, in-person programming will only be available outdoors and by pre-registering. Families should visit our Facebook pages to learn more about the programming being offered in their community and how to pre-register. EarlyON staff will continue to provide virtual programming in addition to the outdoor offerings.” 

Leanne Mineault, Manager of Early Years shared, “We are excited to start providing children and families with in-person outdoor programming allowing for safe and physically distanced activities. There are many benefits to being outdoors. It provides a great way for families to bond, take in fresh air, explore actively and play in new ways all the while having a positive impact on children’s well-being and development.” 

FIREFLY stressed that, unlike in the past, families will not be able to simply drop into the centre. Families interested in joining in-person programming at the FIREFLY EarlyON Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Minto Centres can find information about what’s being offered and how to register on the Facebook pages  (@FIREFLYEarlyONSiouxLookout  @FIREFLYEarlyONKenora @FIREFLYEarlyONMinto). Families are asked to register by phone for any of the in-person programs. Registration is not being accepted via email or Facebook at this time. 

“The safety of the children and families we serve as well as the safety of our staff is of the utmost importance to us. We are following all guidelines of Public Health as recommended by the Northwestern Health Unit. This is why we will need our families to call in to register, so we can walk them through what to expect” Mineault shared. “We are very excited to welcome returning and new families to participate in outdoor programming both on site and out in the community.”