Sudbury's Ontario Early Years Centre officially opened for business this week.
"I congratulate the many members of this community who joined together to work on this project," said Dave Zuccato, acting regional director, northern regional office, Ministry of Community and Social Services.
"These centres will provide parents with the opportunity to give their children the best possible start in life. They will support them in their critical role of raising their children to reach their full potential."
The centres will serve as gateways to a variety of programs, services and information for parents and caregivers of young children.
The centres will provide:
* Literacy and interactive learning activities.
* Parenting programs covering all aspects of child development.
* Pre and post-natal resources, information and training.
* Information and referrals to link families with external services.
* Outreach to encourage parent participation.
Lois Mahon is the new executive director of the Sudbury Ontario Early Years Centre, while Margaret Ignacy will hold the same position for the centre in Nickel Belt.
A total of 42 centres will be opened across Ontario this spring with an additional 61 centres opening in the spring of 2003.
The Sudbury centre is located at 319 Lasalle Blvd., Unit 1 (525-0090), while the Nickel Belt centre is located at 5 Westview Dr., Lively (692-5565).
