YMCA of Niagara EarlyON Centres celebrate Family Literacy Day with weeklong activities across Niagara
NIAGARA, ON — Family Literacy Day celebrations welcomed families for story time, literacy activities, and book giveaways. Events were hosted in partnership with Niagara Region Children’s Services.
The YMCA of Niagara’s EarlyON Child and Family Centres joined families across the country in celebrating Family Literacy Day (January 27) with a week of literacy-focused activities in partnership with Niagara Region Children’s Services. Families and caregivers were welcomed into EarlyON centres for story time, literacy resources, and book giveaways (while supplies lasted), all designed to encourage learning through everyday moments at home.
This year’s national theme, “Make mealtime family learning time,” highlighted easy ways families can build literacy skills together, including following a recipe, making a shopping list, talking about the day, or sharing stories at the table.
“Family literacy starts with small, everyday moments,” said Tracey Cosco, General Manager, Community Services, YMCA of Niagara. “When families read, talk, listen, and learn together, even during routines like mealtime, children build language skills, confidence, and a love of learning.”
–Tracey Cosco, General Manager Community Services
“Family Literacy Day is an opportunity to highlight the critical role early literacy plays in setting children up for lifelong success,” said Satinder Klair, Director Children Services, Niagara Region, “Through programs like EarlyON Child and Family Centres, families across Niagara can connect, learn together, and access supports that help children develop a strong start in life during the years that matter most.”
–Satinder Klair, Director of Children’s Services, Niagara Region
Highlights from local celebrations
- Fairview EarlyON Child and Family Centre (January 28): Jennifer Butera, Manager of Children’s Services, Community Strategy and Partnerships, Niagara Region, joined families as the guest reader for story time.
- Thorold EarlyON Child and Family Centre (January 29): Deputy Mayor Nella Dekker from the City of Thorold joined families and caregivers for story time, with some children from the Strive Niagara Child Care Centre invited to take part.
EarlyON Child and Family Centres are free, welcoming spaces where parents, caregivers, and children can play, learn, and connect. These centres support early learning and healthy child development across Niagara.
Media contact:
YMCA of Niagara: Jen Schmaltz, General Manager, Marketing and Communications
[email protected] | 904-246-7478
