Play Troop / Early ON

Play Troop / EarlyON FAQ's

• Can I register for Play Troop / EarlyON programs if I don’t have access to the internet?
  Yes! We have a tablet and wifi at both the South Side Community Centre and RecPlex so we can assist you in registering your family for KEyON so you can attend Play Troop/EarlyON programs.  
• Where can I learn more about KEyON?
  If you have questions about KEyON, please visit their Frequently Asked Questions page. If you don’t see what you are looking for, feel free to connect with [email protected]  
• Why is Play Troop only for children 0 to 6 years – can my 8-year-old attend with me on PA Day or during the summer?
  Play Troop is part of the EarlyON Child and Family Centres that provides all children birth to six years of age, and their parents/care providers, with the opportunity to participate in play and inquiry-based learning.  The program promotes healthy development of social, emotional and communication skills and supports parenting capacity.
  
  The early years are a vital component of children and family’s well-being children over the age of six can participate in community-based activities that are age appropriate.  If a family with an older child would like to attend Play Troop with their under 6 child they can reserve a child care space at North Side Child Care or the Specialized Care Program for their over 6 child to be able to spend the needed quality time in the Play Troop program. 
• Why are families not able to bring in coffee and hot beverages from Tim Hortons and other restaurants?
  Even with spill proof mugs there is a risk that a child may knock over, take a drink of or spill a hot beverage.  Due to allergies, slips, trips and fall and risks of minor burns only water is permitted in all play areas.  Bottled water is also provided by the program for parents to drink at any time. 
• Why are indoor shoes needed?
  This is an additional safety concern, and we want to keep children safe who are running and playing in the gym.
  
  We also have unannounced fire drills where families must exit the building.  Should a family forget indoor shoes, crocs are provided. 
• Does my child have to participate in art or circle time?
  No, they do not they can continue to play through art and science however circle time is at the end of the program, and we ask that anyone not wanting to participate to find a quiet place to play as to not disrupt the preplanned circle time. 
• Do I have to be playing and interacting with my child at all times?
  No if your child is playing and you are having a conversation with another adult that is fine.  We ask that you stay in arms reach of your child and as direct supervision and safety is the parents responsibility. 
• Can I just play in the gym the entire time with my child?
  Check with your educators as they will be the one to book the gym times. If the gym is available for the entire Play Troop times, then yes.  This may change daily, so always check with the educator team. 
• What if I have an infant and a 3-year-old and have to change a diaper do I have to take both children?
  No, you can ask another parent to watch one child or one of the educators for brief washroom breaks and diaper changes.  However, if one of your children want to go to the gym and other stay in the playroom you will have decided what room you are taking all your children to as you are responsible for direct supervision. 
• Why can’t we go outside after 10:30 AM?
  The Play Troop/EarlyON Program operates in a shared building. There are two other child care programs that use the backyard, and our allotted time slot is from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. This is also why we have specific times for gym use. We have access to the classroom for the entirety of the program. 
• Why do we need to register for meal-time play groups?
  Registration is required for meal-time play groups so we can ensure that there is enough food for all those who attend.    
• Is there an EarlyON Centre in Petawawa ?
  Yes there is an EarlyON Centre near you in Petawawa, located in the South Side Community Centre at 1578 Wolfe Ave. The PMFRC’s Play Troop program is part of the EarlyON Child and Family Centres.