The topic of diversity and inclusion is an important conversation.  Many organizations are finding ways to support inclusivity and diversity.  An important part of creating an inclusive and diverse environment within our community is to educate everyone about what it means to be inclusive. The following post will give suggestions on how we, as an organization, can support inclusivity and diversity within our community. There are multiple marginalized groups of people within our society that create a diverse community. These groups include Indigenous people, people of colour, different religious backgrounds, sexual orientation as well as others. It is important that…

Summer is quickly approaching, this means that families and children will be spending more time outside and in the water. Swimming is a great way for children to stay active and enjoy the summer weather, however it is important to take the proper safety precautions to keep everyone safe! Whether you are at a pool, beach or even in the bathtub it is important to keep children safe while they are in the water! Here are some tips to keep your family safe while spending time around water. Non swimmer should wear a PFD (life jacket). All people in a…

Teething can be painful for little babies, and it is common for parents to give their child a teething toy to help sooth the pain.  There are different types of teething toys that are available for babies, however not all of them are safe to use. Teething toys that are part of a necklace or attached through any type of ribbon or chain are NOT safe for babies.  These types of teething toys and clips can cause strangulation or choking to the baby. Teething toys that contain beads and small pieces also create choking hazards for babies as they can…

Emergencies can occur in all communities, and it is important for families to be prepared for different types of emergencies. Know your Community Different communities have different risk levels for different types of emergencies.  Some neighbourhoods along a river or body of water could be more at risk for flooding. Other neighbourhoods might be geographically located in an area at higher risk to tornadoes.  In the winter, we are more at risk for ice/snowstorms that could cause an emergency.   Families must know the risk level of all types of emergencies within their community to help them be prepared.  Have an…

We all want to keep our children healthy; one health issue that some children may face is Asthma.  Although Asthma can cause emergencies, there are ways for families to manage their children’s Asthma diagnosis. Here is some helpful information to share from CHEO There are different types of Asthma and depending on the kind of Asthma your child has will alter how you treat/support your child.  Types of Asthma 1. Asthma-related to small airways (Children more likely to grow out of it) Allergic Asthma (Children not as likely to grow out of it) Know the possible triggers: Avoid smoking Get…

In Home Safety As children grow it is important for families to adapt the safety precautions that they have in their home.  Accidents can happen anywhere, however it is important that we all do our part to prevent accidents from happening. There are different ways that parents and families can keep their children safe at home.  There can be equipment installed in the home such as baby gates, lock boxes and cupboard locks that prevent access to harmful household items such as cleaning products, medications, and stairs.  Here are some tips on how to keep your home safe for your…

Here is some measles preparedness information you may find helpful and informative. The re-emergence of certain vaccine preventable diseases is being seen in parts of the world and is cause for concern. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is monitoring the emergence of measles, and we are making continued efforts to increase uptake and coverage of routine childhood vaccinations. Thousands of children and youth in Ottawa are missing routine vaccinations that would protect them from measles and other vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccinations required for attending childcare and school should be kept up to date. Children and youth facing barriers in accessing routine…

What is Mental Hygiene? Just like going to the gym it is about building up our strength, mental hygiene is about building up that mental muscle. It’s an important way to maintain good mental health and build the resilience we need to face challenges in the future. The Royal Ottawa has created a community challenge for the Month of March – to practice 10 minutes per day one of the activities listed here.

Reading is a very big part of our lives, and it is important that parents and caregivers foster a love for reading with our children.  There are many benefits to reading with your children starting at a young age. Some of the key benefits of reading with your children include; Supported cognitive development Improved language skills Preparation for academic success Developing a special bond with your child Increased concentration and discipline Improved imagination and creativity Cultivating a lifelong love of reading Follow this link to read more about the benefits of reading with your children. Benefits & Importance of Reading…

Children’s Services is pleased to announce that a 2022 fee subsidy surplus is being reinvested as part of an affordability strategy to support families with school age children and the child care sector in Ottawa. This additional one-time funding allows us to directly support these families that were not eligible for a Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System fee reduction in 2022. It’s important to mention that enhancing affordability of child care services is a crucial strategic priority included in the 2019-2023 Council-approved Child Care and Early Years Service System Plan. All full fee families with SA children…