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…

Please find below Resources shared from Ottawa Public Health: RSV Factsheet from the Ministry of Health: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/funded_drug/pdf/RSV_fact_sheet.pdf Covid-19 Booster Factsheet from the Ministry of Health: https://files.ontario.ca/moh-covid-19-booster-factsheet-en-2022-10-19.pdf A helpful webpage from CHEO to help parents and caregivers through cough and colds this season: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/p6251.aspx A New CHEO handout entitled My child is sick, “Where to seek care” _ handout

Parenting in Ottawa is a resource for parents created by Ottawa Public Health and its community partners. It was designed to make parenting in Ottawa a little bit easier. Browse their website to find information written by local health experts.

“In The Eyes of a Graduate” One of my many proudest accomplishments of my life was earning my college diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE).  A couple of years ago when my supervisor approached me to ask if I would be interested in taking the apprenticeship program, I wasn’t too sure. But after thinking about it, I am very happy with my decision. At first, I didn’t know what to expect or what I was getting myself into. I had been out of school for some time, and I wasn’t too sure how I would do or if I would…