FIREFLY EarlyON Centre providing in-person, virtual services

Reeti Meenakshi Rohilla - Staff Writer

The FIREFLY EarlyON Centre in Sioux Lookout is recommencing some in-person programming for families, starting October 22.
Visitors will be required to register for sessions, which will be taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Sioux Lookout EarlyON staff will continue to deliver virtual programming throughout the remainder of the week.
The Manager of Early Years for FIREFLY, Leanne Mineault said, “We have had a lot of positive feedback from families about the virtual programming that we have been providing throughout the pandemic and we are excited to continue to provide those services.” She added, “However, we do know that some of our families might not have access to virtual platforms. We recognize the importance of connecting with others in these unprecedented times and we are looking to safely provide some in-person programming to help families to participate and connect.”
According to FIREFLY EarlyON’s website, it provides information and support for child development and parenting, to families with children up to the age of six years of age in Kenora and Sioux Lookout. They also offer play-based learning opportunities for children and their families to participate in together.
According to a news release by FIREFLY EarlyON, families are encouraged to follow the FIREFLY EarlyON Sioux Lookout Facebook page (@FIREFLYEarlyON SiouxLookout) for information regarding the in-person and virtual programming options. However, registration must be done by phone (807-737-3253), to allow staff to explain new processes and screening in order to ensure the safety of the participants.
FIREFLY EarlyON advises that families can expect to wear a mask, however they advised that masks for children will be dependent on age. They also advised that families can expect to hand wash, and remain physically distanced from one another while at the EarlyON Centre.
“The safety of the children and families we serve as well as the safety of our staff is of the utmost importance to us. We are following all guidelines of Public Health as recommended by the Northwestern Health Unit. This is why we will need our families to call in to register, so we can walk them through what they can expect when they come to the centre,” said Mineault. “We are very excited to be able to welcome families into the centre again, even though things will be a little different.”
FIREFLY EarlyON’s news release mentioned that they have worked closely with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board to be prepared to provide in-person services at the shared location in Sioux Mountain Public School. The FIREFLY EarlyON Centre has an entrance separate from the school, which allows any in-person participants to access the site without affecting the school.