Children First

Children First Every Child. Every Opportunity. Any Future✨ Children First has adopted a family-centered approach to organizing and providing assistance and support to families.

Children First in Essex County provides services to families with children from birth to six years of age who are at risk for or who are experiencing developmental or mental health challenges. This approach is based upon the principles of respecting every family’s individuality. Family-centered services respect the strengths and resourcefulness of all families and aim to support and encourage families in their efforts to independently meet the needs of their child with special needs and other family members in ways that they define as functional and appropriate for them. A philosophy of family-centered services promises openness and flexibility to accommodate diversity in family beliefs, values, and functioning styles and the changes that families undergo continually as they cope with expected and unexpected life events. The family-centered philosophy at Children First is based on the following assumptions:

All people have strengths;
All people benefit from support and encouragement;
All people have different but equally valued skills, abilities and knowledge;
All people should have the opportunity to be fully included within their communities
All families have hopes, dreams and wishes for their children;
All families are resourceful, but all families do not have equal access to resources;
All families should be assisted in ways that help them maintain their dignity and hope;
All families should be equal partners in the relationship with service providers;

We are guided by the following Key Principles:

Infants and young children learn best through everyday experiences and interactions with familiar people in familiar contexts. All families, with the necessary supports and resources, can enhance their children’s learning, development and social-emotional well-being. The primary role of a service provider in early intervention is to work with and support family members and caregivers in children’s lives. The early intervention process, from initial contacts through transition, must be dynamic and individualized to reflect the child’s and family members’ preferences, learning styles and cultural beliefs. Individual Family Plan outcomes must be functional and based on children’s and families’ needs and family-identified priorities. The family’s priorities, needs and interests are addressed most appropriately by a primary provider who represents and receives team and community support. Interventions with young children and family members must be based on explicit principles, validated practices, best available research, and relevant laws and regulations. Adapted in part from the Workgroup on Principles and Practices in Natural Environments (November, 2007) Agreed upon mission and key principles for providing early intervention services in natural environments.

The City of Windsor is looking for feedback on your experience with childcare in Windsor-Essex County. Scan the QR code ...
01/21/2026

The City of Windsor is looking for feedback on your experience with childcare in Windsor-Essex County. Scan the QR code or visit https://www.research.net/r/COW_CC_Fam to fill out the survey today💙🤝

📣STUDENT SHOUTOUT! Please join us in welcoming Maryam to the Children First team💙"Hi everyone! My name is Maryam Albahra...
01/20/2026

📣STUDENT SHOUTOUT! Please join us in welcoming Maryam to the Children First team💙
"Hi everyone! My name is Maryam Albahrani, and I’m in my final year of completing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Western University. I’m passionate about working with children and supporting families as they navigate their communication journeys together. In my free time, I love getting creative and crafting on my Cricut machine, turning ideas into fun, personalized projects!"

01/19/2026

It’s Blue Monday, which is often called the “saddest day of the year.” The truth is, tough days happen all year long, especially after the holidays. 💙

If you’re feeling low, lonely, or unsure where to turn, 211 can help you find support.
🧠 Mental health services
🤝 Peer and community programs
📞 Crisis lines and counselling

You’re not alone, someone is ready to listen.
📞 Dial 2-1-1 or 🌐 visit 211Ontario.ca
Free and confidential, anytime you need it.

Baby carriers and slings... how do we use them safely?🤔💙Make sure your baby is close enough to kiss the top of their hea...
01/17/2026

Baby carriers and slings... how do we use them safely?🤔
💙Make sure your baby is close enough to kiss the top of their head
💙Hug your baby close with a tight fit
💙Ensure your baby’s back is evenly supported
💙Keep their chin away from their chest
💙Keep them in view at all times & check on them often
💙Don’t zip your coat over your baby.
❗Be particularly careful when using a sling or carrier with babies under 4 months as their lack of neck control increases risk of suffocation.
Source: Health Canada. For more information, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/infant-care/baby-slings-carriers.html

Today's staff spotlight: Faten Khanafer! She started working at CF in 2022 and holds an Early Childhood Education diplom...
01/15/2026

Today's staff spotlight: Faten Khanafer! She started working at CF in 2022 and holds an Early Childhood Education diploma and Autism and Behavioral Science diploma from St. Clair College.
💬Faten can speak 3 languages!!! Arabic, English and French. How cool is that?
💙Her passion is connecting with childcares, families and being able to have a positive impact in a child’s life. She said she is proud to be a part of the Children First team!
✌The most important to thing to Faten right now is well-being and peace of mind. She loves family time, walking in nature and going to the gym.
🌎Her favourite place she's travelled is Lebanon because of the nature, hospitality, delicious food and wonderful people.

"It's not only children who grow. Parents (and caregivers!) do too." -Joyce Maynard💙
01/13/2026

"It's not only children who grow. Parents (and caregivers!) do too." -Joyce Maynard💙

01/12/2026

Head's Up - Information session for parents and families. Register and JOIN US on Tuesday, January 20. Please Share! LINK: https://bit.ly/4pz8opW

📣STUDENT SHOUTOUT! Introducing Nicole Sauve. She is studying at the University of Windsor in the Advanced Standing Maste...
01/09/2026

📣STUDENT SHOUTOUT! Introducing Nicole Sauve. She is studying at the University of Windsor in the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program. Nicole's favourite place she's travelled to is Newfoundland. She says "it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen!"💙 Everyone say hi to Nicole in the comments!

Know & Grow Talks: School Edition📚📲 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/MAZVVwDvavThis welcoming group is for pare...
01/08/2026

Know & Grow Talks: School Edition📚
📲 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/MAZVVwDvav

This welcoming group is for parents and caregivers to come together and chat about getting their little ones ready for school. When you register, you can share the topics you're most interested in and the group will talk about them in a supportive, relaxed space🌱

🗓️ Dates & Locations:
📍 January 13th, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM at Children First (2565 Ouellette Ave. Windsor)
📍 January 15th, 2026 | 10:00–11:30 AM at Erie Migration District School (EarlyON entrance at 1620 Jasperson Dr. Kingsville)

👥 This is a caregivers-only group
📞 For more info, contact us at 519-250-1850 ext. 277 or send us a message here

📈📊We're hiring for a full-time permanent Finance Administrator/Payroll position 🚨3 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PAYROLL IS REQUIR...
01/07/2026

📈📊We're hiring for a full-time permanent Finance Administrator/Payroll position 🚨3 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PAYROLL IS REQUIRED🚨 Canadian Payroll Certification and experience in Dayforce are considered assets.

How to apply:
✅Apply on Indeed: https://ca.indeed.com/job/finance-administratorpayroll-55721e19b32c37bf

We seek to live Children First values in all we do. We are committed to fostering a psychologically safe work environment and work-life balance. Join us in our commitment to provide excellent support to children and their families in the Windsor-Essex community💙

🚨NEW VIDEO JUST DROPPED! Occupational Therapist Jennifer shares all about sitting posture for kids. Don't forget to foll...
01/06/2026

🚨NEW VIDEO JUST DROPPED! Occupational Therapist Jennifer shares all about sitting posture for kids. Don't forget to follow our YouTube channel✅

Occupational Therapist Jennifer Kinny walks us through how to make sure your little one is feeling comfy and safe during playtime!

Stronger connections. Healthier communities💙📅 Monday, January 19 📍 Serbian Centre, Windsor 🤝 Open to professionals worki...
01/06/2026

Stronger connections. Healthier communities💙
📅 Monday, January 19 📍 Serbian Centre, Windsor 🤝 Open to professionals working in mental health & addictions

Join us for Connecting Our Community, a mental health symposium focused on collaboration, care, and community well-being. The day includes a Keynote from Dr. Ted Vokes, “Lifting the Mask: Identifying & Managing High Conflict People”
🔗 Register: https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/events/connecting-our-community/

Address

2565 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 105
Windsor, ON
N8X1L9

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15192501850

Website

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