Children First
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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.
09/23/2026
We will be CLOSED today for a staff breakaway day! We'll be back to our regularly scheduled hours tomorrow😊
09/18/2026
Privacy isn’t extra - it’s your right to set boundaries. Set your social accounts to “Private” (close friends only) and block weird vibes.
Learn more and get help at wechu.org/YRV
09/16/2026
💙💙💙💙
09/16/2026
📣 Circle of Security Parenting is now in Essex! Join us for this 8-week parenting program designed to help strengthen your connection with your child and support their emotional development. The group runs Mondays from October 19 to December 7, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Essex Public School💚 Register today: children-first.ca/upcoming-events/
09/16/2026
Thank you to the County of Essex for having us at their Accessibility Fest-for-All last Friday! This gathering is a meaningful opportunity for people to come together in support of a more inclusive Essex County💙
09/15/2026
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child or youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a local professional who wants to share your knowledge and build connections, or a member of the general public who wants to learn more about FASD? If so, join our upcoming FASD Awareness Month Event.
🗓️ Mark your calendars: September 23 from 10:00-12:30
👚 Dress Code: Rock your best RED outfit, shoes or accessories! Red symbolizes power and strength for FASD
🤝 Meet other caregivers, share experiences and build your support network
🖂 RSVP to [email protected], by September 16th.
Don't miss this chance to be part of our incredible FASD community!
09/09/2026
Digital consent matters. If you’re not sure if it’s okay to share, just ask! Learn more at wechu.org/YRV
09/09/2026
💙💚 September 9 is FASD Awareness Day.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that can affect learning, behaviour, physical health, and daily living. This day is an opportunity to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and support individuals and families living with FASD.
If you or someone you know is looking for information, assessment, or support, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare's FASD Program provides specialized services for children, youth, adults, and families in our region.
Learn more: www.rcc.hdgh.org/developmental-services
09/09/2026
Feel like summer is flying by? Don’t fret—that just means Halloween is getting closer! 🎃👻
Join us for Trick-or-Treat at the Village for a frightfully fun evening filled with costumes, candy, community, and plenty of Halloween fun!
🍬 Save the date: October 22nd, 2026!
Want to be part of the magic? We’re looking for community partners and sponsors to help make this year’s event bigger, better, and spookier than ever! 🧡
Stay tuned for more details... if you dare! 👀🎃
09/08/2026
Back to school! Here's to a successful school year filled with learning, connection, and fun🍎📖
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Telephone
Website
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 |