COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Our Lending Library, housed at Holy Angels EarlyON (705‑945‑8898 ext. 255), offers educators and community partners access to materials that support hands‑on, play‑based learning. Educators can borrow specialized resources, activity materials, and tools to enhance their programming.
The Lending Library also includes access to our die‑press machine, available for creating learning aids and classroom materials.
Choose from 2” & 4” letters, and a large variety of cut-outs!
To book an appointment please call (705) 945-8898 ext. 255
Nurturing Algoma
Nurturing Algoma is a district‑wide initiative that supports the healthy development of children aged 0–6 through developmental screening, research, and strong community partnerships.
What the Initiative Does
Led by Algoma Public Health, in collaboration with Queen’s University and SickKids Hospital, Nurturing Algoma helps our region better understand how young children are growing. The program focuses on key developmental areas such as communication, social‑emotional skills, motor development, and early thinking skills.
How Developmental Screening Works
Families are invited to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ‑3 and ASQ‑SE:2)—trusted tools used across Canada to help identify children’s strengths and areas where extra support may be helpful.
With parental consent, results are anonymously added to the Canadian Database of Development, Infancy to Six (CanDDIS), the first national database tracking early childhood development.
What We’re Learning
Early findings show that 1 in 4 children in Algoma may be at risk in at least one developmental area. The most common areas of concern are:
- Social‑emotional development (13.6%)
- Communication (12.4%)
These insights highlight how important early identification and support are for lifelong learning, well‑being, and mental health.
Community Impact
Over the past two years, more than 500 children have been screened at 46 community sites across Algoma. The initiative works closely with local partners, including the Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma Child and Family Network—to coordinate support for families.
Benefits for Families
Participating in Nurturing Algoma helps families:
- Understand their child’s developmental progress
- Identify potential concerns early
- Access resources and supports
- Contribute to research that shapes programs and policies across Canada
Child Care Algoma’s Role
Child Care Algoma is a proud partner in the Nurturing Algoma initiative. To support our families, developmental screening will take place within our childcare programs and EarlyON locations.
Screening results will only be shared with the national database with parental consent. We strongly encourage families to participate in CanDDIS, as the strength of our community data directly influences the supports and services available to children and families across Algoma.
For more information call 705-945-8898 ext. 255
Algoma Public Health - Nurturing Algoma