EarlyON | Water Street — Daycare & Preschool in Cambridge, Ontario

What parents say

• Courtney Carstens

  Such a welcoming environment! We attended a regular session as well as a baby class and it was so lovely! A very fun and explorative environment for Littles!

• Nilam Savani

  Took my daughter first time today and she had fun there. Lady on the reception was very nice and did the account setup for me and gave me tour of the whole center.

• Jaskawal Sran

  My kids really like this place because there are lots of toys to play with and all the staff members are great. The play area is well organized and clean.

• Gabriela Bhalla

  I have visited several EarlyON centres and have always appreciated the warm, supportive environment they provide for both parents and children. The Water Street location is no exception in terms of cleanliness and the general kindness of most of the staff. However, I have had an ongoing concern that reached a tipping point today. I bring my two children—ages 2 and 3—regularly, and my eldest has sensory-seeking behaviors that require a bit more patience and understanding. We actively work with an occupational therapist to support his development. I often arrive feeling (visibly) exhausted and burned out, as many parents of young children can relate to. At other centres, I have felt supported, with staff offering encouragement or assistance when they notice I’m struggling. Unfortunately, my experience at this location has been quite different. This is the second time we have encountered the same issue here. One staff member, in particular, repeatedly responds to my child with a firm and dismissive “No, thank you”…. Not just once… but over and over. I feel like she says it before I even have a chance to open my mouth to correct my own child. Rather than engaging in a way that acknowledges his needs. While I understand the importance of setting boundaries, and I recognize that my child can be a handful, the approach feels unhelpful and isolating rather than constructive. What makes this especially disheartening is that she has singled out my son, rather than addressing all children equally. Instead of feeling like we are in a welcoming space where both of my children can explore and grow, I find myself constantly on edge, chasing after my son and picking up after him, with little to no support from the person who should be fostering inclusivity and encouragement. Today, I reached my limit, I left in tears feeling unsupported and lonely. Parenting is challenging enough, and when a centre that is meant to provide community and connection instead leaves you feeling alone in your struggle, it defeats the purpose of coming in the first place. I truly hope this location considers how they can better support families with children who have sensory needs, as every child deserves to feel welcomed—and every parent deserves to feel like they are not in this alone.

• Mariam Razvi

  Great free drop-in play with tons of toys that get rotated every few months so kids don't get bored. Staff are very friendly and even come with suggestions to help baby/child develop. Registered classes are great, too - this place is a lifesaver for us on Saturdays to keep the kids entertained