February is Black History Month and we're excited to celebrate by spotlighting local influential figures from Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as well as highlighting events happening this month. Black History Month often focuses on The United States, so we...
News
The BridgeWay Bulletin – January 25-February 7, 2026
جنوری 24, 2026
Welcome to The BridgeWay Bulletin!
On this page:
Program Spotlight
Conversations about Mental Health in Black Families
This session creates a safe space for Black parents to engage in courageous conversations about mental health, self-care, and strategies to help children navigate mental health challenges. Together, we will explore cultural and practical steps to foster mental wellness and strengthen family bonds through honest and open dialogue. This program is for parents with children birth to 6 years (older siblings are welcome). Dinner is provided (served at 5:30 PM) and child-minding is available.
PDSB Centre of Black Excellence
315 Bartley Bull Parkway, Brampton, ON (enter through door 3 or 4)
Thursday, February 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Register Here!
Conversations about Mental Health in Black Families is presented by Victoria Bazely, BSW, MEd
A long-time resident of the Peel Region, Victoria brings over 25 years of teaching experience. With a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Education, she combines strong pedagogical expertise with a deep commitment to supporting the well‑being of students and their families. Victoria is a proud mother of three children and an active community member who enjoys running, participating in local organizations, and giving back to the community she calls home.
Infant Programs
Infant Massage
Heart Lake EarlyON: 180 Sandalwood Parkway East, Unit 8C
Tuesdays, February 10-March 10, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Register Here
You and Your Baby
Streetsville EarlyON: 128 Queen Street South, Unit 4
Fridays, February 20-March 27, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Register Here
Growing Family
Turtle Creek EarlyON: 1801 Lakeshore Road West, Unit 101
Mondays, February 23-March 30, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Register Here
Infant Feeding
Streetsville EarlyON: 128 Queen Street South, Unit 4
Tuesday, February 24, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Register Here
Growing Family
Brittany Glen EarlyON: 5632 Tenth Line West, Unit G1
Thursdays, February 26-April 2, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Resgister Here
GRAND-Parenting Program
Supporting your grown kids, loving your grand kids
Discover strategies to navigate your GRAND-Parenting role, expectations, and boundaries with your grown kids while sharing your wisdom and enjoying your time with your grandchildren.
Gore Meadows EarlyON Centre
10100 The Gore Road, Brampton
Mondays, February 2 – March 30, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (in-person)
Thursday, March 26, 2026 (virtual)
No program on February 16 for Family Day
Please email [email protected] or call 905-454-7556 to register.
Child-minding is available (birth–6 years), light refreshments will be served, and handouts will be available in English and Hindi.
Bring BridgeWay Home
How Children are Learning Literacy Skills Through Play
It may not always be obvious, but when children play, they are developing a strong foundation of skills that will help them to one day read and write. Here’s how babies, toddlers and preschoolers are developing early literacy skills through play! Read more >
Community Corner
Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services
Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services offers a wide range of inclusive, community-led support programs for people of all ages and nationalities. Visit polycultural.org to find out more!
Programs and Events
Healthy Families, Happy Kids: A Day of Fun & Learning
Please join Polycultural’s Ma’an Program and the BridgeWay Family Centre in a joyful and enriching day, for Arabic-speaking families, that covers parenting and nutrition topics, fun activities for children, and a shared community lunch.
Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services – Sheridan Centre: 2225 Erin Mills Pkwy, Mississauga, ON
We’re located in the Community Room on the lower level (at the back entrance)
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Register here! Please RSVP by February 2
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
HIPPY is an empirically guided program that supports newcomer, immigrant, and refugee mothers of children aged 3 to 5, and their families, in integrating into their Canadian communities. The program helps mothers prepare their children for success in the Canadian school system while also reducing isolation, decreasing vulnerability, building confidence, and connecting families to essential services and community supports. For more information and to register, email [email protected] or call 905-403-8860 ext. 5230.
Supporting Mothers and Raising Toddlers (SMART)
SMART is a play-based learning program for mothers of children aged 18 to 36 months. It focuses on strengthening parent-child bonds, fostering healthy early childhood development, increasing connections to community resources, and building strong social networks among mothers. For more information and to register, email [email protected] or call 905-403-8860 ext. 5230.
Recent News
The BridgeWay Bulletin – February 8-20, 2026
Welcome to The BridgeWay Bulletin! On this page: Program Spotlight Bring BridgeWay Home Community Corner Program Spotlight February is Black History Month! Black History Month is a chance to celebrate, honour and learn about Black history, culture, and those who have...
The BridgeWay Bulletin – January 11-24, 2026
Welcome to The BridgeWay Bulletin! On this page: Program Spotlight Bring BridgeWay Home Community Corner Program Spotlight GRAND-Parenting Program (Online) Join other grandparents virtually every Thursday evening via Zoom from the comfort of your warm home (starting...
The BridgeWay Bulletin – December, 2025
Welcome to The BridgeWay Bulletin! Upcoming Closures December 12: All sites close at 11:30 AM December 22: Kids Can Cook is not running December 23 - 27: All sites closed December 29: Kids Can Cook is not running December 31: All sites close at 12:00 PM January 1 and...
We’re Hiring! Healthy Start Site Coordinator, Supply
Job Summary The Healthy Start Site Coordinator is responsible for operation of Healthy Start programs and the delivery of high-quality services to the clients. Duties and Responsibilities Purchase food and supplies for snacks/meals within provided budget Prepare food...
Play Ideas
All About Play Dough! Play Dough Activities and Why it’s Beneficial to Children
Play dough has been a favourite toy for generations of children – and it’s easy to see why! Not only is it fun to squish, squeeze and mould, but there are countless ways you can play with this timeless and versatile toy! On this page, you’ll find some simple play...
17 Heartwarming Children’s Books by Indigenous Authors & Illustrators
BridgeWay staff have read and reflected on some children's books by Indigenous authors and/or illustrators. Below is a list of books and what stood out to each staff member as they read through the story on their own or with children and families. We hope you enjoy...
LGBTQ2S+ Books for Children Birth to 6 Years
We’ve put together a list of books celebrating LGBTQ2S+ children and families! These books are perfect for children with queer parents/caregivers to see families like theirs, for children to see themselves and their peers, and for everyone to learn about and celebrate...
7 Children’s Books Celebrating Asian Authors, Stories and Cultures
Picture books are a great way for children to learn about cultures as well as celebrate themselves and their family. These 7 books are written by authors of Asian descent with themes we can all relate to – feeling loved and connected, showing love and of course loving...
Trash to Treasure: 6 Recycled Materials to Add to Your Child’s Play
Learning through play can happen with the simplest materials. Before you recycle your plastic bottles and cardboard boxes, try adding them to your child's play! Objects like these are open-ended, which means there's no limit to what they can become when your child...