The library is committed to providing information, resources and links that support the healthy development of young children while nurturing a love of reading.
Finding the Right Book
It can be difficult to find the right book for your child, one that matches both their reading level, and interests. Don’t worry though, help is available. NoveList K-8 is a great tool you can use to help select the best books for young readers. You can also ask Library staff for suggestions to find the perfect book for your child.
Print Resources for Parents
Visit the Centennial Library to view the Parenting Collection, located in the Children’s Area. This is a dedicated collection of resources for parents to support each stage of their child’s development.
Online Resources for Parents
Below is a list of quality online resources Library staff has selected to aid parents in a variety of areas including pregnancy, preschoolers, bullying, and child care.
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM)
CAM is the national organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Canada.
Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation
Provides resources on breastfeeding basics.
Health Before Pregnancy
Provides answers to commonly asked questions for people considering becoming parents.
La Leche League Canada
Provides breastfeeding help, learn about breastfeeding and the law, find local support, and connect with other mothers via online forums.
Multiple Births Canada
This organization strives to improve the quality of life for multiple-birth individuals and their families in Canada.
Babies & Toddlers
Attachment Parenting Canada
Provides support and current evidence-based information for parenting choices.
Best Start Resource Centre
This organization provides support for expectant mothers and their young children.
Caring for Kids
The Canadian Pediatric Society provides information about children's health and well-being.
The Period of Purple Crying
Tips on how to soothe a crying baby.
Todaysparent.com
This is the online version of Today's Parent magazine. The website includes blogs, message boards, recipes, and tools (baby namer, ovulation predictor, etc.).
Zero to Three
From baby to big kid, this is a free e-newsletter on how children learn and grow each month from birth to 3 years old.
Preschoolers
About Kids Health
A project of the Hospital for Sick Children, this is an online resource for families looking for information on child development, common health problems, and health care.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
This site describes Ontario's programs and services for children and youth, community and social services, immigration policy and programs, and women's issues.
Middle & Teen Years
Mind Your Mind
Information, resources, and tools for youth and emerging adults who may be struggling and coping with life challenges.
Bullying
Anti-bullying Network
Anti-bullying information for parents and kids that are dealing with bullying.
Kids Help Phone
Kids help phone is Canada’s only national, bilingual, 24-hour, toll-free confidential and anonymous phone and web counseling, referral and information service.
Child Care
Canadian Child Care Federation
CCCF is a member-based organization that focuses on quality early learning and child care.
Finding Quality Child Care
This website provides information for parents looking for quality child care that’s affordable and meets the needs of their families.
General Parenting
Child Welfare League of Canada (CWLC)
CWLC is a national organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and protection of vulnerable young people.
Parents Like Us
An online handbook and guide for parents of a young person with a substance disorder.
Home Schooling
Ontario Curriculum
Here you'll find curriculum documents and exemplars from the Ontario Ministry of Education spanning Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents
A provincial homeschool group that provides support to homeschool families.
Ontario Government Learn at Home
The Ministry of Education's learn at home page has supplementary resources for elementary and secondary students to practice math and literacy skills and learn at home.
Internet Safety
Cybertip!ca
Cybertipa.ca is a website created by the Canadian Centre for Child Protections and is dedicated to the personal safety of all children. Their website has lots of information about internet safety for children and can also be used to report online sexual exploitation of children.
Safekids.com
Blog postings for parents about topics related to safe use of the internet with links to articles and resources.
MediaSmarts
MediaSmarts is a Canadian non-profit organization for digital media and literacy. They work to support adults with information and tools so that they can help children and teens develop the critical thinking skills they need when interacting with the media.
LGBTQ
LGBTQ Parenting Connection
The LGBTQ Parenting Connection is a network of organizations supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer parents, their children, and their communities.
Lesbian.com
The site provides an extensive list of websites that provide parenting and family support, as well as information for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered parents.
Literacy & Learning
Get Ready to Read
Get your child started on the path to successful reading.
The LiteracyCenter.Net
LiteracyCenter.net provides parents and teachers with access to an open and free network to help them find professionally-designed educational materials to share with preschool-age children.
Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers
This site provides strategies, lessons, techniques, and activities to help teach kids who struggle with reading.
TVO Teach Ontario
Find activities for children aged 2 - 5 years, and in Grades 1 to 6 in subject areas of social science, English, French, health, math, science and the arts.
Learning Disabilities
Ability OnLine Support Network
A monitored online community including forums, resources, and fun stuff.
Great Schools: Special Education
An incredibly comprehensive site for learning about different learning challenges.
Ontario Ministry of Education - Special Education
Learn about the rights and responsibilities of students with learning disabilities and schools.
The International Dyslexia Association: Ontario Branch
A website providing information, support, and resources for individuals with dyslexia and those who support them.
Sault Ste. Marie Recreation & Entertainment
Visit these websites for information on local activities for families.