Delta Family Resource Centre’s Black EarlyON programming provides culturally affirming spaces where Black families with young children can connect, learn, and grow. Grounded in African heritage and values, these programs support early learning while celebrating identity and community.

Black-focused EarlyON programs respond to gaps in mainstream services by offering culturally relevant support that reflects the lived experiences of Black families. Delta’s approach nurtures both children and caregivers—helping families build strong foundations rooted in pride, resilience, and connection.

Mindful Parenting Program for Black Parents and Caregivers (online)

Mindful Parenting Program is a culturally affirming series designed specifically for Black parents and caregivers. This program encourages present-moment awareness in parenting—supporting adults to stay engaged with their children and respond with warmth, compassion, and emotional clarity.

Over the 9 sessions, participants will explore key topics such as:

• The Foundations of Mindful Parenting
• Effective Communication
• Mindful Discipline
• Celebrating Culture and Identity
• Understanding Intergenerational Trauma
• Building Strong Families
• Fostering Healthy Self-Care
• Co-Parenting and Emotional Intelligence
• Advocacy and Social Justice

Nguzo Saba (in-person)

Nguzo Saba (Respect) program is a culturally grounded, Black-focused early learning initiative that introduces children and families to Africentric values, history, and heritage. Rooted in the seven African principles

• Umoja (Unity), 
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith) 

Iroko Numeracy (in-person)

The Iroko Numeracy Program provides a warm and welcoming space for young children and their parents or caregivers to explore early math skills through an Afrocentric lens. Rooted in African culture and values, the program blends learning with play, storytelling, and cultural pride—helping children build confidence with numbers in ways that feel natural and joyful.

The Iroko Numeracy invites families to connect, grow, and learn together. Whether it’s recognizing patterns, building with blocks, or solving simple problems, children engage in hands-on activities that spark curiosity and creativity—while caregivers gain tools to support learning at home.

Literacy Program- Drop In (online)

The Literacy Afrocentric Early Literacy program designed for Black children and their parents or caregivers (ages 4–6). This drop-in program provides a welcoming space for families to engage in early learning activities rooted in Black culture, identity, and community.

Each session includes fun, hands-on activities that support core literacy and developmental skills such as:

• Early language skills
• Writing and storytelling
• Reading and comprehension
• Problem-solving
• Afrocentric learning and cultural connection

Virtual Early Literacy Program – with the reading partnership (online)

The Virtual Early Literacy Program is a 10-week virtual, play-based early literacy program—delivered in collaboration with The Reading Partnership— the program empowers caregivers to teach their children (ages 4–6) how to read. By the end, caregivers gain the tools, confidence, and knowledge to create a positive reading environment at home.

Children build foundational literacy skills, including:

• Recognizing letter names and sounds
• Blending sounds to read (decode) words
• Using sounds to spell (encode) words
• Identifying non-decodable (sight) words
• Reading independently and improving comprehension

Parent Advisory Committee (online)

The Black Parent and Caregiver advisory group meets on a monthly basis to share feedback, ideas, and lived experiences that help shape and improve our EarlyON programs. The purpose of their meetings are to ensure that the voices of Black parents and caregivers are centered in how we plan, deliver, and evaluate services.

More than just advisors, members also act as advocates—supporting other parents in the community and helping to build stronger connections between families and EarlyON programs.