Our Story

Discover our origins, the passion that drives us, and our ongoing journey. 

This newspaper clipping shows a ribbon-cutting event for the Caledon Parent-Child Centre’s expansion at the Albion-Bolton Community Centre. Present are director Cynthia Warren, Caledon Mayor Emil Kolb, Carolynne Wedgbury from the Peel Board of Education, Garth Turner M.P., and Leanne Flood, chair of the Parent-Child Centre. Children are seen in the foreground, marking this milestone for the community.

BrightStart Caledon Family Centre is a safe space to nourish the hearts and minds of our community’s children and families.

Our journey began in response to a callfrom our community—a call to unite around the needs of our youngest and most vulnerable, to protect and strengthen the family unit.

BrightStart emerged as a cherished and trusted resource. Today, we have become a beacon of security and inclusion: a sanctuary where children, parents and caregivers find support and empowerment in their role, belonging in their community, and a starting point towards a brighter future. 

Imagine a world where families come together with purpose through enriching programs and services designed for their holistic well-being. Our motivation lies here—providing a bright start to build a healthy and strong family foundation, cultivating outcomes that echo in the lives of children and positively ripple throughout an entire community.
 
For decades, we’ve been the cornerstone of support, touching the lives of thousands. We’ve evolved in response to the unique needs of Caledon, being agile to bridge gaps and channel resources where they make the most impact. These milestones form the fabric of our legacy—a testament to our dedication and commitment to helping families flourish.
 
Our pledge is unwavering—to nurture the very essence of childhood, to support the powerful role of parents and caregivers and to nourish families with a sense of community. With the voices of families leading the way, we remain committed in our efforts towards a brighter future for Caledon and beyond.
 
BrightStart Caledon Family Centre, a place where the future of Caledon can thrive and flourish

BrightStart Caledon History

Since 1987, we have supported tens of thousands of children, parents and caregivers, offering access to resources, referrals and early learning programs and workshops. We have grown with our community, increasing our services and supports to meet the needs of the families we serve. In 2024, after a comprehensive rebranding exercise, Caledon Parent-Child Centre became BrightStart Caledon Family Centre. New name, new look but the same great organization serving Caledon children and families.
 
For a closer look at our story and key milestones in our journey through the years, click here.

As we move into our bright future, we proudly rebrand as BrightStart Caledon, continuing our legacy of offering a successful blend of all-age and developmentally specific programs, including those addressing complex needs or barriers. Families can choose from a suite of 20+ unique adult/child early learning programs that best meet their needs and preferences. Join us on this exciting new chapter as BrightStart, where every beginning is bright!

What Parents Say

The commitment of BrightStart Caledon to the family, not just the child’s development, shows a deeper sense of community. Programs offered encourage positive transitions to the school system, social independence and community integration, which assist parents to ensure that their child receives the best possible foundation for success.
- BrightStart Caledon Rural Parent
BrightStart Caledon is very welcoming. I love seeing everyone – from staff to students to volunteers – interact with the families, caregivers and children who attend the Centre.
- BrightStart Caledon Grandparent
We are so thankful for BrightStart Caledon, and the staff and volunteers who make it possible for families like ours to have fun and use our imaginations! The tools, resources, and people available to help us navigate parenthood is invaluable. Thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, compassion, and passion!
- BrightStart Caledon Mom
It’s good to have a place to connect with other moms.
- BrightStart Caledon Mom
It's nice to know your children are safe and having fun while you are sharing your thoughts and feelings with qualified staff and a group of people who know how you feel.
- BrightStart Caledon Parent
I don't know where I would be without the kind of support and non-judgemental acceptance I have found here.
- A “Circle of Support” Parent