At Grandview Kids, we believe that strong partnerships create stronger support systems for children, youth, and families. The SmartStart Hub is a province-wide program designed to be the first point of contact for children (birth to 19, or 21 if still in school) with concerns about their development or daily functioning. As a valued partner, you play a crucial role in ensuring that families receive the right support at the right time.
Who SmartStart Hubs serves
SmartStart Hubs support children and youth who may have concerns in one or more of the following areas:
- Mobility and movement
- Daily activities such as feeding or eating
- Communication and understanding others
- Behaviour or social challenges that impact participation in activities
Our approach in Durham Region
- Strengths-based, family-centred care using the About My Child tool to guide conversations with families.
- Streamlined referrals through the Ocean eReferral system and PHIPA-compliant email, ensuring consent is embedded and information flows smoothly.
- Early access to supports, helping families connect with the services they need quickly.
- Supported transitions, ensuring families move confidently between SmartStart Hubs and community services.
How we work with partners
SmartStart Hubs rely on formal partners to build a coordinated, family-centred pathway to services.
- Inflow: Partners can refer families with uncertain service needs to Grandview Kids’ SmartStart Hub through the Ocean eReferral platform.
- Assessment: Grandview Kids completes intake, including the About My Child tool, and keeps the partner informed.
- Outflow: Referrals, consent, and assessments are shared back with the appropriate partner to continue the family’s journey.
This process ensures no family feels lost or unsupported.
Tools for partners
- Ocean eReferral Platform: A secure, digital system for sending and receiving referrals.
- About My Child tool: A strengths-based resource developed by CanChild, used province-wide to explore a child’s strengths, needs, and goals.
- Supported Connections: Each SmartStart Hub has standard formal partners to ensure smooth, supported transitions in and out of the Hub.
Please refer to this page to access our complete list of Frequently Asked Questions about the SmartStart Hub.
