Our staff is just the right ratio of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), Early Childhood Assistants (ECAs), specialists and assistants. All teaching staff is trained in TLC’s Whole Child Approach Curriculum and in early childhood behaviour. We also provide ongoing professional development opportunities.

Moreover, everyone is required to undergo First Aid certification, which includes hands-on training in CPR, EpiPen use, and techniques for responding to a variety of emergency situations.

First things first, let’s look at the origins of this historically misunderstood term. The word “discipline” comes from the Latin word, disciplina, which means “to instruct or teach” — not to punish.

With this in mind, our staff and educators use more challenging moments as learning opportunities. We work through each issue in a kind, patient and caring way, and we never use discipline methods that will undermine a child’s self-worth. “Bad” is a bad word in our classrooms. So even the most challenging child is met with connection, positive reinforcement, and a whole lot of TLC.

A final thought: emotional intelligence is part of TLC’s curriculum, and is often taught through modelling. This includes how we handle more difficult behaviours or incidents.

We believe in open communication with families, which is why we make daily contact via a specialized mobile app. We use the app to keep families informed with frequent updates, real-time photos, and stories about each child.

In that same manner, our staff will always take the time to greet and chat with families in the mornings, and will be more than happy to talk about a child’s day at pick-up time.

In a big city like Toronto, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover you’ve finally found your village — at TLC, where everybody knows your name…

One of our mottos is “parents as partners.” We’d love for you to get involved, which is why we’ve created a number of opportunities for you to do just that. Be sure to ask us about:

• volunteer placements
• program-related, knowledge-building opportunities
• workshops for families
• parent/guardian socials
• tools for families experiencing barriers and challenges

Please note that all volunteers must complete an official background check. Moreover, current COVID-19 restrictions limit in-person placement opportunities.

Babies under 12 months will be placed on their backs* to sleep, as per Health Canada recommendations. For this age group, parents will be asked to provide a sleep sack or sleepwear that is warm enough to be worn on its own. Babies under 18 months will be assigned their own crib, and only light, breathable blankets will be used for those over 12 months. For safety reasons, no crib bumpers or pillows will be allowed in the crib while a baby sleeps. Staff will conduct frequent direct visual checks of each sleeping child to look for signs of distress or unusual behaviours.

Exceptions will be made in cases where a written doctor’s note is provided, or in cases where a baby is accustomed to rolling onto their tummy at home.

Absolutely! TLC offers a nut-free* environment, but we are happy to consider banning other allergens from specific classrooms at a parent’s request. We work with our allergy-aware caterer to ensure that your child’s snacks and meals are free of their particular allergens.

* we do not allow peanuts or tree nuts on the premises.

The unfortunate truth is that your child will likely catch a cold several times throughout the year. While the common cold can be uncomfortable for your child, it has an important job: to build up your child’s immune system.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are adopting strict measures when children show signs of illness. Please refer to our COVID-19 Information & Policies page for more details.

When a baby or small child first begins daycare, it’s not uncommon that they will find the transition difficult. The time it takes for a little one to adapt can range from 1 day to 1 month or more. If your child is finding this change particularly difficult, we will work with both you and your child to figure out what is and isn’t working, and try something new until they feel secure, confident and happy.

Change is hard! But rest assured that your child is in very good hands. Everything we do is with tender loving care.

We offer a variety of age-appropriate activities for all babies and children in our care. Infants will be given ample opportunity to move freely to encourage safe exploration and help in the development of their gross motor skills.

Baby Yoga is enjoyed by infants and toddlers alike — while toddlers and preschoolers will participate in community walks, dance, gymnastic, simple sports, and non-competitive games.

TLC is following strict procedures to ensure everyone’s safety in the midst of this ‘new normal.’ In addition to implementing daily COVID-19 screenings, enhanced food safety practices, and social distancing measures, we have employed a full-time custodian who will be sanitizing behind the scenes to ensure all toys, surfaces, dishware, furniture, etc. are regularly disinfected during these unprecedented times.

All staff and frequent visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

As mandated by Toronto Public Health, all staff will wear a medical mask while inside the premises.