- What are your hours of operation?
- We are open from 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.
- Do you offer part-time or half-day programs?
- Unfortunately, we don't offer part-time care and currently don't have plans to offer it in the near future.
- What is the age range of the children in your care?
- From 3 months to 5 years old, we welcome little ones until they’re ready to begin school.
- Do you incorporate anti-racist and diversity teachings into your curriculum?
- Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world — and this is reflected in our diverse selection of books, toys and more. At TLC, we celebrate difference and diversity by exposing children to important topics (e.g, skin colour, racism, etc.) via age-appropriate conversations and activities.
- What is the monthly tuition?
- Our pricing is in line with other high-end childcare facilities in Toronto and vary based on the age of your child. TLC does not participate in CWELCC. Please reach out to learn more.
- Do you offer subsidized care?
- We are a privately-owned business and not able to offer subsidized care. TLC also does not participate in CWELCC.
- What are your educators' qualifications
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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.
- What are your methods of discipline?
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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.
- How do you communicate with families, and how often?
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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…
- How can I get more involved?
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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.
- What does security look like at TLC?
- One thing’s for certain: There’s no stranger danger at TLC! Those who aren’t meant to be on campus simply aren’t getting in. All entrance ways are accessed by fob only — each one with differing permissions (e.g., our director’s fob gives her access to all rooms, whereas a parent has access to the front door only). We also have more than 30 cameras throughout the facilities (so that you can see what your kiddo is up to from the office), multiple fire exits (including a ramp to roll babies out in a crib), and a state-of-the-art alarm system. Plus, we’re conveniently located across the street from a fire station.
- If my child is having trouble falling asleep on his/her own, will they be left to cry?
- At TLC, we never leave children to cry. Our caring staff provide little ones with the comfort they need to help them fall asleep (e.g., back rubs, bottle-feeding, cuddles, lullabies, white noise, etc.).
- Can you accomodate food allergies?
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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.
- What plan do you have in place in the event of an anaphylactic reaction?
- Our director meets with families one-on-one to discuss their child’s allergies and come up with an Emergency Response plan together. This plan will be customized to your child’s unique needs, and will include a list of their allergies, detailed instructions on how to treat minor symptoms, and steps to take in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. All TLC staff receive EpiPen refresher training on a bi-annual basis.
- My child is unwell. Do I need to keep them home?
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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.
- What happens if my child is having trouble adapting?
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When a 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.
- My preschooler is not potty-trained. Will this be a problem?
- Not to worry, this is just another part of learning. Our staff will do what we can to help your child achieve this next big milestone. They’ll be wearing ‘big kid’ underpants in no time!
- Does TLC provide meals and snacks?
- Yes! We’ve partnered with the GTA’s “Nutritional Dream Team,” Real Food for Real Kids, to provide littles ones with healthy, nutritious options throughout the day. Your little one will receive a morning and afternoon snack that is loaded with nutrients to keep them going between meals. For lunch, they’ll enjoy a rotating menu that’s been approved by a third-party Registered Dietitian. Snacks and meals are guaranteed to be peanut and tree nut free.
- What kind of food will be served?
- Your children will only be served whole foods with real ingredients. Snacks may include “Super Smoothies” (a blend of yogurt mixed with fruits & veggies), or ‘make your own’ pizza pitas. Lunch will consist of locally sourced proteins paired with whole grains, and a side of fruit and vegetables.
- How long do the children spend outdoors each day?
- At TLC, we aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor time each day. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor activities will be moved inside.
- What sort of physical activities do you offer the children?
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We offer a variety of age-appropriate activities for all children in our care such as physical education, dance, gymnastics, community walks, simple sports, and non-competitive games.