Heath and Ferndale Child Care Program was founded in 1975 as Heath Street Day Care, providing care for thirty-five children between the ages of six and nine. Today we offer our well established programs to over 200 children and their families, ages 18 months to 13 years.
Founded in 1975 as Heath Street Day Care.
Our licensed non-profit centre is operated by qualified Educators and Administrators. A voluntary Board of Directors, comprised largely of parents, works collaboratively with the staff to meet the needs of children and their families. We are located in midtown Toronto, Yonge + St Clair area, within Deer Park Jr./Sr. Public School. Visit our Contact page for more information.
Incorporating the provincial pedagogical framework “How Does Learning Happen” and ELECT documents (Early Learning For Every Child Today) to inform our practice, Heath and Ferndale’s focus is on a child’s social emotional, physical, creative and cognitive development. We believe that this process of understanding and supportive learning allows for a smooth transition from one program to another.
We provide a welcoming and professional environment for your child to develop the skills and resources needed for their success.
Our approach encourages children to learn through exploration, play and inquiry.
Our Programs
Learning • Growing • Together
Toddler
18 months – 2.5 years
The most important elements of the Toddler program are allowing for flexibility and development, while meeting the needs of the individual child. The educators engage with each child through various mediums based on a child’s individualized growth and development. Each week educators observe and write down specific interest to enrich and extend their learning experience. Various activities are created each week, which include outdoor play, music, group time, art, drama, science and sensory development. A cooking activity is also planned monthly as well as an enriched weekly language program.
Preschool
2.5 – 4 years
Heath and Ferndale offers and enriched Preschool program which focuses on a child’s development in preparation for Kindergarten. Throughout the day a variety of planned activities are available for your child which include creative art, cognitive development, music and movement, science, and various diverse activities interesting to Preschoolers. Creative programming is provided on a daily basis along with cooking and an enriched language program. Children are encouraged to learn through play and socialization with their peers. During the summer months the Preschools are introduced to the joys of swimming with certified swim instructors once per week. Children are encouraged to splash, kick and blow bubbles at their own pace.
Kindergarten
4 – 6 years
Heath and Ferndale is the third party provider for the Toronto District School Board and offers a balance of structured and unstructured recreational programming for before and after school care. We provide a seamless learning experience as they move from their classroom into our program which include aspects of STEM, Art, Outdoor Play, Drama, Creative Expressions and Music. Children may choose to participate in staff organized or self initiated activities, in which staff actively participate, supporting and assisting your child’s individual development. Our programs nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self. The educators also engage in creating a monthly special interest groups based on the children’s interests.
School Age
6 – 13 years
Heath and Ferndale provides before and after school activities for children who attend Deer Park Jr. Sr. Public School in grades 1 through 6. Educators provide activities which are educational and include their interests, while focusing on educational development. Quality programming offers opportunities for developing leadership skills, promote autonomy and encourage peer relations. Children are encouraged to use critical thinking skills and creativity through interactions with each other and educators. Programming is educationally based, fun and self driven.
Nutrition
Lunch and Snacks
Toddler and Preschool
Heath and Ferndale caters all meals through Real Food For Real Kids, which is an award winning company recognized for excellence, innovation and exceptional commitment to nutrition. For Toddlers and Preschools, a hot nutritious lunch is provided daily as well as a morning and afternoon snack. Various food options are available according to a child’s individual requirements such as allergies and dietary restrictions.
Monthly menus are posted in each of the individual childcare rooms and we encourage parents to visit the Real Food For Real Kids website for nutritional information and great recipes.
Kindergarten and School Age
Kindergarten and School Age children are also provided with snack during the school year and a hot lunch when in our program the full day, such as Professional Activity Days and School Breaks.
During summer camp (in July and August), all meals are provided during the day, including snack and picnic lunches.
Summer Camp
July and August
Our Summer Camp Program includes weekly field trips, community excursions, as well as three hours of instructional and recreational swim per week. The children also participate in other fun activities such as professional Yoga, various guest speakers, outdoor water activities and sports. For school age children, swim instruction, a deep end test and various swimming activities are incorporated.
Regular Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm
We are closed on the following days:
New Year’s Day (January)
Family Day (February)
Good Friday (April)
Easter Monday (April)
Victoria Day (May)
Canada Day (July)
Civic Holiday (August)
Two weeks prior to Labour Day (August)
Labour Day (September)
Thanksgiving Day (October)
Christmas Day (December)
Boxing Day (December)
Open:
Heath and Ferndale will be open during the TDSB school year including the breaks and PA Days (but not including the Statutory Holiday we list). Our Summer Program starts the week after school ends in June, until two weeks prior to when school resumes in September.