At Courtleigh Place we believe that children learn through play. Through play, children use their imaginations to the fullest and gain skills that will help them grow. We believe that children are entitled to opportunities that support their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development in an environment that supports active learning, independence, and respect for diversity. We recognize that these opportunities occur through children’s daily routines which incorporate a balance of indoor and outdoor play, active play, rest and quiet time. Children’s individual needs are considered and the program is adapted depending on the need of the child. This approach to learning is in accordance with the Ministry of Education, “How Does Learning Happen?” This document was created by the Ministry for the purpose of guiding Licensed Child Care Centres.

We have created warm and natural surroundings at Courtleigh Place so that the children feel safe and comfortable. Children are rich in potential; we encourage children to problem solve independently, thus creating a positive self-image, and a feeling of self-worth and competence. We encourage children to use self-regulation strategies to manage their emotions and behaviors. Strategies can vary from child to child. Some examples of strategies practiced at Courtleigh Place are modelling effective communication, deep breathing, suggesting a quiet space to reflect, expressing feelings through words and aiding the children through conflict resolution skills.

The staff documents the children’s interests and abilities and uses their documentation to plan learning experiences, facilitate and extend child-initiated and adult-supported play. The learning experiences they provide, fosters children’s exploration, meets the children’s natural curiosity and are responsive to their needs which allow the children to succeed physically, intellectually, and socially. Developmental checklists are completed and reviewed with parents on an ongoing basis.

The staff at Courtleigh Place believes in the importance of their profession and value the importance of continual learning. Staff are given opportunities for professional development (i.e., First Aid/CPR training, WHIMS training, workshops related to child care) and receive annual performance reviews. We support staff in continuing their education through the Apprenticeship Program or taking courses to upgrade their skill and knowledge.

Courtleigh Place Child Care Centre is located in an area where a variety of cultures are represented, and these diverse cultures are intertwined in our daily program. We have created a respectful and welcoming place for all families. We enhance the children’s understanding of their own culture and help them develop an appreciation for the diversity and uniqueness of others. We believe that becoming acquainted with and integrating into the surrounding community is another way that children become knowledgeable, tolerant, and social beings.

Parents are the most important people in a child’s life, establishing positive, trusting relations between children, parents and staff are essential in delivering the best quality child care program and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. We provide opportunities to ensure that information sharing takes place between parents and our staff through: daily communication, parent surveys, quarterly newsletters, and family events (i.e., summer BBQ, workshops, annual potluck and such). We welcome parent involvement in all aspect of our program. Our community workshops are held at the Centre and the topics are selected through parent questionnaires. The topics generally focus on parent issues and concerns.

Courtleigh Place Child Care Centre works in partnership with the City of Toronto’s Every Child Belongs (ECB) team.  The ECB team provides services to licensed child care programs for children with extra support needs.  The organization affiliated with Courtleigh Place is called Lumenus Community Services.  Each child care program has access to an ECB Resource Consultation Staff who works with the child care staff and family to develop strategies to support the child.

Finally, we believe that every child and their families should have access to early childhood programs; where children learn to empathize with others, cooperate and share, express their thoughts and feelings, resolve conflicts; and develop self-competence, self-worth and self-regulation skills to help them through life.