Jennifer Pritchard in Toronto daycare openings, reviews and ratings

Daycare description / philosophy

Established in 2003, my privately owned program raises the bar in home-based child care with just 3 children per day and a concrete philosophy that informs practice and programming. Framed by Alfred Adler's principles of child guidance, my work with infants and toddlers helps them to become caring, co-operative and confident little people.
As an educated home-based child care practitioner, I believe my ultimate task is to promote the early learning and mental health of young citizens in my care. So, I apply the principles in a manner that is sensitive to developmental stage and temperament. Is it a demanding job? You bet, but I'm not in it alone. I take great pride in being one element in a network of individuals and groups working toward this shared goal.
With a background in social services for families and as a parent myself I know the complexities of raising young children in today's world. Therefore, within a climate of mutual respect and partnership, I strive to provide an intimate and informative first care experience for busy working parents.
As my program is uniquely designed to support infants into their toddler years, it is best your child is between 10 and 13 months old when he or she enters my care.
Because infants and toddlers thrive on structure, I offer a predictable schedule of community and in-home activities. Part-time and later morning drop-off options allow for extra family time while baby is still small.
With team-work and safety in mind, the children and I venture out mornings for fun with friends and neighbours. Located in Little Portugal, my program benefits from a community rich in opportunity to play and learn:

o Ontario Early Years Cenres @ Shaw and St. Helens School
o Trinity Bellwoods Recreation Centre
o College/Shaw and Sanderson Public Libraries
o Dufferin Grove and Trinity Bellwoods Parks
o Toronto District School Board Parenting Centres @Givins/Shaw
o St. Christopher House
o Local grocery store and markets

Bright, clean and uncluttered, my space accommodates the free-wheeling nature of under 3's. A true home away from home, each child is reflected in artwork, photos and cubby baskets while homemade snacks and lunches fuel their growing bodies. A supply of books and toys creates situations for the children to make choices and learn about peer interaction.
It sounds crazy but my daughter and I share our home with 3 cats! Patches, Maggie and Newton are flea treated and vaccinated on an annual basis. Having had facilitated exposure to little ones for several years they are highly socialized creatures with a valued place in our family and a unique role to play in my program.