History & Philosophy

HISTORY

• Founded in 1971, Leaside Daycare Centres (LDCC) provided a service for infants that was almost non-existent in Toronto at the time. The original site, in the lower level of a duplex on Laird Drive, provided space for 12 children. Expansion was imperative.
• In 1972, 100 McRae was purchased to provide infant care to 35 children. The residential setting was deliberately chosen and provided an ideal setting for babies, and a pleasant area for their walks.
• The Preschool Division opened in 1975 at 73 Fleming, at the request of parents interested in continuing care beyond age 2^1/2.Again a residential setting was chosen, and space provided for 35 children, aged 2^1/2 to 5.
• In 1984, a group of parents from the Fleming Centre organized a non-profit group and petitioned the Board of Education of East York to provide space for school age daycare in Leaside. Space was provided in Rolph Road for 40 children from kindergarten through grade 4. Rolph Road Daycare Centre, a non-profit organization run by a parent board, employed LDCC to operate and staff the program.
• In October of 1994, after a process of more than a year, LDCC converted to non-profit centres. By way of government program, LDCC was purchased by Rolph Road Daycare. Despite the change, the programming, staff and philosophy of the daycare centres remain intact. Indeed, Rolph Road Daycare is carrying on business as LDCC. All centres are operated to provide community care. Children find similar activities and routines, familiar food, and constant caring techniques as they grow.
• In August of 2003, a new central location was selected and leased for both the McRae and Fleming location. The new location is over 9000 square feet and provides care to over 81 children from infant to aged 5. The new location has an indoor gym and large bright rooms for the children. The new location also provides a JK program.
• In June, 2006 two new rooms on the second floor were leased at the Laird location to allow for the expansion of the centre. It was critical as there was a need in the community and there are a number of infants of siblings required to move into the centre.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

Mission Statement

Rolph Road Daycare and LDCC recognize each child as a human being worthy of respect, and strive to provide the environment tools and experiences required for each child to grow and develop to his/her individual potential.

Environment

We provide a warm, loving, and caring atmosphere in which children learn through play and experiences.

Staff members co-operate to provide harmony throughout the day.

Staff and parents co-operate to provide good communication about what is happening in the home and at the centre. Childcare is a human service and there can be circumstances where there are legitimate differences of opinion. Should this occur, please discuss any such situations privately with the Teacher, Supervisor, or Executive Directors, either by phone, letter, or appointment. We prefer to avoid discussions in front of the child as this can be quite stressful for him/her.

Daily schedules are consistent. Each group's schedule is posted.

Weekly and monthly learning themes are also posted.

TRADITIONS OF ROLPH ROAD AND LEASIDE DAY CARE CENTRES

Annual Production

Each year, we mount a stage production! We aim for something that uses the talents of all of the children equally. And parents are encouraged to get involved. The date fluctuates, depending on other events. We seem to get more professional each year.

Christmas Party

We always have Christmas tea for parents and children. We collect gifts and food. The gifts are donated to local charities, and food to our local fire station for the food bank.

Field Trips

Regular field trips are organized for all children aged 2 and up, and the infants are taken for stroller rides. Children wear the identifying LDCC T-shirts and sweatshirts and our bus has extra seatbelts. All parents need to sign consent forms before trips to allow their child to attend.

Rolph Road Daycare Camp

The camp provides a summer program for school- aged children. Parents must complete camp forms for all children attending through July and August.

Graduation Ceremonies

Pre-School; at the end of June each year the children graduating from Junior Kindergarten receive a school days treasure book to record their years.

School Age: at the annual stage production children graduating from grade 6 receive a silver goblet engraved with their name, and the number of years they have been cared for by the staff of Leaside and Rolph Road Daycare Centres. 

Class Pictures

In the fall, a professional photographer holds photo sessions at each of the centers. You have the option of purchasing your child's package, which includes individual portraits of your child, as well as a "class picture". We let you know the date in advance so you can select the clothing for the picture.