Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Childcare Partner in Toronto
Since 1983, Upper Canada Child Care has been dedicated to creating nurturing environments where children thrive through play-based learning and outdoor exploration. Our programs prioritize self-discovery, community connections, and a deep relationship with nature, serving families across Toronto, York Region, and Simcoe County. With a foundation built on trust and safety, we maintain low child-to-educator ratios and emphasize emotional security, fostering resilience and skill development. Our educators are trained professionals who guide children through inquiry-based activities that stimulate creativity and problem-solving. We uphold core values of respect, professionalism, and inclusivity, ensuring every family feels a sense of belonging. As a non-profit organization, we are committed to continuous improvement, evidenced by our annual licensing inspections and a 4.5/5 rating in our 2024-2025 Family Satisfaction Survey.Our forest school and summer camp programs extend learning beyond traditional classrooms, embracing all-weather outdoor play. We collaborate closely with parents to align care with individual family needs while maintaining strict safety protocols for children with allergies. Our leadership team, including CEO Bill Harlow, brings decades of experience in early childhood education, ensuring our practices remain innovative and child-centered. Through transparent communication and community-building initiatives, we strive to be the trusted choice for families seeking quality childcare solutions.
Services
Infant Childcare
Toddler Programs
Preschool Education
Before and After School Care
Summer Camp
Forest School
PA Day Programs
Winter Break Programs
March Break Programs
Allergy Management
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 41 years of experience in licensed childcare programs since 1983
- Our play-based learning model is proven to improve academic outcomes
- We maintain low child-to-educator ratios across all program types
- Our staff includes Registered Early Childhood Educators with specialized training
- We provide year-round outdoor programming in all weather conditions
Associations and certifications
- Ministry of Education
What people say
Best care available
Well equipped staff
Exceptional experience
Enthusiastic educators
Health and safety priority
Services
Infant Childcare Programs
Our infant programs provide personalized, responsive care with a 1:3 educator-to-child ratio. Educators facilitate language development and motor skills through nurturing interactions and age-appropriate activities. Daily routines prioritize sleep, feeding, and outdoor time while maintaining strict allergy protocols.
Forest School
Forest School immerses children in nature through half-day and full-day sessions. Programs develop environmental connections through unstructured play and seasonal exploration. Certified educators guide outdoor learning experiences that promote physical development and ecological awareness for ages 0-8.
Summer Camp
Our summer camps combine structured activities with child-directed play for ages 4-12. Weekly field trips to attractions like Wet n Wild Toronto complement daily outdoor adventures. The program includes extended care from 7 AM-6 PM with specialized themes and pizza days.
Before and After School Programs
These programs offer safe transitions for kindergarten to grade 6 students with 7 AM-6 PM availability. Activities balance structured learning with free play while maintaining 1:13 educator-to-child ratios. Nutritious snacks and allergy-conscious meal policies ensure children's well-being.
Preschool Programs
Preschool programs focus on social-emotional development through group interactions and inquiry-based learning. With 1:8 educator ratios, children engage in literacy, numeracy, and creative arts activities while spending two hours daily outdoors for physical development.
People
Bill Harlow
CEO
Bill Harlow has led Upper Canada Child Care since its founding in 1983, prioritizing child well-being and staff satisfaction. With hands-on experience across all operational aspects, he emphasizes happy educators as the foundation for successful childcare outcomes.
Leisha Johnston
Vice President People and Talent
Leisha Johnston brings specialized HR expertise to her role as Vice President People and Talent. With a background in strategic human resources management, she focuses on creating a positive workplace culture that supports over 90 childcare centers across Ontario.
Ann Macdonald
VP Child Care Programs
Ann Macdonald, a Registered Early Childhood Educator, oversees program quality across all centers. Her career spans decades in early childhood education, emphasizing accessible, high-quality programs that support both children's development and parental workforce participation.
Questions
How do I register for childcare programs?
Submit a registration request through our website and contact the center supervisor. Placement requires confirmed space, submitted documents, and active payment account setup.
Are allergy-friendly meals provided?
We restrict outside foods to protect children with life-threatening allergies. Nutritious, dietician-approved meals are provided daily with special accommodations for vegetarian diets and other dietary needs.
What outdoor programming is available?
All programs include daily outdoor play in all weather conditions. Full-day programs feature approximately two hours outdoors daily, while school-age programs have 30 minutes of outdoor time per day.
How are educators qualified?
Each classroom has Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE) or equivalent professionals with Standard First Aid/CPR certification. Staff participate in ongoing training and specialized development opportunities.
What financial assistance options exist?
Fee subsidies are available through Ontario's childcare assistance programs and the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) initiative, which provides funding for children under 6 years old.
