Business Details
40 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in York Region
Founded in 1986, York Professional Care & Education has been a trusted leader in innovative childcare and outdoor learning for over 35 years. Our mission centers on nurturing children's potential through nature-based education, inclusive environments, and collaborative family relationships. With programs spanning child care centers, home care, camps, and emergency services, we serve York Region and Simcoe County, prioritizing quality care aligned with Ontario's educational philosophies. Our team of experienced educators and board-certified professionals ensures every child thrives through play-based learning, emotional safety, and community engagement.Recognized for our charitable status and strategic partnerships, we foster intergenerational connections and environmental stewardship while maintaining rigorous health and safety standards. As advocates for early childhood development, we combine decades of expertise with continuous professional growth to deliver programs that empower children, educators, and families alike.
Services
Child Care Centers
Home Child Care
Summer Camps
Nature Programs
Emergency Care
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in early childhood education
- Our programs feature 60% outdoor learning time
- Licensed by the Child Care and Early Years Act
- Specialized nature-based curriculum developed since 1986
- Community partnerships with local schools and organizations
Associations and certifications
- Charity Registration
What people say
Nurturing educators
Excellent outdoor programs
Reliable emergency care
Qualified staff
Structured summer camps
Services
Child Care Centers
Licensed child care centers serving infants to 12-year-olds with structured programs based on Ontario's 'How Does Learning Happen' pedagogy. Our educators maintain strict staff-to-child ratios (1:3 for infants, 1:8 for preschoolers) while fostering development through nature exploration, creative play, and social interaction. All centers operate Monday-Friday 7am-6pm with nutritious meals and snacks provided.
Home Child Care
Approved home-based childcare programs with trained providers offering personalized care in family-like settings. Each provider undergoes rigorous screening, first aid training, and regular safety inspections. Services include backup care options, liability insurance, and equipment loans while maintaining compliance with provincial childcare regulations and safety standards.
Summer Camps
Adventure and leadership camps operating July-August with transportation options from multiple locations. Programs combine outdoor education with recreational activities like canoeing, archery, and nature exploration for children aged 4-16. Includes day camp options, sleepover programs, and specialized excursions while maintaining 1:15 staff-to-child ratios for school-age participants.
Nature Programs
Curriculum-integrated outdoor education programs available year-round for all age groups. Children engage in environmental stewardship activities, sensory exploration, and physical development through structured outdoor play. Programs emphasize risk assessment skills, ecological awareness, and seasonal learning experiences while ensuring 60% of daily activities occur in natural environments.
Emergency Care
Licensed emergency childcare services for unexpected care disruptions in York Region and Simcoe County. Available for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years with immediate placement when space permits. Services require pre-registered documentation and operate during standard childcare hours with qualified staff maintaining regulated care standards.
People
Shirley Black
CEO
Shirley Black leads York Professional Care & Education with over 20 years of childcare leadership experience. She has modernized programs while maintaining quality standards since 2013, emphasizing outdoor education and educator development. Her vision prioritizes child-centered learning and community partnerships.
Lesley Loveless
President
Lesley Loveless holds a Bachelor of Education degree and has taught kindergarten through grade 1 for 28 years. As board president since 2015, she ensures organizational goals align with educational best practices and community needs.
Heather Boccia
Secretary
Heather Boccia brings 25+ years of nonprofit finance leadership to the board. A certified accountant with charity finance expertise, she oversees financial stewardship while serving as treasurer for other community organizations.
Nicole Murphy
Treasurer
Nicole Murphy contributes extensive nonprofit financial management experience from her 20-year career at Pickering College. As treasurer, she ensures fiscal responsibility while leveraging her background as both board member and former parent participant.
Michael J. Pearson
Board Member
Michael Pearson combines classroom teaching experience with childcare leadership insights. A former educator at YPCE, he now contributes bilingual (French/English) perspectives and educational policy expertise to the board's strategic direction.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
Child care centers operate Monday-Friday 7am-6pm. Before/after school programs align with local school schedules.
Do you offer emergency childcare?
Yes, we provide temporary care when space is available with pre-registered documentation.
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 6 weeks to 16 years across our various programs.
Are meals provided?
Morning and afternoon snacks are included. School-age children bring nut-free lunches on non-school days.
Can I tour your facilities?
Yes, contact us to schedule in-person or virtual tours of our licensed locations.
Is toilet training required?
We support toilet training with consistency between home and staff. Parents provide necessary supplies.
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