Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care in Bradford, ON
Established in 1990, we are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable childcare and early learning programs. Our four full-service daycare locations and 11 school-based before-and-after school programs in Bradford, Beeton, and Tottenham are licensed by the Ministry of Education. We actively participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program, significantly reducing childcare fees for families. Our team includes a volunteer Board of Directors and experienced management committed to safe, nurturing environments. We maintain partnerships with the Ministry of Education, Simcoe County District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, and the County of Simcoe. Our emergent curriculum, rooted in the Ministry's 'How Does Learning Happen?' framework, emphasizes belonging, well-being, engagement, and expression through play-based learning.Our staff includes Registered Early Childhood Educators, Ontario Certified Teachers, and trained professionals who receive ongoing development opportunities. Facilities feature clean, spacious environments with outdoor play areas and nutritious meals following Canada's Food Guide. We also offer PA Day care, holiday programs, and summer camps for school-aged children.
Services
Full-Day Childcare
Before-and-After School Programs
Summer Camp
PA Day Care
Holiday Programs
Nutrition Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Early Childhood Education
Outdoor Exploration
Special Needs Support
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in early childhood education with licensed programs.
- Our staff includes Registered Early Childhood Educators and Ontario Certified Teachers.
- We follow Ministry of Education-approved play-based learning frameworks for holistic development.
- Our programs participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program for reduced fees.
- We maintain partnerships with local school boards and government agencies for comprehensive support.
Services
Full-Day Childcare
Licensed full-day childcare for infants to preschoolers (0-48 months) with structured play-based learning. Our clean, spacious facilities include outdoor exploration areas and nutritious snacks following Canada's Food Guide. Staffed by Registered Early Childhood Educators and trained assistants.
Before-and-After School Programs
On-site school programs for kindergarten to age 12 at 12 local schools. Includes homework help, indoor/outdoor activities, and special events. Operates from 6:30am until school starts and from dismissal until 6:00pm, following Ministry of Education guidelines.
Summer Camp
Full-day summer camps for school-aged children with themed activities, field trips, and special guests. Available to existing program families first, with community members added if space permits. Follows the same safety and curriculum standards as regular programs.
PA Day Care
Special day programs during school breaks including P.A. days, winter holidays, and March break. Features extended hours (6:30am-6:00pm), themed activities, and field trips while maintaining our commitment to safe, educational environments.
Nutrition Services
Daily nutritious snacks meeting allergy/dietary requirements and Canada's Food Guide. Morning and afternoon snacks provided at daycare locations, with lunches catered by Wholesome Kids Catering. Special dietary needs accommodated across all programs.
People
Kim Cullen
Executive Director
Over 30 years in early childhood education, including 10 years as preschool teacher and 20 years in executive roles. Graduated with honors in Early Childhood Education, leading Bradford Progress since 2012 with expertise in program development and community engagement.
Linda Fresco
Assistant Executive Director
30+ years of early childhood education experience, serving Bradford Progress since 1991. Holds Early Childhood Education diploma with honors and fluency in English/Portuguese. Served as Assistant Director since 2012, overseeing program quality and staff development.
Carrie Field
Program Manager
Registered Early Childhood Educator with 15 years' experience, including 8 years supervisory roles in Simcoe County. Joined Bradford Progress in 2017, promoting to supervisor within a year. Specializes in supporting diverse age groups and program implementation.
Rosie Farah
Financial Administrator
25+ years of finance experience, including 8 years in healthcare administration. Joined Bradford Progress in 2023, bringing financial expertise while maintaining focus on supporting families through efficient program management and budget oversight.
Mary Nigro-Bettencourt
Financial Administrator
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Psychology with HR management certification. Transitioned from assistant teacher to financial administrator in 2019, combining early childhood education understanding with financial expertise for program sustainability.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve infants (0-18 months) through preschoolers (up to 48 months) in daycare, and school-aged children (kindergarten to age 12) in our before-and-after school programs.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide morning and afternoon snacks following Canada's Food Guide. Lunches at daycare locations are catered daily by Wholesome Kids Catering, accommodating most dietary requirements.
What curriculum do you use?
Our emergent curriculum follows the Ministry of Education's 'How Does Learning Happen?' framework, focusing on belonging, well-being, engagement, and expression through play-based learning activities.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our summer camp program accepts school-aged children who have completed junior kindergarten. Registration prioritizes existing families, with community members added if space remains available.
How are fees structured?
Fees follow Simcoe County's standard rates: $25.65/day for full before/after care, $16.95-$18.05/day for partial care, and $48.05/day for special days like PA Days and breaks.
What are your operating hours?
Daycare locations operate 6:30am-6:00pm Monday-Friday. Before/after school programs start at 6:30am until school begins and run from dismissal until 6:00pm daily.
