About Us

We are a not-for-profit, registered, charitable child care centre licensed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. We have a Purchase of Service Agreement with the City of Toronto, Children’s Services allowing for the inclusion of families approved for subsidy.

Children are enrolled on a first come, first serve basis with priority given to our current families. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of parents. The Board, and its committees (Parent Education, Fundraising), are continually looking for parent involvement to contribute to the life of the Centre and the care and education of our children and families.

We opened in 1983 as a workplace child care facility situated on the grounds of the Sunnybrook campus of Sunnybrook Health Science Centre located at 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto. Director Catherine Prische opened Crèche and oversaw its operation for five years. Hired in 1988, director Carolyn Crum spent the next 15 years establishing our reputation as a professional and family-oriented child care centre and was succeeded by Kathleen McElroy who continued in the footsteps of her predecessors and brought Crèche into the 21st Century.

Antonietta Monaco, our current director, has a rich history with Crèche. Since 1997, she has striven to maintain Sunnybrook Crèche’s high standard of quality childcare for children and families, along side a team of dedicated staff.

We are licensed to accommodate 71 children.

Infants under 18 months

Toddlers: 18 - 30 months

Preschoolers: 3 - 5 years

Our Background

Our Philosophy

All children are valuable members of society and represent our future
Each child is developmentally unique
Each child engages in learning experiences individually and at optimum times
By promoting innovative, high-quality programming in early childhood education, the developmental potential of each child is maximized
Good communication between families, teachers and children is essential for effective early childhood education
A progressive educational/nurturing environment is critical to high-quality child care
By providing developmental programming in a nurturing environment, self-esteem; socialization; empathy; respect for self, others, and the environment; self-discipline; building blocks of knowledge; and independence will be instilled in our children

Our Community

We enjoy a close business and personal relationship with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Twice a week our children visit the Librarian and he prepares an enjoyable literacy program
We are available to the staff at the hospital for parent education and emergency assistance
We are involved in trauma planning and emergency visits for children at the hospital
Our children go for walks through the halls and enjoy the beautiful treed campus
We fundraise by arranging for vendors to show their wares every Monday and Wednesday in the Breezeway (D1); and a November Craft and Gift Show brings fundraising dollars towards enhancement to our programming
Extra-curricular activities we offer the children: French, music, magic, sportball, accordion concerts, plays, field trips, and more.
Our children visit the veterans every week for a stimulating intergenerational program

Points of Interest

Many of our staff have been with us since the mid-to-late 1980’s and the majority of staff have earned a diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education.
Our Fundraising committee works hard to organize activities that raise between $3,000-$4,000 annually for Crèche to enhance activities for the children.
Since 1993, Crèche has raised over $55,000 for the Terry Fox Charity by organizing a parent and child walk around the Sunnybrook campus grounds.
At Crèche we celebrate cultural diversity.
Our Parent Education Committee plans evening workshops organized around our parents’ wishes, topics and times.

testimonials

When asked "Why do you like Crèche?"

What parents junior preschoolers senior preschoolers said:

"I like playing with my friends"

Jr. Pre-schooler

"I like the books and the sofa in our class"

Jr. Pre-schooler

"My son had a wonderful year. Thank you very much. Never underestimate the influence you have had on his life."

Parent

"I like the dolly centre. I have fun dressing up"

Jr. Pre-schooler

"I like to see the whole room and my teachers in the whole classroom"

Sr. Pre-schooler

"I like the flowers, snack, toys and dogs and stuffed toys"

Sr. Pre-schooler

"Our son, and now our daughter, are happy, social children thanks to all the love and guidance the Crèche gives."

Parent

"I like playing on the climber with my friends"

Sr. Pre-schooler