Church of St. Thomas' Children's Day Care Centre of St. Catharines

The Church of St. Thomas' Children's Day Care Centre of St. Catharines is a nonprofit organisation located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. The centre operates as a licensed facility providing supervised care for children from the age of 3 months to 5 years. It is situated within St. Thomas' Parish Hall.

History

The history of child care services at St. Thomas' dates back to the opening of the Briars Nursery in 1952, which initially offered a half-day program for children aged 2.5 to 5 years. However, the current day care facility, St. Thomas' Children's Day Care Centre, was officially established in September 1981 under the vision and determination of Rev. Canon Michael McKinley, the former rector of the Church of St. Thomas'. Initially, the centre operated with extensive hours, but over time, it adjusted its operational schedule to better meet community needs, now running from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Programs and Philosophy

The centre offers programs for toddler and preschool children, providing both full and half-day options. Its philosophy focuses on creating a positive learning environment by encouraging spontaneous and planned activities that enhance the development of essential skills in young children. The centre partners with local organisations such as St. Catharines Preschool Services and Niagara Region to enhance its programming.

Legal Status and Operations

The centre is legally registered as a nonprofit organisation. In recent years, it has participated in the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care program, which has significantly reduced fees for parents, improving accessibility to quality childcare for more families in the community. The organisation's staff includes several Registered Early Childhood Educators, ensuring a high standard of care and education.

Impact

St. Thomas' Day Care has become an integral part of the community in St. Catharines, providing essential care and educational services that support the development of young children. Its long-standing presence and the involvement of multiple generations of families underscore its commitment to fostering a supportive environment for children to grow and learn.

[1] https://www.stthomasdaycare.ca [2] https://gw.micro-acces.com/stthomas/Publique/PagePersonnelle.aspx?SectionId=7&No=1 [3] https://www.parentdirectniagara.ca/listing/110/39 [4] http://www.stthomasdaycare.ca/about-us/our-philosophy [5] https://211ontario.ca/service/65805699/agency/st-thomas-day-care/