our facilities
Hester How Early Learning Centre first opened it doors in September 1980. In response to
ever-increasing requests for spaces over the years, in 1992 we moved to our present, expanded location on the ground floor of Toronto City Hall.
Our facility offers more than 10,000 square feet of indoor space all on one level.
There are two beautiful, custom-designed, treed outdoor playgrounds, which are monitored by closed-circuit cameras. In addition, all access to the centre is restricted by a card-controlled security system.
On rainy or blustery days, when outdoor play isn't possible, our children have access to extra indoor spaces for their active play.
The preschool and kindergarten groups have access to Graham Emslie Fitness Centre on the basement level of City Hall, to run, jump, stretch and participate in yoga or active games.
The infant and toddler groups frolic in the centre's gross motor room, equipped with mats for tumbling, and equipment for climbing, sliding and bouncing, as well as balls and push/pull toys.
Hester How Early Learning Centre is easily accessible by public transportation: the Bay Street bus stops at Bay and Albert streets; Union station is a short walk or bus ride South on Bay Street at Front Street; and the Queen Street and Dundas Street subway entrances are across Bay Street inside the Eaton Centre.
If you choose to come by car, you may use our free drop off parking spaces, while dropping off or picking up your child, in front of our Bay Street doors or in the tunnel within City Hall's underground parking garage.
