OUR PROGRAMS
We treat each child as a unique individual. Our program emphasizes human relationships and individuality, which forms a basis for your child's creative, physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth. We provide care for children from three months of age through six years, in infant, toddler, preschool and kindergarten programs. Within every program at Hester How each child has an educator assigned as their support. Although the educators share responsibilities within a program, your child's support educator will know your child best and be able to plan and guide your child's progression to new levels. Hester How's procedures are well designed and maintained, and ensure a reporting system to families which is consistent, thorough and detailed. Your child's educator will provide you with written documentation of your child's progress and development while he or she is in each program. In addition, if you wish to discuss any concerns, educators are available to schedule time for a private meeting. Young children learn best through play, and Hester How offers a rich variety of activities and play experiences. Indoors, our individual program rooms provide your child with age-appropriate activities and intellectual stimulation. Outdoors, children romp within our two playgrounds. We also use the community in an extension of our facilities. Neighborhood walks, excursions to Toronto Island and local parks and special children's activities on Nathan Phillips Square are all part of your child's education at Hester How.
Enrolment Policies & Priorities
The over-riding objective of the centre, as a non-profit, is to maintain full enrolment in order to meet the economic needs of the centre and its ongoing financial viability. The following determines priority for enrolment at Hester How Early Learning Centre when a space is available:
• A child currently enrolled who is developmentally ready to assume a space in the next developmental group, specifically when the move is from infants to toddlers, from toddlers to preschool, from preschool to kindergarten.
• A child on the Sibling Priority Waiting List (i.e. the sibling of a child currently enrolled, a child who is returning to Hester How, the sibling of a previously enrolled child).
• A child on the City Waiting List (staff and parents, permanent or continuing temporary employment with the City of Toronto or Hester How ELC).
• A child on the Community Waiting List.
On any of the previous mentioned waiting lists consideration is given to:
• The date of application
• The date for which care is required
• The age of the child(ren).
