Huron Play School

About

Huron Playschool Co-operative, located at 383 Huron Street, offers pre-school and after care programs to children aged 2.5-8 years old.

Story

Huron Playschool Co-operative, located in the Annex neighborhood of Toronto, offers enriched morning, afternoon and after-school care programs for children from 2.5 to 8 years old. Playschool picks up children in grades JK to Gr 2 from the nearby Huron St Public School.

Playschool is led by Tracey, our director, and her team of caring, friendly and experienced group of RECE-certified instructors.
In collaboration with parents, Tracey and her instructors, together with parent volunteers, offer sessions where children are encouraged to care for each other and their environment, play cooperatively, develop their independence, and communicate their needs and interests. The pre-school programs are enhanced by regular visits and excursions including a weekly movement and music class in the morning, and visits from science educators, animal handlers and others. Regular field trips include outings to libraries, museums, parks and special events.

Mission

We aim to provide a gentle start to a child’s school years. As a co-operative school, parents and teachers work closely together to help develop each child’s confidence and independence as well as social, intellectual and physical skills.
As a Co-operative Playschool, parents work together with the Director to provide a high quality program. Parents are responsible for everything from maintenance to the budget. Co-operating parents participate in many ways including assisting in the classroom during regularly scheduled "co-op days", provide a snack for the entire class in scheduled rotation, and are asked to take on one administrative duty.
Being a part of a co-operative demands time and energy but the rewards are well worth the investment. The parents at Huron Playschool Co-operative learn from each other, support each other and develop close and lasting friendships. It is a unique experience for children and for parents.
A limited number of non-co-operating positions are available for an additional monthly fee, for families unable to meet the co-working responsibilities.

Products

Huron Playschool Cooperative offers three separate programs - Morning, Afternoon and After School. The Playschool observes the same winter, spring and summer breaks as the Toronto public schools.

***Morning (AM) Program: Full-time registration only (unless spaces remain unfilled by August 15th). Monday-Friday (5 days) 9:00-12 noon. The Morning Program has a maximum of 16 children supervised by one RECE professional teacher assisted by two co-operating parents or caregivers. This program is attended by children between the ages of 2.5 and 4. Early drop off (8:45 a.m.) is available for morning program children for a small additional monthly fee. Sessions follow a loose routine that enables children to familiarize themselves with school life. Each session includes free play and planned activities, a circle-time with music, storytelling and movement activities, a healthy snack and outdoor play in the local park.

***Afternoon Program: Full-time (5 days/week) or part-time (3 days/week or 2 days/week). This program runs from the end of the Morning Program to 3:00 p.m. It offers a longer day for children enrolled in the morning program. The program is supervised by one RECE professional teacher and a second qualified staff member or another parent. There are a maximum of 8 children in this program. This program includes outdoor play in the local park, supervised lunch (children eat lunches from home), a rest period (or naps for those who need it), and planned activities and free play. The program will finish with a group time.

***After School Program: Full-time (5 days/week) or part-time (3 days/week or 2 days/week). This program is for JK/SK, Grade 1 and 2 children. The maximum enrolment is 20. The program is supervised by one RECE professional teacher and either an assistant or a parent. There is an escort from Huron Public school JK/SK and Grade 1 and 2 classes at dismissal (3:30) to Playschool. The program includes outdoor play at a local park, a snack and planned activities. Activities are planned daily, and there are may age appropriate activities and materials children can choose from. Children from the afternoon program who are 3 years old may join this program