Welcome to Petit Pearson Childcare Centre!
Petit Pearson is a non-profit childcare centre located at Lester B Pearson Elementary School. We are licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and we hold a purchase of Service Contract with Toronto Children’s Services, allowing us to provide subsidized care.
Our guiding principles to achieve our program statement are based on the provincially approved pedagogical approach to child development: How Does Learning Happen (HDLH). It serves as a vision for the future potential of all children and a view to what they should experience each and every day in our care.
Programs
Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten, School Age
Programs
Toddlers (18 months to 30 months)
Class Capacity
15 toddlers
Staffing Ratio
1 educator for every 5 children
Each toddler classroom is supervised by a minimum of two educators, with at least one educator qualified or recognized in accordance with regulatory requirements. All staff members hold valid First Aid and CPR certification and have successfully completed a criminal background check.
Areas of Development
Toddlers learn best through relationships and interactions within small groups. Our toddler classrooms are intentionally structured to support meaningful connections, allowing children to build relationships, develop social understanding, and learn alongside their peers in a nurturing environment.
As toddlers strive for independence, our educators design programs that respect and support each child’s individuality. Key learning outcomes in the toddler program include:
- Language development
- Socialization and peer interaction
- Self-help and emerging independence skills
- Fine motor development and hand–eye coordination
Language development is encouraged throughout the day through intentional conversations with educators, the use of labels, and repetition of emerging vocabulary. These practices support communication skills and help toddlers grow into confident and capable learners.
Music and Movement
Our program includes a physical education and movement component designed for children six years of age and under. This program provides a fun, safe, and non-competitive environment that supports the development of gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and body awareness. Through active play and movement, children are encouraged to develop a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
Storytelling Program
Our toddler program includes a developmentally appropriate storytelling component that supports early language and literacy development. Through daily storytelling experiences, educators use picture books, puppets, songs, props, and interactive storytelling techniques to engage children in meaningful ways.
Storytelling encourages:
- Vocabulary expansion and early communication skills
- Listening and attention skills
- Imagination and creativity
- Emotional expression and understanding
Storytelling activities to meet the developmental stage of each child, encouraging participation through gestures, sounds, repetition, and simple words. Storytelling is integrated naturally into the daily routine, supporting toddlers’ growing curiosity and love for books and stories.
Preschool (2.5 years to 4 years)
Class Capacity
24 Preschoolers
Staffing Ratio
1 educator for every 8 children
Each preschool classroom is supervised by a minimum of two educators, with at least one educator qualified or recognized in accordance with regulatory requirements. All staff members hold valid First Aid and CPR certification and have successfully completed a criminal background check.
Areas of Development
Preschool-aged children actively explore their world by observing, listening, touching, and experimenting as they work to make sense of their surroundings. In our preschool program, educators observe, interact with, and interpret children’s interests to plan meaningful activities and investigations that encourage deeper thinking, curiosity, and discovery.
Our preschool program offers foundational learning experiences in a structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment. The program supports growing autonomy while emphasizing cognitive development, including early number and letter recognition, introduced through hands-on experiences such as puzzles, games, and pre-literacy activities.
The program also provides a strong foundation for developing independence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to integrate new concepts into children’s understanding of the world. Educators intentionally promote cooperation, sharing, and mutual respect. Through consistent routines and responsive guidance, children build confidence and competence in their classroom and are well prepared for the transition to kindergarten.
Reading, Writing, and Early Literacy
Our reading and writing program introduce children to the alphabet while strengthening phonological awareness. The program is grounded in multi-sensory learning principles and incorporates four key learning approaches:
- Visual: recognizing letters and symbols
- Auditory: listening to and identifying letter sounds
- Kinesthetic: forming letters through movement (e.g., sky writing)
- Tactile: exploring letter formation using sensory materials such as sand or textured trays
This program is informed by early childhood research on phonics and phonological awareness and supports early literacy development in a playful, engaging, and age-appropriate manner.
Storytelling Program
Storytelling is an integral part of our preschool curriculum and supports language development, early literacy, imagination, and social-emotional learning. Educators engage children in daily storytelling experiences using picture books, puppets, props, songs, and interactive discussions.
Through storytelling, children are encouraged to:
- Expand vocabulary and expressive language
- Develop listening and comprehension skills
- Express emotions and ideas
- Build imagination and narrative thinking
Storytelling activities are adapted to children’s developmental stages and interests, encouraging participation through conversation, prediction, retelling, and role play. These experiences foster a love of books and storytelling while strengthening foundational literacy skills.
Kindergarten (4 years to 6 years)
Our Kindergarten Program supports four to five-year-old children as they prepare for Grade 1 through a play-based, emergent curriculum that builds confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Class Capacity: 26 children
Ratio: 1 educator for every 13 children
Each class is supported by two educators, with at least one qualified or recognized educator.
Curriculum Highlights
- Early literacy and numeracy
- Science and inquiry-based learning
- Chess & Math for logical thinking and problem-solving
- X-Movement to build strength, balance, and coordination
- Music, arts, drama, and creative play
- French language exposure
- Health, nutrition, and wellness
Our program is integrated into full-time childcare, providing consistency, continuity, and a nurturing environment where children thrive.
School Age (6 years to 12 years)
Our School Age Program offers a safe, active, and engaging environment where children can relax after school, build friendships, and continue learning through play, sports, and exploration.
Class Capacity: 30 children
Ratio: 1 educator for every 15 children
Each group is supported by at least three educators, including two qualified or recognized educators.
Program Highlights
- Homework Help & Academic Support
Dedicated time and guidance for homework, reading, and school projects. - French Language Support
Interactive books, games, and activities that reinforce French learning - Sports & Active Play
Children participate in soccer, Sportball, and other physical activities that promote teamwork, coordination, confidence, and healthy habits. - Teamwork & Social Skills
Group activities that strengthen communication, cooperation, and positive peer relationships. - Leadership & Confidence Building
Team games and group projects that encourage responsibility, problem-solving, and leadership skills. - Creative Expression
Opportunities for arts, drama, imaginative play, and creative thinking. - .Well-Being & Balance
Spaces for active play, social interaction, and quiet time to unwind after a busy school day.
Educational Programs
Petit Pearson Childcare Centre adheres to the Ontario government’s educational program entitled “Comment apprend-on” as well as le JEU.
