We are located in a storefront on Dundas near Dovercourt. Our space is big and bright, with a large backyard. We also love to go out to the various parks in our neighborhood, including Dufferin Grove Park.
(Our front window display)We are currently expanding and have space for full-time and part-time kids, including some spaces for part day, perfect for JK and SK kids. Read on to hear a bit about our philosophy! Our website is a work in progress, and not very comprehensive yet, but it gives you an idea of what we're about. Please feel free to arrange for a personal visit to see our space, our kids and our loving caregivers in action!
(A home away from home.)Rowanwood provides a gentle transition from the cozy home life to the school years. The feel is homey, but the days are filled with learning! Our caregivers cuddle and hug the kids a lot! They tell the kids "I love you!" There is a warmth that's hard to describe in words on this site, but after having my son at Rowanwood these last 2+ years, I really can see that I lucked into a wonderful experience that's going to provide a foundation for his future in ways I didn't even know I was looking for.
(Future OCAD students...)
As our group is getting older, we've been adding lots more in terms of programming. Activities fill each day, and they are all chosen to develop young minds and bodies. Fine motor skills development, art, creative thinking, dress up and drama, science, sensory development and language are important parts of each day. As well, there's a lot of physical play and gross motor development. Socialization is huge at Rowanwood. We love to teach the kids to interact respectfully, use good manners, cooperate and help out in daily tasks. Imaginative free play isn't forgotten either! Each day allows for a bit of everything!
We have new programming in the coming months, but we're particularly excited about incorporating French into our days. French songs, activities, games and conversation are a great way to introduce a new language in a fun way and get little minds expanding in new ways en francais!
(Simplicity)At Rowanwood, we're not into over-stimulation. Oh, sure, our kids are lively, rowdy and active, but there's a simplicity to everything too. While working on the backyard, I found a small basket of pebbles, and asked the caregiver if they were important. "Sometimes we play with them. The children love it! We count them, line them up... do all kinds of things with them." I chuckled, thinking rocks were kind of lame, but then remembered those hours wiled away as a child looking at clouds or burying my feet in the sand and wiggling my toes, and realized that playing with pebbles is a great way to spend a summer afternoon, just relaxing, talking, thinking, daydreaming, and passing the time without really having to do anything.
(So many toys to spark the imagination.)
Most of our toys are chosen to allow the kids a lot of room to create their own story. These animals (there are a huge variety in this set- from dinosaurs, farm animals, house pets and everything in between) are a favourite of many of the kids, and give lot of chances for them to come up with the most outrageous scenarios. The kids learn so much as they play together, putting words and feelings to the animals' actions.
(The train table- Rowanwood's social hot spot.)
The train table is the most popular play space at our center. There's always a crowd around, and the kids love to make towns, roads, tracks and all kinds of little scenes. Toys from other parts of the center seem to migrate over here, which makes for more fun as the scenes get a little crazier.
This area makes for a great chance to work on things together with lots of socialization and cooperation.
(Our space)
Our space is a little different than what you may picture in a daycare. Our colors are softer, as we've steered away from the bright primary colors so many centers choose. We have a mix of old and new- some antique toys on display mixed with state of the art educational tools. Our handmade moose cabinet greets visitors at the door, and handmade wooden cubbies made by a neighborhood artisan (www.lubodesign.com) are where we store all the toys and hang the coats. We love shopping local whenever we can, and aim to make the space as pretty and unique as we can to reflect the special experience of Rowanwood.
(Our mascot)
This handmade moose cabinet has been my own for almost a decade. Made by a local artist, David Allan March, from reclaimed wood, I bought it at the One of a Kind Show. I loved my moose and proudly had him in my home all this time. As we worked on the daycare, I suddenly knew the moose needed a new home, and donated him to Rowanwood where everyone can enjoy him. I think he's happier too, and who wouldn't be in such a happy fun place!
(So many toys to spark the imagination.)Most of our toys are chosen to allow the kids a lot of room to create their own story. These animals (there are a huge variety in this set- from dinosaurs, farm animals, house pets and everything in between) are a favourite of many of the kids, and give lot of chances for them to come up with the most outrageous scenarios. The kids learn so much as they play together, putting words and feelings to the animals' actions.
(The train table- Rowanwood's social hot spot.)The train table is the most popular play space at our center. There's always a crowd around, and the kids love to make towns, roads, tracks and all kinds of little scenes. Toys from other parts of the center seem to migrate over here, which makes for more fun as the scenes get a little crazier.
This area makes for a great chance to work on things together with lots of socialization and cooperation.
(Our space)Our space is a little different than what you may picture in a daycare. Our colors are softer, as we've steered away from the bright primary colors so many centers choose. We have a mix of old and new- some antique toys on display mixed with state of the art educational tools. Our handmade moose cabinet greets visitors at the door, and handmade wooden cubbies made by a neighborhood artisan (www.lubodesign.com) are where we store all the toys and hang the coats. We love shopping local whenever we can, and aim to make the space as pretty and unique as we can to reflect the special experience of Rowanwood.
(Our mascot)This handmade moose cabinet has been my own for almost a decade. Made by a local artist, David Allan March, from reclaimed wood, I bought it at the One of a Kind Show. I loved my moose and proudly had him in my home all this time. As we worked on the daycare, I suddenly knew the moose needed a new home, and donated him to Rowanwood where everyone can enjoy him. I think he's happier too, and who wouldn't be in such a happy fun place!
(Wholesome meals and snacks)
Provided by Whole Green Kids, we offer snacks and lunches that are often organic and locally sourced. Created by a nutritionist, the meals are healthy, wholesome and kids love them! We can accommodate special diets, have vegan options, and are sensitive about allergy issues. Check out the WGK website for more details about their great food and facility.
Provided by Whole Green Kids, we offer snacks and lunches that are often organic and locally sourced. Created by a nutritionist, the meals are healthy, wholesome and kids love them! We can accommodate special diets, have vegan options, and are sensitive about allergy issues. Check out the WGK website for more details about their great food and facility.
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