Drop-In and Parenting Centres

Drop-in centres are places where you and your children can meet, play and relax with other children and parents.

The Ontario Early Years Centres
 
The Early Years Centres offers a place for parents and children up to 6 years of age to take part in activities and programs together. There are nearly 150 centres across the city of Toronto.
 
Toll-free phone: 1-866-821-7770
TTY phone: 1-800-387-5559
Fax: 416-325-0613
 
Web site: www.ontarioearlyyears.ca
Address: 477 Mount Pleasant Rd, 3rd Fl, Toronto, ON, M7A 1G1
Location (Intersection): Toronto North (Mount Pleasant Rd-Millwood Rd)
 
Languages of service: English ; French
Eligibility: Parents and caregivers with children birth-6 years * also expecting parents
How to apply: Call above number for information on nearest Ontario Early Years Centre location
Fees: None
Physical access: Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms * tone elevator with lowered buttons * designated parking
 
Service description: Community-based parenting resource centres throughout Ontario, including 22 local lead centres and 100 satellite centres in Toronto * funded by Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Access to other parents, early child development professionals and community resources * early learning and literacy programs, including reading circles, school readiness programs and learning through play

The following are drop-in centres located in the West End of the City:

Fraser School Community Day Care Centre
  
Office phone 416-603-7372
Address Charles G Fraser Public School, 79 Manning Ave, Toronto, ON, M6J 2K6
Location (Intersection) Toronto West (Bathurst St-Queen St W)
 
Hours Mon-Fri 7:30-6 * nursery school program 9-11:30 * part time and half days available
Languages of service English ; Portuguese
Eligibility 18 months-9 years
 
Fees Please call regarding fees
 
Physical access Not wheelchair accessible
 
Service description Licenced child care centre * also nursery school program * summer day camp * temporary or emergency care available * capacity 49

Children's Storefront

Office phone:                (416) 531-8151
Address:                       1079 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 3G8
Location:                      Toronto North (Bathurst St-Dupont St)
Hours:                          Mon-Thu 9:30-3:30, Fri 9:30-2
Language of service:     English
Eligibility:                      Parents, caregivers, family members and children
Physical access:            Not wheelchair accessible * street parking nearby
Service description:       Drop-in * child development information * family brunch 3rd Sunday of the month September-June * clothing exchange *

Hawthorne on Essex Day Care Centre
 
Office phone 416-393-9291 ; 416-393-0953 
Fax 416-393-8519
Address Hawthorne II Alternative Bilingual School, 50 Essex St, Toronto, ON, M6G 1T3
Location (Intersection) Toronto West (Christie St-Bloor St W)
 
Hours Mon-Fri 7:30-6
Languages of service English ; Greek ; Italian ; Portuguese ; Turkish
Eligibility 2-1/2 - 12 years
 
Fees Please call regarding fees
 
Physical access Wheelchair accessible building
 
Service description Licenced child care centre * serves mainly Hawthorne II Alternative Bilingual School and Essex Junior Public School * capacity 89

Creating Together Parkdale

Office phone:                (416) 537-1004
Fax:                              (416) 537-8180
E-mail:                          together@look.ca
Address:                       1497 Queen St W, Toronto, Ontario, M6R 1A3
Mail Address:               1576 Queen St W, Box 301, Toronto, Ontario, M6R 1A6      
Location:                      Toronto West (Lansdowne Ave-Queen St W)
Area served:                 Bloor St W-Lake Ontario; Dufferin St-Roncesvalles Ave
Hours:                          Administration -- Mon-Fri 9-4 * closed third and fourth weeks of August * drop-in program -- Mon-Thu 10-3, Fri 10-2
Language of service:     English, French, *on site interpreters available*
Eligibility:                      Parents and caregivers with children birth-6 years living in Parkdale
How to apply:               Walk in to complete membership application form
Fees:                            Free
Physical access:            Wheelchair accessible building including main entrance and barrier free washrooms
Service description:       Family resource centre * parent/caregiver and child drop-in * parent/caregiver workshops * parent relief (members only) * community kitchen * nutrition programs * toy resource library * clothing exchange * daily activities for children * early learning activities for children and families * community information and referral