Program Statement

Mission

It is our mission to provide a healthy, safe, nurturing, inclusive, and play-based learning environment for the all children in our care.  We facilitate each child’s overall development and hold value in establishing a community for all children to feel safe and welcomed.  Our unique location on the island provides a serene environment away from the “hustle and bustle” of the city.  There’s a whole island for the children to discover, interact with, and explore.  Our children are truly island kids enjoying the island life where the beach is our playground.  Children are provided with freedom for exploration discovery and endless learning opportunities.  We believe in meaningful learning and see teachers and children as co-learners. Our day to day experiences give consideration to the individual needs of all our children.  Emphasis is placed on providing authentic experiences for children to engage children in play, self expression, meaningful exploration and inquiry.  

Program Statement

We welcome and embrace all children and families into our program.  We are committed to supporting children’s overall development and well-being.  Our lake view room is a special place where children learn through, play, inquiry, and exploration. 

Gibraltar Point Day Nursery is a non-profit childcare organization located in the Island Public Natural Science School.  We are licensed with a Purchase of Service Agreement with Toronto Children Services.  Children in our care experience a unique form of travel, to arrive at the childcare centre children and staff travel to the Toronto Island by ferry boat and school bus.

Our nature based emergent curriculum approach is in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s “How does Learning Happen?”, “Think, Feel, Act”and the ELECT.   We offer well balance of indoor and outdoor, active and quiet experiences.  Our nature-based program sets the foundation for “Exploration, Expression, Well-being and Engagement” (How does Learning Happen?).  Our children engage in daily excursions to nearby duck ponds, Franklin Garden, and serene strolls to the nearby beaches. We work in partnership with our families, and community to deliver enrichment programs through shared learning experiences with the Island School and Toronto Island community. 

·       Our program is licensed to serve children 2.5-6 years of age and we operate at 16 children with an adult to child ration of 1-8.

·       Qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators. 

·       Hours of operation are synchronized with the Toronto Island ferry boats seasonal schedules. 

·       Operated by parent Board of Directors and in consultation with the program Supervisor.