Day Care

Located in University Settlement’s unique setting on Grange Park, children participate in a wide range of activities, all of which have been adapted to meet strict government COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Our Early Childhood Educators are creative, caring professionals who ensure high quality programming under these restrictions that supports the social, cognitive, creative, emotional and physical needs of each of the infants, toddlers and preschoolers in our care.

University Settlement Day Care is a very special place!

Located in University Settlement’s unique setting on Grange Park, in the heart of downtown Toronto, children participate in a wide range of activities, all of which have been adapted to meet strict government COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Our Early Childhood Educators are creative, caring professionals who ensure high quality programming under these restrictions that supports the social, cognitive, creative, emotional and physical needs of each of the infants, toddlers and preschoolers in our care.

Our exceptional licensed child care program offers a nurturing environment that encourages children’s creativity, self-expression, and respect, while fostering their imagination, curiosity, and intellect. Structured, challenging, and age-appropriate cognitive activities help children understand cause and effect, develop hand-eye coordination, improve literacy, and help develop conceptual thinking and problem solving.

Daily Outdoor Play

Children love our toddler and pre-school outdoor playgrounds that are nestled in Grange Park. With two playgrounds located apart from one another, we can keep each age group separate and so provide more time for outdoor play.

Highly Qualified Staff

Our highly qualified staff ensure that each child receives the support and care he or she needs, while working to help build confidence and independence. Close communication between parents and staff is a vital factor in our success.

Toys and Creative Materials

Every day, children are provided with a variety of age-appropriate creative material and activities, and an assortment of toys to explore and play with.

Delicious and Nutritious Meals and Snacks

Delicious and nutritious meals and snacks are prepared daily on the premises by our dedicated cook, in accordance with the Canada Food Guide. Children receive two snacks and a hot lunch every day. View sample menu (PDF)

Capacity for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool Children

Infants (up to 18 months)

10 infants with 4 teachers

Toddlers (18 months to 2 ½ years)

20 toddlers divided into two groups of 10 with 2 teachers in each group

Pre-school (2 ½ years olds to 4 years)

24 children with 3 teachers

Day Care Rates (2025)

University Settlement Day Care was approved for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System. Our daily rates are as follows:

Infant (Under 18 Months):

  • 2022 Frozen Daily Rates: $97 per day
  • CWELCC Daily Rates (20% of 2022 Frozen Rates): $72.75 per day
  • 2024 CWELCC Daily Rates (52.75% of 2022 Frozen Rates): $45.83 per day
  • 2025 CWELCC Daily Rates (47.25% of 2024 Frozen Rates): $21.65 per day

Toddler (18 Months to 30 Months):

  • 2022 Frozen Daily Rates: $83.50 per day
  • CWELCC Daily Rates (20% of 2022 Frozen Rates): $62.63 per day
  • 2024 CWELCC Daily Rates (52.75% of 2022 Frozen Rates): $39.45 per day
  • 2025 CWELCC Daily Rates (47.25% of 2024 Frozen Rates): $18.64 per day

Preschool (30 Months to 4 Years):

  • 2022 Frozen Daily Rates: $64.40 per day
  • CWELCC Daily Rates (20% of 2022 Frozen Rates): $48.30 per day
  • 2024 CWELCC Daily Rates (52.75% of 2022 Frozen Rates): $30.43 per day
  • 2025 CWELCC Daily Rates (47.25% of 2024 Frozen Rates): $14.38 per day

Agency Membership Required

All parents are required to purchase a yearly University Settlement Membership.

Subsidy Information

You may be eligible for a subsidy. Subsidies are available through Toronto Children’s Services. Please contact them directly at (416) 392-5437 or at http://www.toronto.ca/children/subsidy.htm

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday: 8 am to 5:30 pm. The Centre is closed on statutory holidays and over the December holiday period.

Parent Handbook

View our Parent Handbook (PDF) for more information on policies and procedures.

Registration / Waiting List

If you are interested in adding your name to our waiting list, please fill out our Application Form and email it to daycare.services@universitysettlement.ca. Remember to check in every 6 months to keep your application active.

More Programs for Little Ones

Gabriel’s Journey of Growth and Support

From the father of Gabriel (attendee of our Daycare Program):

“My son Gabriel has been attending daycare at University Settlement for the past 16 months, and my wife and I couldn’t be more pleased with the care he’s received.

Gabriel was born with a series of complex medical issues and continues to be closely monitored by his medical team at SickKids.

Every morning when I drop Gabriel off at University Settlement, I have peace of mind knowing that he is receiving the care and support he needs. The staff has far exceeded our expectations in working with Gabriel.

The University Settlement team, alongside the City of Toronto Children’s Services, developed a personalized physiotherapy plan for Gabriel. He received dedicated one-on-one time with staff focused specifically on gross motor development, particularly helping him learn to walk. When Gabriel transitioned to the toddler room at 20 months, where walking is a part of the daily routine, he soon took his first independent steps. We are deeply grateful to the infant room staff, who worked tirelessly with him, often going the extra mile even after he moved to the toddler room, to practice walking every day.

University Settlement went above and beyond to accommodate Gabriel’s specific needs. The impact on Gabriel’s life is clear, but it has also transformed ours. Knowing that he’s cared for in the exact way he needs—by educators who truly love him and who provide enriching developmental activities—has given us the peace of mind we need as parents. With all the worries and doubts that come with raising a child, just knowing that Gabriel is in a safe, supportive environment makes all the difference. And now that Gabriel’s little sister is starting daycare, we are confident she will receive the same exceptional care and attention.”

Help Us Make A Difference

When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for us to provide exceptional and nurturing child care to help families experiencing financial barriers, ensuring accessibility for all.

Make a donation. Make a difference.