Creative Preschool of East Toronto celebrates recent opening of new location in the Beach

By JULIA SAWICKI

The Creative Preschool of East Toronto (CPS) has opened a second location in the Beach at the Church of St. Aidan on Queen Street East. 

The non-profit receives funding from the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system. The preschool had its start in 1979, and has been serving Toronto families through embracing creativity and hands-on learning at its first location on the Danforth.

Creative Preschool Director Jennifer Davison has been working alongside other childcare professionals since 2012, and is excited to be opening the doors on the Beach location.

“When we saw this place, we looked down the street and we saw the water. And then we walked into the building and it was newly renovated, and we got excited and thought, OK, this could maybe be our new home,” explained Davison. 

The team was especially appreciative of the close-knit nature of the community, and the emphasis on supporting each other.

“Everyone was so kind and friendly, had children and dogs. It’s such a lively area,” said Davison.

“We’ve had people coming up saying, “Oh do you guys need anything, towels or old toys,’ people are just so lovely and accommodating. It’s wonderful.”

The program is founded on an approach referred to as “Emerging Curriculum,” where activities evolve based on a child’s interests. In 2015 the preschool received the CityKids Inclusion Award honouring above-and-beyond childcare programs that take into consideration the various needs of children, including those with special needs or from marginalized communities.

The walls are covered with various artworks created by the children, including a painting covered in miniature tire marks. Zainobia Gajiyani, a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), Assistant Supervisor and Student supervisor, explained that they couldn’t stop the kids from putting their toy cars in paint. So they turned it into an activity, and made it productive, focused on patterns and creating.

The preschool’s staff works alongside the children, giving them autonomy in a structured environment, helping them shape their interests and ideas.

Creative Preschool meets children at their level, working alongside them and helping them express themselves throughout the day, said Davison. From play areas filled with sensory toys, building blocks, painting stations and just quiet comfy spots, there’s something for everyone. 

“We’re very inclusive and welcoming, and we’ve always prided ourselves on that,” said Davison. “We’re happy to get on board, we’re happy to help. Nothing hinders us, every child should have the same opportunity.” 

“It’s kind of like a second home, or like another family,” said Irene Mcrae, another RECE at the Creative Preschool. “We are the little preschool that could.”

Creative Preschool is now accepting applications online for its preschool and for its summer program for two-and-a-half to six year olds.

For more information, please visit https://creativepreschool.ca/