Business Details
43 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Toronto & Surrounding Areas
Established in 1983, Upper Canada Child Care has built a legacy of providing high-quality, licensed childcare programs across Toronto, York Region, and Simcoe County. Our approach centers on play-based learning, outdoor exploration, and fostering strong relationships between children, families, and educators. With 90 non-profit centers, we prioritize safety, trust, and professionalism, ensuring each childs well-being and development.Our programsfrom infant care to summer campsare designed to nurture self-confidence, resilience, and academic growth. Led by CEO Bill Harlow, we maintain a commitment to innovation, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement, reflecting our founders vision of creating inclusive, child-centered environments where every child thrives.
Services
Full Day Childcare
Before and After School Programs
Summer Camp
Forest School
Infant Programs
Toddler Preschool
Kindergarten Programs
School Age Programs
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Weve provided licensed childcare programs since 1983 with 90 non-profit centers.
- Our play-based learning model prioritizes outdoor exploration and child-led discovery.
- Low child-to-educator ratios ensure personalized attention and safety.
- We maintain annual licensing inspections and evidence-based program standards.
- Our staff fosters inclusive communities through trauma-informed care and Storypark communication tools.
Associations and certifications
- Ontario Ministry of Education
What people say
Best care there is
Staff well equipped
Exceptional experience
Enthusiasm and kindness
Child-centered programs
Services
Full Day Childcare
Licensed full-day childcare for infants to kindergarten-aged children. Programs operate Monday-Friday from 7 AM-6 PM with flexible scheduling. Low child-to-educator ratios ensure personalized attention. Focuses on play-based learning, social-emotional development, and outdoor exploration to build foundational skills.
Before and After School Programs
Supervised care for school-age children before/after classes. Operates 7 AM-school start and school end-6 PM. Includes outdoor play, homework support, and seasonal activities. Designed to complement school curricula while promoting independence and peer relationships through structured and free play.
Forest School
Outdoor-focused early childhood education for ages 3-8. Combines child-led exploration with nature immersion. Half-day, full-day, and family sessions available. Builds environmental stewardship, physical resilience, and creative problem-solving through unstructured play in natural settings across fall, winter, and spring seasons.
Summer Camp
Seasonal summer programming for children aged 4-12. Balances structured activities with free play from 9 AM-4 PM, with extended care available. Features themed weeks, outdoor adventures, and skill-building workshops. Promotes social growth and physical development through camp traditions and team challenges.
Infant Programs
Specialized care for infants starting at 3 months. Individualized routines for feeding, sleeping, and developmental milestones. Educators use sensory-rich activities to support cognitive and motor skill development. Emphasizes secure attachment through consistent caregiver relationships and nurturing environments.
People
Josie Harlow
Founder
Early childhood education pioneer and Seneca Alumni Award winner who established Fenside Children's Centre in 1983. Her vision for quality childcare created the foundation for UCCC's 90-center network. Advocates for play-based learning and nature immersion.
Bill Harlow
CEO
Second-generation leader continuing his parents' legacy. Oversees strategic direction for 90 childcare centers while maintaining commitment to community well-being. Focuses on staff development, program innovation, and expanding access to quality childcare across Ontario.
Questions
What childcare programs do you offer?
We provide full-day childcare, before/after school programs, summer camps, and forest school options for children aged 3 months to 12 years across Toronto, York Region, and Simcoe County.
How do I register my child?
Submit a registration request through our website, contact the center supervisor, and complete required documentation. Space confirmation occurs after submission of all forms and account creation.
Are meals provided?
We provide two nutritious snacks daily. Families must supply lunches for PA days and summer camps. All programs maintain strict allergy protocols including peanut-free requirements.
What safety measures are in place?
Licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education with annual inspections. We maintain low child-to-educator ratios, secure facilities, and comprehensive health protocols to ensure child safety and well-being.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Fee subsidy programs are available based on eligibility criteria through Toronto, York Region, and Simcoe County social services departments.
What is your educational philosophy?
Our play-based learning model emphasizes self-discovery, outdoor exploration, and relationship-building. Educators use inquiry-based methods aligned with Ontario's Four Foundations of Learning to support holistic child development.
Reviews (3)
Kind Humble
Sep 19, 2021
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This review is specifically for summer camp 2021 @Maple(Vaughan). Kids spent most of their day on the school ground with minimum supervision and barely any organized activity. Younger kids were bullied by older ones. It was just an extended day care and by no means run as a summer camp. You could see absolute lack of enthusiasm in camp supervisors. My child did not even get a hello on the first day, let alone a warm welcome.
Pr Anderson
Jun 02, 2020
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My children went to their centres and so did my sisters kids. Excellent!!!!! Professional staff who have to meet high expectations to work there. They are always being trained and taking workshops. Super clean facilities, the menus have a high range of food. My child had severe a Ali allergies and they were able to ensure she was ALWAYS safe. It was a huge relief for me as a mom to not have to worry about her every day. The only negative I would give them is the Supervisor they brought in from another centre to replace the one who left was very young, immature and not the right fit for this
Elizabeth Esther
Jun 08, 2019
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Staff pour their hearts into the children, but the upper management treat the staff poorly resulting in high turn over. Your kids meet people they love, only to have them leave due to poor management. The inconsistency can be rough kiddos. It's sad.
