Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Child Care Services in Hamilton
Pumpkin Patch has been a trusted provider of high-quality child care in Hamilton since 1975. As a government-licensed, not-for-profit center governed by a Board of Directors, we operate two facilities on Upper Wentworth Street and Inverness Avenue, offering year-round care for children aged 3 months to 12 years. Our team of qualified Early Childhood Educators prioritizes relationship-building, social skill development, and inclusive learning environments. We implement the exclusive Working With Others Program developed in partnership with the University of Brighton, focusing on creating secure spaces for children of all abilities.Our Christian-based curriculum emphasizes values like respect, acceptance, and community while maintaining rigorous safety standards through police checks, first aid training, and professional development for all staff. We actively involve families through voting membership opportunities and maintain transparent communication channels for parent engagement.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Curriculum
After School Care
Summer Camp
Special Needs Support
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have 50+ years of experience in child care services
- Our staff includes registered Early Childhood Educators with specialized training
- We implement the exclusive Working With Others Program from University of Brighton
- Our Christian environment promotes acceptance and respect for diversity
- We maintain rigorous safety standards with police checks and first aid certifications
Services
Infant Care
Our infant care program serves children 3-18 months with specialized attention to developmental needs. Certified caregivers provide nurturing environments for sensory development, early language skills, and secure attachment formation. Each infant receives personalized care plans aligned with family routines and preferences.
Toddler Programs
Designed for 18-36 month-olds, our toddler programs focus on socialization and motor skill development. Structured activities include creative art, music, and dramatic play while maintaining small group ratios for individual attention and safety.
Preschool Curriculum
Our preschool program prepares 3-5 year-olds for kindergarten through play-based learning. Christian values integrate with literacy, numeracy, and science exploration using the Working With Others framework for relationship-centered development.
After School Care
We provide supervised care for children up to 12 years old before/after school and on PA days. Services include homework support, recreational activities, and escorted transportation to G.L. Armstrong School for JK+ students.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp serves children completing grade 1 through age 12 with weekly themed activities. Campers enjoy field trips, swimming excursions, and structured social opportunities while maintaining flexible enrollment options for working families.
People
Sue Dorotea
Executive Director
Sue Dorotea, RECE, leads Pumpkin Patch as Executive Director with over 25 years of early childhood education experience. She oversees program implementation and maintains regulatory compliance while fostering community partnerships.
Bree Graham
Program Supervisor
Bree Graham, RECE, serves as Program Supervisor, managing daily operations and staff development. With 15+ years at Pumpkin Patch, she specializes in inclusive programming and curriculum design for diverse learners.
Questions
What are Pumpkin Patch's operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We're closed on statutory holidays including New Year's Day, Canada Day, and Christmas.
Do you offer part-time care options?
Yes, part-time options include Tuesdays/Thursdays or Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays. Full-time care requires five days weekly attendance.
What curriculum approaches do you use?
We combine Christian values with the Working With Others Program from University of Brighton, focusing on relationship-building and inclusive learning environments.
Are meals provided?
We provide two daily snacks and catered lunches through Wholesome Kids Catering, meeting all nutritional requirements for enrolled children.
How does summer camp work?
Our summer camp runs for school-age children with flexible weekly enrollment. Campers enjoy field trips, swimming excursions, and structured recreational activities.
What safety measures are in place?
All staff undergo vulnerable sector police checks, maintain current first aid/CPR certifications, and participate in ongoing professional development for child safety.
Reviews (6)
Caitlin Mcdonnell
May 12, 2021
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I personally felt that my daughter regressed once i enrolled her here, i had to speak to the supervisor more than once about the seemingly irritable disposition of her infant room staff specifically (the older staff) towards the children, i thought their practices in regards to consequences were outdated and ill-practiced. Not to mention i walked into the infant room to see my 2 year old lifted by her one hand, air borne by one of the teachers that i initially thought was one of the kinder ones out of the bunch, this was in 2019. Once i spoke to the supervisor she spoke to the teacher and removed
Yamini Singh
Jan 26, 2021
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I highly recommend this daycare as my son feels like home and looks forward to going to his daycare everyday. It just took him two days to transition. The staff is thoughtful, compassionate, creative, multi-cultural and engaging. I am equally in love with the team and the infrastructure.
Divya Hari Pattath
Sep 12, 2020
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My toddler is so excited to go here each morning and he is all smiles upon pick up! A HUGE difference from our other daycare experiences! The staff here is wonderful and huge on communication. We absolutely love Pumpkin Patch!
Natalie Woods
Sep 04, 2019
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What an extraordinary daycare! I have very high expectations and Pumpkin Patch met and exceeded them. The teachers are smart, knowledgeable and caring. I know my child is in excellent hands.
Cameo Quinn
Oct 24, 2018
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Great daycare. The staff are so welcoming, my daughter feels right at home. I love receiving updates on what the class is learning and seeing all the fun and interesting activities the teachers in the infant room plan for them. My older one started going to the school aged program for PA days when our daughter enrolled and he loves attending. He said he would rather go there for the summer over YMCA camps. Great childcare provider.
Lelania Lee
Dec 01, 2017
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My two daughters went there for a few years. They set the bar very high. Everyone is nice and easy to talk to. This daycare left our family with many beautiful memories
