Childcare Toronto
Purpose-built childcare centre in Toronto, providing care and education for children aged 6 weeks to school age.
Welcome to Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Toronto
An instant feeling of warmth engulfs you as you step through the front door at Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Toronto. The homely creeks of hardwood floors welcome you under your feet, and the grand ceilings with sunshine pouring in.
This same feeling continues as you meet the educators whose welcoming smile settles your nerves about leaving your little one in a place unknown. The love and passion are evident through each handpicked resource, the thought-out experiences and all the magical moments in between.
Our centre has five separate learning spaces, each with specifically designed features to provide nurturing care and education for children in each age group, from nursery to preschool ages. Easily accessible ramps lead to two spacious outdoor environments, each of which has been architect-designed to cater to the specific physical and developmental needs of the separate age groups.
The natural elements of the outdoor environment guide our centre’s philosophy and practice. Flexible routines allow children to enjoy a range of play in both outdoor and indoor spaces. The natural elements and resources within the outdoor environment provide an inviting area for the children to learn from and interact with the natural spaces around them. Activities and experiences are planned daily to enable children to develop various skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching, and investigating through a play-based learning program.
Indoor environments are flush with natural light and ventilation. The high ceilings, spacious rooms and natural aesthetics create a homely feeling, further encouraging those connections between home and the care environment. The nursery and toddler rooms provide spaces for active exploring and learning and cosy nooks where children can relax, read a book or have that special one-on-one time with an educator. Our Preschool Room is set up to enrich children’s learning across all curricular domains using carefully planned spaces that encourage collaboration, problem-solving, creativity and imagination. Furthermore, the preschool room boasts a well-planned school readiness curriculum encompassing holistic approaches, play-based learning and links between the NSW framework and syllabus.
Located just off Awaba Rd, near the Catalina Motel. Operating hours are 6.30 am – 5.45 pm, Monday to Friday.
At Imagine Early Learning and Childcare Toronto, we believe that childhood is about playing, discovering and believing in dreams. Come and see why we are among the best childcare centres in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Why Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Toronto?
Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Toronto is committed to providing excellence in care and education for young children. Our educational team is highly skilled and qualified in creating meaningful programs for children, including designing aesthetic play spaces to explore and learn freely. Educators maintain quality relationships with children and families to support positive learning and care outcomes during each child’s time at Imagine Early Learning. Educators are transparent in their communication with families to facilitate and further these mutually positive outcomes. They will always endeavour to share ideas, knowledge and resources relevant to your child with you.
Sustainability is a core value within our centre’s philosophy. Educators encourage children and families to practice sustainability in their day-to-day lives. Sustainable practices that promote awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment are embedded within the service. For example, children and educators use rainwater tanks to water the gardens, compost food in composts and worm farms and use the compost to enrich the soil in our garden beds, grow our herbs and vegetables, which we use in the kitchen and recycle items to use for loose-parts and craft activities. Additionally, as much as possible, the centre utilises digital processes to minimise paper use, from sign-in processes for families and staff, to newsletters and family-to-educator communique. The centre has also installed Solar Panels to reduce both its running costs and carbon footprint.
Why Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Toronto?
An instant feeling of warmth engulfs you as you step through the front door. You are welcomed by the homely creeks of hardwood floors under your feet and the grand ceilings with sunshine pouring in.
This same feeling continues as you meet the educators whose welcoming smile settles your nerves of leaving your little one in a place unknown. The love and passion are obvious through each handpicked resource, the thought-out experiences and all the magical moments in between.
Opening hours 6.30am – 5.45pm, Monday to Friday
At Imagine Mayfield, our toddler outdoor space is shaped by the children - what they love, what they’re learning, and how they’re growing 🌿
From racing cars down ramps and exploring small world animals, to painting, sand play, colour mixing and bike riding, every area invites curiosity, creativity, and connection.
It’s all about creating a space that responds to their interests and supports their development in meaningful ways 💛
#ImagineMayfield #earlylearning #imagineearlylearningcentres #LearningThroughPlay #PlayBasedLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation

Through play, big things are happening ✨
At Imagine The Junction, our preschoolers are developing the confidence, creativity, and social skills they’ll carry into school and beyond. Whether they’re building, exploring, imagining or problem-solving, every moment of play is preparing them for the next step. 🧠🧩🌱
#PlayBasedLearning #SchoolReadiness #ImagineTheJunction #PreschoolLife #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyChildhoodEducation

Discover the heart of early learning at Imagine Valentine ✨
Nestled in a tranquil residential location, our indoor and outdoor environments have been carefully curated to reflect a homely atmosphere that encourages calm, purposeful play and meaningful engagement.
If you’re seeking a preschool experience that prioritises relationships, individualised care, and a genuine connection to community, Imagine Valentine offers an ideal foundation for your child’s early years.
#imaginevalentine #imagineelc #imagineearlylearningcentres #earlychildhood

Gathered in our yarning circle 🖤💛❤️
Together we shared an Acknowledgement of Country, sang songs with tapping sticks, and read the Dreamtime story “How the Birds Got Their Colours” — deepening our understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture and connection to Country. 🌿🕊️
Always was, always will be.
#NAIDOCWeek #EarlyLearning #YarningCircle #DreamtimeStories #AboriginalCulture #ImagineELC #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #ImagineMayfield

Tiny hands, big imaginations! ✨
Our preschoolers at Imagine The Junction were full of ideas this morning. Experimenting, creating, pretending and exploring their world with enthusiasm and wonder 🌈
There’s no limit to where their imaginations can take them!
#ImagineTheJunction #imagineelc #imagineearlylearningcentres #earlylearning #children #thejunction

🌿✨ A beautiful morning of outdoor play, curiosity, and connection with our Imagine Mayfield nursery children. 💛
#OutdoorLearning #ImagineMayfield #imagineelc #imagineearlylearning #earlyeducation

A glimpse into the Rosebud Room 🌹
At Imagine The Junction, our Rosebud Room caters for up to 8 children aged 0–2. It’s a calm, nurturing space where babies and toddlers can feel safe, explore at their own pace, and enjoy meaningful moments with their educators 💕
#imaginethejunction #imagineearlylearningcentres #imagineelc #earlylearning #childcare #childcarenewcastle #earlychildhood

A day in the life at Imagine Valentine 💫
Where curiosity leads the way and childhood is celebrated in every moment 🍃
#PlayBasedLearning #ChildhoodJoy
#EarlyLearningAdventures #SpendADayWithUs #ImagineEarlyLearningValentine #ImagineEarlyLearning #imagineelc #imagineearlylearningcentres #valentinepreschool #earlychildhood #earlychildhoodeducation

Testimonials
I love how much our grandson learns each day at school! I enjoy checking out story park and showing. Pictures of himself at school. It’s great to be able to see that he is i. A fabulous are facility.
My Grandson attends this centre. I am regularly on drop off and pick up and I feel 100% comfortable in this service. I love seeing the excitement on his face to attend each day and watching him with his friends when he arrives.
My daughter goes to this center and absolutely loves it! She loves all the children and all of the educators. The only daycare i am truely happy to send her to!
My son Mason has been attending this centre for over 12 months. I love the community feeling it offers and how settled and happy he is to attend each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Toronto, we understand that you may have a lot of questions when considering enrolling your child at our child care centre. Here is a list of some of the questions that parents frequently ask. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
WHAT ARE THE OPERATING HOURS?
Operating hours are 6.30 am – 5.45 pm, Monday to Friday.
WHAT GOVERNMENT REBATES AND BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE TO FAMILIES?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment offered by the Australian Government for which you may be eligible. To find out if you are eligible for CSS visit Services Australia website.
Depending on your personal circumstances, there may also be other government funding available.
WHAT AGES DO IMAGINE EARLY LEARNING & CHILDCARE CENTRES CATER FOR?
At Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Toronto, we cater for Babies (0-18 months) through to 5 years old.
DO YOU PROVIDE MEALS?
The majority of our centre have an on-site cook who prepares healthy nutritious meals which include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Mealtimes at Imagine Early Learning & Childcare are not only to fill hungry tummies but also an opportunity to practice self-help, language and social skills. In other words, meal times are a lot of fun!
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOUR STAFF HOLD?
Our staff hold various qualifications in Early Childhood – ranging from the minimum qualification of Certificate III in Children’s Services to Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. But the most important qualification that our staff hold is not written on any certificate but clearly visible to a trained eye – and that is a true passion and commitment to providing the very best care and education for young children.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SEND MY CHILD TO AN IMAGINE EARLY LEARNING & CHILDCARE CENTRE?
Fees are dependent on things like the number of days in care, the age of your child, and your eligibility for any government subsidies. We recommend that you contact the Centre Director who will be able to provide you with a quote.
WHAT IS PRESCHOOL FEE RELIEF IN LONG DAY CARE?
Starting in 2023, the NSW Government is providing funds to provide fee relief to families with children attending a preschool in a Long Day Care setting. This funding will be for families as a weekly reduction to their gap fee (after the Child Subsidy has been applied). The Preschool Fee relief is for children turning 4 years on or before 1st July 2023. We welcome this initiative from the Government as it recognises Long Day Centres’ critical role in providing a preschool program.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY LOCAL TORONTO CHILD CARE CENTRE?
You can submit an online enquiry via the ‘Contact us’ link.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'CHILD CARE CENTRE' AND PRESCHOOL'?
There is a misconception that ‘Childcare’ is simply providing care for children and that ‘Preschools’ provide an education. The truth is that all Early Childhood Services are assessed against the National Quality Standard (NQS), which has a strong focus on both ‘caring and nurturing’ as well as the learning and educational aspects of the program.
All Imagine Early Learning & Childcare Centres have separate preschool rooms for children aged 3/5 yrs. The preschool programs in these rooms are developed and implemented by Early Childhood Trained Teachers. The advantage to families of having a preschool program run within a ‘Child Care Centre’ or ‘Daycare Centre’ is that it offers families the flexibility of the longer operating hours and choice of days.
WHAT IS EARLY LEARNING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
There is a huge amount of compelling recent research on the first five years of a child’s development and how it affects the rest of their lives. We know that 80 per cent of a child’s brain is developed within the first five years. We also know that children who start ahead stay ahead and keep accelerating beyond their peers.
Over time, it becomes harder to close gaps between children who are excelling and those who are falling behind. That is why it is so important to get it right from the start. To give our children the best possible opportunities for their future, we need to lay the foundations early.
Children start learning from the day they are born. They need a rich range of hands-on play-based experiences and intentional teaching to develop the skills for future success. Therefore, it is paramount for young children to be engaged in high-quality early childhood education programs to lay strong foundations for their future successes.
At Imagine Early Learning and Childcare Toronto, we take in pride in providing environments that support each child to reach their potential.
HOW DO I ENROL AT AN IMAGINE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE?
In the first instance, you need to submit an online waitlist form via our website. The Centre Director will contact you once a suitable position becomes available. They will invite you to visit the centre so that you can meet the educators, view the environment and ask any questions which you may have.
We want to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision. The Director will then provide you with an enrolment pack that contains everything you need to know about the centre, as well as enrolment forms. Once you return the completed forms, further visits can be arranged before your child’s start date. We want to ensure as smooth a transition as possible, so feel free to visit as many times as necessary. Even after your child starts, we will support you every step of the way.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BOOKED DAY FALLS ON A PUBLIC HOLIDAY?
Imagine Toronto, along with many other providers in the sector, closes for public holidays. If your scheduled booked day falls on public holidays, fees will still apply as staff and operating costs still need to be covered. The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) covers up to 42 absence days a year, which includes public holidays. This means that, unless you exceed this quota, you will be eligible for the CCS discount on public holidays.
DO I STILL NEED TO PAY FOR A BOOKED DAY IF MY CHILD IS SICK?
Yes, fees still apply for sick days. The Child Care Subsidy will cover up to 42 absence days a year with no documentation and unlimited sick days if you are able to provide a medical certificate.
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