Choosing the right daycare is one of the most important decisions a parent can make—and for families in Toronto, Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside stands out as a top contender. Widely recognized among Leaside’s best daycare centres and praised as one of Toronto’s best childcare centres, this nurturing, full-day program has been enriching children’s lives since 1998. From infants as young as six weeks to children preparing for grade school, Little Tots’ Manor offers a thoughtfully designed, play-based curriculum that supports every stage of early development. With two well-equipped locations in Leaside, a caring team of experienced educators, and a warm, community-focused environment, it’s no wonder this center is often listed among the best daycare centres in Leaside. If you’re searching for the best childcare in Toronto that blends learning, creativity, and care seamlessly—this is a place worth exploring. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this center so exceptional.
About Little Tots’ Manor
Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside has been serving families since 1998, offering a trusted and well-established early learning environment. Founded by Delene Spragge, the center was created with a clear mission: to provide high-quality child care rooted in the philosophy of “Learning through Play.” This approach supports children’s natural curiosity and creativity while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
The center focuses on holistic education, offering individualized programming that supports each child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. With more than two decades of experience, Little Tots’ Manor Child Care is known for maintaining high standards and a nurturing atmosphere that sets it apart from many other providers.
There are two locations in Leaside to meet the needs of different age groups:
- 211 Belsize Drive – for Infant to Junior Preschool age groups
- 376 Balliol Street – for Senior Preschool and Kindergarten programs
This long-standing presence contributes to its recognition as one of Leaside’s best childcare centres and among the best daycare centres in Toronto.
Age Groups and Programs Offered
Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside offers age-specific programs designed to support children through key developmental stages, from infancy through to Kindergarten. Each program maintains a strong focus on safety, engagement, and individual attention.
Infant Program (6 weeks – 18 months)
The Infant Program features an enhanced 2:1 child-to-staff ratio, ensuring each child receives personalized care. Infants enjoy daily neighborhood walks in high-quality strollers, scheduled nap times in comfortable cribs, and care tailored to meet individual dietary and developmental needs.
Toddler Program (18 – 30 months)
This program is divided into Junior and Senior Toddler groups and maintains a 5:1 child-to-staff ratio. Children learn in small group and one-on-one settings, supporting their growing independence and communication skills.
Preschool Program (30 months – 4 years)
The Preschool Program is structured into Junior and Senior groups, with an 8:1 ratio. It focuses on preparing children for Kindergarten through enriched, play-based learning activities.
Kindergarten Program (3 – 6 years)
Offered as full-day care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., this program follows the Ministry of Education’s curriculum. Children benefit from enrichment in music, French, art, gym, and more. A low 1:8 child-to-staff ratio ensures individualized academic and social support.
These structured programs reflect why Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside is considered among the best daycare centres in Leaside and one of Toronto’s best daycare centres for early learning and development.
Curriculum & Learning Approach
The curriculum at Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside is built on the Early Learning for Every Child Today (E.L.E.C.T.) framework, a widely respected guide for early childhood development in Ontario. This approach emphasizes learning through play while supporting each child’s cognitive, physical, language, and socio-emotional growth.
Educators design individualized programming tailored to each child’s needs and interests. Learning activities are responsive, hands-on, and developmentally appropriate, allowing children to explore, ask questions, and build essential skills in a natural and engaging way.
Structured academic enrichment is integrated across all age groups, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten students. Whether it’s developing early literacy, problem-solving, or motor skills, each stage builds a foundation for school readiness and lifelong learning.
This strong, evidence-based curriculum is one of the key reasons why Little Tots’ Manor Child Care is consistently recognized among the best daycare centres in Leaside and included in lists of Toronto’s best childcare centres.
Enrichment Programs
Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside offers a wide range of enrichment programs that support well-rounded development and make learning engaging and meaningful for children of all ages. These programs are designed to complement the core curriculum and are integrated into daily routines.
- Art & Art History: Children explore various artistic tools and techniques and are introduced to renowned artists. Activities include clay work, painting, and sculpture.
- Music: Weekly sessions with a consulting music instructor using real instruments.
- Dance: Bi-weekly lessons in styles like jazz, hip-hop, salsa, and Bollywood, led by a dedicated instructor.
- Mathematics & Problem Solving: Practical numeracy activities like counting, measuring, and patterning in small groups and individual settings.
- French: Introduction to basic French vocabulary and pronunciation, embedded into daily routines.
- Science & Baking: Weekly inquiry-based science experiments and hands-on baking lessons to explore concepts like cause and effect and measurement.
- Mini Athletes & Yoga: Exposure to sports like basketball and hockey, along with guided yoga using the Yogarilla program.
- Phys-Ed: Indoor and outdoor gross motor activities, including access to a local gym.
- Language & Literacy: Focus on early phonics, public speaking, and vocabulary development using tools like Jolly Phonics.
- Borrow-a-Book Program: Weekly home reading program to encourage early literacy and parent involvement.
- Technology: Use of SmartBoards, iPads, and computers in Preschool and Kindergarten classrooms to support visual and tactile learning.
These enrichment offerings help position Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside among the best daycare centres in Leaside and highlight why it’s considered one of Toronto’s best daycare centres for early childhood education.
Nutrition & Meal Program
At Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside, nutrition is a key part of the daily routine. All meals are prepared on-site by experienced in-house chefs who focus on creating healthy, balanced menus. The center offers organic, peanut-free meals and accommodates dietary restrictions with custom options as needed.
Children are provided with breakfast, lunch, and two snacks daily, ensuring they receive the energy and nutrients necessary for a full day of learning and play. Mealtimes are also used to teach social skills and promote healthy eating habits.
In the Senior Preschool and Kindergarten programs, children use glass dishware and metal utensils, and are encouraged to follow table manners, such as using napkins and sitting politely at the table.
The focus on both nutrition and etiquette is one of the reasons families consider Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside among the best daycare centres in Leaside and a strong option for those looking for the best childcare in Leaside.
Facilities and Hours
Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside operates out of two dedicated buildings, each designed to meet the developmental needs of specific age groups:
- 211 Belsize Drive serves Infant to Junior Preschool children
- 376 Balliol Street serves Senior Preschool and Kindergarten children
Both locations are open Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering full-day care to accommodate working families.
The facilities include indoor and outdoor play areas that encourage active movement and exploration. Children also benefit from regular visits to local parks, providing additional outdoor playtime.
As part of its enrichment programming, Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside has access to a nearby gym and visits local bookstores such as Mabel’s Fables, enhancing both physical and literacy development.
These well-structured facilities and extended hours help position the center among the best daycare centres in Leaside and reinforce its standing as one of Toronto’s best childcare centres.
Health & Safety
Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside prioritizes the health and safety of every child in its care. All staff members are required to have Standard First Aid and CPR certification, ensuring they are prepared to respond to medical situations appropriately and promptly.
Additionally, every staff member must complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening as part of the hiring process. This helps ensure a secure environment and reflects the center’s commitment to child safety and well-being.
Both locations maintain a safe, clean, and secure environment, with daily routines and procedures in place to support hygiene, safety, and supervision.
These strict safety standards contribute to the center’s strong reputation as one of the best daycare centres in Leaside and among Toronto’s best childcare centres for families seeking dependable early childhood care.
Staff & Educators
The team at Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside is made up of qualified and experienced professionals dedicated to early childhood education. The staff includes Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs), Certified Ontario Teachers, and Early Childhood Assistants, each bringing specialized skills to support children’s growth and development.
All educators participate in ongoing training and supervision to stay current with best practices in early learning. This ensures that the programming remains effective, responsive, and aligned with developmental standards.
The center’s focus on hiring knowledgeable, caring staff is a key reason why it continues to be recognized as one of the best daycare centres in Leaside and a trusted option for parents looking for the best childcare in Toronto.
Parent Communication & Involvement
Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside maintains strong communication with families to ensure a collaborative and transparent childcare experience. The center uses the HiMama app to provide real-time updates on each child’s daily activities, including meals, naps, photos, and developmental progress.
Parent-teacher interviews are held in January and May, offering opportunities to discuss each child’s growth and learning milestones. In addition, the center hosts monthly birthday celebrations and special visitors, creating a welcoming environment for family engagement.
Parents can also participate in the Family Class Representatives Committee, attend annual general meetings, and take part in workshops featuring guest speakers. The center actively involves families in community and charity events, including diaper drives and fundraising initiatives.
This consistent communication and family involvement are part of what makes the center one of the best daycare centres in Leaside and among the most trusted options for those seeking the best childcare in Toronto.
Community Engagement
Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside places a strong emphasis on building meaningful connections within the local community. One of the center’s signature programs includes bi-weekly visits to the Claremont Retirement Residence, where Senior Preschool and Kindergarten children engage in storytelling, arts and crafts, and conversations with residents.
Children also participate in local outings, including visits to neighborhood parks and Mabel’s Fables bookstore, supporting both physical activity and early literacy.
The center actively takes part in community events such as the Hop-a-Thon for Muscular Dystrophy, the Diaper Drive for the Diaper Bank of Toronto, and Denim Day for Breast Cancer awareness. These activities help children develop social responsibility from an early age.
This strong focus on community involvement is part of what distinguishes the center as one of Leaside’s best childcare centres and supports its reputation among the best daycare centres in Toronto.
Waitlist & Enrollment
Enrollment at Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside is available for full-time positions only. The center welcomes new children on the 1st of every month, depending on availability.
To join the waitlist, families must complete the online registration form and provide full parent and child information. It’s important to click “Add Family Member” during the process to ensure all required details are included. If you do not receive an email confirmation, the registration has not been successfully completed.
For more information about the enrollment process or program availability, families can contact the center directly:
- Email: admissions@littletotsmanor.com or tots@littletotsmanor.com
- Contact: 416-485-5515 (Belsize Drive) or 416-489-5515 (Balliol Street)
- Website
Socials
With high demand and limited spaces, early registration is encouraged. These enrollment practices help maintain the high-quality standards that place the center among the best daycare centres in Leaside and a top choice for families seeking the best childcare in Toronto.
FAQs
- What age groups does Little Tots’ Manor Child Care in Leaside accept?
They accept children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age, divided into Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Kindergarten programs. - How do I join the waitlist?
You can register online by completing the full family information form; confirmation is sent via email once submitted successfully. - Do they provide meals for children?
Yes, in-house chefs prepare breakfast, lunch, and two snacks daily, with organic and peanut-free options. - Do they use any apps for parent communication?
Yes, the HiMama app is used for real-time updates on meals, naps, photos, and development. - Are there any extracurricular or enrichment programs?
Yes, the center offers music, art, dance, science, baking, yoga, sports, and more. - Is the staff trained in first aid and safety?
Yes, all staff are certified in Standard First Aid & CPR and have completed Vulnerable Sector Screening.