Annual Report 2025

From Vision to Action

Photo: Childs Nest 121 and 123

Purpose, Guiding Principles and Core Values

Purpose

Network Child Care Services (Network) partners to provide every advantage for families through the provision of exceptional early learning and development experiences for their children so they all have the same opportunity to thrive and be fulfilled as part of a community of diverse needs.

Guiding Principles

  • All children deserve an equal advantage to thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually because their early experiences and development are so important to them leading happy and productive lives.
  • We respect that families have the most important understanding of and perspective on their children and their requirements.
  • When families don’t have the capacity to provide equal advantage, resources need to be available so that children still have access to them.
  • Evidence-based research should determine what is best for childhood development.
  • Our knowledge and training are always current, which require continuous commitment as there is constant innovation and research-based initiatives.
  • We believe that to act with integrity, we must maintain the following principled values:
    • Accountability
    • Diversity
    • Inclusiveness
    • Equity

Core Values

Network operates and delivers services and programs guided by a shared belief
in core values including:

  • Providing exceptional services to
    children, families, and communities to meet their requirements.
  • Collaborating with families as integral partners in their child’s development, learning and education choices.
  • Dedication of its educators and affiliated home child care providers, and recognizing their professional contribution, continued professional development and commitment in fulfilling Network’s purpose.
  • Promoting mutual respect, diversity, inclusiveness, and equity in all its practices, services, and decision-making processes.
  • Maintaining integrity and dignity in all its services, practices, and operations.
  • Partnering with community organizations as providers of resources and support aids.

Leading with Purpose

  • We have been in operation for over 30 years.
  • Governments, school boards and other social welfare agencies view us as an integral partner in the delivery of child care services.
  • We operate 22 licensed child care centres across Toronto, and we consult 170 home child care programs.
  • Network is regulated by various government agencies. We observe all regulatory requirements, and hire people with the appropriate qualifications to execute our programs.
  • We have the internal expertise to develop programs, as well as collaborating with external professionals so that we are always on the leading edge of early childhood development.
  • We participate in research, advocacy and initiatives that advance early childhood development, as well as sit on various committees for municipal, provincial, federal, and international institutions.

Board President’s and Executive Director’s Report

Strategic progress, and program growth, became the overarching themes in 2025 for Network Child Care Services (Network). Harnessing the gained successes of the previous year, Network continued to revitalize and deliver early years and child care programs to young children and families across the City of Toronto through its Centre-based and Home Child Care Programs.
 
 
 

Bob Monteiro
Board President

Spyros Volonakis
Executive Director

 
 

Letters from the Premier and Mayor

2025 Highlights

Growing with Purpose

Network expanded its reach in 2025 with the opening of Liberty Village Child Care Centre in July. Located in a vibrant and rapidly growing neighbourhood, the new centre reflects our commitment to ensuring families have access to high-quality, inclusive care where they live and work.
 
  • Momentum continued across several development projects, with approvals secured for other future locations including 292 Dundas Street West and a new site within St. Peter Catholic Elementary School. Construction also progressed on the Broadview & Danforth Child Care Centre, positioning Network for continued expansion in 2026.
  • Within school-based programming, the launch of a new Before and After School program at St. Aidan in September further strengthened partnerships with the education sector and supported families with consistent, high-quality care throughout the day.

Strengthening Our Home Child Care Community

The Home Child Care program experienced significant growth in 2025, reinforcing its essential role within Network’s service model. The organization successfully welcomed 52 home child care providers and three consultants from Twinkle Stars Private Home Daycare Services, expanding the program to more than 170 affiliated providers and increasing access to care across the city.
 
  • Community-building events, including the summer Provider Picnics, brought together affiliated providers and their families through shared experiences such as Indigenous dance workshops, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities, helping to strengthen relationships and foster a greater sense of connection across the network.
  • To support this continued growth and enhance operational capacity, renovations to the Home Child Care office added four new offices, creating additional space for staff collaboration and program expansion.

A Roadmap for the Future

A historic milestone in 2025 was the development and launch of Network’s first 5-Year Strategic Plan. Created in partnership with KPMG, the plan was informed through extensive engagement, including surveys and meetings with staff and affiliated home child care providers. Officially launched on April 9, 2025, it establishes five strategic priorities: Structure, Workforce, Partnerships, Technology, and Growth. Providing a clear and actionable framework for the years ahead.
 
  • The plan reflects a shared commitment to strengthening internal systems, supporting the workforce, enhancing collaboration, leveraging technology, and guiding sustainable expansion.

Enriching Children’s Learning Experiences

Network introduced the Nature Connections Project across select centres, including St. Aidan, Bendale, Just Kids, and Dane Avenue. Through the creation of Sensorium gardens and Pollinator Patches in the Spring/Summer of 2025, which featured native plant species, children engaged in meaningful, hands-on learning that supported physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development while deepening their connection to the natural world.
 
  • Music and movement programming continued to play an important role in daily experiences, encouraging expression and engagement. Across all centres, a strong focus on quality assurance ensured that programming remained consistent, safe, and aligned with best practices.
  • Network’s commitment to excellence was reflected in its performance within the City of Toronto’s Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI), where scores consistently exceeded city averages across all age groups. This strong foundation in outdoor and experiential learning also positions Network well to support the City’s evolving AQI priorities, including the expanded integration of outdoor spaces as meaningful extensions of the classroom.

Connecting with Educators

Network continued to foster a strong sense of community through opportunities for learning and connection. Annual Symposiums for staff and affiliated home child care providers were held in November at the Courtyard Marriott, offering professional development, keynote speakers, and opportunities for collaboration.

Governance and Organizational Strength

In 2025, Network continued to strengthen its governance framework through forward-looking leadership and planning. The Board of Directors approved key initiatives including enhanced emergency preparedness planning, succession planning frameworks, and expanded board education. The exploration of educational charity status also reflects a long-term vision to broaden the organization’s impact and mission.
 
  • These efforts ensure that Network remains resilient, responsive, and well-positioned for future growth.

Investing in Innovation and Tools for Success

Throughout 2025, Network continued to invest in technology and digital tools that enhanced both educator experiences and family engagement. Fibre optic internet upgrades were completed across all child care centres, significantly improving connectivity and supporting more efficient day-to-day operations. The introduction of Network email accounts for permanent staff also increased consistency, communication, and accessibility across the organization.
 
  • Additional iPads were introduced across centres to support the use of Storypark, strengthening program documentation, communication with families, and learning experiences for children. Shared music servers were also installed to provide educators with streamlined access to educational content and resources across classrooms, helping to create more dynamic and connected learning environments.
  • Network’s commitment to innovation extended to the Home Child Care program, where affiliated providers received tablets and printers to support a transition toward more seamless, paperless operations.

2025 Enrolment by the Numbers

Enrolment/Attendance Statistical Information

Locations

Annunciation

65 Avonwick Gate,
Toronto ON, M3A 2M8
647-289-8728

Bendale Acres

2920 Lawrence Ave East,
Scarborough ON, M1P 2T8
416-530-0722 ext. 4108

Children's Gallery

292 Dundas St W,
Toronto ON, M5T 1G2
416-530-0722 ext. 4129

Child’s Nest 121

121 Cosburn Avenue,
Toronto ON, M4J 2L1
416-530-0722 ext. 4070

Child’s Nest 123

123 Cosburn Avenue,
Toronto ON, M4J 2L1
416-530-0722 ext. 4077

Dane Avenue

120 Via Bagnato,
Toronto ON, M6A 2S1
416-530-0722 ext. 4044

Group

756 Ossington Avenue,
Toronto ON, M6G 3T7
416-530-0722 ext. 4028

Holy Cross

299A Donlands Avenue,
Toronto ON, M4J 3R7
416-530-0722 ext. 4078

Jubilee

55 Emmett Avenue,
Toronto ON, M6M 2E4
416-530-0722 ext. 4019

Just Kids

1695 Keele Street,
Toronto ON, M6M 3W7
416-530-0722 ext. 4037

Lansing

49 Bogert Avenue,
Toronto ON, M2N 1K4
416-530-0722 ext. 4059

Liberty Village

21 Western Battery Road,
Toronto ON, M6K 3N9
416-530-0722 ext. 4211

Metamorphosis

40 Donlands Avenue,
Toronto ON, M4J 3N6
416-530-0722 ext. 4087

Satellite

720 Ossington Avenue,
Toronto ON, M6G 3T7
416-530-0722 ext. 4032

St Agatha

49 Cathedral Bluffs Drive,
Toronto ON, M1M 2T6
416-320-5807

St Aidan

3521 Finch Avenue East,
Toronto ON, M1W 2S2
416-530-0722 ext. 4092

St Bartholomew

51 Heather Road,
Scarborough ON, M1S 2E2
416-530-0722 ext. 4123

St Gabriel

160 Crow Trail,
Toronto ON, M1B 1Y3
416-530-0722 ext. 4056

St Maria Goretti

21 Kenmark Boulevard,
Toronto ON, M1K 3N8
416-206-8374

St Nicholas

1020 McNicoll Avenue,
Toronto ON, M1W 2J6
416-530-0722 ext.4095

Wade Avenue

544 Lansdowne Avenue,
Toronto ON, M6H 3Y5
416-530-0722 ext. 4052

St Victor

20 Bernadine Street,
Toronto ON, M1P 4M2
647-289-7259

Update from our Pedagogy Specialist, Susan Menchinton

Human Resources

2026 Initiatives

As Network looks ahead to 2026, the organization remains focused on growth, innovation, and strengthening the quality of care and experiences offered to children, families, educators, and providers across the community.

Opening of New Centres and B&A’s

A major milestone for the coming year will be the opening of two new child care centres, Children’s Gallery and St. Peter, along with the launch of three additional Before and After School programs. These expansions will help increase access to high-quality child care and create new opportunities for children to learn, explore, and thrive.

Celebrating our 35th Anniversary

In 2026, Network will also proudly celebrate its 35th anniversary, recognizing more than three decades of service, community impact, and commitment to children and families. This milestone will provide an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s history while looking ahead to the future with purpose and optimism.

Focus on Strategic Plan

Building on the momentum of Network’s first Strategic Plan, the organization will continue advancing and achieving key strategic priorities focused on quality, growth, innovation, and organizational sustainability.

Website Rebrand Continued

Network will also complete an exciting organizational rebrand and website redesign to better reflect its mission and meet the evolving needs of the families and communities it serves. The refreshed brand identity, including an updated logo and modern, user-friendly website, will enhance accessibility, strengthen communication, and create a more seamless and engaging online experience for families, staff, and community partners.

Home Child Care Digital Tools Training

Network will also continue modernizing its Home Child Care program by expanding digital tools and supports for affiliated providers. Following the distribution of tablets, additional training and resources will further support providers in transitioning to more seamless and efficient paperless practices.

Financial Highlights

Revenue

$35,933,395

Grant Revenue       70.1%       $25,203,160

Subsidized Child Care Fees     15.2%     $5,454,553

Child Care Fees     12.8%     $4,614,455

Other Revenue     1.8%     $661,227

Total Revenue: $35,933,395

Expenses

$32,363,417

Salaries & Benefits       56.8%       $18,380,754

Provider & Contractor Fees     23.4%     $7,570,517

Occupancy Costs     7.2%     $2,340,741

Food     4.1%     $1,311,090

Program     3.5%     $1,145,262

Office and Administrative     3.2%     $1,039,336

Amortization     1.8%     $574,717

Total Expenses: $32,362,417

Excess of Revenue Over Expenses for the Year: $1,381,371

Notes: Copies of financial statements audited by KRP LLP Chartered Professional Accountants, may be provided upon request.

Staff Members

A

Nasra Abdi
Bina Adhikary
Humaira Ahmadi
Haali Ahmed
Sanya Ahuja
Jasmine Aitken
Zewditu Akele
Mosa Nazma Akter
Nahida Akter
Syeda Akther
Heyam Al Tarsha
Anushai Alam
Maria Alberga
Chrivel Alexander-Bowen
Lorni Alfaras
Cheridainne Almazan
Isabel Alvarez
Roshne Anthonipillai
Daisy Arenasa
Roshini Arithas
Arineh Armenakpour
Aurea Arredondo
Sangita Aryal

B

Shahairazaad Bacchus
Maria Habibah Baculio
Ericka Divine Bael
Xiaoyu Bai
Kavenie Arian Balbad
Abbegale Baldwin
Mariama Bangura
Padma Banjade
Ana Baptista
Mariam Baroi
Amaneh Barzegari
Thulasimalar Bastiampillai
Shavaughn Bauer
April Bautista
Christiana Bawuah
Taslima Begum
Erane Begum
Celeste Benjamin
Shweta Bhattarai
Yongzhu Bi
Amelia Biswas
Alphine Bondoc
Sandy Botelho
Paulette Brown
Nardia Buchanan
Eloisa Mary Julynn Buenaflor

C

Divina Cabading
Rubina Caldez
Jessica Calouro
Marvic Cantimbuhan
Kyrene Caparas
Jennifer Carter
Kristy Cassar
Maria Castaneda
Charlyn Marie Cerdan
Shreya Chalise
Wing Chan
Yuk-Ying Chan
Chin Yao Chang
Keturah Charles-Rogers
Carla Maria Chavarria
Kangzhen Chen
Yan Lan Chen
Bipna Chhetri
Rashayna Chisholm
Stephanie Chin Yu Chung
Cynthia Clarke
Nelia Cordeiro
Virginia Cuadro
Celine Cummings

D

Reetu Daddar
Barbara De Cicco
Anabela De Melo
Joann De Pano
Merly De Vera
Keisha Delaney
Loretta Delos Angeles
Edna Dioneda
Melany Dogino
Shradha Dotel
Kelli-Ann Duggan
Anita Dukharan
Gregory Duma’s
Thelma Dumaquion
Alloris Oneka Dyer

E

Petall Edwards
Wendy Julieth Elejalde Murillo
Selamawit Estifanos
Maureen Rose Everatt
NNenna Ezeadebor

F

Juecong Fang
Lucky Fardusey
Azita Farsi
Tasneem Fatima
Mei Xia Feng
Anecia Ferguson
Fay Fernandes
Arlene Flores
Danielle Frank
Diane Frias
Amanda Fulton

G

Megan Mae Gallant-Samanica
Dorothy Gomes
Jessa Gonzales
Erin Goundry
Shirnette Green
Juvelyn Grospe
Italia Lisa Guarini

H

Konul Haameli
Teri Harley
Brianca Henry-Witter
Aiko Honda
Fei Fei Huang
Li Xiu Huang

I

Fardoshi Islam

J

Antoinnia Briana James
Samantha James
Nastaran Jami
Jacinth Jaranilla
Anushi Jay
Jie Jiang
Aleena Jose

K

Dimitra Kampyli
Naixin Kang
Lucy Kapocho
Maria Katsigarakis
Manpreet Kaur
Gurveer Kaur
Ridhampreet Kaur
Avinash Kaur
Prabhdeep Kaur
Anupreet Kaur
Arshdeep Kaur
Pawandeep Kaur
Smirtee KC
Shanice Keane
Sakineh Khalilinejad
Kamrun Khan
Ara Rowson Khanam
Laya Khatamian
Selamawit Kidane
Panayiota Kintis
Fatemeh Kouhestanifarouji

L

Yee Yan Yammie Lai
Lai Ching Lam
Shanti Lama
Ditsheen Lama
Prabina Lama
Eunjin Lee
Jia Lee
Doris Lei
Maribel Leon
Jacqueline Levy
Xue Lian Li
Cuiyi Li
Lindita Lika
Min Yan Lin
Yu Sze Lin
Ling Ivy Lin
Wan Chi Liu
Stephanie Llavanes
Irma Joan Lopez-Laggui
Leanne Lowes
Yaqiong Lu
Maria Lychnaki

M

Effie Jane Maclean
Mary Ann Madriaga-Bartolo
Athenna Magno
Min Yu Mai
Christina Michelle Malakovski
Amor Mangubat
Reem Mansour
Luciana Marino
Salette Marques
Monica Martins
Samantha McCormack
Sarah Melo
Michelle Mendoza
Arta Mici
Marzieh Miri
Taeko Mizukami
Hong Mei Mo
Christina Modopoulos
Aneesah Mohamed
Monika Monika
Arminda Joyce Mora
Erika Maria Moreira De Souza
Danielle Morra
Chantal Morris
Mohana Mylvaganam

N

Rovin Nassanga
Manveer Kaur Nehal
Phuong Nghi Nguyen

O

Esther Ibe Oguze
Rosaria Orellana
Angela Oropeza Diaz
Gloria Milena Ortegon
Jane Otero

P

Patricia Pacheco
Sally Medeiros Pacheco
Inthuja Packiarajah
Nicole Pagonis
Dianne Palhinha
Amisha Pandey
Nick Pappas
Sidra Parvez
Riddhiben Patel
Deomattie Persaud
Tien Pham
Nisha Pitroda
Kahseendah Pompey
Rehana Akter Popy
Seyedehsaba Pouya
Diana Powell
Julie Poya-Lama
Leonora Prado

Q

Sayida Binish Qadir
Jennielyn Quilang

R

Sonia Rahman
Syeda Rahman
Mithula Rajagopal
Lucerito Ramirez Castillo
Kayla Raposo
Beauty Ratna
Raveena Ravinthiran
Wilma Regala
Raven Olivia Reid
Hedda Reyes
Monica Richardson
Pina Rinella-Papp
Amber Ritchie
Sekela Rogers
Precious Bels Rumbaua

S

Mahanthasiri Basappa Sajjanar
Francesca Santoro
Nadine Anne Santos
Kriti Sapkota
Shirley Sawyers
Christelle Sayers-Jackson
Aiza Secretaria
Hahyun Seo
Yanje Sherpa
Agata Siczek
Marlene Silva - Armas
Sonia Laurell Simon
Aurelia Simon
Sandhya Singh
Suganya Sithiravadivel
Kerian Smith
Margaret Smith
Lilia Isabela Solis Lozano
Curissa Sookdial
Reign Marie Soriano
Melanie Soriano
Tomislava Stanisic
Vanessa Sterling
Nadia Stirpe-Georgiou
Ai Hua Su
Shuyuan Sun

T

Melanie Jill Tan
Alyssa Tanaka
Jordane Tangalin
Sylvia Taylor
Vasiliki Theocharopoulou
Smriti Timilsina
Glen Rose Toledo
Jianliang Tong
Sangyal Tsogyal
Pamela Tugade

V

Luis Varessis
Nanette Villarba
Alexandra Vivona
Spiridon Volonakis
Effie Vrazalis

W

Anna Leissa Walcott
Andrea Walker
Lei Wan
Chong Wen Wang
Chenyu Wang
Elma Wedderburn
Laura Wice
Hiu Laam Wong
Qing Feng Wu

X

Fang Xiao
Jianling Xie
Lijuan Xue

Y

Fen Yao
Ashee Yaser
Jianyi Ye
Tenzin Yingsel
Hyun Kyung Yoon
Arlene Youngsam

Z

Ishrat Zahan
Anila Zemblaku
Yanfeng Zhou

Affiliated Home Child Care Providers

A

Venus Abbugao
Sahra Abdi
Shamso Abdi
Ambiya Abdullahi Abdi
Khamar Abdinoor
Faiza Abdulkadir
Safia Abdullahi
Saynab Abdullahi
Hamdi Adam
Nessa (Kelly) Agdomar
Fozia Ahmed
Hindo Ahmed
Ijabo Ahmed
Lul Ismael Ahmed
Sahro Ahmed
Anisah Al Qadasi
Fatuma Ali
Halimo Ali
Hawa Ali
Istaahil Ali
Kadija Ali
Nazli Ali
Tahani Ali

B

Safiya Badat
Samim Badat
Ruun Barre
Nimo Nuh Bile
Shaneeza (Yvonne) Buchana
Lul Mohammed Bulle

C

Delmy Canas
Mirna Cardenas
Julia Chavez
Nora Contreras
Maria Cornejo

D

Zahro Daqane
Mariam Darman
Bridget Davidson
Carmen De Melo
Maria DeFreitas
Amina Degel
Seylon Dirie
Teresa Domingos
Maria Dominguez
Asha Dualeh

E

Jamila Eed
Fadumo Hussein Elmi
Suad Elmi
Muna Essa
Senait Estifanos Jebib
Rita Evans Sealy

F

Abshira Ahmed Farah
Halima Farah
Hawa Farah
Zahra Farah

G

Ikran Gedi
Maryan Geedi
Selam Ghebrenegus
Emilda Gonzalez
Habiba Gudle

H

Yordanos Habte
Shukri Haji
Seerojini Harril
Maryam Hassan
Deka Hussein
Marian Hussein

I

Samira Ibrahim
Ubax Aden Isak
Shamim Ara Islam
Mulhat Issa
Deqa Isse
Fatuma Isse
Kaltom Ahmed Isse

J

Fiona Jackson
Safa Jama
Guillermina Jara
Sathyananthy (Jeeva) Jeevakanathan
Asha Jibril

K

Nefiso Kali
Ranee Kanagaratnam
Jacqueline Keane
Christiana Kerr
Kawser Khan
Yeasmin Ara Khanam
Sabela Kidane

L

Carol Magly Limas
Fericka Logan

M

Amina Mahamud
Maritza Martinez
Nigist Mehare
Saron Mengstu
Malyoun Dahir Meraneh
Ruta Mesfin
Helan Miah
Dunia Farah Mohamed
Farhia Mohamed
Farhia Husien Mohamed
Fartun Mohamed
Fatima Mohamed
Fowsia Mohamed
Hamso Mohamed
Nadifa Mohamed
Sagal Mohamed
Fartun Mohamud
Safia Mohamud
Shukri Mohamud
Sofia Mohamud
Ayan Muse
Fatuma Mussa
Saado Muumin

N

Shamima Nasrin
Faduma Nur
Fowsiyo Nuur
Kin Nur
Fowsiyo Nuur

O

Rahel Okbay
Leticia Olmedo
Fardowsa Omar
Fatima Omar
Hindia Omar
Hodan Omar
Lula Osman Omar Ege
Ayan Osman
Sadia Osman

P

Maria Pacheco
Maria Paiz
Sharifa Panchbhaya
Rowena Parbu
Cristina Pardo
Saajida Khatun Pathan
Maria Penacho
Lilowatie (Leila) Persaud

Q

Pearl Quash

S

Hawa Saeed
Hawa Sahal
Hayad Said
Zahra Salad
Hodan Samatar
Helen Samuel
Ramona Sanchez
Olga Santizo
Faaisa Seed
Aasiyah Shaikh
Muna Sheikh
Maryam Shire
Aisha Siddiqa
Humera Siddiqi
Lynn Stinchcombe
Aden Suddis
Colleen Sutton

T

Rehana Tarajiya
Kisanet Tesfahuney
Ruta Tesfamariam
Luna Tewelde

V

Angelina Valdez
Beatriz Valencia
Yolanda Valencia
Hamida Moosaji Varachhia
Nafisa Varachhia

W

Alice Warren
Shuckri Warsama
Fadumo Warsame
Khadija Warsame
Halimo Wehliye
Maritza Wong

Y

Amino Yalahow
Fawzia Yousouf
Fathiya Yusuf
Maryan Yusuf

Board Members, Advisors and Community Partners

Directors and Officers

President: Bob Monteiro, BA
Vice-President: Rachael Simser, MA, LLB
Secretary: Minodora Grigorescu, M.Ed.
Treasurer: Nick Tsimidis, CPA
Director: Andrew Cavasin, CPA
Past President: Stephen Males, LLB

Board Liaison

Stan Smyer

Executive Director

Spyros Volonakis

Business, Financial and Program Advisors

Andrea Young, RD
Douglas R. Varty CPA, CA
BDO Canada,LLP
KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants (Auditors)

KRP LLP Chartered Professional Accountants

Legal Advisors

WeirFoulds LLP
Crawford Chondon & Partners LLP
Rae Christen Jeffries LLP
Iryna M. Iwachiw BPA, LLB. l.I.M

Management Team

Jasmine Aitken
Maria Katsigarakis
Christina Malakovski
Nadia Stirpe
Luis Varessis
Lei Wan

Community Partners and Funding Agencies