Centre Features
Every Network Child Care Services centre offers unique experiences that enrich children's learning and strengthen connections with families and the community. From neighbourhood walks and weekly library visits to gardening, special guests, and family engagement activities, these centre features create meaningful opportunities for children to explore, discover, and build lasting relationships in a fun, nurturing environment.
Before & After School Program
Before and After School Programming provides a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for school-aged children outside of regular school hours. Our programs offer a balance of structured activities and free play, including creative arts, outdoor play, homework support, and opportunities to build friendships. Designed to complement the school day, our programs help children feel relaxed, confident, and connected before and after class.
Bonjour Explorers
Bendale’s Bonjour Explorers is a weekly experience that introduces children to the French language through songs, stories, games, and everyday conversation. This program supports language development while fostering confidence, cultural appreciation, and a natural curiosity for communication in both French and English.
Community Music Partnerships
We collaborate with community partners to enrich our classroom programming through engaging, hands-on music experiences. Music specialists and multi-instrumentalists share their talents with children in our centre and extend the experience into the community through performances and events at local venues such as Harbourfront Centre and Canoe Landing Park. These partnerships inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster a love of music in both children and their families.
Community Outings
Provides children with opportunities to explore and connect with the world around them. Through neighbourhood walks and visits to local spaces such as parks, splash pads, and the library, children experience their community firsthand while developing curiosity, social awareness, and a sense of belonging.
Covenant House Toronto Partnership
The Before & After School Program at Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School proudly partners each year with Covenant House Toronto to support youth in need within our community. Through meaningful initiatives and activities, children learn the value of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility while making a positive impact. This annual partnership fosters a strong sense of empathy and connection, empowering children to give back and understand the importance of helping others. Learn More Here
Family Gathering
Family Gathering is a special time when families are invited into the classroom to connect with children and educators. During these visits, families can share stories, traditions, cultural items, or meaningful experiences from their lives. This helps children develop a deeper sense of identity, belonging, and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds within our community. It also strengthens the partnership between families and educators, enriching the learning environment for everyone.
Fun Fit
This bi-weekly program, led by an experienced instructor, keeps children active through running, jumping, stretching, and group games. Each session builds coordination, balance, and healthy habits, ending with an upbeat music and movement activity.
Growers Club
A team of passionate staff make up the Growers Club, bringing hands-on gardening and nature-based learning to children across Network locations. These ambassadors mentor peers and guide children from infancy to school age in exploring how seeds grow into plants, building knowledge, confidence, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Intergenerational Programming
Intergenerational partnerships with the centres attached Nursing Home. Children attend monthly visits with the residents, where they participate in shared activities such as storytelling, music, crafts, and seasonal celebrations. These visits create meaningful connections between generations while fostering empathy, social skills, and a sense of community for both the children and the residents.
Library Explorers
Through our bi-monthly visits from the Toronto Public Library, children enjoy engaging storytimes and literacy activities that spark curiosity and imagination. These visits help foster a love of reading, introduce children to new books and ideas, and strengthen early literacy skills in a fun and interactive way.
On-site Kitchen
Our On-Site Kitchen brings fresh, homemade meals right to the heart of the centre. Led by our longtime chef, Effie, children enjoy delicious, nutritious dishes prepared daily with care. This in-house approach ensures high-quality meals while fostering a warm, home-like environment where healthy eating is part of the everyday experience.
Real Food for Real Kids (RFRK)
All except Childs nest 121/123
Our centres partner with Real Food for Real Kids, an award-winning catering provider, to deliver fresh, nutritious meals and snacks to children each day. With a focus on quality ingredients and balanced nutrition, this program supports healthy eating habits and helps set the foundation for lifelong wellness.
Storypark
Network uses Storypark to help our children get the best start in life by personalizing and involving parents/guardians in their learning, so they can feel close even when far away. Network’s educators can send parents/guardians real-time updates, photos, and videos throughout the day. Families can also record and share their child’s milestones and activities with their child's educators so they can continue the learning that's happening at home. Learn More Here
X Movement
X Movement brings energy and creativity into the classroom through engaging, interactive music sessions. Led by experienced instructors, children explore rhythm, movement, and self-expression while building confidence and a love for music in a fun, inclusive environment. Learn More Here
Yoga
Our children enjoy a calming and engaging yoga program led by a certified instructor who is also a member of our parent community. Through gentle movement, stretching, and mindfulness activities, children build strength, balance, and body awareness while learning relaxation techniques in a supportive and familiar environment.