The doors of Childspace Day Care Corporation opened on January 2nd 1983 by the Founder and first Chair, Ms. Pat Costello. Childspace Day Care was built around the philosophy of having respect for oneself and others regardless of ability, race, culture, background, social status or religious beliefs. She felt “that the children learned best with caring facilitators in a warm, friendly environment where they were free to explore their interests at their own pace and level of development”. This philosophy continues today.
There were many steps before she was able to open the doors of Childspace Day Care: obtaining a license from the Province; the granting of a subsidy agreement from the City of Toronto and a start-up grant of $15,000.
The Childspace Day Care journey has had tremendous growth. From the original centre at St. Brigid’s with three staff members in one classroom now to the present staffing of 23 rooms at three centres with children ranging from 0-12 years. There has been community involvement from volunteers, community schools, colleges and university students as well as from staff and the partnership with parents who have worked on various committees and our Board.
Pat Costello did not only open Childspace Day Care with her experience as a mother and the love of children, she obtained her ECE diploma from Centennial College and gained her certification from the Associations from E.C.E. of Ontario, and is currently registered with the College of ECE and her studies in Art, Anthropology, Sociology and Humanities. Pat Costello has been a teacher in Continuing Education at Georgian College, teaching ECE courses and monitoring students. Pat has been a member of the Coalition for Better Child Care of Ontario, The Canadian Child Care Federation and Umbrella Central Day Care Services and in the latter served as Chair. Pat Costello has received certificates in Human Rights, A.O.D.A, Behavior Management, Industrial Safety Training, Food Handler Training, Non-Violence Crisis Intervention and Child Abuse Awareness. She has attended many conferences and workshops at Umbrella Child Care Services, TJ Solutions, Child Institute and the City of Toronto. She has served on committees for child advocacy and made deputations having the opportunity to speak to counsellors and MPP on issues that would negatively affect our parents and the children we serve.
Childpspace Day Care from its onset and humble beginnings to present day feels that children are special and the goal is to have a space for each child at their own pace.