Specialized Preschool
ALL ABILITIES. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS. HAPPY PLACE.
Specialized Preschool
ALL ABILITIES. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS. HAPPY PLACE.
Overview
CICC’s Preschool Program offers a specialized, inclusive learning environment for children ages 30 months to 4 years. Children with special needs learn alongside typically developing peers in a supportive community where every child is valued and supported.
Philosophy
We help children with special needs build the skills they need to participate as independently as possible in daily life. Working closely with families, we set individualized goals that support all areas of development. Our low adult-to-child ratio and inclusive model strengthen learning, and our ongoing partnership with families ensures we learn and grow together.
Program Statement
At CICC, we believe every child is competent, capable, curious, and full of potential. Our play-based, inclusive preschool program provides a safe, welcoming environment where young children with special needs can thrive.
Educators collaborate with families and therapists to create Individualized Program Plans based on each child’s strengths. We value open communication and continually reflect on our practices to offer the best learning experience.
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)
CICC participates in the CWELCC system, which supports affordable, accessible, inclusive, high-quality childcare across Canada.
What CWELCC Means for Families
-
- Fee reductions: Families with eligible children aged 0–5 automatically benefit from reduced fees.
- Stable rates: Our fees already meet CWELCC requirements, so no changes are needed.
- Specialized support: Fees include program materials, nut-free snacks, and access to in-house Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech-Language Pathology services through Surrey Place Preschool Speech and Language program.
Key Program Features
- Individualized Learning: Each child has an Individual Program Plan (IPP) created with families and professionals to support their unique needs.
- Therapeutic Support: Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech language pathologists consult with educators in setting goals and strategies for each child.
- Inclusive Environment: Children with special needs and typically developing peers learn together, fostering mutual respect, understanding and positive social
interactions. - Low Staff-to-Child Ratio: With support from volunteers and placement students, we offer individualized attention in a nurturing setting.
- Kindergarten Readiness: We prepare children for kindergarten through skills like potty training, circle-time participation, and following routines. Families also receive guidance on the school application process to ensure a smooth and confident transition.
Our Team
Specialized Preschool
Racquel
Managing Supervisor
Catherine
Assistant Manager
Delia
Office Administrator
Rubina
Student & Volunteer Coordinator
Jason
Preschool Teacher, RECE
Malak
Preschool Teacher
Sue
Preschool Teacher
Wing
Preschool Teacher & 1-1 Support Staff
Tessa
1-1 Support Staff
Brett
Educational Assistant
Kelly
Educational Assistant & PFCA Coordinator
Ali
Path Forward Classroom Assistant
Katherine
Path Forward Classroom Assistant
Jessica
Path Forward Classroom Assistant
Grace
Path Forward Classroom Assistant
Chris
Path Forward Classroom Assistant
Isy
Path Forward Classroom Assistant
Sarah
Physical Therapist
Chris
Surrey Place PSL Speech-Language Pathologist
Ad
Occupational Therapist
Sara
Communicative Disorders Assistant
Enroll a Child
To add your child to the waitlist, please email a completed Preschool Program Request Form to the Managing Supervisor at rmanzano@cicc.on.ca
Waitlist priority is based on a “first come, first served” basis. However, the Managing Supervisor reserves the right to manage the waitlist in the best interest of CICC’s specialized preschool program. Admission decisions are made at the Managing Supervisor’s discretion, considering program needs and space availability. There is no fee or deposit required to place your child’s name on the waitlist.
Our preschool program runs from September through June. Intake for the new school year begins in January and concludes by mid-June. Families will be contacted and invited for a visit to the Centre when space becomes available.
Admissions during the school year are possible if openings arise. Families may contact the Managing Supervisor at any time for updates on their child’s waitlist status.
Preschool Volunteers
Our dedicated volunteers are the heart of CICC. They generously give their time to support children’s Individual Program Plans (IPPs) under the guidance of our educators.
Driven by a love for children and a passion to make an impact, they help bring our mission to life.
Why Volunteer with Us
- Make a real impact in a child’s life
- Gain hands-on experience in education and child development
- Receive training and ongoing support
- Build your resume and professional references
- Enjoy volunteer social events
- Be part of a welcoming, mission-driven community
What our Volunteers Do
- Work one-on-one with a child in the classroom
- Support their language, motor, and cognitive development
- Follow individualized plans created by our teachers and therapists
- Be a valued member of a supportive, caring team
What We’re Looking For
- Compassionate, reliable individuals aged 18+
- Community members looking for meaningful involvement
- Students in education, psychology, or health-related fields
- Availability during weekday mornings or afternoons (9:00 AM–11:45 AM or 1:00 PM–3:45 PM)
Ready to get involved?
To learn more about our Volunteer Program, contact the Volunteer and Student Program Coordinator
rhaji@cicc.on.ca
416-935-0200 x 221
Student Placement
CICC partners with post-secondary programs in early childhood education, child development, social work, nursing, and related fields to offer valuable field placements. Students gain hands-on experience by observing, learning, and supporting children in our classrooms under the guidance of our skilled preschool team.
What our Placement Students Do
- Work 1:1 with children with special needs, supporting them through daily preschool activities and integrated therapies.
- Collaborate with experienced teachers and therapists to promote each child’s development.
- Receive supervision, mentorship, and training through workshops, projects, and academic learning.
- Contribute diverse backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared commitment to helping children develop.
What We Are Looking For
- Students who have completed at least two prior in-person placements with children (experience with children with special needs is considered an asset)
- Students in education, psychology, or health-related fields
- Availability on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Institutions We Work With
- Centennial College
- Durham College
- George Brown College
- Humber College
- Seneca College
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- University of Guelph-Humber
- University of Toronto
- York University
…and more.
To learn more about our Student Placement Program, contact the Volunteer and Student Program Coordinator
rhaji@cicc.on.ca
416-935-0200 x 221
Path Forward Program
The Path Forward Program is an integral part of the Centennial Infant and Child Centre (CICC)’s mission to strengthen families and support young children with special needs by building skills and confidence.
Through this program, adults with special needs are employed as Path Forward Classroom Assistants, where they play an important role in supporting preschool classrooms.
Supporting Our Classrooms
Path Forward Classroom Assistants contribute to daily classroom operations by helping prepare learning spaces, organizing toys and materials, and assisting with cleanup after activities. They help create a safe, welcoming, and well-organized environment for children, families, and staff.
By working alongside educators, participants also have opportunities to interact with children and serve as positive role models within the classroom community.
Building Skills and Confidence
The program provides meaningful, hands-on work experience in a supportive setting. Participants develop practical job skills, build confidence, and strengthen important social and teamwork abilities.
These experiences support greater independence in daily life and help prepare participants for future employment opportunities. Above all, Path Forward participants are valued members of the CICC team, contributing to an inclusive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed.