Child Care Resource Consultation
INCLUSION-FOCUSED. PRACTICAL STRATEGIES. WORKING TOGETHER.
About Us.
The Every Child Belongs (ECB) Resource Consultation service is a program of the City of Toronto. Community agencies across Toronto partner with the City to offer guidance and practical strategies to families and child care staff that support the inclusion of children with extra support needs in child care settings.
Centennial Infant and Child Centre (CICC) is proud to be one of these partners, working with the Every Child Belongs model to support high-quality, inclusive child care programs in Toronto.
What Does “Inclusive Child Care” Mean?
- It means a child with extra support needs can attend the licensed child care program of their family’s choice.
- It means children with extra support needs are welcomed, included, and supported as valued members of the program—like all children.
- It means that child care programs work together with families and educators to provide the supports and adaptations that each child needs to participate and belong.
What Do “Extra Support Needs” Mean?
Resource Consultation services are designed for children who have “extra support needs.” Children may have extra support needs if they would benefit from additional support to take part in child care activities alongside their peers.
Extra support may be needed in one or more of the following areas:
- Communication (for example, speech and language development)
- Social or emotional development
- Behaviour or self-regulation
- Physical, sensory, or mobility needs
- Learning or developmental differences
- Self-help skills
It’s important to note that:
- A formal diagnosis is not required to receive support from an ECB Resource Consultant.
- The need for support can be temporary, ongoing, situational, or change over time.
How We Help.
Each licensed child care program in Toronto has access to an Every Child Belongs (ECB) Resource Consultant. Resource Consultants work directly with educators and families to help children with extra support needs take part, learn, and have fun in their child care setting.
Support may include:
- Working with families and educators to develop individualized goals and strategies that support a child’s participation and development
- Adapting routines, activities, and environments so children with extra support needs can join in and take part in all parts of the program
- Providing guidance, coaching, and professional training for child care staff to strengthen inclusive practices
- Facilitating collaboration between families, child care staff, and other professionals involved in a child’s care, including referrals to other services
To learn more, visit Types of Consultation.
Fees.
Families do not pay extra for ECB Resource Consultation services. These supports are included in the fees families already pay for licensed child care.
How to Request Services.
Talk with Your Child Care Staff or Supervisor
Families can speak with their child care program about any extra support needs their child may have. If it is determined that ECB Resource Consultation would be beneficial, the child care Supervisor will submit a request to the City of Toronto to begin support from an ECB Resource Consultant.
Talk with the Resource Consultant Directly
Families can also contact the designated Resource Consultant for their child care program directly to ask questions or request support. The Resource Consultant will work with your child’s child care centre to have the Supervisor submit a request for services.
To find the name and contact information for the Resource Consultant assigned to your child care centre, visit Find Your Resource Consultant.
Types of Consultation
ECB Resource Consultants work with families and child care staff to help children with extra support needs participate meaningfully in licensed child care programs alongside their peers.
Resource Consultants offer different types of consultation depending on the needs of the child, the family, and the child care program. There are three main types of consultation: Individual, Program, and Training.
Use the buttons below to explore the three types of consultation and learn how each one supports children, families, and educators.
1. Individual Consultation.
This kind of consultation focuses on supporting one child at a time. The Resource Consultant works together with the family and child care staff to set goals and develop practical strategies tailored to the unique strengths and needs of the individual child. The goal is to help the child participate as fully as possible in their early learning program.
With Individual Consultation, the Resource Consultant:
- conducts classroom observations
- gathers information to better understand the child’s strengths and needs
- meets with families and educators to plan and set goals together
- supports the development of Individualized Support Plans and program adaptations
- models strategies and coaches educators in the classroom
- shares information, resources, and helpful tools with the family and child care staff
- provides referrals to other services when additional supports may be helpful
- reviews strategies and outcomes with the team to evaluate progress
2. Program Consultation.
This type of consultation focuses on the overall child care program, rather than on one individual child. Resource Consultants help child care staff adjust routines, activities, and the physical environment so that all children—including those who need extra support—can take part and enjoy their time in child care.
With Program Consultation, the Resource Consultant:
- conducts an environmental assessment of the space to better understand the strengths and needs of the learning environment
- supports the implementation of program adaptations, such as adjusting room layouts, improving transitions, or introducing strategies that support social skills
- participates in team meetings and service planning
- models strategies and coaches educators in the classroom
- shares resources and information to support inclusive practices
- reviews and reflects on strategies with the team to see what is working well
3. Training Consultation.
With this type of consultation, Resource Consultants help identify and provide professional learning opportunities for child care educators and staff, strengthening inclusive practices across the program. Resource Consultants may also offer workshops for families on a variety of topics related to child development.
With Training Consultation, the Resource Consultant:
- gathers information to understand the needs of the program
- conducts classroom observations
- participates in team meetings and service planning
- models strategies and coaches educators in the classroom
- shares resources and information to support inclusive practices
- identifies relevant training opportunities, both online and in-person
- serves as a presenter or facilitator for formal and informal trainings
Our Team
Childcare Resource Consultation
Lorraine
Manager, Infant & Child Development Community Programs
Lucy
Resource Consultant, North Cluster
Cristina
Resource Consultant, South Cluster
Every licensed child care centre in Toronto has access to an Every Child Belongs Resource Consultant. Resource Consultants are assigned to support a group of child care centres within a specific geographic area.
To find out who the Resource Consultant is for your child’s centre, click here.
Find a Resource Consultant
The name and phone number of the Resource Consultant for each licenced child care centre in Toronto is located at the bottom of the centre’s registry page, which can be found by visiting the City’s A to Z child care centre listing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
1. Visit the City of Toronto’s A–Z List of Licensed Child Care Centres and use the letter tabs at the top of the window to find the first letter of your child care centre’s name.
Step 2
2. Click on the name of your child care centre to open its page.
Step 3
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see the name and phone number of the centre’s Resource Consultant.
Tip Sheets for Families & Educators
Brought to you by CICC’s Every Child Belongs Resource Consultants, Cristina and Lucy, these monthly tip sheets contain practical ideas on a variety of topics in child development.
This resource is intended for parents and families, child care providers, early learning educators, and anyone supporting the healthy growth and development of young children.
Take a look inside each folder.
You’ll find helpful, easy-to-use strategies you can try right away!
2026 Tip Sheets for Families & Educators
Click on any image below to view, download, or print your own copy!
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
2025 Tip Sheets for Families & Educators
Click on any image below to view, download, or print your own copy!
January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
July 2025
August 2025
September 2025
October 2025
November 2025
December 2025
Student Placements
Opportunities.
Are you a college or university student aspiring to become a Child Care Resource Consultant?
Centennial Infant and Child Centre (CICC) is proud to offer practicum opportunities where students can gain valuable, hands-on experience under the mentorship of our experienced Resource Consultation team.
Every year, we welcome two practicum students in each of the following semesters:
- Fall: September – December
- Spring/Summer: May – July (shorter term, up to 10 weeks)
A Look Inside.
As a Resource Consultant (RC) student, you’ll step into a dynamic, relationship-based role that supports inclusion in early learning and child care settings. This practicum offers a meaningful look at how collaborative, family-centred support unfolds in real time.
Throughout your experience, you will be supported every step of the way—learning alongside and under the guidance of an experienced Resource Consultant mentor who will model, coach, and support your growth in the role.
Your experience may include…
- observing and/or participating in consultations within licensed early learning and child care programs
- learning how to support inclusive environments through thoughtful accommodations and modifications that respond to a wide range of children with extra support needs
- collaborating with educators and families using a strengths-based, relationship-focused approach
- gaining exposure to developmental screening, documentation, and reflective practice
- assisting in identifying, creating, and sharing resources for families and child care staff
- developing an understanding of how referrals to other community services are thoughtfully initiated and coordinated
- attending team meetings, case discussions, and professional learning opportunities
- spending time in CICC’s Specialized Preschool Program to deepen your understanding of inclusive practices in a more intensive support setting
Each practicum offers a unique experience, shaped by the children, families, and programs we support. With the ongoing guidance of your RC mentor, you’ll build practical skills, deepen your understanding of inclusive child care, and gain valuable insight into the impact of early intervention and consultation.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a Resource Consultant student seeking a dynamic practicum experience under the mentorship of a CICC team member, please complete the form below.
RESOURCE CONSULTANT STUDENT PRACTICUM APPLICATION – Fill out form
At the end of the form, instructions for uploading your resume and cover letter will be provided.
Important.
We receive several requests for RC student practica. Apply early to increase your chances of securing a spot. Due to high demand, incomplete applications that are missing a resume or cover letter cannot be considered.
Next Steps.
Once we receive your application, a member of our team will contact you within 7–14 days to let you know whether you have secured a practicum or have been added to the waitlist.
Testimonials
Discover how CICC has made a meaningful impact in the lives of families and child care staff through the Every Child Belongs Child Care Resource Consultation program.
