Programs

PLASP is pleased to offer high quality early learning and child care to children ages 18 months to five years of age. If your child is currently enrolled in a kindergarten program operated by one of the school boards and you require before or after school care, please visit the Programs for Full Day Kindergarten section of our website.

We currently operate:

• 20 Early Learning and Child Care Centres throughout Mississauga and Brampton
• Programming for children from 30 months to five years of age
• Programs for children enrolled in half-day Kindergarten
• Toddler specific programs for children 18 to 30 months
• Part-time positions, where available
• Hours from 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday

Most of the staff in PLASP Early Learning and Child Care Centres are registered Early Childhood Educators. In addition, relief staff are hired and provided by PLASP and have received training specific to the PLASP programs and policies. Relief staff cover regular staff who are absent from their programs due to illness, family obligations etc. This works very much like a substitute teacher at school.

The curriculum used in the centres is play-based and modelled on the High Scope approach. Research shows that young children learn best from active learning experiences which they plan and carry out themselves. Play interests children and engages them in learning. Staff observe the children at play to assess their development in various areas. Staff then plan activities, based on the children's play interests, with the goal of providing opportunities for children to move to the next developmental level. Classrooms are set up with learning centres that will offer children the same opportunities for growth. The daily routine is designed to allow time for the children to explore and learn independently and for the adults to plan more structured teaching time.

Hours of Operation
Full-time care is offered Monday to Friday, from 7:00am to 6:00pm Part-time care is available in select locations. Standard part-time care is either three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) or two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Where possible, alternate days and schedules may be accommodated based on the current staffing and enrolment in the desired location.

Toddler Program
From 18 to 30 months of age, children are involved in a variety of daily activities which includes group activities, educational play and outdoor play. A healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are prepared daily and served on the premises. Cots and bedding are provided every afternoon for a rest period. Special bedding, blankets and stuffed animals from home are welcomed and properly stored. All diapers, diapering creams and baby wipes are provided by PLASP.

Ratio: 1 staff to 5 toddlers.

Preschool Program
Children from 2.5 to five years of age are involved in a variety of daily activities including art, small and large group activities, outdoor play, music and songs, and computer activities. A healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are prepared daily and served on the premises. Cots and bedding are provided every afternoon for a rest period. Special bedding, blankets and stuffed animals from home are welcomed and properly stored.

Ratio: 1 staff to 8 children.

Programs for Children in 1/2 Day Kindergarten
Children enrolled in school board half-day kindergarten at our elementary school-based locations are eligible to attend the Early Learning Centre during the times of the day when they are not in their kindergarten class. Staff will escort these children to and from their classrooms. Full day care is provided for these children during the Christmas holiday, March Break, PA Days and the summer break.

Ratio: 1 staff to 10 children.

Nursery School Program
A 2 ½ hour nursery school program is available during the mornings at select locations. Children are involved in a variety of daily activities which includes group activities, educational play and outdoor play. A nourishing and substantial morning snack is prepared and served on premises. This program does not operate on P.A. Days and school holidays.

Ratio: 1 staff to 8 children.