On Wednesday, May 18^th, 2011, PLASP Child Care Services held a Tribute event for Sylvia Leal for community guests at the Mississauga Convention Centre.  More than 170 guests attended, sharing their stories of Sylvia.

 Guests who spoke included Shelley White, CEO, United Way of Peel; Beryl Ford, Trustee for Brampton Wards 7/8, Peel District School Board; Anna Abbruscato, Chair & Trustee Mississauga Ward 4, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board; Vince Tedesco, Regional Director, Ministry of Children and Youth Services and Ministry of Community and Social Services. 

A special presentation was made by Humphrey Mitchell, Executive Director of Peel Children’s Centre, who honoured Sylvia, posthumously with the Mary Neville Award.  This award honours outstanding achievement in the areas of prevention and early intervention in children’s mental health. 

 “This event was a great tribute to a great leader,” said Glen Shipp, President, PLASP Board of Directors.  “We all miss Sylvia and tonight had an opportunity to share our personal stories with others.” 

For 33 years, under Sylvia’s leadership, PLASP grew from 5 school age locations to 182 school age locations, 20 early learning and child care centres and in 2010, 10 locations with before and after school programs for children attending full day kindergarten.  With more than 700 staff, PLASP programs are in schools throughout Peel and Toronto.  PLASP is an award winning organization, recognized as providers of the Best Before and After School Programs and Best Child Care.

Sylvia spent her life implementing her strong vision for what child care should be – a warm, caring environment where children are respected, valued and understood.  Her passion and vision for high quality child care and early childhood education was implemented throughout PLASP programs and early learning and child care centres as well as shared with many community groups.  

Articles are currently posted on the Mississauga News Website - please visit:  http://www.mississauga.com/opinion/editorial/article/1012486--leal-s-spirit-lives-on and http://www.mississauga.com/news/article/1011874--child-care-giant-honoured