Unicorn Daycare is structured as a play based learning program, supported by the E.L.E.C.T. document (Early Learning for Every Child Today). This translates to a childcare centre that runs its programs based on years of science and research that “Play Is Learning” and that early learning sets a lifelong foundation that shapes the future of a child and of a society.
Unicorn realizes quality care is better achieved with the ongoing partnership with families and the community thus strengthening our Centre’s ability to meet the needs of each and every child.
Every child needs to feel secure and
loved to reach their full potential in life.
Eric Mackey, the Daycare Director, and the various Parent run Boards of Directors over the years, have assembled a team of dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educators (R.E.C.E.). These are educators who are knowledgeable about child development and what it takes to plan and guide a play based curriculum utilizing observations, emergent ideals as well as individual development needs.
The program at Unicorn Daycare always strives to demonstrate the highest respect for diversity, equality, and inclusion. Remembering always that play is a means to early learning that capitalizes on children’s natural curiosity and exuberance.
History of Unicorn
Unicorn Daycare and Nursery is a licensed non-profit child care that was founded in 1990 by local Children’s Singer song writer Michael Anderson. When Mr. Anderson decided to retire from childcare to pursue his music career full-time, it was handed to Eric Mackey who had a commitment to expand and provide a wide-range of programs for children 2 1/2 to 12 years of age.
Unicorn Daycare expanded from 24 School Age After Care spots to servicing 198 families. Along with Unicorn’s commitment to families, its commitment to the Brown Public School Community was demonstrated when $116,000 was spent by Unicorn Daycare to upgrade the torn down playground and years later another $30,000 was contributed to put towards the completion of the artificial turf. Unicorn continues to work closely with the TDSB administration as we share space, events, FDK, and programming; focusing on the need of the children in our community first. It is felt that Unicorn’s child care facility and programming was instrumental in Brown School becoming a much more diverse community as the availability of accessible child care provided the opportunity for all families, regardless of their socioeconomic background to attend the school.