Celebrating 50 Years of Enriching Lives

For fifty years, one purpose has guided every classroom, every milestone, and every smile at Centres for Early Learning – to Enrich Lives.

Founded in 1975 by Amina Bhaloo, Centres for Early Learning has grown from one centre into a trusted early learning community across the Greater Toronto Area, all built on that enduring purpose.

A Legacy Born from Purpose

When Amina opened the first Centres for Early Learning, she envisioned more than childcare. She imagined a place where children could explore with confidence, where educators were empowered to teach with heart, and where families felt supported and connected.

At a time when childcare was seen as supervision, Amina envisioned something more — a structured, purposeful approach that became the foundation of early learning.

Her belief that learning begins with care and structure became the cornerstone of Centres for Early Learning culture, rooted in compassion, connection, and community.

Generations That Grew Together

Centres for Early Learning has shaped the beginnings of thousands of journeys — for children, families, and educators alike. Children who once learned with us now return as parents and educators themselves, bringing their own children through the same doors that sparked their curiosity.

Each laugh, milestone, and memory reflects a legacy that has grown alongside the communities we serve.

The Heart of Quality Care

At Centres for Early Learning, quality has never been about curriculum alone. It’s about people; the educators who inspire curiosity, the families who trust us, and the children whose joy reminds us why this work matters.

This is the standard Amina set half a century ago, and it remains the one we proudly uphold today.

Looking Forward with Gratitude

Fifty years later, our purpose remains the same, and our Impact continues to grow. Centres for Early Learning stands as a community where learning thrives, belonging grows, and the next generation of educators and families carry Amina’s spirit forward.

As part of this celebration, we invite you to watch our Impact Video below – a reflection of the people, stories, and moments that have shaped our journey and continue to inspire our future.

Here’s to 50 Years of Enriching Lives, and to the next 50 years of growth, inspiration, and community.

Testimonials

  • My son started daycare at 1 year of age, spending the first year of his life at home during the lockdown.  It wasn’t easy as many other kids, however, staffs at Dawes Road CEL were so helpful and caring he eventually got it easy within the first 3 weeks. The staff members were very supportive and kept me updated with his progress. Especially the himama app helped me be informed of all his activities throughout the day.

    I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the staff and management of the center for taking care of my son.

    Serene

  • The last two and a half years have been wonderful for Asharib. I still remember the 1st day when I dropped him at daycare and how scared we both were. But he had learned so much in the past 2 years & I am glad that I decided to send him to Lori Gardens. Special thanks to all of Asharib’s teachers for taking such good care of him teaching him manners and always trying to make his day fun & exciting. Thank you so much for everything!


  • As a single parent,  I am grateful for the loving care the guidance that she receives. My daughter has been blessed with excellent staff members who understand her challenges and handle her with care.

    Thank you to all staff members at Sandalwood Centres for early learning.

    Thank You!

    Yammi

  • As a first time parent, I was extremely nervous to send my son to daycare. However, the lovely staff at Sandalwood were extremely nurturing and supporting. My son is doing exceptionally well and I know that the staff has played an important role in that fact.

    Sandalwood staff – For your constant love, support and dedication to the success of my son, I’m eternally grateful.

    Staceyann

Join Our team

Centres for Early Learning operates 9 different locations across the GTA, offering subsidized and full fee spaces child care programs for children from infancy to school age. For 44 years, we have been providing high quality care to countless families, many of whom have returned to us with younger siblings, has been both successful and fulfilling. We hope to continue to enrich the lives of children with you!

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