Sandalwood Program Offerings

Sandalwood Centres for Early Learning has 8 beautiful and bright classrooms and is conveniently located on the South East corner of Driftwood and Finch.  We are lucky to be part of a very vibrant and diverse community that has easy access to transit – including a short bus ride to the new subway line, schools and two malls.  We can easily escort Kindergarten and School Age children to Topcliff Public School, York Woods Public School and St. Charles Garnier Catholic School. We facilitate monthly Yoga classes for toddlers to preschool and Wellness activities throughout the year as well as  invite skilled visitors to implement special programs such as Foam Parties, Lego Play, Steel Pans, Magicians, Musical entertainment and more.  We have two separate playground areas which include playground structures and ample space for children to engage in exploration, cooperative play, riding toys and more.  Both spaces are completely fenced/gated to ensure optimal safety.

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  • We are a dedicated team of Trusted Registered Early Childhood Educators and dedicated Early Childhood Assistants
  • Security door and alarm systems at every entrance
  • We are a Nut free facility
  • Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 7am-6pm
  • In order for your child to maximize their learning by participating in all areas of our program, we encourage you to bring your child in at 9:30am
  • Full and Part Time care available to fit your needs

Sandalwood

1825 Finch Avenue West, Downsview, ON, M3N 1M7

416-638-0357 | 416-638-3187

Ages Served: Infants to School Age

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Hours of Operation

Staff at Sandalwood

Director Bio

Name: Tracy Closs

Position: Director, RECE

Start Date: August 1, 1980

Graduated from: Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology

Any other degrees/ qualifications: Early Childhood Educator

What are you passionate about:
- Spending quality time with my family and friends
- Helping/supporting others to be the best they can be
- Reading
- Spending time at the cottage, swimming, boating, kayaking/canoeing

One quirky fact about you: I can get very emotional and cry simply watching a touching commercial on TV

Your favorite Quote or one that is meaningful to you? "If we wish to create lasting peace, we must begin with the children." - Mahatma Gandhi

 

Assistant Director Bio

Name: Ann-Marie Staple

Position: Center Designate

Start Date: September 24, 1997

Graduated from: Seneca College

Any other degrees/ qualifications: ECE Diploma

What are you passionate about:
- Spending time with my family
- My love for children
- Listening to music
- Reading
- Shopping

One quirky fact about you: Always laughing

Your favorite Quote or one that is meaningful to you? “No matter what you are going through, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel” - Demi Lovato

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!


  • 45 years of excellence is a great achievement. Congratulations! We will continue to support your growth. Together stronger!

    Kyle & Kendrick’s Family

  • Happy 45th Anniversary to the Dawes Road Center for Early Learning staff team.

    Adonias & Genet

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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