Family Day Care Services
Our Philosophy
We believe that children and families are central to everything we do. We believe in understanding and responding to the needs of our community. We believe in collaboration, support, and mutual respect.
Family-Centred Child Care
Family Day recognizes the importance of the family and the community in child development. As a family-centred child care organization, we work to strengthen the relationships among children, families and communities. Family Day understands culture, diversity, community and public policy all affect child and family development. We support our families and recognize and respect parents as the most important caregivers for children.
8 key principles guiding Family Day staff
- Each family has its own characteristics, strengths and resources.
- All families have strengths.
- Children and their families are part of a community.
- Families have the most influence on their children.
- Parents have interests, roles and responsibilities in addition to their family responsibilities.
- There are many ways for a family to be involved with their child’s care.
- Families and staff both have something to offer each other.
- Staff have opportunities to develop family centred child care practices.
What our commitment to family-centred care means
- Family members are encouraged to become involved in our programs.
- We promote partnerships with families through communication such as newsletters and special events and program
- Staff and caregivers honour family diversity and values.
- Staff and caregivers support parents’ efforts to advocate for their children.
- We work to establish links between families and the community.
- Family Day parents, staff and caregivers are partners in caring for children. We work to develop relationships that build trust and confidence.
OUR COMMITMENT TO TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Land Acknowledgement
Family Day Care Services acknowledges that our head office, child care centres, EarlyON and home child care programs operate on the traditional territories of many Indigenous Peoples. Our head office is situated within Treaty 13. Our programs reside on the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, the Huron-Wendat, the Wendake-Nionwentsïo, the Petun, and the Attiwonderonk who have stewarded and cared for these lands since time honoured.
Today, these lands continue to be home to diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities whose histories, cultures, languages, knowledge, and contributions enrich the communities in which we live, learn, and work.
As an organization dedicated to supporting children, families, and communities, we are committed to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where all children, families and staff feel valued and respected. Through ongoing learning, reflection, and relationship-building, we strive to advance truth and reconciliation in meaningful ways while deepening our understanding of the experiences of Indigenous children and families and strengthening culturally responsive practices across our organization.
Family Day values its long-standing relationships with Indigenous-led community partners, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and organizations. These partnerships guide our efforts to provide authentic Indigenous learning opportunities for children, families, and staff. Through these connections, we are introduced to Indigenous stories, teachings, languages, perspectives, and relationships with the land in ways that are respectful, meaningful, and grounded in community knowledge.
Through responsive practices, thoughtful policy development, intentional decision-making, and ongoing conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we work to ensure Indigenous voices and perspectives are respected and reflected.
We will continue to use our voices and resources to support Indigenous-led initiatives, strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to a more equitable future for Indigenous children, families, and communities.
A SHARED COMMITMENT
This Land Acknowledgement was presented by Family Day Care Services and CUPE at Family Day’s 175th Celebration, September 29, 2026, as an expression of our shared and ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
To learn more about the land where you live and its previous and ongoing history: https://native-land.ca.
