Best Start:
Together for our children

What is Best Start?

Best Start is a major redesign in the delivery of services to children and families from birth through to Grade One across the province of Ontario. It is a comprehensive early learning and care strategy that requires partnerships among Ministries, all levels of government, School Boards, community services and organizations. Best Start involves an expansion of quality and affordable child care and investments in children's healthy early development, all in convenient and easily accessible locations for parents within their neighbourhood schools. 

What are the guiding principles for the Best Start Vision for early learning and care?

Effective early learning and care programs will:
- Cater to Kindergarten-aged children
- Offer integrated services for children that cover the standard working day (7/7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)
- Provide high quality education and care
- Be inclusive in nature supporting children with special needs
- Be delivered by qualified staff (e.g., Kindergarten Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Educational Assistants)
- Be publicly funded and not-for-profit
- Include parenting components (e.g. Ontario Early Years Centre programs and family resource programs)
- Offer optional nutrition programs
- Include mechanisms for ongoing communication and collaboration among staff
- Integrate a variety of programs from community services and agencies

How will our children and schools benefit from Best Start?

Best Start will ensure that children in Ontario are ready and eager to achieve success in school by the time they start Grade One. Research has shown that children who have early learning opportunities have higher levels of academic success. In Toronto, Best Start aims to:
- Create a comprehensive system of services that supports children and their families.
- Establish access for all children and families to community neighbourhood hubs that are in, or linked to, elementary schools.
- Increase access to a variety of early identification and intervention services
- Support parents’ participation in their child's early learning and development as they pursue work, study, family and community responsibilities.
- Improve learning opportunities for children.

What is a “seamless” delivery model for early learning and care?

A seamless day aims for a less-disruptive routine for kindergarten-aged children and involves the integration of Kindergarten and child care services provided by not for profit quality child care operators. Kindergarten Teachers and Early Childhood Educators will work together to plan and develop consistency within the day. They will work together to develop common goals and share best practices to provide high quality early learning for all children.

TCDSB Best Start Sites

Toronto Catholic District School Board Best Start Key Contacts:

Communications
Emmy Szekeres Milne, Acting Manager of Communications
416-222-8282, Ext. 2356
emmy.szekeresmilne@tcdsb.org

Senior Manager--Child Care, ARC and Nutrition Services
Marilyn Rodrigues-Wright, 416-222-8282, Ext. 2475
rodrigm02@tcdsb.org

Links to other websites:

• Province of Ontario's Best Start Plan

• Best Start Network, City of Toronto

• Child Care Expansion Plan, City of Toronto

• Best Start Service and Transition Infrastructure Plan

• Childcare Subsidy Information