Our Mission and Vision
Every child experiences the joy of learning through play.
All children have the right to play.
Play is how learning happens.
Working together to enrich today’s families; we want what is best for children.
It is about belonging.
Our programs cultivate authentic, caring and inclusive relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults and the world around them.
It is about expression.
Every child is a capable communicator who expresses themselves in many ways. We foster communication and expression in all forms.
It is about well-being.
We believe that every child is developing a sense of self, health and well-being. Our programs nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self.
It is about engagement.
We value engagement. Our programs provide environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative and meaningful exploration, play and inquiry.
Care
We care. It is the essence of who we are. We care for the children who take part in our programs, for their families, for our staff and providers and for our environment.
Who we serve
Children
We care for children in licensed home-based, centre-based, before and after school, and day camp programs. We want what’s best for all children.
Neighbourhoods
We are close to families. We work to increase the amount of child care spaces in underserved and isolated neighbourhoods. We know that living within close proximity to child care centres keeps families healthy and connected.
Youth
We work with youth. With the support of federal Canada Summer Jobs funding, we employ youth and new professionals who help us lead our summer day programs each summer. Our youth counsellors build positive mentoring relationships with our young campers.
Future Educators
We work in partnership with local colleges and universities to create opportunities for new professionals to build a future of caring, collaborative, innovative and accountable Early Childhood Educators.
Families
We engage families in EarlyON Centres, where parents, caregivers and children learn, grow and connect together.
Future of Child Care
We want what’s best for children today and tomorrow. We collaborate with local, provincial and national partners to advocate for affordable, accessible, and inclusive child care for all families. We know that a National Child Care Strategy is critical to the lifelong development of children across Canada.
Accountability
We are accountable. Our primary accountability is to the children and families we serve. It is our job to make sure they are nurtured and respected.
Total Revenue of $13,166,846
Sources
| Subsidized Child Care Fees | $2,034,640 | 15.45% |
| Child Care Fees | $1,906,331 | 14.48% |
| City of Hamilton | $3,894,865 | 29.58% |
| Halton Region | $492,030 | 3.74% |
| Norfolk County | $518,858 | 3.94% |
| EarlyON | $971,907 | 7.38% |
| Outreach Services | $14,085 | 0.11% |
| Federal Government Assistance | 3,334,130 | 25.32% |
| Total Sources | $13,166,846 | 100% |
Uses
| Salaries and Benefits | $7,210,166 | 54.76% |
| Home Child Care Providers | $2,245,327 | 17.05% |
| Program / Other Costs | $1,295,197 | 9.84% |
| Rent and Occupancy | $455,695 | 3.46% |
| Amortization of Assets | $239,696 | 1.82% |
| Surplus | $1,720,765 | 13.07% |
| Total Uses | $13,166,846 | 100% |
Collaboration
We collaborate. On our own, we can teach, help and care for the children in our midst. Together, with other organizations, we can help to make change and chart new directions for all children.
Our Community Partners
Affiliated Services for Children & Youth
Arts For All
Association for Early Childhood Educators, Ontario
BGC Hamilton-Halton
Bike for Mike
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs
Canadian Child Care Federation
Carlisle Church
Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton
Centre3 for Print and Media Arts
Centre de Sante Communautaire
Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton
City of Hamilton
Community Living Burlington
Family Day Care Services
Fanshawe College – Simcoe Campus
Grand Erie District School Board
Halton District School Board
Halton Region
Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion
Hamilton Community Foundation
Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts
Hamilton District Chamber of Commerce
Hamilton Public Library
Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Child Care Centres Inc.
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Haldimand-Norfolk REACH
Haldimand & Norfolk Social Services
The Halton Resource Connection
High Five – Quality at Play
Home Child Care Association of Ontario
Knox Church
Learning Enrichment Foundation
Lynden Church
Marshall Memorial Church
Milton Community Resource Centre
Mohawk College
Ontario Nonprofit Network
Parks & Recreation Ontario
Quality Early Learning Network
Reach Out Centre For Kids
Regional Municipality of Haldimand Norfolk
Sheridan College
Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton
St. Matthew’s House
Umbrella Child and Family Centres
Waterdown District Children’s Centre
Wee Watch Hamilton
Wesley Urban Ministries
YMCA of Hamilton / Burlington / Brantford
YWCA Hamilton
Inclusion
Today’s Family is committed to promoting diversity, advancing equity and fostering a culture of inclusion.
Inclusion at Today's Family
Like many, Today’s Family has done a lot of learning over the past year. We know that there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that every child, family, staff member, provider, and member of the community feel like they belong in our spaces.
In 2021, Today’s Family has undergone an equity assessment of our organization to support us in working towards eliminating barriers for people to play, collaborate, work and care in our neighbourhoods. Looking to the future, Today’s Family is committed to being thoughtful in working toward meaningful Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Innovation
Today's Family by the Numbers
We innovate. We are creative and try new things. We embrace change and do things differently.