Centre Staff

The staff at Centennial Infant and Child Centre bring a vast array of experience and diversity to their work. Many have been associated with the Centennial community for many years as parents, volunteers, and students. The Centre is overseen by a Board of Directors and run on a daily basis by an Executive Director. 

Executive Director

Leads and administers all operational aspects of Centennial Infant and Child Centre. Responsible for delivering on the mission and strategic direction of Centennial Infant and Child Centre’s Board of Directors. Ensures maintenance of networks and partnerships with municipal and provincial government, and community agencies. Works closely with The Centennial Infant and Child Centre Foundation to determine annual funding needs of Centre.

Manager, Infant and Child Development Community Programs  

Responsible for the operations of the Early Intervention Program, including intake, distribution of referrals, waitlist management and supervision of early intervention staff. The Manager also represents Centennial Infant and Child Centre on a variety of community committees in the early childhood development and health care sectors.

Manager, Preschool Program

Responsible for the operations of the Preschool Program, including supervision of teachers and educational assistants, therapists, volunteer coordinator, office administrator and classroom assistants. Ensures compliance with all provincial licensing and municipal reporting requirements, and coordinates student training with universities and colleges.

Manager, Finance

Responsible for the effective management of all financial procedures, tracking revenue and expenditures, annual budget, operation plan development and driving management and financial analysis to guide decision making.

Preschool Staff

The preschool staff consists of a preschool manager, an office administrator, five preschool teachers, two educational assistants, eight classroom assistants, a volunteer coordinator, a housekeeper, an Occupational Therapist, a Physiotherapist, a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Communicative Disorders Assistant (speech-language services provided by Early Abilities through Surrey Place Centre).

Early Childhood Interventionists

Early Childhood Interventionists have backgrounds in child development, early childhood education, nursing, developmental service work and occupational therapy. Each year they provide in-home service to over 400 children birth to five years of age. They are often the first contact parents have with professional educators after the birth of their child with special needs. They bring great sensitivity and empathy to their work.

Resource Consultants

Support a cluster of over 20 childcare centres in Toronto that include children with special needs. Staff training is also an integral part of the program support provided by the Consultants.

Physiotherapist

Works directly with the preschool staff contributing to the children’s individual programs, supervising their gross motor program and assisting with the children’s feeding requirements. Helps families access specialized equipment and assistive devices for their children.

Occupational Therapist

Works in the early intervention program and consults in the preschool program on a part-time basis. Supports the children, families, and staff to effectively meet the children’s fine motor, sensory and feeding needs.

Speech-Language Pathologist and Communicative Disorders Assistant

Speech-language service is provided by Early Abilities through Surrey Place Centre.

Contribute to Individualized Program Plan, creating specialized communication strategies and activities to be integrated into the school day for children who need this support.

Provide information and workshops for all families on communication strategies and speech concerns.

Assess child, provide reports with recommendations, and reassess based on child’s progress.

Works 1:1 with children, offering blocks of direct speech and communication therapy for children for whom this is appropriate (through Early Abilities).

Give suggestions to parents if further assessment/therapy is required outside of Centennial Infant and Child Centre.

Path Forward Program

Centennial Infant and Child Centre employs a group of 8 adults with developmental disabilities to assist the teachers in the classrooms. Several even attended Centennial as children! Their responsibilities include setting up the classroom, helping to organize toys, arts, and crafts, preparing the water table and cleaning up after activities. The classroom assistants offers hope to our families who may be concerned about their children finding employment when they are older.