Why WMCC?
Waterfront Montessori Children’s Centre (WMCC) is a registered charity, nonprofit, co-operative style childcare centre and preschool. Our program is a blend of Early Childhood Education, Montessori and Nature-based curriculum. Situated on the beloved Toronto Islands, we provide a healthy, well-rounded program for children. We are committed to teaching children to respect themselves, others and the world around them.
WMCC has a pre-school license with Ontario’s Ministry of Education to provide full-time care for children 2 ½ to 5 years old year, year round. Children can spend their junior and senior kindergarten years at WMCC exploring language, mathematics, geography and science with traditional Montessori materials alongside the ministries How Does Learning Happen? play based curriculum.
WMCC receives funding through CWELCC and has a Purchase of Service Agreement with the City of Toronto, therefore parents can apply and receive a fee subsidy in addition to CWELCC from Toronto Children’s Services.
A downtown school located in a natural setting
Located on Algonquin Island, WMCC is part of the Toronto Island Residential Community. We offer students the unique experience of connecting with nature each and every day. Children can walk to the Centre in a car-free neighbourhood, explore many areas of the Island and enjoy a playground surrounded by nature.
Small class sizes and excellent staff
In accordance with our license, we maintain a one to eight teacher to child ratio. Our teachers, trained in both Montessori and Early Childhood Education, bring a wide variety of teaching experience, and are dedicated to the holistic development of each child.
Our philosophy
At WMCC, it is our mission to foster the emotional, social, physical and cognitive development of each child. We honor every child’s unique strengths and perspectives and understand the fundamental influence their development will have in the community throughout their lifetime. Our Centre is committed to a co-operative environment that nurtures respect for self, responsibility for community and stewardship of the environment. We firmly believe in a child’s right to have and make choices, to be challenged, trusted and loved.
Our programming
WMCC combines the Early Childhood Education play based model and the Montessori Curriculum to foster academics, skill building, independence and a love of learning. The materials in the classroom inspire and engage the students learning through exploration and curiosity. The teachers follow the child’s interests and abilities while observing the choices and progress of each child and provide guidance and lessons accordingly. Each child has a voice in their education and are the driving force behind it. The teacher is their resource to observe and guide their progress and help to set the standards for the endless possibilities each child is capable of.
Arrival/Dismissal
Drop off/arrival for all students is inside the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street and Queen’s Quay, at 8:00 a.m. Our staff then escort the students onto the 8:15 ferry to Ward’s Island.
Pick up/dismissal at the end of the day is from inside the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal from 4:30-4:45 p.m.
Short-term visitor’s parking is available upon request.
Our menu
From our on-site kitchen we provide a hot, vegetarian lunch and healthy morning and afternoon snacks, made fresh each day.
The menu includes many favourites such as homemade soups, macaroni and cheese, salads, smoothies and freshly baked cookies.
Check out the WMCC sample menu.
Registration for the ongoing WMCC program is now available. Please get in touch and we will send you the registration package.