Small Steps Early Learning Centre is the new name for our fabulous daycare. We opened our doors in 2008 and have been growing ever since.

We believe that a child's early years set the foundation for further learning. We provide a play-based learning experience in a welcoming environment in which children are nurtured and challenged cognitively, emotionally, socially and physically. We facilitate experiences for children to grow, learn and discover in a stimulating environment, allowing children to develop at their own pace.

We are a Fully Licenced facility with a capacity for 84 children. We are inspected by both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, upholding the standards set forth by them. We provide programs for children 3 months - 12 years of age.

We employee RECE's that are certified in First Aid and CPR to provide quality care that meet the cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs of each individual child. Our assistants are individuals that have a genuine interest and experience working with children and in facilitating their development.

We are located in Oak Ridges, off of Yonge St. between King Road and Bloomington Side Road. This makes us the perfect location for busy parents that are accessing the major highways or the transit.

Proud to offer all families over 12 years of experience in the Childcare Industry. Call us now!

Our Team

May

Hello, my name is May. I am the supervisor and one of the owners here at Small Steps Early Learning Centre. I have 23 years’ experience in education from daycare settings to the university level. After obtaining a Master degree in Computer Science in China, I received another Master degree in Economics and an Accounting diploma in Canada. I worked as a teacher at the college level in China and was a teaching assistant and a tutor in Concordia University in Canada. In Montreal, I owned and ran a daycare for five years. 

In 2016, after moving to Toronto, I decided to continue pursuing the field of education. I received my ECE diploma, a MACTE accredited Montessori diploma for CASA (2.5 to 6 years old), and a MACTE accredited Montessori diploma for elementary (6 to 9 years old). Since then, I have worked as a Montessori directress in several Montessori daycares and Montessori elementary schools. I have also taught Mandarin in both elementary and middle schools, and I was a French teacher in a daycare. Before joining the Small Steps Early Learning Centre team, I was the supervisor in a Montessori School in Toronto. I am very happy to join the Small Steps ELC family!

Xeidhar

Hello, my name is Xeidhar. I am the Spanish teacher and a designated ECE at Small Steps Early Learning Centre. I have been working at Small Steps Early Learning Centre for over 9 years. I graduated in my home country as a Pre-School Teaching Technologist, a four-year university program.

In Canada, I have been involved in the International Language Program and taught Spanish for the York Region Catholic School Board for over four years, and worked as a caregiver for two and a half years before I joined the Small Steps family.

I enjoy working with young children using my skills and knowledge plus the exciting experience of being the mother to three wonderful daughters and the grandma to two beautiful and intelligent granddaughters.

Chang

Hello everyone! My name is Chang and I have eight years of experience in Early Childhood Education and as a Mandarin teacher. I was born and raised in China and can speak Mandarin fluently. In China, I studied and obtained a master’s degree in physiology.

Once I moved to Canada, I decided to further continue my education. I attended Seneca College where I received my Early Childhood Education diploma in September 2019. I have experience in various daycare settings and I am familiar with the Montessori curriculum and theories. I have successfully completed a Montessori program. In the past, I have been responsible for creating engaging activities, delivering programs alongside peers, organizing concerts and interacting with children of all ages. Over the years, I have taken multiple courses to strengthen my knowledge on early development, family and community relationships and creative arts.

I am married and a mother of two amazing children. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking and playing games with my kids. I am very passionate about teaching and working with children of all ages.I find it to be very rewarding watching children learn and progress each day. I am pleased to be joining the Small Steps team as the Mandarin teacher and Early Childhood Educator. I am looking forward to meeting you all!

Malik

Hello, my name is Humaira Malik. I graduated from Seneca College with a Early Childhood Education diploma in 2020.  While completing my course, I learned the great importance of understanding children’s mental and physical development, which was fascinating. Watching children grow and observing their developmental milestones has been a wonderful gift.

I love art, music and spending time with children whenever I get a chance. I really enjoy working with children, and want my students to feel safe and have a sense of belonging in my classroom. In my free time, I tutor a wide range of students in English and Mathematics, anywhere from kindergarten to grade 8. In working with my students, I enabled them to perform at a higher level academically, and feel inclusive in the environment.

Kun

Hello, my name is Kun, I graduated from Seneca College in the Early Childhood Educator Program with honors. I am  bilingual Early Childhood Educator, and can speak English and Mandarin. I have the extreme pleasure of teaching toddlers and preschoolers, and love being engaged in caring, curious, and respectful interactions with children to support their growing relationships with themselves, each other, and the natural world.

My work is rooted in the belief that a great education is foundational to life's success. I am very glad to join Small Steps family!

Tania

Hello, my name is Tania. As an Early Childhood Assistant and a healthy and safety representative at Small Steps Early Learning Centre, I am very please and honoured to be working with these energetic and loveable children.

I can speak Spanish and English, and have a certificate in General Secretarial Studies and in Microcomputers Business Applications. I am outgoing, patient, responsible, and have a good sense of humor.

I am so happy to be a part of the Small Steps family and enjoy taking care of the children!

Aynur

Hello, my name is Aynur Başkemer. I am currently learning Early Childhood Education in Algonquin College, and working as an Early Childhood Assistant in Small Steps Early Learning Centre. I'm so excited to spend time with you. I have 15 years of teaching experience and a good understanding of child psychology and development. I previously volunteered to improve children's language skills in Canada.

I have two sons aged 14 and 5. Spending time with the children and doing activities together make me happy. I want to be an early childhood educator because early childhood education is important for children and will affect their lifelong development. I am excited to meet everyone and look forward to getting to know you!