Anyone has any feedback on either ACE Daycare (located in the Dufferin and Rutherford area, opposite the Rutherford GO Station) OR   LULLABOO Daycare centre (located at Dufferin and Major Mackenzie in the mall)?

 I have narrowed my choices down to these two as first options and then the third would be the new Upper Canada daycare centre to be located in the newly built North Thornhill community centre (300 Pleasant Ridge).

Really would welcome any feedback on these three centres.

Adina Zaiontz wrote:

If ACE is the one I am thinking youre referring to...its right by the GO train, right? My friend has her kids at ACE and really likes it. We visited it and thought it looked like a good centre, but really BIG..& I personally dont like big daycares...feel like my kid will get lost in the shuffle - but that's just me... It seems like alot of Israeli families attend there, and I know alot of people are looking for that. The one thing I wasnt crazy about was it was in a semi industrial/ business area without alot of parks nearby. Just my personal thing... but I like when the kids can be walked to a park or playground.

I also checked out Upper Canada daycare and it looked really great. I visited their John/ Bayview location and was really impressed. They have a lovely playground too. Their new location at the North Thornhill Comm. Centre also looks amazing, especially as the kids can access that beautiful playground and splash pad in the summer, and you can take them to programs or to the pool after.

Another daycare standout for me was YMCA... although the location I visited was downtown, I think there are some in North York & Markham...It was immaculate and seemed really well staffed, so worth checking out. They are not affiliated with any religion, just a general daycare. But the management is top notch if the downtown location is any indication of the rest. 

Thanks Adina. Yeah ACE is the really big (three-floor) building that houses over 100 kids on Rutherford near the GO Station and the gas station.   I understand that that location has a mixed and varied clientele. There is another ACE also on Rutherford  but between Dufferin and Bathurst that caters to mostly Israeli (Jewish) families.

 I was impressed by Butternut (also an Upper Canada facility) but their waiting list was unending. Similarly the North Thornhill location is already filled to capacity, so they must be doing something right over at Upper Canada.

Thanks for the feedback. I also loved your detailed list on what to look for when choosing a daycare. Thanks for taking the time to contribute. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Leanne Shapiro wrote:

Jay Getfield wrote:Anyone has any feedback on either ACE Daycare (located in the Dufferin and Rutherford area, opposite the Rutherford GO Station) OR   LULLABOO Daycare centre (located at Dufferin and Major Mackenzie in the mall)?

 I have narrowed my choices down to these two as first options and then the third would be the new Upper Canada daycare centre to be located in the newly built North Thornhill community centre (300 Pleasant Ridge).

Really would welcome any feedback on these three centres.

Hi Jay,

we have had our daughter at the ACE at Keele and Rutherford for over 2 years now.  We have been very happy there.  Even though it may seem big, each class is its own unit, so it still feels cozy.  My daughter is the shy reserved type, and she was very comfortable there from day 1.  How old is the child you will be sending there? 

We really like that it is a mixed clientele and they learn about all different holidays and cultures there.

In terms of parks, there are a few within walking distance that they go to regularly for outings and picnics.  In the summer, they have splash days as well.

good luck!

Jay responds:

Well my identical twin 22-month old boys have been there for a month now and all seem to be going well. You were right in that though it is a big daycare, your kid(s) don't get lost among the 100++ kids because each class has a limited number of children and so there seems to be close attention paid to each child. The diaper changes are frequent and the meals are on time and the meal portions vary according to each child's needs. I have been there for lunch because my kids are picky eaters and therefore I have seen the really healthy eaters get second helpings. The staff is quite friendly and approachable and I like that the daycare has a mixed clientele with regard to ethnicity culture and other backgrounds. It works for me and my kids' needs at this stage. Again, thanks for your feedback.