Children wearing homemade butterfly wings that they painted and running through the forest in High Park

Our Mission

Atelier Kids is a community that honours children as capable learners and treasures childhood as a magical time.

We commit to cherishing the learning that flourishes in a safe, playful space where children's ideas are authentically valued.

Our program nurtures a love of learning through a deep connection to nature and outdoor play, hands-on inquiry, risk-taking, rich materials and the creative arts.

Our Values

A group of children with two educators, looking out a large bright window

Building Loving Relationships

Children thrive with love, safety, and support from trusted caregivers. We build strong relationships with each child and their family, creating a secure foundation for growth. Through meaningful connections, we nurture confidence, exploration and self-expression.

An educator engaging in Professional Development

Empowering Educators

Early Childhood Educators are devoted professionals who design profound experiences for children when given respect, and opportunities for growth and autonomy. Consistency in relationships is key to children’s success, and low turnover is a major pillar of our program.

A child and educator looking at a digital microscope together

Engagement Through Play & Creativity

Play is the work of the child. We see remarkable learning across developmental domains when a child is genuinely engaged in what they are doing. Two pillars of our program are outdoor education and the creative arts. Providing abundant opportunities in these areas fosters deep learning and growth.

A child working with a chunky paint stick, making a beautiful piece of art

Developing Essential Skills

Our priority is to support the development of unconstrained skills such as communication, conflict resolution, self-regulation, and creativity. These skills prepare children for success in a changing world, where collaboration and problem-solving matter more than rote memorization.

Child's drawing of a big person and a little person holding hands

Fostering Safety, Inclusion & Kindness

We know children thrive in environments where they feel safe and loved. For them to feel secure, their families and caregivers must as well. That’s why we recognize, normalize, and celebrate diverse backgrounds, family compositions, languages, foods, and traditions.

We believe it is our honor to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, specifically their right to non-discrimination. Early exposure and open dialogue about our differences foster respect, compassion, and inclusion. We are committed to weaving these values into all aspects of our program.

Our hope is that as children grow and encounter new perspectives, they remain grounded in respect, compassion, and inclusion. We strive to instill the confidence to hold themselves and others accountable to kindness.

Out & about in our community

Just steps away from the enchanting High Park, our children are frequently immersed in the beauty of nature, forming deep connections with the forest and exploring the diverse ecosystems.

We are grateful to live in such a dynamic and culturally rich city, brimming with opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom. We provide hands-on experiences for our children to explore museums, galleries, theatres, architectural landmarks and more. Through these immersive excursions, we nurture their understanding of art, culture, and innovation.

As they venture through the city, mastering the art of public transit and embracing new experiences, we witness their independence, practical skills, and self-assurance blossom. These excursions empower them to confidently navigate the world around them, cultivating a sense of connection to both their community and the world at large.

Small children admiring large statues at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Field Trips the AGO, ROM, MoCA, The Bee Shop, Toronto Railway Museum and more!

An enthusiastic educator leading a group of children through a Forest path in High Park

Outdoor Adventures to High Park, Riverdale Farm, the Humber River, Toronto Island and more.