OUR STAFF
Dearham Wood Daycare is a not-for profit, school-based childcare centre serving the Guildwood Community and surrounding areas. We provide subsidized full-time programs.
We work together to create a warm, caring and safe atmosphere, facilitating the growth and development of every child through encouragement, stimulation and diversified imaginative programming experiences. Our centre is governed by a democratic sharing process and family, staff, and community involvement is vital.
Our goal is to provide an enriched program in a safe and comfortable environment, giving each individual child the opportunity to grow emotionally, socially, intellectually, creatively, and physically.
All full time staff are experienced Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE) qualified to provide age-appropriate programming from nursery through age 12. Dearham Wood Daycare programming is designed to follow the ELECT format and is based on following the cues and interests of the children.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
NAFEEZA ALI, RECE – Supervisor
Hello DWDC Community! My name is Nafeeza and I am the Supervisor for Dearham Wood Daycare. I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator with 14+ years of experience in the Early Learning and Childcare Sector working with children, families and other professionals.
My experience includes working front line with children 0-12 years old, providing early intervention and therapeutic childcare to children with special needs, Professor of Observation and Assessment and facilitator to a variety of parenting programs.
I have 4 years of childcare management experience: responsibilities included Administration, Program Development, Curriculum Planning and Implementation, Staff Supervision and Public Relations.
My approach is influenced by Attachment, Relational and Developmental Theories. I am present throughout all of the programs and strive to work collaboratively with staff and families of DWDC to ensure the highest quality of care is provided in an environment that supports nurturing and responsive relationships, natural exploration and learning through play.
CHRISTINA NAUTH, RECE – Assistant Supervisor and Preschool
Hi I am Christina!
I graduated from Centennial College in 2016, and I have been working at Dearham Wood daycare ever since. I currently work as the Assistant Supervisor apart from working in the before and After Kindergarten program.
I have been a leader with children 0-12 years old, working with inclusion specialists to create individual plans for children and ensure their needs are met. I believe that each child is not only developmentally unique but engages in learning experiences that happen at individually optimum times. I try to challenge and support each child’s unique patterns of interest, talents and abilities. In addition, an environment is provided which fosters each child’s self-esteem, independence and self-discipline
I believe that children develop best as individuals in a social setting. I encourage children to demonstrate their feelings and needs through interaction and cooperation with peers and with adults. Children are taught to recognize that their actions have consequences. Furthermore, they are taught skills that help them to solve interpersonal conflicts with minimal adult intervention. We also encourage children to understand and have respect for themselves, their peers, their teachers, and their environment.
I think it is incredible to have the opportunity to work with such a diverse community. I can learn from the children as much as they are able to learn from me. The best part is that we get to sing and dance almost all day!
PROGRAM LEADERS
PROGRAM SUPPORT
RACHEL- Kindergarten
Hey, my name is Rachel and I’m apart of the Dearham Wood Daycare family. I’m eager to work with your children as well as getting to know them individually. I am currently working towards my ECE diploma while gaining the experience each and everyday
I have had the pleasure of connecting with kids all over Toronto as well as working in summer camps, and doing some mentoring at Durham children’s aid.
I am looking forward to working with the staff, children, and parents that are involved with DWDC, I hope to make a great impression while learning something new everyday.
LAILA, RECE - School Age
Hi, my name is Laila Parveen. I am a member of the Dearham Wood Day Care Team. I have graduated in “Early Childhood Education Program" from the Centennial College, Toronto in April, 2011.
I am a member of the College of Early Childhood Educators with good standing. I have got my Food Handling certification in December, 2017 from Toronto Public Health. I have more than eight years working experience in an infant, toddler, preschool and school age group within a licensed child care environment as an RECE. I am properly immunized including current TB test & have clear police record clearance to work in the community settings. I have valid certificate in CPR-C and Standard First Aid. I love to work with the children.
Faiza Siddiqui- School age Assistant
Hi, my name is Faiza ( Mrs.Siddiqui ) and I’m very happy to become part of the Dearham wood daycare team as a permanent staff member. I have been working with the daycare for the past few years during summer, holidays and PA days as casual support staff.
As most of you know I have been working at Poplar road for the last 10 years, the first few years with the kindergarten class and now with our special needs class, while doing before and after school child care as well. I’m a teacher by profession and working in the school and the daycare is very exciting for me. I love working with kids and I’m very happy that I will be spending more time with the kids in the daycare, getting to know them and helping them in every way possible.
Take care
Faiza.
SANDRA, ECA - Preschool
Hello! My name is Sandra and I joined the Dearham Wood Daycare team in September 2019. I work primarily in the school age program.
I have been working as an Early Childhood Assistant since 2011. My experience includes working with children between 4 years and 12 years old in before and after care settings, supporting children with special needs, and lunchroom supervisor for Durham District School Board.
I am excited to be a part of the Dearham Wood Daycare team and working collaboratively to support high quality childcare.