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

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.

PROGRAM LEADERS

Chelsea Khan, RECE Kindergarten

Hi! My name is Chelsea and I’ve happily joined the Dearham Wood Daycare family in 2023. I am a graduate of Centennial College from the Early Childhood Education program as well as the Indigenous Studies program in 2020. Since then, I’ve been having so much fun growing as a Registered Early Childhood Educator and gaining experience working with children in multiple age groups.

From a young age, I’ve known that my passion is working with children. Not only did I find interest within courses of Family Studies in high school, but I knew I loved this profession because of how much of an impact my former educators left on me. They’ve paved the way for me to be the best I can so that I can provide that impact with the children and families I work with today.

One of my goals as an RECE is to build meaningful relationships with children and introduce child-led learning opportunities as I believe that children learn through experiences. Having children peaked with interest and inquiries are aspects that I want to encourage in our environment.

I’m beyond excited to experience this journey with the Dearham Wood Daycare staff, children, and families as I hope to build strong connections that last a lifetime!

Iraj Khan, ECE School Age

Hello, my name is Iraj Khan. I am an Early Childhood Education Year 2 Student at George Brown College. I am very excited to work with all of the children and families at Dearhamwood. I have volunteered over the past 3 years in community programs with children and hope to bring my experience into the centre. Some things I love doing are travelling, visiting coffee shops and spending time with family. I am looking forward to meet everyone and getting to know you all.

Nicole Terris, RECE Preschool

COMING SOON!

PROGRAM SUPPORT

Rachel Harding, ECA 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.

Faiza Siddiqui, ECA School Age

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.

Marwa Dahir, ECA Preschool