Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for families considering Golden Minds Academy, a CWELCC-enrolled early learning academy in Midtown Toronto.
What ages does Golden Minds Academy serve?
Golden Minds Academy serves children from 18 months to 4 years in two programs: Toddlers and Early Preschoolers.
Where is Golden Minds Academy located?
We are located at 84 Merton Street, Toronto, Ontario M4S 1A1, in Midtown Toronto near Yonge Street and Davisville.
Is Golden Minds Academy part of the CWELCC program?
Yes. Golden Minds Academy is enrolled in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, which allows us to offer reduced fees for eligible children. Contact us for current rates, as fee levels are set by government and can change.
How is Golden Minds Academy different from a typical daycare?
We are an early learning academy, not just a child care centre. Guided by Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? pedagogy, our program deliberately supports social-emotional learning, early literacy and numeracy, and ongoing developmental observation, with referrals to community specialists when a child needs additional support.
Is Golden Minds Academy a Montessori school?
No. Golden Minds Academy is a licensed early learning academy. Our approach draws inspiration from some Montessori principles, such as independence and thoughtfully prepared classrooms, alongside play-based learning and Ontario's early years framework.
What are the staff-to-child ratios?
As a licensed centre in Ontario we follow the ratios set under Ontario Regulation 137/15: 1 educator to 5 children for toddlers (18 to 30 months) and 1 educator to 8 children for preschoolers (30 months and older).
How do you support children who may need extra help?
Educators observe and document each child's development. If a child may benefit from more support, we share observations privately with the family, adapt classroom strategies, and with consent connect families to community specialists such as speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists.
How do you prepare children for Junior Kindergarten?
Children build school readiness through early literacy (vocabulary, phonological awareness, pre-writing), early numeracy (counting, quantity, patterns), executive function skills such as focus and turn-taking, and independence in self-care routines.
How will I know how my child is doing?
Families receive updates through the Procare family app and have regular conversations with educators based on classroom observation and documentation.
How do I enrol my child?
Book a tour, submit an enquiry with your child's age and preferred start date, complete the registration package, and we will plan a gradual entry. Registration for the 2026-27 year is open and spaces are limited.
What qualifications does your leadership have?
Our Head of School, Sara Vafa, holds a Master of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto and an MBA, with over 10 years of experience in education management and working with children and families.
How can I contact Golden Minds Academy?
Call 416-265-1401, email admin@goldenmindsacademy.com, or book a tour online.