The Artful Child

My daughter loves coming here. The parents are absolutely wonderful. So friendly, so inviting.However, just know that there is very limited parking, there is a parking lot south of the church, south of the library and the place is impossible to find. It is in the basement of the church with a tiny red sticker. I had a very bad experience the first time, but easier the second since I knew the lay of land. Donna is wonderful.But the room itself is cramped, small, full of toys and activity centers. It has a water table, sand table, and two easels with a mannequin to paint. It seems to really get my daughter in the mood to paint.But my daughter loves it, so what are you gonna do?

I thought I would share my perspective of my time within the school. Firstly, Jesse has spent years narrowing the philosophy of the school to be one where the whole child is nurtured and accepted. Her work goes noticed by parents and children, which leads to many 5 star reviews and returning families.The place is not a sterile cold setting. We run messy. We are in-tune with the natural rhythm of children learning what it means to be an artist and work freely.The staff to children ratio is a relieving difference when considering child-care in the public sphere.My years at the school are the highlight of my time spent with children.

To all Lovers of Creative Living, my friend Sharon introduced me to the Artful and I felt as though I had met more custodians of how I parent (and grandparent)--through experiential, no-fault learning. Finding out about how the Artful has expanded the community I know is the future of conscious education. Thank you to the Artful for your courage and determination to bring our young ambassadors into the world and show them they are intelligent.

The Artful Child is truly a wonderful place, as a parent of two kids who love it, I recommend it wholeheartedly. This is a child-led art program of pure creative magic, and my kids have always come away from it with huge smiles, great stories, and their little hands full of creative masterpieces. We've experienced it personally through drop-ins and pre-school, and the kids are well supported not only creatively but emotionally as well, by a team of qualified staff who truly care. I have always wished they ran a full-time daycare! This is a true gem in Rincesvalles and I am so happy for the residents of Rosedale who will now get to experience the joy that is TAC as well!

We love the artful child. My son has been going for five years and is the one place he wants to go back to. Staffs are kind and welcoming. This is one of the best programs I have found across the city. They have the best approach in terms of child directed play. It’s all about uninterrupted play. Though the staff is always there to ensure safety of children, they never distract them to pursue a must do activity or pursue an agenda. My son feels in control to choose what he likes to do and that has empowered him to explore his curiosity and independence. I love Jessie, the owner, and recommend it 1000%.

We hosted our daughter's 4th birthday party at the Rosedale location and it was amazing! Every guest commented how incredible the space was. Truly a child's paradise....so much for them to explore. I couldn't get my kids to leave. In addition to all of the stations for kids (painting, sand table, water table, dough table, clay table, etc.), the set up is great with couches and little tables for creative play that we converted for eating and cake time. Jessica was lovely to work with - very flexible and accommodating. Highly recommend!

I went to this school when I was 3 until I was 5 and the artistic values instilled in me, I still hold to this day. I credit the early introduction to art and the freedom to create for fuelling my passions for the Arts. I can now say I am a full time Graphic Designer and loving it. The Artful Child, I owe you many thanks

Over the past three years The Artful Child has been anchor for my children. They started in the morning program, and now go to the the after-school club. Jessie and her staff are kind, observant and supportive. The children love the space. It's where they get to make art and meaningful connections, learn through play and to be themselves. This program is truly a gem.

Artful Child is a hidden treasure - from the moment we stepped foot in there it felt like we were on a movie set and it couldn’t be real because it was just so incredible. My children LOVE going here and constantly ask when they are going next. Jesse and her team are amazing and really understand the way little’s love to express themselves through art and play. I can’t recommend this place enough