Hippo Nursery School operates from September through August, from Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 5:30 PM. We are closed for two weeks over the winter holidays, one week over March Break, and one week at the end of August, as well as all statutory holidays. In the summer, we operate a summer program with 2 week sessions following the same schedule as the school-year program.

• Pre-Care: 8:15 am to 9:00 am
• Morning Programs: 9:00 am to 11:30 am

For children who stay full days:

• Lunch: 11:30 am to 12:00 noon
• Nap 12:00 to 2:00 pm; Quiet Time 12:00 to 1:00
• Afternoon Program 1:00 to 4:00 pm
• After-Care: 4:00pm to 5:30 pm

During the winter, we follow the lead of the Toronto District School Board in decisions about closing or early closing, due to severe weather conditions.

Morning Program

This program is for preschool children aged 2.5 to 4 years old and runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 – 11:30 am. We can accommodate 3 toddler-aged children in this group.

As part of their morning schedule, all children engage in free play, circle, outdoor play (weather permitting) and snack.

Afternoon Programs for Full Day children

Mixed-Age Preschool Group / Younger (Toddler/Young Preschooler) Group: This program runs Monday to Friday from 1:00 – 4:00pm. Children are in two groups – one for toddlers and one of older preschool mixed-age children.  The schedule is similar to the morning schedule, but children who need it, can nap until 2:00.

Each group has one ECE teacher and one ECA staff or two duty day volunteer staff.

Lunch Program: Hot lunches are prepared for children who stay over the lunch period. Hot lunches are balanced, nutritious meals in accordance with the Canada Food Guide. A monthly menu is posted. The lunch period is supervised by the Supervisor and/or ECE teacher and ECA staff.

Pre-Care and After-Care Programs:  The Pre-Care program is for parents who need an earlier drop-off starting at 8:15.  The After-Care Program includes former Hippo kindergarten children who are walked over from Humewood school and full-day children who need a later pick-up.  The program ends at 5:30 each day.  The program can include outside free play, large motor and/or creative play, crafts, story-reading, snack and child-directed activities. Pre- and After-Care are available on a full- or part-time basis.