Our History
Established in 1976 by Elizabeth Ferguson and Mona Stephens, Day Care Connection (Toronto) Inc. is licensed as a not-for-profit operator under the CCEYA (Child Care and Early Years Act) by the Ministry of Education. We are registered under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare (CWELCC) system and the Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). We have successfully mounted programs and services for families with children from birth to age twelve. Through these programs, we are available to families as they move through the changing family stages from making the first choice for an infant through the child entering school. We have a proven track record of thinking through challenges, creating unique solutions before a program starts, and learning quickly from our experiences. We have demonstrated expertise in providing high quality, user responsive, well-managed and responsible care services.
Our licensed home child care program was how this all started, and it provides government-regulated, home based child care. Our Family Resource program was our next addition, and is an EarlyON drop-in centre that is open to parents/guardians, caregivers, nannies, grandparents or any adult who is caring for young children. Kids Club is a before and after school-based program for children from kindergarten to grade six.
Our child learning programs are built upon the best practices of Early Childhood Education. We added the Montessori curriculum in 2003 and operate 4 schools under the name Downtown Montessori with potential expansion in the foreseeable future. Each of our four Montessori schools are for children from about 12 months to six years of age.
Message from Our Executive Director
I am honored to lead a community dedicated to fostering curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. With a career spanning over 25 years in early childhood education and leadership, I have developed a deep commitment to creating environments where children thrive, both academically and personally.
My journey has included working at not-for-profit organizations building and expanding programs for children 0-12 years, leading teams with multidisciplinary objectives, and working for municipal government, and I am thrilled to bring this experience to Downtown Montessori. Here, I’m focused on enhancing our programs, supporting our talented educators, and ensuring every child receives an educational experience rooted in the Montessori philosophy of respect, empowerment, and holistic growth.
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I am especially excited about participating in our re-accreditation process with the newly branded Montessori Canada (formerly CCMA) and working with our Board of Directors and other stakeholders to develop a strategic plan to guide our work moving forward. I believe in the power of partnerships and look forward to building connections with families, teachers, and the wider community to create an inspiring and inclusive environment for all.
Outside of my professional life, I am a mother of two, an avid skier, and passionate life-long learner. I am excited to work together to make Downtown Montessori a place where every child can explore,
discover, and grow.
Feel free to reach out to me—I’m always here to listen, collaborate, and support our wonderful community.
Anisa Chernecki, Executive Director
Director of Administration
I have been part of Day Care Connection/Downtown Montessori School (DCC/DTMS) since 2002, and it has been my privilege to work in every aspect of the organization while growing alongside the children, families, and educators in our community.
Over the past 23 years at DCC/DTMS, I have had the joy of teaching in Montessori classrooms, leading a team as a Program Manager, supporting our Home Child Care program, and now serving on the senior leadership team as Director of Administration. Each of these roles has given me the opportunity to build meaningful and lasting relationships with children, families, and educators—connections that continue to inspire and motivate me every day.
My leadership journey at DCC/DTMS has allowed me to guide programs, support the growth of talented educators, and strengthen partnerships with families and the broader community. I remain deeply committed to ensuring that our mission and values are at the core of everything we do as a nonprofit organization, while fostering an environment where both children and educators can truly thrive.
What I value most is witnessing children’s learning experiences come to life and uplifting the dedicated educators who make this possible. I am grateful to be part of such a passionate and committed team, and together we strive to provide the highest quality of care and education while nurturing the strong bonds that make our community so special.
As we continue to grow and strengthen this beautiful community, I always welcome your thoughts, feedback, and collaboration.
Manjit Dhaliwal
Message from One of Our Founders
Even after 48 years, I realize how lucky I am to have had this job. It has been a privilege to work with such amazing teachers, parents and children.
A parent told me, “Downtown Montessori creates a space unlike the rest of the world – including other daycares. I feel it every time I drop off my boys or pick them up. As soon as you walk in the door, you sense this beautiful combination of warmth, richness and hyper-organization.”
It is an environment that really stays with you. Some of our children grew up to become teachers who now work in our classrooms. Others return as parents, offering their children the same rich environment they once enjoyed. And many of our teachers and staff have been with us for decades – our daycares are places people simply love to be.
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During my time here, I became a grandmother many times over. I watched my children and theirs grow up, while also influencing the lives of hundreds of other kids through Downtown Montessori. I see how the skills we impart here – not just numeracy and literacy, but also problem solving, conflict resolution, active citizenry and more – stay with children right on into adulthood.
It does make me feel a little bit proud, but my overwhelming response is just to feel entirely fortunate to have been a part of it all.
Liz Ferguson, Co-Founder
Downtown Montessori
Board of Directors
Margaret Simmons – Chair/President
Astrid Budd – Treasurer
Rianne Tel – Secretary
Jordan Pental – Member at large
Chris Jeong – Member at large
Omesh Mutukuda – Member at large
Vishal Lala – Member at large
Downtown Montessori is part of the Not-For-Profit Day Care Connection family. Please visit Day Care Connection for more information on all of our programs.