Family support programs offer a friendly environment for children to play and learn. They also provide a way for parents and caregivers in the community to meet one another, helping caregivers to break the isolation. Most programs are on a drop-in basis, where you and the child are welcome to come and go any time during the hours of the program. Others are more structured, where the program may have planned activities, or may last for a certain number of weeks. For more detailed information about family support programs, read our 
Family Support Programs tipsheet.
On Campus
Charles Street Drop-in Centre
The Charles Street Drop-in Centre provides parents of the Student Family Housing apartments and their children age five years and under with a place to meet and socialize. The centre is staffed by a supervisor, trained in Early Childhood Education (ECE), work/study students, volunteers, and parents. Parents are expected to stay and participate in the various activities and playtime. The program is free and is restricted to children of student families living at Charles Street. For hours and further details visit the Student Family Housing website.
Robarts Family Study Space (130 St. George Street)
Canada’s first academic library family study space is available to U of T current students, staff (including postdocs), faculty members, and visiting scholars with children 12 years and under. For more information and to apply for a free access fob go to Family Study Space at Robarts and complete the online registration form.
In the Community
Throughout the city, many community organizations and boards of education operate family support programs in schools, community centres, storefronts or church basements. Below is a list of the ones close to campus:
Alexandra Park Community Centre
105 Grange Crt (Dundas-Spadina area)
416-603-9603
Cecil Parent Child Drop In
58 Cecil St. (College-Spadina area)
416-392-1090
University Settlement
23 Grange Rd (Dundas-University area)
416-598-3444
Parent-Child Drop-in Centre – Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
750 Spadina Avenue (at Bloor)
416-924-6211, ext. 114 *Only open to members
The 519 Family Resource Program
519 Church St. (Yonge-Wellesley area)
416-392-6874 *Online programs only
YMCA Family Development Centre
15 Breadalbane St. (Yonge-Wellesley area)
416-513-1164
Les Groupes Parent-Bambins
22 College St. (College-Yonge area)
416-922-2672 *Contact for more information on specific programs
Kognaasowin at Native Child & Family Services
30 College St. – 416-969-8510 *Contact for information on specific programs
Children’s Storefront
826 Bloor St. West – 416-531-8151 *Online programs only
St. Alban’s Boys & Girls Club — St. Alban’s Preschool
843 Palmerston Ave (Bathurst-Dupont area)
416-534-8461
College Montrose Children’s Place
180 Shaw St. – 416-532-8100 *Online programs only
Toronto Children’s Services
Various Locations – 416-397-1262
EarlyON Child and Family Centres
Various Locations – 1-866-821-7770