100th Anniversary
Major Milestones in our 100 Years
1909 – The Crèche Child and Family Centre is established with a focus on the early years of childhood by a group from the Anglican Church.
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1913- The Earlscourt Children’s Home is founded as a haven for children unable to remain at home due to dire family circumstances by Rev. Peter Bryce. |
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1913 – The Crèche’s first permanent facility is built and still stands today on Euclid Avenue in downtown Toronto. |
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1918 – Earlscourt moves to its present location in the St. Clair and Dufferin area of Toronto. |
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1920s – The Crèche develops a strong interest in the psychology of early childhood and hires some of the first mental health professionals. (pictured: 1944 photo of The Crèche from The Globe and Mail with the caption "At the West End Creche, children of working mothers take time out from play to cool off with glasses of ice-cold milk. About 60 children attend this creche daily." |
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1958 – The Crèche becomes a centre for autism and other early childhood developmental and mental health disorders. (pictured: 1959 photo of The Creche from The Globe and Mail with the caption "Once there was a beautiful princess who lived in an enchanted castle ... and Mrs. Abe Levine, below, reads a story to a group of fascinated children at the West End Creche.") |
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1970s – The Crèche develops into a full service multi-disciplinary agency providing clinical services and day treatment for young children. (pictured: 1941 ad by Eaton's in The Globe and Mail with caption "Eaton's extends good wishes to the West End Creche. All success to musee de noel, the helpful exhibition of Christmas gifts which opens today at the King Edward Hotel." |
1979 – Earlscourt changes its name to Earlscourt Child and Family Centre in recognition of its diversification to mental health services.
1980s – The Crèche develops increasing expertise in the treatment of childhood sexual abuse.
1982 – Earlscourt launches Camp Wimodausis, the first Toronto day camp specifically designed for children whose behaviour and poverty would prevent them from attending other day camps.
1985 – Earlscourt establishes the Under 12 Outreach Project, the first intervention in North America for children under 12 in conflict with the law.
1990s – The Crèche broadens its focus to include services to address family violence.
1996 – Earlscourt establishes the Girls Connection, the first ever intervention specifically designed for young girls with severe behavioural problems.
2004 – Child Development Institute is officially formed through the voluntary merger of Earlscourt Child and Family Centre and The Crèche Child and Family Centre.