Home daycare in Dundalk, Ontario
Every day starts with joy.
A warm, play-based home daycare in Dundalk, Ontario for children from 18 months to Junior Kindergarten, led by Sheridan College trained Early Childhood Educator Yanique Johnson.
Current capacity: We're full right now
Join the waitlist and we'll email you as soon as a spot opens.
- Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)
- Sheridan College ECE graduate
- First Aid and CPR certified
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Small group of 5 children
Meet Yanique
Hi, I'm Yanique Johnson, the founder and educator behind Start With Joy. I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Sheridan College in 2021, and I'm a Registered Early Childhood Educator in Ontario.
I opened Start With Joy in the fall of 2024 to give toddlers in Dundalk a place that feels like home, with the care and structure of a professional classroom. Our space is clean, bright and set up for little hands, and every day is built around play, curiosity and connection.
With a small group of five children, I get to know each child well: how they like to be comforted, what makes them laugh, and what they're ready to try next. I believe in open, honest communication with families, so you always know how your child is doing.
Yanique Johnson, RECEFounder and Educator
Learning through play
Toddlers learn best by doing. Our play-based program is guided by Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? framework, so each day is planned around four things every young child needs.
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Belonging
Feeling safe, known and part of a small, caring group.
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Well-being
Rest, movement, fresh air and healthy routines that help little bodies grow.
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Engagement
Sensory bins, building, art and music that invite children to explore and ask questions.
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Expression
Songs, stories, painting and early letters that build language and confidence.
A day at Start With Joy
Toddlers thrive on a predictable rhythm. Here is what a typical day looks like. Times are approximate and we follow the children's cues.
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8:00 am
Arrival and free play
Warm welcomes, a quick hello with families and quiet play to ease into the day.
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9:00 am
Morning snack
We wash hands, sit together and enjoy the snack you packed.
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9:30 am
Circle time
Songs, stories, the weather and a peek at the day ahead.
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10:00 am
Play and learning centres
Sensory bins, building, art, puzzles and pretend play, planned around the children's interests.
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11:00 am
Outdoor play
Fresh air and big movement: running, climbing, digging and exploring.
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12:00 pm
Lunch
A relaxed lunch from home, with time to chat and practise self-help skills.
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12:45 pm
Nap and quiet time
A calm, dim room and soft music. Children who don't sleep enjoy books and quiet activities.
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2:45 pm
Afternoon snack
A gentle wake-up and a snack from home.
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3:15 pm
Music and creative play
Instruments, dancing, play dough and art projects.
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4:00 pm
Wind down and pick-up
Free play, tidy-up and a quick chat with families about the day.
Inside our days
A peek at the play, mess and making that fill our week. To protect the children in our care, we only share photos without faces.
Good to know
- 18 months to Junior Kindergarten
- Monday to Friday
Closed on statutory holidays - Dundalk, Ontario
- childcare@startwithjoy.ca
What ages do you care for?
Children from 18 months to Junior Kindergarten.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday to Friday and closed on statutory holidays.
Do you offer part-time care?
Yes. We offer full-time and part-time spots, depending on availability.
Do you provide meals?
Families pack meals and snacks from home. This way every child's dietary needs, allergies and preferences are fully respected.
How much does care cost?
We share our rates during your tour, along with everything that's included.
Where are you located?
We are in Dundalk, Ontario. To keep the children in our care safe, we share our exact address once a tour is booked.
How do I get started?
Fill out the short enquiry form below. Yanique will reply by email to set up a time for you to visit.
Join the waitlist
Tell us a little about your family. It takes about two minutes and helps Yanique make sure Start With Joy is the right fit before your visit.