Studio123

Studio 123 Early Learning Centre has been up and running for ten years now at 401 Richmond Street West. Arts enriched and community supported, this encouraging, home-like childcare environment stimulates the senses, builds trust, inspires creativity, promotes confidence and develops the minds of youngsters age three months to five years. Studio 123 is a special place where very young children can explore and discover the arts in the midst of a dynamic, creative community, supported by a loving and nurturing staff. Unique partnerships between Urbanspace Property Group (the landlord), local businesses and artists, and George Brown College allow Studio 123 to provide an innovative and culturally enriched program which exposes children to the arts in a new way. Children actively participate in and are exposed to a diverse spectrum of art, music, and dance using a multi-faceted program approach. Activities are designed to stimulate exploration and creativity in an environment, which is secure, nurturing and geared to the needs and abilities of very young children. Our innovative curriculum model is being developed based on the most up-to-date research about how young children learn. It incorporates all that we know about the value and benefits of exposing children to dance, visual arts, music, drama, and literary arts from a very early age. This curriculum is being developed by Studio 123 staff with input from parents and artists at 401 Richmond, early childhood experts such as Dr. Fraser Mustard and arts educators at the Art Gallery of Ontario and The Royal Conservatory of Music.
Specially trained staff members are carefully selected with qualifications and experience both in early childhood education and in the arts. Studio 123 seeks out employees who value creativity and individuality as well as a strong sense of community. In addition to delivering arts enriched programs themselves, staff provide guidance to visiting artists about creative ways to adapt activities to the age level of the children.
The arts community in the Queen and Spadina area willingly donates a trememdous variety of materials and talents. Several artists and musicians have made commitments to work directly with the children, and many local businesses and artisans have offered to donate paint, paper, fabric, leather and other materials.
The centre's location in the heart of Toronto's Gallery District provides wonderful opportunities for children to be exposed to artists at work on a daily basis. Children can visit and experience studios, galleries, live performances, and special events like Word on the Street and Toronto Artsweek, all within walking distance of the centre. According to Clyde Hertzman, MD at the University of British Columbia, a child's first five years are critical for brain development, an "investment phase" that has lifelong consequences. Studio 123 is confident that investment in this flagship project will result in citizens who are creative, adaptable, good problem-solvers and innovative thinkers — the workforce of tomorrow.