OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

TYPE books
From the beginning, TYPE books—Toronto’s favourite indie bookstore—has offered Word-Play a home and our participants a unique and safe setting to explore their creativity. Before we begin our programs and during breaks, children are free to look at books in the store and discover the great variety and possibilities offered in the world of the imagination.

York University Faculty of Education
York University’s Faculty of Education has a deep commitment to social justice and community education. The faculty believes strongly that its Teacher Candidates (TC) can benefit from learning about and making connections with the community served by the education system. As a result, York TCs participate in a community placement during their first year. At Word-Play, eight York TCs take part each year, bringing their skills, enthusiasm and commitment to our innovative work. They are supported by supervisors at York, as well as our volunteers and/or paid staff.

Schools
Word-Play works in concert with teachers and principals at the three neighbourhood schools that feed our programs: Charles G. Fraser Public School, Niagara Street Junior Public School and St. Mary Catholic School.  Teachers identify the children who will benefit most from Word-Play’s programs and support our volunteers and/or staff throughout the sessions.

Parents/caregivers
The parents and caregivers of the children who attend our programs are important Word-Play partners. We encourage them to support their children’s creative efforts and join us in celebrating their work at home and during events scheduled throughout the year.