New Music from Sing Along Tim!

Sing Along Tim has been bringing Fully Interactive Folk Rock to the kids at Boulton Avenue Daycare for almost 10 years. He’s written songs about them and recorded songs with them.

In 2014, Sing Along Tim and his band, The Pacifiers, saved up enough money to record their first studio album as a band. This was the result.

As you can see they are jumping for joy about how much fun they had making it.

There has been a terrific response to the album, and as a result, this summer, Sing Along Tim and The Pacifiers will be playing at the Montreal Folk Fest, the Mariposa Folk Fest, Ancaster Fall Fair, Orillia Fall Fair and VanKleek Hill Fall Fair.

They hope you enjoy listening to the album as much as they enjoyed making it.

Come out and hear the whole band live sometime. It’s like a rock show for kids.

You can stream the album for free here- http://singalongtimandthepacifiers.bandcamp.com and buy it for as little as $7

Or if you are old school you can buy signed copies of the CD at the daycare from Jen or June for $15.

What's Going on up There?

Good news: The playground renovations have finally begun! Here's the scoop from the roof.

First came the caution tape. Then the construction materials appeared in the driveway. And when your little guy excitedly informed you, "We went to the park twice today, Mommy!" you were officially suspicious: "Something is definitely going on up on that roof."

Well, you're right: Something is going on upstairs. Something big, in fact. We're thrilled to announce that the playground renovations are well underway!

Say goodbye to the concrete tiles and wooden decking. The new rooftop play space will feature a single-level rubber surface, complete with a trike track!

To make this dream a reality, we've enlisted the services of Enviro Flex Surfaces, a leader in rubber resurfacing using recycled landfill tires. More than just environmentally friendly, the cushioned surface also provides excellent traction, is bacteria-resistant and reduces injuries from playground falls.

Things are progressing quickly, and we hope to welcome the children back to the roof sometime next week. Stay tuned on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news on the project and pics of the new space!

Finally, a word of thanks: If it wasn't for the tireless fundraising efforts of our staff, families and the Riverside community at large, this project never would have happened. Thank you all for your continued support! We couldn't have done it without you.

See you on the rooftop!

Last-Minute St. Patrick's Day Activities

Keep your little leprechauns entertained this St. Patrick's Day with these five fun activities you can pull together with materials you already have around the house.

1. Green Pepper Shamrocks

A healthy snack kids will love? It's a St. Patrick's Day miracle! Source: Martha Stewart

2. Layered Rainbow Yogourt

Swap plain yogourt for pudding in this recipe for another healthy St. Paddy's Day snack. Source: Make and Takes

3. Kid-Approved Thumbprint Shamrocks

Kids and parents alike are sure to give this simple St. Patrick's Day craft a thumbs-up. Source: SheKnows

4. St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt

An afternoon's worth of festive fun is just a mouse click away with these free printables. Source: Love Grows Wild

5. Shamrock Stamps

Save one of those bell peppers for some St. Patrick's Day crafting post-snack.  Source: Epicurious

Boulton Makes a Great Big Crunch

The Boulton bunch shows off their best crunch faces in support of FoodShare's annual Great Big Crunch event.

Did you hear that?

That was the sound of thousands of Canadians simultaneously crunching down on locally grown fruits and vegetables as part of FoodShare's Great Big Crunch. The annual event promotes healthy eating habits through a special day of good food education that ends with a massive, synchronized bite.

Boulton was proud to join in the 2013 celebration, and on March 7 at precisely 2:30 p.m., the centre's children and staff alike all crunched down on crisp Ontario apples and carrot sticks in the name of healthy snacking. Scroll through the slide show below to see some of their best crunch faces.

The Great Big Crunch may be over for now, but that's no reason to stop crunching. Summon the healthy spirit at home with these easy veggie recipes for kids.

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7 Easy Veggie Recipes for Kids

In honour of Nutrition Month and the Great Big Crunch, we've gathered seven super-easy veggie recipes for kids (no cooking required!) that will leave your brood hungry for more. Click on the pics below for step-by-step instructions.

1. DIY Veggiescapes

Get creative! Turn picky eaters into veggie lovers with dollar-store plates and a porcelain marker. Source: Oh Happy Day

2. Veggies and Dip to Go

Heading out? Don't leave your healthy habits at the door. Drop a dollop of dip in a jar and fill with carrot and celery sticks; seal 'er up and you're ready to hit the road! Source: Kiwi Crate

3. Pepper Rainbow

Somewhere over the rainbow, dreams that you dare to dream—like your kids happily eating vegetables—really do come true. Extra parent points if you can get them to sing the song while they snack. Source: Parents

4. Sandwich Sushi

Why just eat a boring, old sandwich when the sushi variety is so much more fun? (Chopsticks not required.) Source: Martha Stewart Kids

5. Carrot Patches

These petite pots are not only fun to eat, but they're also a great way to spark a conversation about how vegetables grow. Who knows? Maybe your wee one will be inspired to plant a real veggie patch of his/her own. Source: Spoonful

6. Apple Puzzle

Here's a snack that's as good for the brain as it is for the bod. Source: Cute Food For Kids?

7. Cucumber Boats

When it come to getting your kids to eat vegetables, sometimes it's best to do whatever floats their boat...literally. Source: Parenting.com

Top 10 Tax Tips for Families

Ugh, it's tax season again. Don't make it any more painful than it has to be. Follow our top 10 tax tips for families to keep the government's toll to a minimum.

1. Take all the credit. (We don't mind.)

You or your spouse/common-law partner can claim expenses paid to an eligible daycare centre like Boulton. If you haven't already done so, please inform June whose name should appear on your tax receipt. Summer day camps and the like may also qualify for the child care credit.

2. Claim the kids.

Families are entitled to a $2,191 tax credit for each child under the age of 18. (That's a federal tax savings of $320 per child!) Bonus: Any unused credit can be transferred to your spouse/common-law partner.

3. Get active.

Whether you've got a little soccer player or ballerina on your hands, you can claim up to $500 per child of the cost of organized physical activity. Just be sure to double-check that your child's program of choice qualifies and always save your receipts.

4. Invest in the arts.

Similarly, the new children’s arts credit allows Canadians to claim up to $500 per child for fees relating to artistic, cultural, recreational or developmental programs, such as piano lessons, improv classes, Girl Guides, etc. As above, confirm a program's eligibility before making a claim.

5. Get what you deserve.

The Canadian and provincial governments offer a variety of benefits to help families cope with the monthly costs associated with raising a child in this country. It pays to educate yourself on the programs available.

The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families with children under the age of 18. The CCTB may also include the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) and Ontario Child Benefit (OCB), where applicable.

Families who receive the CCTB may also qualify for the Ontario Child Care Supplement for Working Families (OCCS), a tax-free monthly payment for low- to moderate-income families with children under the age of seven (born prior to July 1, 2009). The maximum OCCS benefit for each child is $1,310 annually for single parents and $1,100 for two-parent families, less the amount of OCB received.

Designed to help offset the cost of child care for all working Canadian families, the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) pays $100 per month per child under six. Unlike the CCTB and OCCS, the UCCB is taxable.

Mothers should apply for CCTB, UCCB and related provincial programs using the Automatic Benefits Application (ABA) as soon as possible after a child is born. If you failed to do so or are a new resident of Canada, you can apply for these benefits online at cra.gc.ca/myaccount. Families must apply for the OCCS annually. Qualifying families should receive an application form in April, provided they have filed their annual personal tax return(s).

(Note: Families of children with disabilities may qualify for further benefits in addition to those outlined above.)

6. Use public transit.

Do you take the TTC or Go Transit to work? If so, you can claim a non-refundable tax credit for your passes, including those purchased for dependent children under 19. To qualify, passes must cover unlimited travel for a period of at least one month. Electronic payment cards can be claimed if the card is used to make at least 32 one-way trips during an uninterrupted period of less than 31 days.

7. Get a SIN.

Apply for your child's social insurance number (SIN) as soon as he/she is born. Not only is a SIN required to open an RESP (see below), but your child will also need it when they enter the workforce as a young adult (e.g. paper route, babysitting, etc.).

8. Save for future education.

For those who can afford it, a registered education savings plan (RESP) is the best way to save for a child's post-secondary education. Parents can  contribute up to $50,000 per beneficiary over the lifetime of the plan. Better yet, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) will add 20% to your contributions up to a maximum of $500 per year through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). Additional incentives are available through the HRSDC for qualifying families (e.g. Canada Learning Bond).

Though RESP contributions are not tax-deductible, all investment income and government incentives are provided they remain n the account. When the money is withdrawn to pay for the child's schooling, those earnings are taxed in the child's hands. Fortunately, as a student, he/she will likely pay little to no tax on the money.

9. Track your medical expenses.

You may be able to claim a non-refundable tax credit based on medical expenses paid for you, your spouse/common-law partner or children in any 12-month period ending in 2012, not claimed in 2011. Tip: Identify the 12-month window in which your family's medical expenses were the highest and have the spouse/common-law partner with the lower net income make the claim. There is an additional credit of up to $1,119 available to working individuals with low incomes and high medical expenses.

10. Be resourceful.

There's no end of free public resources to help you and your family navigate your way through tax season. It's up to you to take advantage. Some of our favourites include:

A joint initiative of the Canada Revenue Agency and various community organizations, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) provides free tax clinics and preparation services to low-income families.

Since 1969, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario has offered free CA tax clinics to low-income families. The clinics are held across the province from mid-February until the end of March.

The Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA) offers a similar tax-preparation service, which provides low-income families free, local access to tax experts.

Use the CGA's handy income tax checklist to make sure you have all the necessary documentation to complete your tax return.

The Toronto Public Library's Main Street branch is offering two free tax seminars worth checking out this spring: Income Tax and the Things You Should Know (March 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m.) and Lower Your Taxes Today (April 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m.). Register in person or by calling 416-393-7700.

Designed for first-timers, the Canada Revenue Agency's Learning About Taxes webinar covers the basics of taxation and how to file a return in a little over an hour—free!

Fundraising Partner Mabel's Labels on the Today Show

It's no secret: We love Mabel's Labels. Its durable personalized labels help our staff to keep track of the stuff kids are prone to lose—hats, mittens, shoes, you name it. They're also dishwasher-, microwave- and laundry-safe. Better yet, the company partners with non-profits like Boulton on fundraising initiatives. For every purchase you make from Mabel's Labels at the Boulton e-store, the centre receives a 20% commission! Those funds will go a long way in helping the centre achieve its fundraising goals.

That's why we were so excited to see Mabel's Label's co-founder Julie Cole on Today sharing her inspiring story of mompreneurship with Soleil Moon Frye (that's right, Punky Brewster). Watch the entire segment below and don't forget to pick up some Mabel's Labels for your family today!

Free Family Day Fun

You won't have to spend a lot to get a lot this Family Day weekend. There's plenty of fun to be had in Toronto without paying a penny. Here are five of our favourite free Family Day activities.

1. Make a splash at the new Regent Park Aquatic Centre.

With its Tarzan rope, waterslide and three (count 'em, three!) pools, this ain't your average community centre. Test the waters for yourself: Drop in for leisure swim any day this weekend. February 16 and 17, 1:30-5 p.m.; February 18, 2-5 p.m.

2. Choose your own adventure at the HarbourKids Skating Festival.

There's lots of fun to be had at the Harbourfront Centre this weekend—both on the ice and off. Bob the Builder types can tackle a DIY snow fort or put their construction skills to the test at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, while little snow princesses won't want to miss Le Patin Libre’s interactive ice ballet over at the rink. February 17-18; see website for complete schedule of events.

3. Share a picnic at the Evergreen Brick Works.

A trip to the Children’s Garden at the Brick Works' Chimney Court is a great way to while away any weekend, but this Family Day, the campfire is especially enticing with music, guided walks and free skating. February 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Chimney Court

4. Sing “Old MacDonald” at Riverdale Farm.

Be sure to belt out a verse for each animal you see: cows, horses, sheep, goats, geese, rabbits and more. Then, once you've had your fill of E-I-E-I-Os, head inside for board games and sewing crafts. February 16-18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with drop-in activities 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

5. Take in a movie—and a workshop—at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

It's no surprise that the TIFF team has programmed a lights, camera, action-packed day of family-friendly entertainment, including special effects workshops, magic shows, crafts and, of course, movies galore. February 18; see TIFF website for complete schedule of events.

Boulton Needs Your Help!

Donate your time, talent and/or dollars to help Boulton improve its rooftop playground.

Boulton is rich in many ways—its children, dedicated staff and quality programs—but as a not-for-profit organization, it depends on parent and community support to maintain and improve the centre.

At the top of the 2013 wish list? To upgrade the rooftop playground with a softer, safer play surface. Thanks to last year’s fundraising efforts, we’re just about halfway to our $8,400 goal, but we won't get there without your help.

Lending a hand is easy! Here are some simple ways you can contribute:

• Join the board of directors!
• Attend monthly board meetings!
• Make a donation—be it money, time, talent or goods (e.g. clothing, toys, books)!
• Serve on the fundraising committee!
• Volunteer at our next fundraiser!
• Spread the word about Boulton to your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers!

Ready to help? Send an email to board@boultonchildcare.com and a member or the board will contact you to discuss how you can get involved.

Thank you for helping us make Boulton the best it can be!

How to Register Your Child for Kindergarten

It's kindergarten-registration time! Here's what you'll need to enroll your child in full-day junior or senior kindergarten programs in the TDSB for the 2013-4 school year.

Click image to enlarge. (Image: TDSB)

For general information on kindergarten registration, visit the TDSB website. For specific registration dates and times, contact your local school:

Blake Street Junior Public School (JK – Grade 06) 21 Boultbee Ave Toronto, M4J 1A7 416-393-9415

Bruce Junior Public School (JK – Grade 06) 51 Larchmount Ave Toronto, M4M 2Y6 416-393-0670

Dundas Junior Public School (JK – Grade 05) 935 Dundas St E Toronto, M4M 1R4 416-393-9565

First Nations Junior and Senior School of Toronto (JK – Grade 08) 935 Dundas St E Toronto, M4M 1R4 416-393-0555

Leslieville Junior Public School (JK – Grade 06) 254 Leslie St Toronto, M4M 3C9 416-393-9480

Morse Street Junior Public School (JK – Grade 06) 180 Carlaw Ave Toronto, M4M 2R9 416-393-9494

Pape Avenue Junior Public School (JK – Grade 06) 220 Langley Ave Toronto, M4K 1B9 416-393-9470

Roden Public School (JK – Grade 08) 151 Hiawatha Rd Toronto, M4L 2Y1 416-393-9555

Withrow Avenue Junior Public School (JK – Grade 06) 25 Bain Ave Toronto, M4K 1E5 416-393-9440

Make Yourself Heard!

Boulton is here to serve you, the families that make up our vibrant community. The centre's important work is guided by government standards in place to ensure that your child's well-being is protected. If you know better, you do better, which is why we encourage you to please take a moment to complete the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care's parent survey. Help us inform all levels of government about what is and isn't working for your family and improve the standard of care in centres across the province.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Winter is in full swing here in Toronto, and it's important that your child is dressed appropriately each day. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that he/she is adequately prepared for the colder temperatures.

Layer up!

Dress your child in layers so that he/she can take off/put on clothes as needed to stay comfortable throughout the day—whether playing inside or out.

Bring extra clothing.

During the winter months, we ask that you keep a snow suit (jacket and pants), hat, scarf, mittens/gloves and winter boots in your child's cubby along with extra clothing (long-sleeved t-shirts, pants, socks, indoor shoes, etc.). Please remember to clean out your child's cubby on Fridays to aid in the weekly clean-up of the centre.

Label everything.

Please label all of your child's clothing. Not only does it help prevent lost items, it also makes for smoother transitions from indoor to outdoor play and vice versa.

2012 Fundraising BBQ – Thank You!

June, the staff and the Fundraising Committee would like to thank everyone who helped make this year’s edition of the BBQ such an amazing success! Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners, we have raised over $2,200, which brings us one step closer to our goal of revitalizing our rooftop playground. Visit www.facebook.com/BoultonAve to view photos of the event.

Fundraising BBQ Update

Boulton Fundraising BBQ promises to be memorable: in addition to face painting, children will be treated to a sing along session with special guest singer Eva Vanderberg! And while the kids will be busy, parents will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of amazing items generously donated by local businesses, including MacFab, Kimayame Photography, Desmond & Beatrice, Ed’s Real Scoop, Starbucks, Garden's Path Florist, LPK Culinary Groove, Quad East Spin Studio, Sweet Bliss Bakery, Timeless Nails, Christie Mills Insurance, Aviva Insurance Company and more during the Silent Auction. Join us on August 22!

Annual BBQ : Volunteers Wanted !

Boulton’s fundraising BBQ will be taking place on August 22, from 3:00 to 6:00. The Fundraising Committee is looking for volunteers to help make the Centre’s biggest fundraising activity a success! In addition to parents eager to assist with general duties during the event, we are also calling all talented parents who are face painters and singers to help us keep the kids entertained. Interested in helping out? Please give your name and contact information to June or Paula.

Modernizing Child Care in Ontario: Your Feedback is Needed

The City of Toronto is giving citizens the opportunity to provide feedback on the discussion paper titled “Modernizing Child Care in Ontario: Sharing Conversations, Strengthening Partnerships, working together” recently released by the Ministry of Education. This paper sets out a long-term vision and guiding principles for child care in the province. Parents are encouraged to read the paper (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/Modernizing_Child_Care.pdf) and attend one of the 2-hour meetings, which are taking place on July 25 at the North York Civic Centre, and on July 30 at the Etobicoke Civic Centre (beginning at 9:30 am). The City will collect, analyze and report the feedback received to the Ministry of Education.

Annual Bake Sale : 390 $ Raised For the Kids

This year’s annual bake sale was another great success! An amazing 390 $ was raised during the 2-hour event, which was held on Tuesday, May 29th. The staff and Board of Directors would like to thank all parents who made donations, and all parents and community members who stopped by to buy some treats. Make sure to visit our Facebook page to view photos from the event!

Donate Goodies and Help the Centre!

Boulton Avenue is looking for donations of home-made goodies for its annual Bake Sale Fundraising event. Interested parents, please sign the signup sheet located in the staircase of the Centre. The Bake Sale is taking place on Tuesday May 29th, starting at 4 pm in front of the Centre on Broadview Avenue. Don’t forget to stop by and enjoy delicious treats, all the while helping the Centre provide a enhanced playground area for the kids!

Boulton Annual Bake Sale. Spread the word!

On May 29, Boulton will be holding its annual Fundraising Bake Sale. Beginning at 4 PM, an assortment of yummy homemade nut-free cakes, cookies and other sweets will be sold in front of the Centre. Help raise funds for the Centre's playground while indulging on delicious homemade goodies! In the event of rain, the sale will be held the following day, on May 30th. This year, the money raised from all fundraising initiatives will go towards the upgrading the Centre's rooftop playground, which promises to ensure countless hours of fun for our kids!

Mabel's Labels Fundraising Campaign

We are continuing the Mabel’s Labels fundraising effort. Mabel's Labels are personalized labels for all the stuff that children lose; hats, shoes, jackets, pants, etc... If you are purchasing labels for your family please use Boulton Avenue's personalized Mabel’s Labels website when placing your orders. Help raise funds for the Centre while keeping your stuff organized! www.boultonavenue.mabelslabels.com.