Passionate Care. Deep Roots. A Commitment to Every Child.
Teresa & John
Heart at the Door Daycare Inc. was founded by Teresa Sanges, Owner and Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). What began in October 2016 as a home daycare grew from a passion for caring for children and supporting families into a decade-long journey. Over the years, Teresa built strong relationships with the families she served, creating a warm, welcoming environment where children were known, supported, and encouraged to grow. Today, Heart at the Door has grown into a licensed child care centre, while holding onto the personal, relationship-based approach that was at the heart of the original home daycare.
Working alongside Teresa is her husband, John Sanges, Program Supervisor & Support Educator and RECE, who brings additional early childhood expertise and daily support to the program.
For nearly a decade, we found ourselves having to turn families away simply because a home daycare could only accommodate a limited number of children. We knew there were more families we wanted to support. At the same time, we recognized the growing need for qualified early childhood educators in Ontario. Rather than simply expanding our program by recruiting educators from other local child care settings, Teresa and John both returned to school to earn their Early Childhood Education diplomas. This allowed us to grow our own knowledge and expertise while creating an opportunity to welcome more children and families into our program.
The setting has changed, but our heart hasn't. We have brought the warmth and personal connection of a home daycare into a licensed centre, creating a place where children can feel safe, known, and at home.
Inclusion isn't a checklist for us—it is a daily practice. Our approach has been shaped by professional experience, specialized training, and lived experience. As parents of a child with Down syndrome, we understand firsthand the importance of having people in your child's life who see their strengths, recognize their individual needs, and believe in their potential. Teresa's Métis heritage also contributes to her appreciation for culture, connection, and the importance of creating a space where every family feels respected and welcome.
Over our decade in child care, we have provided individualized care and support for children with a range of developmental and support needs, including Autism, Down syndrome, and 9p Deletion Syndrome, as well as supporting families from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. Teresa also holds training in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies, adding to our ability to approach communication and inclusion from different perspectives.
For us, inclusion means getting to know the child—not simply the diagnosis. We look at each child's strengths, interests, communication style, abilities, and individual needs, and we look for ways to adapt our environment and experiences so every child can participate and feel a sense of belonging.
Supporting children and families doesn't happen in isolation. When children or families need additional resources, knowledge, or support, we believe in working collaboratively with trusted professionals and community organizations.
We believe collaboration makes us stronger and helps us build a more connected, supportive community for every child and family we serve.
While Heart at the Door has grown from a home daycare into a licensed centre, we haven't lost what made those early years special. Our goal is still the same: to create a place where children feel safe, families feel welcome, and every child has the opportunity to grow.