Child Development Institute

02/20/2026

Join CDI’s free online workshop “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” on Thursday, February 26!

Designed to give participants an understanding of what it might feel like to have a (LD), this workshop explains current thinking in the field of LDs and shares a practical understanding of how they may affect mental health and everyday life at home and school.

Register today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ldmh-winter-2026-workshop-series-tickets-1983382904659?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/18/2026

Due to inclement weather, CDI's EarlyON Centre and Early Learning Centres will be closed today (Wednesday, February 18, 2026).

Our other clinical offices will be pivoting to virtual services where possible. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team: https://childdevelop.ca/home/contact-us/

02/02/2026

This February, we are proud to join communities across Canada in celebrating Black History Month — a time to reflect on the remarkable contributions of Black Canadians, listen and learn from community voices, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to address the systemic barriers that Black communities continue to face.

At CDI, our work with children, youth, and families is strengthened by embedding IDEA into our programs and policies, investing in continuous learning for our teams, and working alongside community partners to ensure equitable outcomes for all those we serve.

This month and beyond, thank you to those who continue to support, inform, and inspire this ongoing work. 🧡

01/26/2026

Due to inclement weather, CDI's EarlyON Centre and Early Learning Centres will be closed today (Monday, January 26, 2026).

Our other clinical offices will be pivoting to virtual services where possible. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team: https://ow.ly/IctV50XXbIe

01/15/2026

Due to inclement weather, CDI's EarlyON Centre and Early Learning Centres will be closed today (Thursday, January 15, 2026).

Our other clinical offices will be pivoting to virtual services where possible. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team: https://ow.ly/IctV50XXbIe

12/22/2025

New look — same trusted program.

We are thrilled to share a fresh new look for CDI’s Mothers in Mind (MIM®) program as we celebrate two decades of impact!

Over the last 20 years, MIM has provided critical support for mothers and their young children as they heal from experiences of violence. While our look is changing, the heart of the program remains the same: empowering mothers and children, building connection and community, and providing evidence-informed, compassionate care.

This milestone is a testament to the strength of the mothers we serve and reflects CDI’s growing community who continue to help make this journey possible.

Here's to the next chapter of Mothers in Mind — together! 💜

12/10/2025

At CDI, our commitment to IDEA and Truth and Reconciliation calls us to ensure that our programs are shaped by and reflect the communities we serve.

Our Mothers in Mind (MIM®) program has been adapted to honour the strengths and identities of Toronto’s urban Indigenous mothers and their children — ensuring the support they receive is rooted in culture and informed by community leaders.

Thank you to our partners at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto for your leadership in shaping this adaptation of MIM — ensuring that mothers and children affected by family violence have access to safe, culturally-grounded spaces.

For more information about Mothers in Mind, please visit: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/gender-based-violence-services/ -in-mind

12/10/2025

Did you know? In addition to our Mothers in Mind® (MIM) and Here to Help group programs, CDI partners with local shelters to support mothers and their children who have experienced through a range of services, including:

🟣 Shelter Programs: Individual counselling and parenting support for mothers and children (ages 0-18)

🟣 School Liaison Program: Transitional assistance for children (ages 4-16) adjusting to new schools

🟣 Taste of Home: An after-school cooking program for children (ages 6-17) to promote healthy life skills and mindfulness techniques

🟣 Transitional & Housing Support Program: Support for female-identifying adults/moms who have experienced domestic violence and/or are victims of human trafficking

For more information, explore our programs and reach out to our team: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/gender-based-violence-services/

If you are a woman in crisis, please call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 416-863-0511; or text “SAFE” to 7233.

12/10/2025

Thank you to WomanACT for bringing awareness to Mothers in Mind (MIM®) as we celebrate the program’s 20th anniversary this of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Registration is open! If you are a mother or a service provider interested in learning more about MIM, reach out to our team today: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/gender-based-violence-services/

We are proud to spotlight our member organization, Child Development Institute (CDI) as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Mothers in Mind® (MIM) program — a trauma-informed group program for mothers and their young children (ages 0-4) who have experienced family violence. 💜

For two decades, MIM has created a safe, playful, and supportive space for mothers to heal, build on their parenting strengths, respond sensitively to their child’s needs, and connect with others who understand their experiences.

During these Against Gender-Based Violence, we are proud to shine a light on the incredible resilience of these mothers, and to help raise awareness about the services available in our community for families affected by gender-based violence.

Learn more about MIM and CDI’s range of Gender-Based Violence Services here: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/gender-based-violence-services/

12/09/2025

What helps young children heal after being exposed to Gender-Based Violence?

Research shows that maternal well-being plays a key role in promoting a child’s resilience after experiences of violence. When moms experience positive mental health, they have more resources to support the needs of their young children.

CDI’s Mothers in Mind (MIM®) program helps moms who have experienced gender-based violence build coping skills, strengthen their confidence and parenting skills, and foster nurturing relationships with their young children (ages 0-5). By supporting mothers, MIM helps create environments where children can begin to heal, grow, and thrive.

Learn more about MIM: https://childdevelop.ca/child-youth-mental-health-services/gender-based-violence-services/ -in-mind

If you are a woman in crisis, please call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 416-863-0511; or text “SAFE” to 7233.

#16 Days

12/08/2025

In 2023, Statistics Canada reported a 3% increase in police-reported family violence — and the reality is that many instances go unreported, often due to fear, shame, or stigma.

Across Toronto, more and more families are reaching out for help. In 2024, CDI’s Gender-Based Violence Services team supported 114% more children, youth, and mothers than the previous year — connecting families to safety, resources, and hope after experiencing violence.

Your donation can help make this healing possible. 💜

Give today to help mothers and children affected by find support and brighter futures: https://childdevelop.ca/impact/donate/donate-now/

12/03/2025

CDI is proud to be part of the Safe at Home initiative — bringing our Mothers in Mind (MIM®) program to more communities and supporting mothers and their young children as they reclaim hope, safety, healing, and connection after experiences of gender-based violence.

Thank you to our partners at Children's Aid Foundation of Canada for your continued support and leadership in making this important work possible!

For more information about MIM and the Safe at Home initiative, check out their latest blog 👇

Every child deserves to feel safe at home. But when they live with or witness intimate partner violence (IPV), their mental health, education, and futures are at risk.

Now in its fourth year, Safe at Home, is a program of the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC) and delivered in partnership with Child Development Institute and Changing Ways in Ontario and Manitoba.

It supports families experiencing IPV by helping parents strengthen relationships with their children and build positive parenting skills, reducing the likelihood of violence reoccurring and creating secure, nurturing environments where children can heal, learn, and thrive.

Learning and growing are a child’s right; experiencing trauma should never be a part of childhood.

Read more about Safe at Home:https://cafdn.org/stories/addressing-gender-based-violence-to-keep-kids-safe-at-home/