University Settlement becomes a HIGH FIVE® Accredited Organization
Congratulations to University Settlement on becoming a HIGH FIVE® Accredited Organization!
TORONTO, ON (August 4, 2021) – HIGH FIVE Accreditation is the highest recognized level of quality and safety in children’s sport and recreation in Canada. Organizations that have achieved Accreditation have been registered with HIGH FIVE for at least three years and are distinguished by their focus on healthy child development in all aspects of their operation, from programming to policies and risk management. Developed by Parks and Recreation Ontario, HIGH FIVE is a nationally recognized quality standard for recreation and sport programs.
Today, Parks and Recreation Ontario extends its warmest congratulations to University Settlement. University Settlement is a multi-service agency that was founded in 1910 and has the distinction of being the first community-based social service centre in the City of Toronto. Its mission is to support individuals and families in their goals to find housing, obtain employment, learn English, or stay healthy.
The agency operates a diverse array of children’s programming including day care and day camps, virtual after school programs, and music and art classes. During the accreditation process, University Settlement made significant strides in offering quality virtual programming to engage with their community through multiple provincial lockdowns. “We couldn’t be more proud that University Settlement has joined us as an Accredited Organization” says Cathy Denyer, CEO of Parks and Recreation Ontario. “The work they do to help ensure that children from diverse communities have access to high quality programming is inspiring. We look forward to working with them in the years to come.”
About HIGH FIVE:
HIGH FIVE is Canada’s comprehensive quality standard for children’s programs and holds true to the following five Principles of healthy child development that our research indicates are essential for providing a positive experience for kids: A Caring Adult, Friends, Play, Mastery and Participation. HIGH FIVE consists of Training and Development, Program Assessments, Policies/Procedures, and Awareness. www.HIGHFIVE.org
About Parks and Recreation Ontario:
Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) is a non-profit membership association that advances the health, social and environmental benefits of quality recreation and parks through evidence-based practices, resources and collaborative partnerships. www.prontario.org
For more information please contact: Pari Rajagopalan, Acting Director, Public Policy and Communications, Parks and Recreation Ontario.