"Children want to be where they are cared for, respected and understood," That is what Sylvia Leal believed in and lived for. She was the heart of our community who is committed to safe, quality childcare, and early childhood education.

Sylvia Leal who had excellence and perfection in everything she did passed away unexpectedly and too soon at age 63. She built partnerships with many organizations, adding her passion and valuable experience to create better opportunities for children and families.

She is always remembered for her wonderful, caring contribution to our community and is greatly missed by the many thousands of children, parents, staff, and community partners who have had the privilege of working with her.
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• In 1978 Sylvia Accepted the position of Program Coordinator at PLASP Child Care Services.
• In 1980 Sylvia was appointed to the position of Executive Director at PLASP.
• In 1987 Sylvia was recognized with Credit Valley Hospital’s Dr. Robert Bates Award for her outstanding contribution to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children.
• In 1999 Sylvia was recognized by the Association of Early Childhood Educator’s Ontario (AECEO), Peel Branch, as the week of the Child Award Recipient.
• From 1978 to 2011 Sylvia’s sharp business management grew PLASP Child Care Services from a grass roots organization to a strong business with a $28 million budget.
• The Peel District School Board honoured Sylvia by dedicating a bench in her memory at Floradale Public School
• Sylvia was honored by a large sculpture in 2011 that features "happy and playful children." which you can see when you enter PLASP head office, she would love the choice because it honours children and gives no specific credit to her for her mantra was always "to put children first."
• PLASP named an award after Sylvia. The Sylvia Leal Leadership Award is presented to a staff member every year for an exceptional leadership and outstanding work results.
• Peel Children’s Centre (PCC) has presented its 2011 Mary Neville Award posthumously to Sylvia Leal
• CDRCP named an award after Sylvia Leal for Exemplary leadership. 
• Another small sculpture of playful children were gifted to Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP) in Sylvia’s honor
• A star was officially named after Sylvia Leal which can be found at https://star-register.org/ Registration number 11388288
• A children’s book “The Nest in the Evergreen Tree” dedicated to Sylvia Leal was published to help children who are dealing with grief and facing the death of a loved one to lift their spirit up and take them to a beautiful place hoping it will be a blessing to hearts both big and small. Proceed of the book is donated every year on June 18th to support nature-based programs for elementary students in her honor. The Nest in the Evergreen Tree can be found at  http://www.jijitalmas.com
• The song "I Remember" was written by Debra Krol based on the book "The Nest in the Evergreen Tree" in loving memory of Sylvia Leal
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  Keeping her Legacy… 
  
  Every year on June 18, we celebrate her birthday by planting trees to reforest areas in need as a living tribute in her memory at https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-canada
  
  Every year on January 13th, a donation is made in her memory to her church Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church located at 2473 Thorn Lodge Dr, Mississauga. A mass is being held for her each year on that day.