Daycare or early learning centre in Kanata: which one your child needs
A daycare provides child care, the care and supervision of children, and in Ontario a child care centre operates under a provincial licence. An early learning centre runs classes. At KIDSUP in Kanata children aged 3–8 come from 9AM to 1PM for early development, school readiness, group and individual lessons, in groups of up to 15 or one-to-one, from $40.
- 3–8ages
- 9AM–1PMclasses
- up to 15per group
- from $40per class
Daycare and early learning centre side by side
A search for “daycare Kanata” can mean two different needs: someone to look after a child through the working day, or regular lessons that move the child forward before kindergarten and school. The table shows what each option gives you.
| Licensed child care centre (daycare) | KIDSUP early learning centre | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Care and supervision of children | Classes with a teacher: early development, school readiness, group and individual lessons |
| Ages | Infants, toddlers and preschoolers; before- and after-school programs for school-age children | 3–8: Early development 3–6, other programs 4–8 |
| Hours | Set by each centre: ask about opening hours and days | 9AM–1PM |
| Group | Ratios and maximum group sizes set by provincial regulation for each age group | Up to 15 children, or one child with one teacher |
| Method | Ontario names “How Does Learning Happen?” as the pedagogy resource for licensed programs | Play-based learning with Montessori and Reggio Emilia methods |
| Fees | Set by the centre; Ontario is lowering fees under the Canada-wide system, and a subsidy is available for licensed programs | $40 to $60 depending on the program |
| How to start | Ontario’s “Find child care near you” search, then contact centres | Online form or a call; we reply within one business day |
Sources: ontario.ca, Types of child care, ontario.ca, Find and pay for child care, ontario.ca, How Does Learning Happen?, O. Reg. 137/15 (ratios and group sizes). KIDSUP facts: programs and prices.
When a daycare is the right choice
Choose a licensed daycare if
- your child is under 3: KIDSUP programs start at age 3;
- you need care for the whole working day: KIDSUP classes end at 1PM;
- you plan to apply for a child care subsidy: Ontario pays it for children in licensed programs, and you apply through your local government.
Choose KIDSUP if
- your child is 3–8 and you want regular lessons with a teacher;
- you are preparing for kindergarten or Grade 1 and want speech, early math and fine motor practice;
- you want feedback from the teacher on how your child is doing;
- a group of up to 15, or one-to-one sessions, suits your child.
What a morning at KIDSUP includes
Each class has a teacher, a plan and one theme, and runs from 9AM to 1PM at 150 Katimavik Rd, Kanata. Children work in classrooms, playrooms and a music studio. Teachers use Montessori and Reggio Emilia methods with play-based learning.
- Early development, ages 3–6, $45: speech, motor skills, thinking, independence and getting along with others, through play in a group of up to 15. Early development classes.
- Preparation for school, ages 4–8, $60: writing and counting readiness, attention and emotions, in a group or one-to-one. School readiness in Kanata.
- Group classes, ages 4–8, $60: talking and playing with other children, following rules, up to 15 children. Group classes.
- Individual sessions, ages 4–8, $40 per session: one child, one teacher, the pace set by the child. One-to-one lessons.
| Program | Age | Format | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early development | 3–6 | Group of up to 15 | $45 |
| Preparation for school | 4–8 | Group or one-to-one | $60 |
| Group classes | 4–8 | Up to 15 children | $60 |
| Individual sessions | 4–8 | One child, one teacher | $40 per session |
How to check a daycare’s licence in Ontario
In Ontario a premises where child care is provided operates under a licence to run a child care centre, with exceptions for home child care and small unlicensed care. Before you choose a daycare in Kanata or anywhere in Ottawa, check it in four steps:
- Search for licensed options with the Ontario tool “Find child care near you” (ontario.ca).
- Look the provider up in the province’s non-compliance search list.
- At the visit, find the licence: a licensee must post a copy of it in a conspicuous place at the centre (Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, s. 14).
- For care in a home, ask about the type: licensed home child care providers work under a licensed agency and care for up to 6 children under 13; an unlicensed provider may care for no more than 5 children and must tell parents in writing that it is not licensed (ontario.ca, Types of child care).
Law: Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, ss. 6, 12 and 14.
Weighing a free option as well? Read EarlyON or an early learning program in Kanata. Getting ready for school? Use the kindergarten readiness checklist for Ontario.
FAQ: daycare and early learning in Kanata
What does KIDSUP offer compared with a daycare?
KIDSUP is an early learning centre in Kanata. Children aged 3–8 come to classes from 9AM to 1PM: early development, preparation for school, group classes and individual sessions, in groups of up to 15 or one-to-one. Families who need care for a full working day look for a licensed child care centre.
Do you take infants or toddlers under 3?
KIDSUP programs start at age 3 (Early development, ages 3–6). Licensed child care centres in Ontario can care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and EarlyON centres run free programs for families with children from birth to 6.
What hours are classes at KIDSUP?
All programs run from 9AM to 1PM, in English, at 150 Katimavik Rd, Kanata. To agree on days and a start date, send the enrolment form or call +1 613-867-7786.
How much do classes cost?
Individual sessions are $40 per session, Early development is $45, Preparation for school and Group classes are $60.
How do I check if a daycare in Ottawa is licensed?
Use the Ontario government search tool “Find child care near you” and the non-compliance search list on ontario.ca. A licensed centre must post a copy of its licence in a conspicuous place, and an unlicensed provider must tell parents that it does not hold a licence.
How many children are in a group at KIDSUP?
Up to 15 children per group. In individual sessions one teacher works with one child.
Can we see the centre before enrolling?
Yes. Call +1 613-867-7786 or send the online form and ask when the next open class is: you will see the rooms and meet the teachers.
Looking for classes for a child aged 3–8 in Kanata? Tell us your child’s age: we will suggest a program, answer questions about the format and agree on a start date. We reply within one business day.