EarlyON or an early learning program in Kanata: how they differ
EarlyON Child and Family Centres are free Ontario programs for families with children from birth to 6: reading, storytelling, sing-alongs, games and advice from early childhood professionals. KIDSUP in Kanata is a paid early learning centre with structured classes for ages 3–8: a teacher, a plan for each class, 9AM–1PM, in groups of up to 15 or one-to-one, from $40.
- 0–6EarlyON, free
- 3–8KIDSUP classes
- 9AM–1PMclass time
- from $40per class
EarlyON and KIDSUP side by side
| EarlyON Child and Family Centre | KIDSUP early learning centre | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Families with children from birth to 6 | Children aged 3–8 |
| Cost | Free | $40 to $60 depending on the program |
| Format | Activities for parents and children together: reading, storytelling, sing-alongs, games; in person and online | Classes with a teacher, one theme per class, 9AM–1PM, in English |
| Goal | Play and learn with your child, advice on development and parenting, meet other families | Early development, school readiness, speech, early math and fine motor skills |
| Support | Advice from professionals trained in early childhood development, referrals to other family services | Play-based learning with Montessori and Reggio Emilia methods |
| How to start | Find a centre on ontario.ca and check its schedule | Online form or a call; we reply within one business day |
Source on EarlyON: ontario.ca, Find an EarlyON child and family centre (updated March 5, 2026). KIDSUP facts: programs and prices.
When EarlyON is enough
EarlyON fits when you want to play and learn together with your child, get advice and meet other families, at no cost. It is the natural option for toddlers and for families searching for “playgroups for toddlers near me” or “early on near me”: KIDSUP programs start at age 3, and EarlyON covers families from birth to 6.
When a structured program helps
EarlyON
- free, ages 0–6;
- parent and child take part together;
- reading, songs, games, advice;
- meet other families in the community.
KIDSUP classes, ages 3–8
- a teacher leads each class with one theme;
- a clear goal: speech, early math, fine motor, school readiness;
- groups of up to 15, or one child with one teacher;
- teachers give parents regular feedback.
A course makes sense when your child is 3 or older and you want steady progress toward kindergarten or Grade 1. For ages 3–6 start with early development classes; for ages 4–8 look at preparation for school, group classes or individual sessions. To see which skills to build first, use the kindergarten readiness checklist for Ontario.
| 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 |
“Early Learning for Every Child Today”: what the phrase means
Early Learning for Every Child Today is a framework for Ontario early childhood settings published in January 2007 by the Best Start Expert Panel on Early Learning. It describes how young children learn and develop and guides curriculum in child care centres, nursery schools, kindergarten and Ontario Early Years Centres. Today Ontario names How Does Learning Happen? as the pedagogy resource for licensed child care programs; it rests on four foundations: belonging, well-being, engagement and expression. At KIDSUP teachers work with play-based learning and Montessori and Reggio Emilia methods.
Need care for a full working day? Read daycare or early learning centre in Kanata. Want to visit first? See where classes take place and contacts and directions.
FAQ: EarlyON and early learning programs in Kanata
Is EarlyON free?
Yes. According to ontario.ca, EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free programs for families with children from birth to 6 years old.
What do children and parents do at EarlyON?
Families join activities such as reading, storytelling, sing-alongs and games, get advice from professionals trained in early childhood development, connect with other families and find out about other services in the community. Programs run in person and online.
How do I find an EarlyON centre near Kanata?
Use the “Find an EarlyON child and family centre” page on ontario.ca and check the schedule of the nearest centre.
How is KIDSUP different from EarlyON?
KIDSUP is a paid early learning centre in Kanata with structured classes for ages 3–8: Early development (3–6), Preparation for school, Group classes and Individual sessions (4–8). Classes run 9AM–1PM with a teacher, in groups of up to 15 or one-to-one, from $40.
Do you run playgroups or programs for toddlers under 3?
KIDSUP programs start at age 3. For toddlers, EarlyON centres run free play programs for families with children from birth to 6.
What is Early Learning for Every Child Today?
It is a framework for Ontario early childhood settings published in January 2007 by the Best Start Expert Panel on Early Learning. Ontario now names How Does Learning Happen? as the pedagogy resource for licensed child care programs.
How do I enrol my child at KIDSUP?
Send the online enrolment form or call +1 613-867-7786. We reply within one business day, suggest a program for your child’s age and agree on a start date.
Your child is 3–8 and ready for classes? Tell us the age: we will suggest a program and agree on a start date. Classes run 9AM–1PM at 150 Katimavik Rd, Kanata. We reply within one business day.