Big news for our littlest learners. Ontario is updating the Kindergarten curriculum starting September 2026.
At the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), we are excited about what this means for students and families. While the curriculum introduces clearer learning expectations, the heart of Kindergarten stays the same. Children will continue to learn through play, exploration, relationships, and hands-on discovery.
The new curriculum simply offers educators a clearer roadmap to strengthen key foundations, while keeping joy, curiosity, and belonging at the centre of every classroom.
What is Staying the Same?
Kindergarten at the OCSB will still look and feel like Kindergarten. Families can expect:
- Learning through play and inquiry in English and French.
- Storytelling, art, blocks, music, and outdoor learning.
- Growing social skills and friendships.
- Faith and Religious Education are woven throughout daily learning.
- A strong focus on well-being and belonging.
- Learning that is active and responsive to children’s interests.
Play remains the way young children explore ideas, practice skills, and build confidence.
What is New in September 2026?
While Kindergarten remains play-based and child-centred, the 2026 update provides clearer expectations in three key learning areas:
- Language: More intentional support for early reading and writing, including systematic instruction alongside rich language experiences.
- Mathematics: A stronger focus on number sense and foundational math, explored through play, routines, and hands-on learning.
- Science and Technology: More opportunities for curiosity and early STEM learning through simple investigations, building, testing, and exploring how things work.
The Four Strands: Supporting the Whole Child
The 2026 Kindergarten curriculum is organized into four strands, which you can think of as the “roots” that help children grow:
- Belonging and Contributing: building relationships, identity, and community.
- Self-Regulation and Well-Being: supporting physical activity, emotions, and healthy routines.
- Foundations of Language and Mathematics: strengthening early literacy and number sense.
- Problem Solving and Innovating: building creativity, curiosity, and early STEM habits.
Together, these strands ensure Kindergarten is about the whole child: learning, well-being, and growth.
What Does This Mean For Your Child?
Your child will continue to experience a joyful, play-based Kindergarten program designed to support every learner. The updated curriculum offers clearer expectations for foundational skills, while still honouring how young children learn best. At the OCSB, we nurture the whole child in a faith-filled environment, honouring the dignity of every child and supporting growth in learning, belonging, and well-being.
To learn more about Kindergarten at the OCSB, visit our Kindergarten page.
Register Now for September 2026
If your child turns four by December 31, 2026, they can register for Kindergarten today.
Ready to get started?
