If your child will turn four by December 31, 2025, it’s time to register them for Kindergarten at the OCSB this coming fall. We understand that you might have some questions, and we are here to help! Here are the top 5 questions we receive from parents every year.
Do we have to be Catholic to register our child?
We warmly welcome all students and families to the Ottawa Catholic School Board. You don’t need to be Catholic to be part of our vibrant, diverse community. Our approach to education is inclusive, celebrating the dignity of every child and respecting all beliefs, in alignment with Catholic social teachings. Our educators inspire students to embrace diversity and advocate for inclusion. At the OCSB, faith is at the heart of everything we do.
How much French is taught in Kindergarten, and does it matter if we don’t speak French at home?
The OCSB bilingual Kindergarten program offers equal French and English instruction. Your child will enjoy discovering new words and sounds in French as they read stories and sing songs with their educators and classmates. You don’t have to be French-speaking to support your child in our French programs. OCSB French Immersion students thrive in our programming and share the joy of the French language with their English-speaking parents.
Is before-and-after-school child care available? How do I register?
All except three of our schools have before and after-school programs. These Extended Day Programs (EDP) are operated by the school board or through a licensed childcare centre on school property. You can find details on our website’s Child Care page or the Welcome to Kindergarten page on your child’s school website.
Do I have to sign up for the school bus? How do we know if we qualify for transportation?
When you register your child for school, the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) receives all the information necessary to provide yellow school bus transportation. There is no need to sign up separately for the school bus service. Eligibility for transportation service depends on your child’s grade and the distance between their home (or care provider) and the school. You can find further details about eligibility on OSTA’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage. OSTA’s webpage. To check if your child qualifies for transportation, you can use OSTA’s Bus Planner tool.
September is a long way away. Why do I need to register now?
To ensure everything is ready for the upcoming school year, OCSB staff begin planning early. Registering your child now allows us to hire staff, allocate classroom space, and update OSTA for bus route planning.
Enrolling your child in an Extended Day Program (EDP) for before-and-after-school care is a two-step process. First, you need to register your child with the school. Then, if an EDP program is available at your child’s school, you can register your child for the program.
Registering early also helps families prepare for school. It gives parents and children time to discuss the upcoming year and build excitement and positivity for the fall.
Want to know more about Kindergarten?
Our Kindergarten Open House Nights, scheduled for March 2025, offer a unique opportunity to explore what awaits your little ones.
You can also enjoy a virtual 3D tour of the Kindergarten classrooms from the comfort of your home. It’s a wonderful way to get a feel for the environment where your child will learn, grow, and thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We’ve compiled a Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions document answering the most common questions about Kindergarten.
