Child Care

Child Care Programs

We offer a number of child care options right at your neighbourhood Ottawa Catholic School. With licensed child care, before and after-school programs, or play-based drop-in programs for little ones, we have programs to support the needs of all families.

Before and after school child care is available at all but three of our elementary schools. The two types of programs offer similar care but are operated separately:

• Licensed before and after-school Extended Day Programs (EDP) are available in most of our schools. Costs and registration information are listed further below on this page.
• Licensed child care programs operated by the Ottawa Catholic Child Care Corporation (OCCCC) are available in several of our schools. These offer Kindergarten and school-age programs with flexible care options. Some programs also offer toddler and preschool programs. Registration for OCCCC programs is done through the City of Ottawa’s Child Care Registry and Waitlist.

See the list below to learn which child care program is offered at your child’s school.

Before and after-school Extended Day Program (EDP)

Our Extended Day Program offers your child a fun, safe, welcoming environment focusing on educational and recreational activities before and/or after school. Our daily programming may include arts & crafts, sports, and drama.

You can register your child in our morning, afternoon, or both programs for 2-5 consistent days a week.

On regular school days, our morning program operates from 7:00 am until regular school yard supervision begins. Our afternoon program starts following school dismissal until 6:00 pm. We will only operate on PD days and March Break if there is enough interest to warrant running the program, and in that case, our program runs from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Spaces are limited and fees for full days will be charged separately.

Lower child care fees through the CWELCC

Canada’s new CWELCC system looks to ensure that all families in Canada have access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive child care no matter where they are. Recently, the OCSB’s Extended Day Programs (EDP) joined the CWELCC. This means kindergarten families will begin to see:

• More affordable child care options
• Lower child care fees for eligible families

Our partners at the municipal, provincial and national levels have all shared more information on the subject. For information specific to the national Capital region you visit the City of Ottawa’s website.

Fee Table

How to register for EDP

Children must first be registered at the school where the Extended Day Program is located. Complete a New Admission Request form to put your child’s name in our system for the Extended Day Program (EDP). After you complete this form, we will send you a confirmation email, but that does not mean your child is registered in EDP. We will contact you to complete the registration process once there is space for your child in the program. You will receive a second confirmation email when you’ve completed the registration process and your child has a spot in EDP. Once your child has a spot, there is a two-week waiting period before starting the program. 

Current students and the EDP Parent Portal

If your child is currently registered in the Extended Day Program, you can use the EDP Parent Portal to update your personal information.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

Our six EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free programs for families and caregivers with children 0 to 6 years old.

Join us to:

• Learn and play with your child
• Connect with families in your community
• Access information, resources and referrals from early childhood professionals
• Discuss topics such as play-based learning, child development, school readiness, parenting and community services

We invite you to contact the EarlyON program of your choice via email or telephone to discuss the activities and programming at the EarlyON centre.

Summertime EarlyON Programming

Four of our six EarlyON programs will have various types of summer programming this summer. These activities may include virtual experiences, in-the-park opportunities, and or take-home activities.