Toddler care
A warm, responsive program for children 18 to 30 months, focused on secure relationships, sensory discovery, language and growing independence.
ABOUT RIDEAU DAYCARE.
We are a registered non-profit childcare organization in Kanata, Ottawa. Our purpose is simple: high-quality, play-based early learning for local families, with every dollar reinvested in children.
Registered Non-Profit Organization
Our mission
To give children in our community a safe, nurturing place to move, learn and grow through play-based early learning, fresh nutritious food and daily physical activity.
Rideau Daycare was created to bring high-quality, community-focused child care to families in Kanata and across Ottawa. We are a registered non-profit organization, which means we exist to serve children and families, not to generate profit for owners or shareholders.
Our program is grounded in Ontario’s How Does Learning Happen? framework, where every child is seen as competent, capable, curious and rich in potential.
What We Do
Our programs & activities.
Everything we do supports children’s development and gives families care they can feel confident about.
Preschool learning
Play, projects and conversation for children 30 months to 6 years, building friendships, confidence, curiosity and early learning skills.
Physical literacy
Scheduled gymnastics sessions in a full gymnastics facility next door, adapted to each child’s age, comfort and ability.
Healthy nutrition
Meals and snacks prepared fresh every day in our own kitchen, with balanced nutrition, variety and dietary needs in mind.
Inclusion & support
Educators observe each child’s strengths and needs, adapt activities and work with families so every child can participate meaningfully.
Family partnership
Regular communication, learning stories and an open door for conversations about each child’s development and experiences.
Our Non-Profit Model
Why being a non-profit matters.
As a non-profit organization, any surplus stays in the program. Here is where those resources go:
- Qualified, consistent educators: Registered Early Childhood Educators and trained staff who get to know each child well.
- Fresh food made on site: an in-house kitchen instead of an outside catering service.
- Movement every week: gymnastics built into the program at no extra cost to families.
- Learning materials & spaces: open-ended materials and classrooms designed for play, rest and connection.
- Accessible care: we are actively working toward CWELCC (Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care) funding to help make care more affordable for local families.
Our Values
What guides our work.
Our program reflects the four foundations of Ontario’s early years pedagogy.
Belonging
Every child and family feels welcomed, respected and connected.
Well-being
Healthy food, active play, rest and caring routines support the whole child.
Engagement
Children explore, investigate and solve problems through play.
Expression
Children are supported to share ideas, feelings and needs in many ways.
News & Updates
The latest from Rideau Daycare.
Our waitlist is open
Families can now join the waitlist for our Toddler and Preschool programs using our short online form.
Join the waitlistOpening day is set
Our classrooms, kitchen and gymnastics space are being prepared to welcome our first children.
Book a visitWorking toward CWELCC funding
We are actively working toward CWELCC funding to help make high-quality care more affordable.
Read the FAQGet Involved
Become part of our community.
Whether you are looking for care, want to see our centre, or simply have a question, we would love to hear from you.