Early Learning Family Activities at Home

Not all learning happens in a program setting. Some of the most meaningful moments happen during everyday routines, quiet play, outdoor time, and simple activities shared at home. Early Learning at Home offerings support family activities at home with resources that help children learn through play, movement, creativity, and connection.

About Early Learning at Home

Early Learning at Home is designed to give families more ways to support development outside of scheduled programs. Whether you are looking for home learning activities for children, ideas for purposeful play, or resources that make it easier to stay engaged at home, these offerings help bring learning into spaces families already know well.

Learning Through Everyday Moments

Children build important skills through simple experiences that happen at home. Play, conversation, movement, and hands-on exploration can all support development in ways that feel natural.

Support for Different Stages of Early Childhood

Resources are available for children throughout their early years. Families can choose materials and activities that support growing confidence, communication, curiosity, independence and more.

Flexible Ways To Learn at Home

Not every family needs the same kind of support. Early Learning at Home gives families different ways to access ideas, materials, and outdoor experiences based on their child’s interests and stage of development.

Take Home Learning Kits

18 months – 6 years

Our take home learning kits are designed to make family activities at home easier to plan and more engaging for young children. Each kit includes materials and ideas that support play-based learning at home through hands-on experiences. These kits are a practical option for families looking for child development activities at home that feel purposeful and easy to set up.

Available Kits:
Families can choose from a range of kits that appeal to different interests and developmental stages, as well as support conversations with your child about various topics. Topics include early literacy, music and movement, mindfulness, STEAM, sensory play, and other learning experiences designed for young children.

View our full list of Take Home Learning Kits.

Borrowing Details:
Families can borrow Take Home Kits for a two-week period, starting when the pass is signed out online. Upon kit pickup, a credit card is put on file.

Location: 461 North Service Rd W, Unit 17
All kits are picked up and returned at our main location.

Please note: If a kit isn’t returned or items are missing, the credit card on file will be charged for the outstanding value.

Sign Out a Kit

Free Ontario Parks Pass & Halton Conservation Pass

Borrow our free Ontario Parks and Halton Conservation Passes and enjoy the outdoors with your family! The Ontario Parks pass offers access to over 330 protected natural spaces across the province – perfect for family hikes, beach days, picnics, and nature discovery. The Halton Conservation pass provides access to beautiful local conservation areas, including trails, playgrounds, rivers, and family-friendly outdoor experiences in our community.

Borrowing Details:
Families can borrow 1 pass per household at a time for a two-week period, starting when the pass is signed out online. Upon pickup, a credit card is put on file.

Each pass provides day-entry use for one vehicle and its passengers.

Location: 461 North Service Rd W, Unit 17
All passes are picked up and returned at our main location.

Please note: Park capacity limitations apply. Please visit the following links for additional details and individual park restrictions.

If a pass isn’t returned, the credit card on file will be charged for the outstanding value.

Ontario Parks Pass Map

Halton Conservation Parks & Trail Info

Sign Out a Parks Pass

Frequently Asked Questions About the Early Learning at Home Program

Do I need to register to access Early Learning at Home resources?

Yes, you will need an OPCC account to borrow Early Learning at Home items. Once your account has been created, you can sign in, select “Sign Out an Early Learning at Home” Item, choose your resource, and complete the checkout steps online.

How do I sign out a take-home kit or park pass?

After creating your OPCC account, sign in and follow the borrowing steps through the Early Learning at Home system. Under “Please Select Resource”, choose the item you would like to borrow, then click “Checkout” and follow the instructions to complete your sign-out.

How many items can I borrow at one time?

Each household can borrow up to 2 take-home kits, or 1 Parks pass and 1 take-home kit during a 2-week lending period. The lending period begins from the time the item is checked out online, so it is helpful to pick up your items as soon as possible to make the most of the borrowing window.

How long can I keep a take-home kit or pass?

Early Learning at Home items are borrowed for a 2-week lending period starting from the time they are checked out online. Because the borrowing window begins right away, we encourage families to pick up their items promptly.

What ages are these resources designed for?

Many Early Learning at Home resources are designed for young children in the early years, with options varying from ages 18 months to 6 years of age. Specific kits may be better suited to certain stages of development, interests, or family needs, so families can choose the options that best match their child.

How do I know which learning kit is right for my child?

Families can choose kits based on their child’s age, interests, and stage of development, as well as the kind of support they are looking for at home. Some kits focus more on literacy, movement, mindfulness, or science, while others support parenting topics and family routines.

Where do I pick up and return borrowed items?

All items must be picked up and returned at OPCC’s main location at 461 North Service Rd W, Unit 17, Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Please keep in mind that weekend pickups or drop-offs will move to the following Monday.

What if a kit or pass isn’t available?

If the take home kit or pass you want doesn’t appear as an option when you sign in, it’s likely already checked out or temporarily unavailable. Because availability changes as items are returned, we recommend checking back again later to see if the item has become available, as we don’t have a waitlist for our kits.

Are the items cleaned between borrows?

Yes. All items are sanitized when they are returned. This helps keep materials ready for the next family to use and supports a safe borrowing process.

What happens if an item is missing or broken?

Families are responsible for the replacement or repair of items they sign out. Each resource kit includes a parts list for reference, and families should let the administrative team know if anything is missing or broken when the item is returned.

Do I need to provide a credit card to borrow an item?

Yes. At the time of pickup, families are required to provide a credit card to keep on file. The card will only be charged if an item is missing, broken, or not returned. If this is a barrier to borrowing for your family, please contact us at 905-849-6366 to discuss alternatives.

Are these resources only for learning indoors?

No. Early Learning at Home includes both indoor and outdoor options. Families can borrow take-home kits for activities at home or sign out a park pass to support outdoor exploration and learning.

Need help choosing a program?

Our team is available to answer your questions and help you find the right fit for your child and family. Whether you’re comparing options, looking for family programs Oakville families recommend, or trying to decide which program matches your child’s stage, we’re here to help!