1. Understanding the School System: Public vs. Private Schools
Canada’s education system is known for its quality, and newcomers can choose between public and private schools.
Public Schools
- Funded by the government and free for permanent residents and most temporary residents (such as work or study permit holders).
- Curriculum is overseen by each province or territory but is generally standardized and inclusive.
- Schools are typically assigned based on your home address.
- Include English and French language options depending on the region.
- Many offer English as a Second Language (ESL) support for children who are learning English.
Private Schools
- Operate independently and charge tuition fees.
- May offer specialized programs (e.g., religious instruction, international baccalaureate, or Montessori education).
- Can have smaller class sizes and a unique educational approach.
- Admission is not guaranteed; some require interviews or entrance exams.
2. How to Register Your Children for School
To register your child for a public school, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine your local school board
- Each city or region has one or more school boards.
- You can find your local public school board online or by calling the city or newcomer settlement services.
Step 2: Contact the school or school board
- Visit their website or call to ask about the registration process.
- You may need to make an appointment.
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
Typical documents include:
- Child’s passport or birth certificate
- Proof of immigration status (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, study/work permit)
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
- Health records or immunization history
- Previous school records (if available)
Step 4: Language assessment (if applicable)
- If your child speaks a language other than English or French, a language assessment may be required to determine their learning needs.
3. Childcare Options and Daycare Subsidies
For children younger than school age (typically under 4 or 5 years old), there are several childcare options:
Types of Childcare
- Licensed Childcare Centres: Regulated by the province, with trained staff and safety standards.
- Home-based Daycare: Smaller, often family-run, can be licensed or unlicensed.
- Preschools/Nursery Schools: Often part-time and focused on early learning.
- Before-and-after School Programs: Available for school-aged children whose parents work during extended hours.
Daycare Costs and Subsidies
Childcare in Canada can be expensive, but subsidies and financial assistance are available for eligible families. These programs vary by province and are often income-based.
For example:
- Ontario: The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system (CWELCC) is reducing fees to an average of $10/day.
- British Columbia: Offers the Affordable Child Care Benefit for low- and middle-income families.
- Quebec: Offers heavily subsidized public daycare at a low fixed rate.
To apply, you’ll typically need:
- Proof of income (tax returns or pay stubs)
- Immigration status documentation
- Proof of your child’s age
- Details about the childcare provider
Many newcomer settlement agencies can help with subsidy applications.
4. Additional Supports for Newcomer Families
- Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS): Many schools have a settlement worker who helps newcomer families with registration, orientation, and accessing services.
- Language Classes for Parents: While your children attend school, you may also be eligible for free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes.
- Parenting and Family Programs: Community centres and non-profit organizations offer programs to help parents adjust and meet others in similar situations.
