Going to school without English language knowledge

[Panagiotis_1984]

My kids 7 and 5 dont speak english.what can we do with school.are there any programs?

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hi there,
Thank you for sharing your question with us.

Here is an excerpt from the Ministry of Education on language supports available to youth:

Children and youth from kindergarten to Grade 12 may receive support to learn the language of instruction in school if they:

• do not speak English or French as their first language- speak a version of English or French that is different from that used in Ontario schools
  Some school boards have newcomer reception centres where they test your child’s language skills and help you find schools with language training.
  Contact your local school board to find out what services are available.
  For more information about Ontario’s school system, read or download the newcomer’s guide to:

• elementary school (kindergarten to Grade 8)- secondary school (Grade 9 to 12)

The Ministry of Education also launched a platform, Learn at Home that aims to provide families with resources designed to help young students. Here is their section for kids in kindergarten and/or the Grades 1, 2 and 3. Usually, elementary school students are placed in a grade according to age. Many schools have English Literacy Development (ELD) programs for newcomer children to learn English. You may want to contact your local school board to find out what services are available. You may also find helpful information in the Settlement.Org article “What kind of ELD support does the school system provide?”

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to follow up with us.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org team

[alexcray]

@Panagiotis 1984

My kids 7 and 5 dont speak english.what can we do with school.are there any programs?

Most public schools offer ESL programs specifically designed to help children learn English. These programs typically involve small group instruction or pull-out sessions where your kids can focus on language acquisition with a qualified teacher.