Searching for English As A Second Language

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre -- Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), LINC Home Study, English as a Second Language (ESL), Enhanced Language Training (ELT), Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT), and Specialized Language Training (SLT)

LINC Assessment Centre -- Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) -- assessment of English language skills for settlement-based language training program

• referral to community-based organization LINC programs for English as a second Language (ESL) classes
• information and referral on settlement needs
• funded by Canada Citizenship and Immigration

LINC -- Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada), upon assessment, child minding available

• non-credit course for adult newcomers to Canada.
• students assessed using Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards and placed in an appropriate benchmark class to learn reading, writing and listening/speaking skills
• citizenship courses offered twice a year in preparation for Canadian citizenship exam
• evening classes offered in some locations
• some students may qualify for child minding services and/or transportation assistance
• computer instruction is available in some locations

Offers current Ontario curriculum courses leading to a grade 12 diploma through

• full-time, part-time or eLearning
• offers a series of courses that are especially designed for adults who have not completed their high school education
• instruction focuses on reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies
• individuals who successfully complete the program receive a high school diploma

Professional staff in a caring supportive environment provides

• one-on-one assistance
• teacher-led or self directed computer classes
• employability-directed workshops
• individualized counselling
• literacy assessment offered

Links with Employment and Education Centre, KEYS, Job Connect, Manpower, CSE Consulting, OYAP, and United Counties Social Services.

Specialized programs, where available, include

• Literacy for adults (LBS)
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC)
• Foundations Program, Successful Destination Program (SDP)
• Alternative Behaviour Learning Environment (ABLE)
• Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP
• Co-operative Programs, On-Line Learning, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Financial assistance and employment supports including training and skills development, academic upgrading and work placements

Financial Assistance

• monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income
• monthly drug benefit card

Employment and Participation benefits

• covers costs related to starting a job or work placement
• Families with Children -- child care start-up costs
• Health-Related Benefits -- may include emergency dental services, eyeglasses, special diet allowance, health care supplies, medical transportation funds, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

Employment Assistance

• clients 18-65 years who are not caring for pre-school age children or who do not have a serious disability or illness must participate in employment assistance activities

Community Participation

• volunteer placements
• Job Search Programs -- based on individual's skills, experience and circumstances
• Employment Placement -- job matching service
• Basic Education -- basic adult upgrading
• high school upgrading
• literacy and basic skills
• Job Skills Training -- development of skills for specific jobs
• on-the-job training
• Supports to Self-Employment -- referrals to self-employment programs

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

• helps young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268

• automated information and payment details, payment history, file status
• information and announcements about Ontario Works
• service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867

• to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

COVID-19 (5 May 2022) all programs and services except the Food Bank are cancelled until further notice.

This information is regularly updated on their website page.

Community House offering a variety of services and activities to its tenants and residents living in Confederation Court and the surrounding area.

• preschool programs
• parent and child programs
• children and youth programs
• after-school programs
• youth activities educational services
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program

Some programs will change seasonally so contact to verify

COVID-19 (3 September 2021) Food Bank open until further notice

Non-profit organization providing social, recreational, educational and health programs, services, supports and referrals

Core programs:

• preschool
• playgroup with community nurse
• after school programs
• summer day camps
• basketball & open gym
• youth outreach & drop-in programs
• youth academic & employment support
• ice rink available in winter months
• food security programs
• good food programs
• computer access
• monthly women's nights
• community garden
• community events
• school supplies program (see separate record for details)
• academic support and skills building
• referrals

Adult programs:

• building social capital and learning new skills
• engaging opportunities for connecting with others

Academic evaluation and individualized training

• access to the following programs: Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS), academic upgrading, English as Second Language/French as Second Language (ESL/FSL), professional and post-secondary training

Individualized and accessible home-based Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) to eligible adult newcomers who cannot attend regular classes by matching them to trained volunteers in the community.

Our program is offered to newcomers who can't attend any of the regular ESL/LINC classes for a variety of reasons, including:
• The classes do not fit the student's schedule (work, school, health...);
• Caregivers who are too busy with the kids or have babies;
• The pace of the class is too fast for the student (Seniors,...);
• The student has very special needs that can't be met by other classes (visual or hearing issues,..);
• ELTOC accepts all devices (cellphone, phone, laptop, Chromebook, tablet or computer) for online learning;
• ELTOC tutors use a variety of platforms including but not limited to: Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Meet, Viber, Skype, Facetime, Google Duo;
• The student should be a resident of Eastern Ontario.

Covid-19 (8 Apr 2021) Proposed schedule and locations for the new school year are subject to change depending on directions from Ottawa Public Health or other factors at the School Board.

English as a Second Language (ESL) / Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) helps participants with English reading, writing and grammar, speaking and listening, pronunciation, work skills and computer skills.

Day and night adult classes are available for all Canadians and Newcomers to Canada.

Classes offered:

• ESL (all levels)
• IELTS Test Preparation
• Grammar/Writing
• Academic Writing
• Reading and Writing
• Conversation & Pronunciation
• Citizenship Preparation
• ESL Skills Training

Visit the website for details and schedule.

Provides education from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Ottawa

• website contains a link to information on school closures and bus delays due to weather conditions
• 113 elementary schools (including two special education centres)
• 25 secondary schools (including one adult high school)
• five Alternate Programs
• two Outdoor Education Centres
• English as a Second Language (ESL) program
• Continuing Education credit courses
• International Languages Program
• summer school

Centre that provides immigrants with English or French language assessments for government-funded programs

• following assessment, language benchmarks are assigned and clients are referred to the appropriate program
• an information and referral specialist is available to assist newcomers referrals to diverse settlement needs

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre

• eligibility screening
• language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English [and French] language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• LINC Home Study
• English as a Second Language (ESL) [and French as a Second Language (FSL)] programs
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)
• Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Certified Language Assessors administer:

• standardized Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Assessment (CLBLA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT)
• Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA)
• Batterie de test de classement (BTC)

COVID-19 (22 Aug 2022): Services offered remotely by phone and email and in person by appointment only.

Employment services that are designed specifically for newcomers, immigrants and refugees

• Information and orientation sessions, language and skills training to help facilitate access to employment.
• Employment needs assessments and referrals.
• Pre- and post-arrival information and referrals.
• Job search workshops and training, resume and interview coaching, employment counselling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to access employment opportunities.
• Enhanced language training courses and workplace language courses for eligible clients.
• Targeted recruitment and coaching and networking events with employers.
• Sector specific support for internationally trained professionals (ITPs).
• Specific programming for clients with lower language skills in English (CLB 3-5) and to clients with intermediate and advanced language skills in English (CLB 5 and above)
• Pre-screening and preparation of candidates for the Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) Program
• Job search workshops and some employment services in French

Centre that provides immigrants with English or French language assessments for government-funded programs

• following assessment, language benchmarks are assigned and clients are referred to the appropriate program
• an information and referral specialist is available to assist newcomers referrals to diverse settlement needs

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre

• eligibility screening
• language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English [and French] language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• LINC Home Study
• English as a Second Language (ESL) [and French as a Second Language (FSL)] programs
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)
• Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Certified Language Assessors administer:

• standardized Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Assessment (CLBLA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT)
• Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA)
• Batterie de test de classement (BTC)

English and French for academic purposes language courses are offered to adults at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels

Health centre focused on family and community health

• information and referral
• community development and engagement
• seniors' programs
• Health Card Assistance Program and assistance to obtain Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) cards
• English as a Second Language for Newcomers
• Community Food Action: collective kitchens, community garden
• Contact Ottawa - Community Voicemail: voice mail box service for those who need to maintain affordable voice mail access

COVID-19 (October 7 2021): Services available by appointment only. Staff still available by phone. Many services now offered online and organisation offering volunteer outreach to isolated seniors to get food and medication to their homes. Call 613-235-4875 ext 181 to access emergency volunteer senior services (available in mandarin).

Settlement and community services agency

Orientation and Adaptation Services

• needs assessment and information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• orientation within the city
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• community support for Chinese newcomers through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice English
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Citizenship Preparation

• courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test
• offered on site

Language Training Services

• enhanced language training
• sector specific language training and career orientation in the fields of accounting and IT
• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement
• mentoring
• networking
• resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language/French as a Second Language

• English or French for Life and Work in Canada
• conversation and pronunciation classes

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• provides basic language skills in English or French
• courses offered part-time

Employment Counselling and Preparation

• job search preparation and training
• developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills
• job search workshops
• on site job search and preparation training courses

Employment Counselling

• resume help
• job readiness clinic
• employment counselling
• skills and career development
• help in establishing social and professional networks

Other Settlement Services

Library Settlement Partnership

• workshops
• one-to-one counselling
• settlement referrals
• English Conversation Club

Commissioner of Oaths

• commissioner of Oaths for verifying documents (only at 400 Cooper St)

Other Services
Counselling services workshops and support groups for:

• financial difficulties
• family conflicts
• mental health issues: depression, anxiety, stress, family relationships, caregiver stress, grief and loss, parenting, effective communication, workplace stress
• problems with the law
• racial discrimination
• family law
• legal problems
• sponsorship matters
• Convention Refugee support

COVID-19 (October 1rst, 2021): Yet Keen Seniors' Day Centre will pause its regular in-person programming until further notice * to continue to serve the Yet Keen community, the staff team will be reaching out to members by phone to identify individual needs and provide information, support and referral remotely * are encourage members to call the Centre at (613) 232-6695 during office hours for any questions or concernsCommunity and recreation day centre

Outreach to members who are isolated and/or are living with physical disabilities

• annual outdoor activities and celebrations
• workshops on mental/physical health and social services

Activities: Senior exercise:

• tai chi
• qi gong
• luk tung kuen
• heung kung
• table tennis
• badminton
• pool table
• line dancing
• ballroom dancing
• lunch programs

Interest Groups:

• chinese painting and calligraphy
• majong
• sing along
• chinese chess
• cards
• board games
• classic movies
• Chinese literature
• recitation

Study Groups:

• Mandarin
• English
• computer
• nutrition

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is provided at many OCDSB locations throughout Ottawa

• classes are offered at Literacy and LINC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and includes preparation for the Citizenship Test
• in-person classes at all locations with online options as well

English as a Second Language (ESL) non-credit classes for adults offered at many OCDSB locations throughout Ottawa

Levels available:

• basic
• intermediate
• advanced

Specialized courses for adults may include:

• English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
• Academic Test Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, etc)
• Workplace English
• ESL for Hospitality, and for Home Renovation
• Listening, speaking, pronunciation, reading, writing and grammar

To register, LINC and clients should have one of the following:

• current CLBs within the last year from any LINC or ESL class; or
• current Language Assessment from the YMCA Language Assessment and Resource Centre
• more information here

For information on LINC and ESL classes:

• visit the website

Provides opportunities for individuals to participate in social, recreational,educational and volunteer activities and benefit from social and health services

Programs:

• day centre activities
• Adult Day Program
• Community support services
• Seniors' Centre Without Walls (telephone-based programming)

Food Services:

• reasonably priced meals
• nutritious hot lunches, soup and sandwiches, muffins, desserts, snacks, beverages
• take-out meals
• festive and theme dinner parties
• some diet restrictions can be accommodated
• grocery shopping/food delivery

Physical Activities:

• chair exercise
• fitness centre
• yoga
• dance classes
• well-being classes
• weights or cardio
• zumba
• pole walking

In House Services:

• hair salon
• foot care
• massage therapy
• esthetics
• wellness clinic

Craft Program:

• painting
• quilting
• stained glass
• knitting
• crochet
• jewellery making
• woodworking

Performing Arts:

• choir
• choir chimes
• performing groups and bands
• home of the Grey Jazz Band

Education and Health Program:

• computer classes
• current affairs
• language classes
• wellness seminars
• guest lecturers
• day trips

Games and Social Program:

• cards
• dance
• sing along
• monthly birthday party
• special events and teas
• bingo

Fitness Programs:

• for adults regardless of fitness level, mobility or agility and for persons who suffer from osteoporosis, arthritis, or other muscular or cardiovascular conditions

English as a Second Language (ESL) * courses will improve English communication skills * offered during the day, on a part-time basis during the afternoon and evening * all students registered in this course have access to the Multimedia Language Lab

French as a Second Language (FSL) * courses will improve French communication skills * all students registered in this course have access to the Multimedia Language Lab

Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT) * free training course teaches Canadian terms and words used in a specific profession and introduce newcomers to cultural norms of the Canadian workplace

Teacher of English as a Second Language/Foreign Language (TESL/FL) * the specialized knowledge and skills in the area of TESL/FL methodology, instructional techniques, syllabus design and evaluation

Official testing accepted for immigration and academic purposes (IELTS, CELPIP, CAEL, TEF)

Provides flexible learning options

• over 80 programs and 700 courses offered anytime, anywhere

Community services centre for immigrants and refugees

• assists newcomers, refugees and ethno-cultural groups to become equal participants in social, economic and political life
• creating community and safe spaces
• visiting programs include Legal Aid, Housing Help
• free citizenship test classes for eight weeks, three hours per week
• requirements Canadian Language Benchmark 4

Community Economic Development:

• delivers career mentoring and networking programs to support newcomers to:
• obtain employment in their field
• develop an understanding of the workplace culture
• build networks
• develop strategies for employment maintenance and advancement

Programming includes

• Core Career Mentorship
• Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN)
• Refugee and Immigrant Supports to Employment (RAISE)
• Pre-Arrival Supports
• Ottawa Mentoring Collaborative
• Job Search Workshops

Multicultural Liaison Officer Program: Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) partnering with the English Public and English Catholic school boards of Ottawa to provide:

• settlement services to newcomer families in schools and summer programs
• leadership development
• civic engagement opportunities
• helps create a welcoming school environment for newcomer students
• helps youth gain the necessary skills to achieve their goals and develop a positive mindset to overcome the challenges they may be facing so that they can contribute to Canadian society
• offered both at the elementary and high schools levels for immigrant and refugee youth, ages 13-24

Settlement and Integration Program:

• multilingual and multicultural services to facilitate successful adaptation and integration processes
• information and orientation sessions for individuals, families and groups
• supportive counselling
• settlement consultation
• client advocacy
• community referrals

Counselling Program:

• see separate record for more information

YOCISO:

• offers academic, life skills, counselling, and arts-based support in a fun and interactive way

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC):

• full-time and part-time English language training for newcomers for settlement and community
• open to all landed immigrants and convention refugees over the age of 17
• classes are offered in the South region of Ottawa
• daytime and evening classes available
• child care is also available

Refugee Sponsorship: private sponsorship of refugees by any group of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents 18 years of age and older who live in the expected community of settlement

• group must collectively commit to provide the necessary support for their sponsored refugee for the full duration of the sponsorship
• refugee must qualify as refugee according to Canada's refugee and humanitarian resettlement program.

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

Employment Program -- offers temporary financial assistance for basic needs and accommodation

• Employment and Participation Benefits- cover costs related to starting a job or placement or education
• Families with Children -- child care start-up costs

Employment Assistance -- clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Community Participation -- volunteer placements

• job search programs -- based on individual's skills, experience and circumstances
• employment placement -- job matching service
• basic education -- basic adult upgrading
• high school upgrading
• literacy and basic skills
• job skills training -- development of skills for specific jobs
• on-the-job training
• supports to self-employment -- referrals to self-employment programs

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment

Discretionary and supplemental Mandatory Benefits -- prescription drug coverage and may include emergency dental services, eyeglasses, special diet allowance, health care supplies, medical transportation funds, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

• programs may vary by City or Municipality, and may be available to non-Ontario Works recipients upon income assessment

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268 -- automated information and payment details, payment history, file status

• information and announcements about Ontario Works
• service not available to TTY users

Welfare FraudHotline 1-800-394-7867 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance