Searching for English As A Second Language

COVID19 -- contact location for COVID-related service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv [York Region] -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

English as a Second Language (ESL): provided at various levels

Settlement Services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral -- employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling
• citizenship preparation

Women's Employment and Life Skills (WELS): employment and life skills program for immigrant women

COVID19 -- contact individual centres for service updates; call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca for more information



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment, information and referral to community and social services including support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school, health care, legal information and government services and benefits
• support group for Spanish-speakers

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Enhanced Language Training -- 13 week, sector specific language training and career orientation

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language -- adult English for life and work in Canada, part time and full time options

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops
• Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) - advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on how to obtain professional recognition in Canada.
• Job Search Workshops program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information
• information and assistance on self employment including practice firm

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Participates in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership , see separate listing

Managed by a partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Information and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada

COVID19 -- contact individual centres for service updates; services available by phone, email or video; call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca for more information



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment, Information and referral to community and social services including support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school, health care, legal information and government services and benefits

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Enhanced Language Training -- 13 week, sector specific language training and career orientation

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language -- adult English for life and work in Canada, part time and full time options

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops
• Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) - advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on how to obtain professional recognition in Canada.
• Job Search Workshops program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information
• information and assistance on self employment including practice firm

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Participates in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, see separate listing

Other Services

• Professional Networking Café
• study groups and networking groups for internationally educated professionals

Partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada

COVID19 -- contact location directly for COVID service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals -- sector specific language training and career orientation in workplace communication and customer service

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv [York Region] -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement services offered at this location by partner agencies

English as Second Language (ESL) classes

• also participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by achev [York Region] -- see separate entry

COVID19 -- service continues, call for information at 416-630-6481 ext 5421, LINC classes available online and in person, call to register

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• childminding may be available
• morning and afternoon classes, full or part-time
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, in partnership with school boards
• Ready-for-School -- 2 week intensive ESL summer program for children entering school
• Conversation Café -- English practice at various locations
• Telephone Language Companion -- English practice

Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to English language government-funded programs

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• LINC Home Study
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• French as a Second Language (FSL) programs
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)
• Specialized Language Training (SLT)

COVID-19 -- offering virtual/remote services where applicable

• limited services may be provided by phone or email
• email eltemployment@tdsb.on.ca or call 416-395-8270 or 416-395-3669 and leave a message

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14 week labour market access program includes 8 week sector specific language training in accounting, customer service and administration, engineering, information technology, sales and marketing and financial services

• business communications training
• volunteer work placement
• mentoring
• program offered at several locations
• funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Multi-service agency

• settlement services including permanent residency and citizenship assistance, government housing services
• ESL Classes
• family and individual counselling
• employment services
• recreation and social activities including trips, festivals, Farsi classes, Seniors day for Farsi-speaking seniors, music lessons, computer classes, cultural events

Limited in-person appointments are available in Keele and Finch offices. Also, services continue to be offered via phone, email and online


Settlement Services

• orientation to life in Ontario; information on immigration issues
• accessing government resources including social assistance, income security, child tax benefits
• assistance with search for housing and social housing
• emotional support

Helping Our Newcomers Prepare for Employment/Entrepreneurial Success (HOPES) Program: resettlement stress support, education, skills and experience support

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada): provides basic English skills in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto --see separate entry

Language Instruction Giving Hope to Trauma Survivors (LIGHTS) Program: alternative language program that provides functional English as a second or additional language (ESL/EAL) instruction to vulnerable newcomers who experience emotional, cognitive, or academic barriers to learning in traditional English classes

COVID19 -- service continues online or in person, by appointment

Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to English or French language government-funded programs

• programs include Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)/Cours de Langue pour les Immigrants au Canada (CLIC), LINC Home Study/CLIC en ligne, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs/French as a Second Language (FSL), Higher-Level Language Training (HLLT) such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT)/Cours de langue de niveau avancé (CLNA), Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)/ la Formation linguistique axée sur les professions (FLAP), and Specialized Language Training (SLT)

COVID19 -- Office closed until further notice • support available by phone, email or online * visit COVID-19 Updates

Community centre

• newcomer services
• children and youth programs
• training and certification
• student examination supervision
• meeting room rentals
• also locations in Brampton and Mississauga

Children's Programs

• after school programs
• tutoring
• summer learning camps
• March and winter break camps
• Home Alone safety course

Newcomer Supports

• outreach and settlement services
• Information and referral
• learning programs such as General Education Development Program (GED), computer training, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• empowerment programs such as financial literacy, employment coaching, business set-up assistance
• newcomer repository - The Newcomer (www.thenewcomer.ca)

Youth Programs

• career advise and counselling
• leadership engagement
• pre-employment skills training
• employment support
• homework/tutoring assistance
• programs for newcomer youth
• High Five Principles of Healthy Child Development
• Home Alone safety course
• Babysitting course
• leadership engagement
• financial literacy
• Youth Magazine publication - The Youth Mind (Home - Youth Mind (theyouthmind.ca)

Seniors/Low-income Earners

• computer training and pad computing
• combating food insecurity through food boxes
• income tax preparation
• promoting Black excellence and women publications - Black Voice, Home - Youth Mind (womenquest.ca)

COVID19 Update

• As of March 7, 2022 in-person services are available at all JVS Toronto locations. Services also available virtually.

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Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- for internationally trained professionals in banking, finance, IT and architecture looking to improve their sector specific communication skills

• in class and online sector-specific language training, job search support, mentoring, networking, business writing and pronunciation
• certification upon completion

Immigrant Professionals Leveraging Architectural Knowledge for New Opportunities (IPLAN) -- newcomers with high level English language proficiency, an undergraduate degree in architecture or related field from a university outside Canada

• offers an 8 week licensing preparation program
• 14 week program helping with integration into the Canadian architecture sector
• course also offered online

International Skills Applied Geriatrics (ISAGE) -- internationally trained doctors, teachers, social workers or psychologists looking for help to find a job

• 12 week program on sector-specific workplace culture and communication training
• employer information sessions and job opportunities, job search coaching and support
• internships and work placements

CanPrep -- offers pre-arrival services to internationally trained individuals, with a Canadian immigrant visa, relocating to Canada within 2 to 12 months

• networking opportunities with employers, employment counselling, mentoring and coaching

EMETemployment -- job seekers, employers and members of Jewish community

• offers individualized professional recruitment services connecting employers with qualified candidates

English as a Second Language -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, transportation and child minding available -- see separate entry

Markham Chinese Seniors Association including

• recreation and English as a Second language classes
• Chinese Canadian Sports and Recreation Club of Markham
• Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Markham
• Markham Chinese Cultural Centre

COVID19 -- contact location for COVID service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals -- sector specific language training and career orientation in finance and accounting

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv [York Region] -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement Services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral -- employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling

COVID19 -- contact individual centres for service updates; services available by phone, email or video; call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca for more information



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment and Information and referral to community and social services including support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school, health care, legal information and government services and benefits
• youth, women and older adults programs and services

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Enhanced Language Training for Accounting and Financial Professionals -- 13 week sector specific language training and career orientation

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language -- adult English for life and work in Canada, part time or full time options

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops, job search assistance with resumes, cover letters, job search tips and interview coaching
• information on accreditation and qualifications
• Job Search Workshops program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Other Services

• appointments with York Regional Police
• assistance to find or maintain housing, eviction prevention, Tuesdays, in partnership with The Housing Help Centre (see separate entry)

Managed by a partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Information and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada

Toronto military family resources centre, including information and referral, community integration, counselling and crisis support, stress management and deployment support, self help groups, and personal development such as second language training and employment assistance

• child, youth and parenting support programs
• licensed child care and preschool program for children birth-5 years
• volunteer services
• workshops

Programs for elementary, secondary and adult learners

• summer and night school
• eLearning
• Saturday Credit courses
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Cooperative education
• literacy and numeracy skills
• adult general interest classes including computer, conversational languages and language instructor training

COVID19 -- service continues, call for information at 416-630-6481 ext 5421, LINC classes available online and in person, call to register at 416-635-7044


Language Skills, Development and Training -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, childminding available, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry, offering full-time, part-time, and evening classes

• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, in partnership with school boards
• Ready-for-School -- 2 week intensive ESL summer program for children entering school
• Conversation Café -- English practice at various locations
• Telephone Language Companion -- English practice

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, transportation subsidy and childminding available -- see separate entry

Settlement services provided by community organization partners

To visit or call see online list of Program Locations

Academic, commercial and technical, day and night, credit and general interest classes

• after school programs, child care, food programs
• adult education and services
• Alternative Schools programs
• English as a Second Language (ESL), literacy, citizenship and heritage language classes
• French immersion
• International Baccalaureate
• special education including education programs for children and youth 14-21 years with developmental disabilities
• * support services

Adult Education and Services -- academic upgrading, day schools

• Pre-Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship Programs -- hairstylist 416-394-6961
• employment services
• ESL resource centres
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry
• Essential Skills Upgrading (Literacy and Basic Skills, LBS)
• Learning4Life -- adult general interest courses, fee, visit tdsb.on.ca/Adult-Learners/Learn4Life for course and registration informaton or email communityprograms@tdsb.on.ca
• newcomer services
• reception centres for immigrants and refugees -- see separate entries

Alternative Schools Program -- flexible learning environments to meet student's needs, Alternative Schools List

• culturally focused schools include Africentric Alternative Elementary School 416-395-5251, First Nations School of Toronto 416-393-0555, Triangle Program LGBTQ Secondary School 416-393-8443

Metropolitan Toronto School for the Deaf -- elementary school that operates completely in American Sign Language (ASL)

Support Services -- guidance counselling

• home instruction
• interpreting services for families and schools
• psychiatry * psychology
• reading and speech correction
• social work * transportation for persons with physical disabilities
• Parenting and Family Literacy Centres, 416-394-2067
• Welcoming Communities for newcomers -- see separate entry
• youth alienation programs include advocacy, outreach to youth in community agencies and shelters
• all services may not be available in all locations

e-Learning -- www.tdsb.on.ca/elearning

• day school program
• secondary credit courses offered through the Internet
• partnership with Ministry of Education

Next-Steps Employment Centre -- also offered at Vaughan 905-851-6651, for Toronto and Mississauga locations see separate entries

For more information see branch listings

Full academic program in a Catholic environment

• kindergarten through grade 12
• single gender and coeducational secondary schools
• Catholic family life education
• Adult Education
• Advanced Placement Program
• alternative education programs
• French as a second language, French Immersion and Extended French
• International Baccalaureate Program
• Specialist High Skills Major
• Dual Credit
• School Within a College
• Ontario Youth Apprenticeship
• special education programs for exceptional children
• schools specializing in arts, technology and media
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) schools
• support services

Adult Education

• adult upgrading centres
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• citizenship language classes

Support Services

• child care centres, after school programs, recreation programs, caregiver and child drop-ins and parenting centres at some schools -- call 416-222-8282 ext 2475 for information
• nutrition programs, home instruction, social work, psychological and psychiatric services, guidance counselling, program for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, reading, speech and language correction, community liaison, chaplaincy and peer ministry programs, interpreter services and transportation for persons with physical disabilities, after school literacy clubs

Orientation Centre

• placement centre for new Canadian secondary school students, call 416-393-5500 for appointment

COVID19 -- limited in-person services with limited hours at each location; also continuing to provide services over the telephone, via email, Zoom, Skype and Google Classroom; for more information, call or visit website


Support for Women and Families

• short term supportive counselling including parenting and family supportive counselling
• employment and career counselling
• support groups for women from various cultures
• resources and information for parents and families
• information workshops on health related topics, assertiveness, employment, life skills, stress management and parenting

Violence Prevention and Crisis Intervention

• crisis support and counselling for women and children who have experienced or are experiencing violence in the home
• legal and medical referrals
• accompaniment to legal, medical and social services resources
• information, public and community education on wife abuse
• support groups for women who are victims of spousal abuse

Anti-Human Trafficking of Vulnerable Women Healing Group -- support group for women who have experienced childhood and intimate partner abuse, women coming from war-torn countries or women suffering from trauma and illness as a result of abuse

Newcomer Assistance and Integration

• immigrant/newcomer settlement support and counselling
• information sessions for newcomers and community residents
• information and referral
• English language instruction for newcomers to Canada at various locations -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry, childminding for children 6 months-5 years while parents attend class
• English as a Second Language (ESL) preschool program
• labour market information for newcomers * Library Settlement Partnership services (LSP)

Seniors' Services

• skills development; computer training, educational workshops, leadership training
• intergenerational groups
• social and recreational programs, fitness, tours, excursions
• advocacy on seniors issues

Youth Services

• services for all youth
• youth newcomer settlement support
• one-on-one counselling
• homework help, career-education networking, after-school programs, recreational activities, cooking club
• Youth Program for ages 16-26 years: leadership skills, English language skills, integration into the community
• volunteering opportunities and community service for high school graduation
• English Conversation Circles

Family Drop In -- for parents and children of all ages

Welcoming Communities, (Community Connections Mentorship Program)

• matches newcomers with Canadian volunteers who offer orientation to the local area and moral support in transition to Canada
• English conversation circles
• newcomers build leadership skills, newcomer family drop-in, social events such as movies, cooking club

Healthy Lifestyles and Well-Being

• health promotion workshops
• mental health challenges and coping strategy support
• stress management activities
• one-on-one support and referrals to health services
• fitness assessment, fitness activities, yoga
• blood pressure check in partnership with the local community health centre

Community Development

Participation on various coalitions, community networks and committees; volunteer opportunities