Resources during COVID-19
School Boards
1) Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
- TSDB Home
- Daily Health Screening
- Student Device Program for Grades 5 and 9
- Student Transportation Updates
- Student Virtual Learning IT Support
- New to Canada? – Welcoming Communities Program
- TDSB Interpretation and Translation Services
- TDSB Interpreters are available – can join online classrooms to support students and/ or work with families
- Webinar / Conversation Series for TDSB Families
2) Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)
- TCDSB Home
- Student Transportation
- “Welcome Back” Info /FAQ
- Health and Safety/ Mental Wellness Resources
- Orientation Centre for Newcomers
- TCDSB International Education Program
3) Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (French-Language Public School Board)
4) CSC MonAvenir (French-Language Catholic School Board)
More Information About School during COVID
- School Information for Parents and Caregivers – City of Toronto/ TPH
- Caring for a Child who is Self-Isolating or Has COVID-19
- Back to School Confirmation Form
- School Immunization Program
- COVID-19 Vaccines
- Ontario Ministry of Education
- Elementary and Secondary – What to Expect
- Hand Washing and Masks
- Mandatory Self Screening
- If Your Child Becomes Ill at School
Programs and Resources for Supporting Education
Children
- Girl’s After-School Programs in academics, art, leadership, mentoring and more! (Jean Augustine)
- “Street Level Youth Space” (LAMP CHC) – Tweens (ages 10 – 13) – developmental workshops, leadership, physical rec…
- Boys and Girls Club – After-school programs for children (Albion Neighbourhood Services) Call 416 740 3704
- Children’s Book Bank
- Mentorship program for newcomer students in TDSB schools
- Children’s Programs and Activities – City of Toronto web page
- Licensed Child Care Locator
- Before-After School Program Locator
- City of Toronto After School Care and Recreation Programs:
- Toronto4Kids – Virtual Classes (Most are private for fee)
Youth
- Mentorship program for newcomer students in TDSB schools
- Homework help, Animation Skills, Youth Leadership – Arab Community Centre of Toronto
- Young Women’s Programs (Ages 13 – 17) – Academics (“She Can Code”, STEM), Career Guidance, Leadership, Become a Tutor… (Jean Augustine)
- Youth Programs – Lamp CHC
- Community Leadership After-School Program + Locations – Enhancing life skills for youth 10 – 15 years
- Free Upgrading Program for Youth (includes GED prep)- Frontier College
- Pumped for Post-Secondary program – Grades 9 – 11, Be mentored by Humber College Student, Starts mid-Oct
- Youth Network – FCJ Refugee Centre
- Pathways to Education Rexdale (Jamestown) – For eligible Grade 8 and High School students to help them to complete high school -Tutoring, mentoring, financial and social supports
- Humber’s Youth Transition Program – Fall Cohort Oct 25
- Studyonline.ca – Resources and Online Courses from Ont. Post-Secondary Institutions
- Student Leadership and Youth Empowerment (SLYE) – Leadership Programs, Online Resource Fairs, Knowledge Exchange Event (Nov 30)
- Newcomer Youth Green Economy Project – Toronto and Region Conservation AuthorityFor newcomer Youth 18 – 29 years interested in a career in the environmental sector
- Industrial Trades Program at Humber College (18 – 30 years and unemployed)8 week program + 12 week placement – both paid
- Youths’ Initiative and Excellence with Learning Disabilities (YIELD)
Families
- Education Support Guide for Newcomer Families and Young Learners
- Workshop Series for Families – Navigating Education; Using Technology Wisely; Mental Health; Positive Family Relations etc. – Starts July 19
- Children’s Book Bank
- Toronto Public Libraries – KidSpace
- Toronto Public Libraries – Homepage
- Free Activities for All Ages to Enjoy at Home – City of Toronto
- Sort by audience such as Seniors, Youth, Kids, Everyone etc.
- COVID Resources List for Families – Toronto Children’s Services (List will be updated via this link.)
- Hand in Hand Program – For Children 9 – 14 years and their families to support homework and family bonding
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres
- Mothercraft virtual programs
- YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Online Services
International Students
- COVID-19 and International Students (Gov’t of Canada)
- IRCC Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Program includes International Graduates – Note: Stream still open for French-speaking international graduate applications
- http://www.internationalstudentconnect.org/ -Helping international students with pre-arrival, settlement needs and transition to PR
- Keep.meSAFE Student Support Program – Support available in multiple languages. Call 1-844-451-9700 or download free MY SSP app to your device
- Flexibility in post-graduation work permit rules to help international students – New Release Gov’t of Canada May 14, 2020
- Students – Work: COVID-19 Program Delivery
- Canada making major study and work visa change for fall 2020 – CIC News, May 15, 2020
Adults
- Art and Everyday Life Program for Women who are marginalized, immigrants and/or refugees, August
- Basic Computer Skills, Basic Math and Literacy Classes – Frontier College July Calendar
- Building Foundations for Women -Build essential skills for education, employment, personal goals, June 28
- Essential Skills/ Career Exploration – In partnership with George Brown College, June 28
- College Boreal – Adult education programs in French
- TDSB – Essential Skills Upgrading – generic flyer
- Literacy and Basic Skills Programs for Adults – Frontier College
- ptp Adult Learning – Upcoming Programs
- Improve Reading and Writing – free online, small groups (LAMP)
- Adult Literacy and Academic Upgrading – Parkdale Project Read
- Programs for Accessing Post-Secondary Education
- GED Prep and FAQ’s – Amadeusz is offering free online lessons and support to incarcerated youth
Digital Literacy
- Humber College Digital Fluency for the Workplace program – Register by Aug 15
- Supporting newcomers and youth (19 – 29 years)
- Canada Learning Code – Free computer science workshops for kids, teens, girls, women, teachers
- Topics include: Webmaking; Coding; VR; UX Design and more
- Intro to Computers – New classes start throughout summer 2021
- Basic Computers – free online, small groups, LAMP
- Seniors Tech Help (Toronto Public Library), extended to summer 2021
- Digital Skills Training for Seniors – TechServeTO
- Free 1:1 training available for all computer/ digital needs
- Digital and Media Literacy Training for Immigrant Women (COSTI)
- Introduction to Coding for Websites for newcomer women, New sessions June 8 and June 12
- Digital Literacy Support Package for Newcomers Using Mobile Phones
- ABC Life Literacy Canada – Online lesson plans focusing on technology that will help adult learners get and stay connected:
- Free Online Literacy and Basic Skills Training/ e-channel For adults 19 years or older looking to develop their reading, writing, math, computer and other skills to get further education
- Includes programs in French
- Includes programs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults
Access to Devices and WiFi
- Connected for Success Program – Internet program expanding to new customers who receive income support
- Financial Support for Low-income families to access the Internet (Connecting Families Initiative)
- The RCTech OUTREACH program provides low income individuals with affordable computer packages
- Computer Access at Toronto Public Library Branches – See Reserve a Computer/ Computer Services
- Access to Tech for OW Clients under 30 or 45+
- Shaw Communications’ Go WiFi finder: https://www.shaw.ca/internet/wifi
Supports for Learning at Home
- Ontario Ministry Learn at Home
- K – 12 learning resources
- Resources for parents and guardians
- Resources in French available
- TDSB Virtual Library Online Resources
- Frontier College Online Resources
- K – 12: Reading and Writing; Numeracy and Science Activities; Tips for Helping with Homework; Reading with Children; And more…
- Adult ESL, Literacy and Numeracy
- Learners with Exceptionalities
- Educational Videos for Preschool – Grade 12:
- Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures
- Autism Ontario – Help to Get us Through COVID-19
- Special Education Resources for Families – TDSB
- Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario: LD@Home
- The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program: free, bilingual lesson plans to help start meaningful conversations about disability with students from K to 12.
- Toronto Public Library:
- Recreation, arts and culture activities for all ages to enjoy at home https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-reduce-virus-spread/covid-19-stay-play-learn-at-home/
- Colouring Pages to Help Children Learn about COVID-19
Physical Activity
- ParticipACTION Physical Activity Guidelines Ages 0 – 4
- ParticipACTION Physical Activity Guidelines Ages 5 – 17
Safety Online
Connect with a Settlement Worker
- Settlement.org
- Call 211 or visit: 211 Central (Go to “Newcomers”)
Supports for Mental Health
- Hong Fook Youth and Family Service – New Summer Programs:
- Mental Health and Well-Being Supports for South Asian Community due to Crisis in India
- TDSB Virtual Drop-In for Professional Support for Mental Health
- Parents and Families – Return to School
- Back to School Mental Health Kit For Families
- Mental Health and Well-Being Resources during COVID-19 – TDSB
- Mental Health Resources during COVID-19 for Families – TCDSB
- Mental Health Resource Hub for Chinese Canadians and others affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
- COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub
- Phone-In Counselling for Ages 0 – 29 (no health card needed)
- Talking to children about COVID-19 and its impact – CAMH
- Crisis Resources – CAMH
- Asking for Help When Things are not Right – CAMH (Factsheet available in multiple languages)
- City of Toronto Mental Health Support Strategy:
- Call 211 to get connected to one of seven primary mental health service partners for direct phone support.
- Online: Visit http://www.211toronto.ca/ or COVID-19: Mental Health Resources – City of Toronto
- Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) – Safe Support community + Self-guided Support and Resources
- Bounce Back (Life skills program for youth and adults)
- Online Peer Support Group for Newcomers – Email: Settlement@mosaicbc.org to receive email invitation
Financial Supports
- Gov’t of Canada Student Financial Assistance Program
- Canada Student Loans during COVID-19
- National Student Loans Service Centre NSLSC)
- $1,000 Bursaries for Students from Caribbean Countries for First Diploma/ Degree
- COVID Tool for Community Workers – For supporting clients with Income Benefits, Housing and Employment
- COVID-19: Income Support
- Increased Access to EI and Recovery Benefits (Gov’t of Canada)
- Canada COVID-19 Economic Response Plan – For individuals, families, students and recent graduates
- COVID Support for Individuals (Gov’t of Canada) – Updated and Q&A
- Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) – For post-secondary students and recent graduates
- COVID-19 financial assistance for newcomers, temporary residents and refugees in multiple languages
- OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program
- Micro-funds to women to access education https://www.wisewomenways.net/
- Foreign Credential Recognition Loan Program -ACCESS Community Capital Fund
General Resources for Newcomers
- Immigration and Citizenship Canada – Gov’t of Canada website
- COVID-19: Visitors, Foreign Workers and International Students (Gov’t of Canada)
- News/ Updates for Newcomers in Ontario: https://settlement.org/news/ontario/
- New Canadians TV – Virtual Live Chats During COVID-19
- Free Interpretation Registration Form – MCIS is enabling a toll free line for free immediate interpretation services to support Non-English or Limited English speakers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
- Video for Refugees (from IRCC) – What to expect when resettling in Canada, including supports and services.
- Swahili: https://youtu.be/AA2403hnwek
- Somali: https://youtu.be/gj8GE1bf8Rc
- Farsi: https://youtu.be/7vVi2p5nDNI
- Arabic: https://youtu.be/HNQv_YiblSg
- Tigrinya: https://youtu.be/HYF8v1PSfbs
- French: https://youtu.be/UVDuL7IMntM
- English: https://youtu.be/u6ng9lTwIGQ