How to Get Settled - Children & Youth: Childcare, Education, & Employment

Find Child Care

In Ontario, there are two (2) types of childcare:

  • Licensed – regulated by the government
  • Unlicensed – not regulated by the government

There are often waitlists for licensed child care spaces, so start search as soon as possible.

Enroll Your Children in School

  • Settlement.org's How do I Enrol my Child in School?
  • Elementary School typically begins in kindergarten and ends in grade 8 and includes a choice of English, French, and/or Catholic education. Elementary education focuses on learning the foundations of reading, writing and math. For more information, visit Settlement.org's Newcomer’s Guide to Elementary School in Ontario.
  • Secondary School typically begins in grade 9 and ends in grade 12 and includes a choice of English, French, and/or Catholic education. Secondary education focuses on student interests and prepares them for graduation and beyond. For more information, visit Settlement.org's The Newcomer’s Guide to Secondary School in Ontario.
  • For more information about how Canada’s school system works, support available for different learning situations, common activities and events, transportation and more, see the Government of Canada page on Education in Canada: Life in Canadian schools

Public Schools

Most children can attend a publicly-funded school for free regardless of their immigration status or the status of their parent.

Parents need to provide proof that a child has been vaccinated or immunized when enrolling them in public school.

Halton School Boards:

Private Schools

The government does not pay for private schooling.

Youth Employment

To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits, you need a 9-digit number know as a Social Insurance Number (SIN). For more information, including how to apply, see the Government of Canada’s webpage.

Topics to Explore:

For more information on what to expect in the first few weeks of coming to Canada, see the  Government of Canada's website – Welcome to Canada: Publications for Newcomers.