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.
- Learn more about the types of child care in Ontario
- The Halton Child Care Directory and Information Line assists families in locating licensed child care services in the Halton area and offers information about child care options in Halton.
- Search for Childcare in Halton
- Get help finding, choosing and paying for child care
- A list of questions to ask a potential child care provider is available in many languages, and includes questions about costs, health, safety, nutrition and more.
- Ontario’s Financial Support for Child Care – how to get government subsidies and grants to help you pay for child care or support children with special needs
- Halton's Child Care Fee Subsidy Program
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.
- Ministry of Education information on Full-Day Kindergarten
- 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:
- Halton District School Board
- Halton Catholic District School Board
- French Language Public Schools
- French Language Catholic Schools
Private Schools
The government does not pay for private schooling.
- Ministry of Education Information about Private Elementary and Secondary Schools
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.
- How to find Student / Youth Summer Jobs
- Halton Region's Summer Student Program
- Halton Region's Internship & Apprenticeship Program
- Learn about how to apply for a job, where to find work, and what happens once you do become employed
- Ontario’s Summer Jobs for Students – information for high school, university and college students, ages 15-19, looking for work in the summer
- Ontario’s Get Help Finding a Youth or Student Job – a young person or student looking for a job can get help through these programs regardless of background or circumstances
- Ontario’s Entrepreneurship Funds and Resources for People Under 30 – government support programs to help you start your own business
- Settlement.org’s What is Canadian Etiquette at Work?
- Settlement.org’s What do I Include in my Canadian Resume? What do I Exclude?
- Settlement.org’s Your Rights Under the Employment Standards Act
