For families new to Edmonton, one of the most important questions is how their children will learn English and adapt to the Canadian education system. Fortunately, Edmonton has an extensive support system for children learning English as a second language, and most of these programs are completely free. This article takes a detailed look at all the options available for children to learn English in Edmonton, from school programs to after-school clubs and free tutoring.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) School Programs
The foundation of language support for immigrant children in Edmonton is the English as an Additional Language (EAL) school programs, formerly known as ESL (English as a Second Language). Schools have switched to the term EAL because many students may already know several languages before they arrive at school, and English may be their third or fourth language, not their second.
Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB) — EAL Program
Edmonton Public Schools is the largest school district in Edmonton, serving approximately 100,000 students in over 200 schools. Currently, about 25 percent of Edmonton Public Schools students are considered English language learners, and this number has grown by about 18 percent over the past five years.
The EAL program supports students who are learning English and for whom English is not their first language. These students need to develop their English language skills to be successful in the classroom. To be accepted into this program, students must meet certain eligibility criteria, which can be obtained by contacting your child's assigned school.
All Edmonton Public Schools programming is based on the curriculum defined by the Alberta Ministry of Education. Students enrolled in the English as an Additional Language program will receive the same high-quality education offered in all other district programs. It is important to note that yellow school buses are not available for students in the EAL program, so parents should contact their assigned school for additional transportation information.
Edmonton Public Schools Board Chair Trisha Estabrooks noted that diversity has a positive impact on staff and students. “Our classrooms are dynamic places, and we welcome these students who are learning English, we welcome their culture... it's exciting,” she said. “I think about the times when I visit Norwood School, where they speak about 30 different languages in that one school alone.”
How assessment and support work in the EPSB
Teachers at all grade levels assess students' literacy skills, allowing them to intervene with support as soon as they see a student is struggling. For those learning English, this may happen later in their educational experience. “If they're new to Canada, they may also be new to English,” explained Nancy Petersen, the district's director of strategic support. “So there's this dual path — helping them develop as English speakers, and then also helping to ensure that as they develop their confidence in English and their vocabulary, we're also building their English reading skills.”
Literacy teams work in schools across the district. The intervention methods used by the school board vary depending on grade level. The Reading Recovery program is used in the lower grades—in the 2018-19 school year, 62 students were in the program, and by the end of the year, 71 percent of those children in Grade 1 were reading and writing at their grade level. Other literacy programs worked with approximately 1,100 students in grades 1-9 in the past school year.
Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD) — EAL Program
Edmonton Catholic Schools also offers a comprehensive support program for students learning English. They define English Language Learners (EAL) as students whose first language is different from standard Canadian English. These students may be recent arrivals from other countries or born in Canada, and they have diverse cultural backgrounds and school experiences.
Research shows that it can take 5 to 7 years (and sometimes longer) to learn a new language to a sufficient level of proficiency. This is important information for parents who may expect faster results.
Edmonton Catholic Schools supports all diverse learners in an inclusive classroom. The program covers elementary school students (grades K-6) and secondary school students (grades 7-12). The classroom teacher and the teacher responsible for EAL students collaborate in planning, teaching, and assessing the grade-level curriculum. The classroom teacher provides targeted instruction specific to the student's needs through differentiated instruction, individually or in small groups, as needed.
Teachers use the annual assessment (Alberta Education K-12 EAL Proficiency Benchmarks) to guide student learning. Some middle schools offer additional ESL programming. All identified EAL students are assessed annually using the Alberta Education K-12 EAL Proficiency Benchmarks to determine their English language level for programming purposes in an inclusive classroom.
One World...One Centre — Registration Centre for Newcomers
If you are new to Canada and would like your children to attend Edmonton Catholic Schools, you will need to contact the One World...One Centre at 780-441-6060 for more information and to make an appointment.
During registration, the following will take place: citizenship and immigration documents will be checked, registration will be completed, an intake and needs assessment will be conducted, and your child will be assessed for listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. If English is your first language, the intake will take up to 45 minutes; if English is not your first language, the intake may take up to 2 hours.
Your child will be assessed using the Alberta Education EAL Proficiency Benchmarks to inform programming at the school. This ensures that your child is placed correctly and receives appropriate support from day one.
After-school support programs for newly arrived children
In addition to school-based EAL programs, there are several organizations in Edmonton that offer after-school support programs for immigrant children, including homework assistance and English language learning.
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) — Services for Children and Youth
The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association offers comprehensive integration services for newly arrived children and youth in public schools. Once a newcomer family moves to Edmonton, school-aged children and youth embark on an exciting journey — a new school, new teachers, new friends, a new curriculum. New things are exciting, but they can also be challenging or overwhelming.
EISA sends tutors and mentors to participating schools during after-school hours to help newly arrived students successfully integrate into Alberta's school systems, develop skills for adapting to Canadian cultures, and cope with cultural, social, emotional, and other relationship-related issues.
EISA assesses students' needs and goals, and then develops and implements various activities to meet those needs. They visit participating schools regularly, providing reliable and long-term support. Their holistic approach to supporting newly arrived students combines academic tutoring, recreational activities and health-conscious snacks, cultural and religious support, social support, spring and summer day camps, as well as field trips and group social events.
To register for EISA services, first confirm that your child's school is one of the participating schools by calling the office hotline at 780-474-8445.
Enhanced Settlement Workers in Schools (ESWIS)
The Enhanced Settlement Workers in Schools (ESWIS) program provides support to newly arrived children and youth, as well as their families, who need help navigating challenging situations at school or at home. This program offers comprehensive case management for children or youth who face significant challenges in adapting to school and life in Canada.
ESWIS also offers information sessions in schools to help students navigate systems, school policies, and access to resources and support. These information sessions are developed in collaboration with schools, the Edmonton Police Service, and other partners based on the identified needs and areas of interest of students, schools, and communities.
In addition, ESWIS conducts two-week information and orientation sessions for parents and caregivers of newcomers who have a child with a disability or major illness.
SKY Club (Support for Kids & Youth)
The SKY Club (Support for Kids & Youth) program has been a powerful support program for newly arrived children for many years. In its 17 years of existence, SKY Club has supported more than 1,270 newly arrived children with the involvement of more than 100 volunteers from the University of Alberta. The program offered homework assistance and had a lasting impact on the lives of the children.
Although SKY Club has ended, its legacy continues through the Enhanced Settlement Workers in Schools (ESWIS) program, which continues to provide support to newly arrived children in schools.
Free tutoring and homework help
There are several free tutoring programs in Edmonton that are available to all children, including immigrant children.
DISCOVER — Free online tutoring
DISCOVER provides free one-on-one homework help, tutoring, and academic coaching to students in grades 4-12 by connecting them with university and college volunteers. The program partners with the Edmonton Public Library, St. Albert Public Library, and Strathcona County Library.
Tutoring sessions are completely free and aim to integrate practical soft skills into students' learning. Online sessions with mentors can be booked anytime Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. by visiting mydiscoverprep.com.
Tutoring sessions last one hour and are conducted exclusively online. Help is available in math, English, social studies, science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Sessions can be easily booked online in just a few minutes.
United for Literacy — Programs for Children and Youth
United for Literacy offers programs for children and youth that take into account each student's unique learning needs to build their confidence in literacy and math. Programs available include Homework Club (in-person and online), Reading Circle (in-person and online), and Online 1-on-1 Tutoring.
Homework Club includes one-on-one in-person or virtual homework support one to two times per week with a trained tutor for middle school students who are struggling to keep up with homework, exams, and online assignments. The program focuses on the student's individual strengths, knowledge, and experience to provide academic support and build self-esteem.
Reading Circle is designed for children aged 7-11 (grades 2-6) who are struggling to develop reading skills or feel unmotivated to read.
Online 1-on-1 Tutoring includes individual or small group tutoring for any subject area based on tutor availability. Hours are flexible and based on tutor and student availability. Online Homework Club runs on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. during the school year (September-June).
Boys & Girls Club — Tutoring
Boys & Girls Club offers a one-on-one tutoring program where a student works with an adult tutor who meets with their mentee once or twice a week and participates in targeted tutoring sessions. The student is paired with a tutor at one of the Boys and Girls Club locations, and they spend 45-60 minutes per week doing activities that promote literacy, academic skills, and confidence.
Tutoring takes place Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the West Club, located at 16030 104 Ave NW. Registered tutoring sessions take place once a week for 30-60 minutes.
TANG (Towards a New Generation) — After School Club
TANG After School Drop-in is a group tutoring, homework help, and test preparation program run by volunteers from higher education institutions. The program is free for permanent residents, refugees, or Canadian citizens in grades 6-10.
Sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the ASSIST Community Services Centre (Southwest Centre) at 810 Saddleback Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 4W4, and on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Terwillegar REC Centre (Multipurpose Room 4) at 2051 Leger Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6R 0R9. To register, send an email to [email protected] or call 780-429-3119 ext. 115.
Edmonton Public Library Resources for Children
The Edmonton Public Library offers free resources and programs to help children learn English.
English Learning Classes and Events
The library offers free classes to help people learn and practice English. The library's website has sections on language classes, events, and collections to help people learn English. Classes are offered for people of all ages, including children.
Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn
This is a program for young children that was developed in partnership with Alberta Health Services Early Intervention. The goal of the program is to support families in their early literacy learning through songs, dances, tickling, and shared reading. The program helps newcomer parents and their children learn English together through interactive music lessons.
KidSpeak by Transparent Language Online
Children in kindergarten through 2nd grade can learn different languages with KidSpeak's fun games and themed lessons. It's free with an EPL card and helps children develop language skills in a playful way.
Early World of Learning
This is a wealth of resources from World Book to help preschoolers and early elementary school children learn critical early childhood topics. Resources are available for free with a library card.
Talking Pen Bilingual Kits
The library offers Talking Pen Bilingual Kits, which include a PENpal, bilingual picture books, and a dictionary. Kits are available in Spanish, Arabic, French, Chinese (Mandarin), and Punjabi. This is a great resource for families who want to support their child's native language while learning English.
Summer Programs for Children
Edmonton has special summer programs for newly arrived children to help them continue learning English during their vacation.
AHC ELL Summer Camp
Alberta for Healthy Communities offers a summer camp for newly arrived youth. Participants practice English, learn about Canada, develop leadership skills, and make new friends, while earning 5 high school credits. The program is designed for future EPSB high school students. For more information, visit [email protected] or call 780-944-4687.
LET'S Go Summer Program
Catholic Social Services offers the LET'S Go summer program for newcomers. Participants can come to practice English and enjoy excursions with others. The program helps improve English speaking and listening skills while enriching vocabulary. Participants learn about Canadian customs and norms while meeting new friends in person and visiting wonderful places in and around Edmonton.
Concordia University Intensive English Summer Course
Concordia University of Edmonton offers a 5-week intensive and comprehensive summer course designed for students whose first language is not English. The course develops grammar, writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills in English.
Students learn to write clearly and effectively, understand a variety of texts, improve their listening skills, and practice effective speaking in individual, pair, or group settings. The course also includes learning about Canadian culture and multiculturalism. Although this course is geared toward older students, it demonstrates the variety of summer learning options available.
Support for Ukrainian Newcomer Children
There are special resources and support available for families who have arrived from Ukraine. The Alberta Teachers' Association has produced a special guide, “Supporting Ukrainian Newcomer Students,” to help schools provide the best support for Ukrainian children.
MacEwan University previously offered free English classes for Ukrainian newcomers. While these specific programs may change, they demonstrate the willingness of Edmonton's educational institutions to respond to the needs of specific groups of newcomers.
Newcomer Centre programs for families with children
The Newcomer Centre offers a variety of programs to support newcomer families, including services for children and youth.
Global Girls
Global Girls is a safe space for young women to make new connections, build self-confidence, and explore their identity. The program offers an inspiring place where participants feel included, connect with peers and role models who have similar experiences, and have opportunities to try fun activities and learn from each other.
Youth Leading Change (YLC)
The Youth Leading Change program empowers newly arrived youth (ages 15-21) to develop or improve their personal life and leadership skills through meaningful community involvement and volunteerism. Participants explore a variety of career paths through interactive learning opportunities.
Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)
The Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) program is available to students enrolled in LINC courses. Childcare services are provided free of charge for children aged 6 months to 5 years. This allows parents to attend English language courses knowing that their youngest children are safe and cared for.
The CNC program provides care and learning opportunities for children aged 6 months to 5 years while their parents attend Language Instruction.
Community-Based Care for Newcomer Children (CBCNC)
LINC students anywhere in Edmonton may be eligible for free childcare in a licensed daycare or home-based child care facility for children aged 5 years or younger through the Community-Based Care for Newcomer Children (CBCNC) program. This is especially helpful for families where both parents want to learn English but have no one to leave their children with.
Therapeutic and Counseling Services
The Newcomer Centre also offers therapeutic and counseling services for children and families. Due to the upheaval associated with moving and settling in a new country, newcomers face challenges that make them vulnerable to high stress, isolation, role changes, and financial difficulties, which can lead to marital conflict and high levels of conflict between parents and children.
Newcomers sometimes bring with them trauma related to war, conflict, and deprivation, which often leads to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety. These difficulties can limit their ability to integrate successfully. The Newcomer Centre offers therapeutic and counselling services with a unique, holistic, and community-based approach.
Practical tips for parents
If you have recently arrived in Edmonton with school-aged children, here are steps to help your child get started with learning English:
The first step is to contact the appropriate school district. If you want to enroll your child in Edmonton Public Schools, contact the designated school in your area. You can find your assigned school using the school locator tool on the EPSB website. If you choose Edmonton Catholic Schools, call One World...One Centre at 780-441-6060 to make an appointment.
Next, prepare the necessary documents. You will need citizenship and immigration documents, your child's birth certificate or passport, proof of address, and, if possible, your child's previous school records.
After registration, your child will be assessed for listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This will help the school determine the right level of support for your child.
Be sure to explore after-school opportunities as well. Contact EISA at 780-474-8445 to find out if their support program is available at your child's school. Get a free Edmonton Public Library card to access English language learning resources and programs for children. Consider enrolling your child in free online tutoring through DISCOVER.
It's also important to keep timing in mind. Research shows that it can take 5 to 7 years to learn a new language to a sufficient level of proficiency. Be patient and support your child throughout this process. Communicate regularly with your child's teachers to understand their progress and any additional support needs.
Conclusion
Edmonton offers a comprehensive support system for immigrant children learning English. From EAL school programs that provide daily instruction in an inclusive classroom to after-school tutoring programs and summer camps, your child has access to a variety of resources, most of which are completely free.
The key to success is early involvement in these programs and consistent use of the available resources. Don't be afraid to ask for help—all of these organizations exist specifically to help your child succeed in their new environment. Remember that learning a new language is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the right support, your child will surely achieve their goals.