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English Language Learners

At the Durham Catholic District School Board we offer two programs for English language learners. These programs include English as a Second language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD).

Who is an English language learner?

An English language learner is an individual whose first language is:

A language that is not English; or
A language/languages that a variation of English that is significantly different from what is used for instruction in Ontario schools.

An English language learner may be born in Canada, but speak another language at home. Alternatively, an English language learner may also come to Canada from another country, such as China, Cuba, Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria and the Philippines.

Where do English language learners come from?

Our students have diverse backgrounds and experiences. They may be born in Canada but speak another language at home. Alternatively, an English language learner may also come to Canada from another country, such as China, Cuba, Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria and the Philippines. English language learners receive direct language instruction as needed in order to achieve proficiency in English.

What should I do if my child is an English language learner?

English language learners must register at their local DCDSB school. After registration, an ESL teacher or consultant will assess the student's English and Math skills in order to determine the level of support needed for each student.

What supports are available for elementary ESL/ELD students?

English as a Second Language (ESL) specialist teachers provide language support to a group of elementary schools in our Board. The ESL teacher works in the classroom and with the classroom teacher to support a student's English language development. Depending on a student's needs, the ESL teacher will be available weekly, bi-weekly or as needed.

For English Language Learners in the French Immersion program, the instructional model of 75% of daily instruction in French remains the same. While in Grades 1 to 3, all students will receive 25% of their daily instruction in English. This allows for approximately 30 minutes per day for students to have exposure to English language instruction. This occurs during the Religion and Family Life block. Should an English Language Learner require the support of an ESL teacher, it will be during this time. In Grades 4 to 8, instructional time in English increases to 50%.

What supports are available for secondary ESL/ELD students?

Our secondary schools offer ESL courses for English Language learners. Five courses are offered depending on language proficiency:

ESL AO
ESL BO
ESL CO
ESL DO
ESL EO

Speak with a member of the school's guidance department to learn more about course selection and graduation requirements.

New to Canada

If you are new to Canada, our schools offer settlement assistance. Settlement workers provide service in thirty languages to help address your needs. Please contact your child's school in order to obtain a consent form to authorize a settlement worker to contact you.

Summer 2022 Programs for Newcomers to Canada

The Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS Program), which consists of the In-School Settlement and Mentorship programs, provides support, builds cultural connections, mentors, and guides children and youth as they settle and integrate into their new life in Canada.

SWIS is running two programs, WIN and NOW at the end of August to support newcomer families and Multilingual Learners.

DCDSB LINC and ESL Adult Learning Opportunities

Whether you're a newcomer to the country or would like to better develop your English language skills, our English as a Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs enable students at varying levels to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

This program is free for Permanent Residents, Refugees, Refugee Claimants and Canadian Citizens and available at our Ajax and Whitby locations with many classes running throughout the day for the convenience of our students. Please visit our website for further information and to register.

Helpful Resources

To learn more about the Ontario education system visit the following websites:

Contact Us

To learn more about our ESL/ELD programs email the English as a Second Language Consultant.