Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) connect newly arrived students and their caregivers to services and resources in the school and community. Please see the information sheets below, or visit the Settlement in Schools website. Some schools have an assigned worker, and others rely on itinerant support. Please contact your child’s school if you wish to speak to a settlement worker. 

Itinerant settlement worker support can be arranged by:

  •  your child’s school
  • calling 519-742-8220
  • emailing itinerant@ytr.ymca.ca

Settlement in Schools website logo with words: “Linking Newcomers with the school system and the community”

 

Settlement Worker Information Sheet Amharic    አማርኛ

Settlement Worker Information Sheet Arabic  عربي

Settlement Worker Information Sheet Chinese (PRC Simplified ) 简体中文

Settlement Worker Information Sheet Dari  دری

Settlement Worker Information Sheet   English

Settlement Worker Information Sheet French français

Settlement Worker Information Sheet Hindiहिन्दी

Settlement Worker Information Sheet Russian Русский

Settlement Worker Information Sheet Somali Soomaali

Settlement Worker Information Sheet Spanish   Español

 

Translated Settlement Information Sheets:

The website Settlement.org contains many translated information sheets and videos on settlement topics for newcomers to Ontario. Some of the most popular topics include:

Settlement.org logo with words: Welcome to Ontario

Other Settlement Resources:

YMCA Immigrant Services (Brochure)

Immigration Partnership of Waterloo Region

KW Multicultural Centre

Reception House

Skills for Daily Life in Canada Videos (in many languages, from Reception House)

Digital Literacy Videos (in many languages, from Reception House)

Dental Care

In addition to free dental screening in schools, families who cannot afford services can get FREE dental care for their children in our region.  Please visit this website for more details on these programs and how to access them.  

Vision Care and Glasses

Full eye exams are FREE for children in Ontario with a Health Card at any Optometrist in the region.

Up to 80% of all learning comes directly through vision. Children with vision issues can struggle with reading and writing, behaviour and social development, and physical activities.

The Ontario Association of Optometrists is working with corporate sponsors to offer FREE glasses to children in financial need in Junior and Senior Kindergarten who require glasses through the “Eye See Eye Learn” program. 

Older students who need glasses but whose families cannot afford to purchase them can sometimes receive a free pair of glasses when the principal requests funding through the “One Sight” voucher program. Please speak to your child’s principal if your family is struggling to afford glasses for your child.

Public Libraries

Many libraries offer programming for children and families. Some libraries offer free conversation circles and other programs for newcomer families. You can get a library card for free to borrow books and videos from the library. Please see the following websites for more information:

Kitchener Public Library

Waterloo Public Library

Idea Exchange (Cambridge)

Region of Waterloo Library (Ayr, Baden, Bloomingdale, Elmira, Linwood, New Dundee, New Hamburg, St. Clements, St. Jacobs, Wellesley, Breslau, Clyde)

EarlyON Centres

EarlyON child and family centres are places for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers to play, learn, and explore together. You can drop in or register for free play-based learning, music and movement classes, early literacy programs, parenting programs, and Kindergarten readiness programs. For more information, please visit this website.

Family Outreach Program (House of Friendship)

​A Family Outreach Worker can help you find services that you and your family may need. The Family Outreach Program is operated by the House of Friendship. Family Outreach Workers work with families in Waterloo Region. Please call 519-742-8327 x 240 or email info@familyoutreach.ca for more information.

Family Compass Waterloo Region

The Family Compass Waterloo Region website can help you find community-based services and supports for parents, youth and children in Waterloo Region.  It also has a translating tool on the website.  

Food Support:

This Food Support Document contains links to important community supports for individuals and families in the Region of Waterloo.  Some schools have a Nutrition for Learning or Breakfast Club program running. Ask your child’s school if they have a food program.

Fee Assistance for Leisure Programs:

Kitchener Fee Assistance

Fee assistance is available for you and your child if you would like to participate in city programs but do not have enough money to pay for registration. For more information, please visit the CITY OF KITCHENER WEBSITE.    

Waterloo Fee Assistance

Fee assistance is available for you and your child if you would like to participate in City of Waterloo programs but do not have enough money to pay for registration. Please see the City of Waterloo website for more information on fee assistance.  

Cambridge Fee Assistance

Fee assistance is available for you and your child if you would like to participate in City of Cambridge programming but do not have enough money to pay for registration. Please see the Activities for Less application for more information, or contact the Recreation and Culture Department at (519) 623-1340 ext. 4531.

Kidsport Funding

Additional fee assistance is available for your child if they would like to participate in sports activities (including those that are not run through City programs). For more information and an application form, visit the Kidsport website. Kidsport funding is paid directly to the organization running the sport or classes.

Jumpstart Funding

If you are struggling to pay for organized sports or fitness class registration fees, equipment, and transportation for children aged 4-18, you may also qualify for additional jumpstart funding paid directly to the organization. Start by filling out an application for funding through the jumpstart program.

Mental Health:

If your child needs mental health services, Front Door is a great first step for finding mental health services and supports in Waterloo Region. Please also see the WRDSB Mental Health and Well-Being Website for more information on student mental health.

Other mental health resources include: