Language and Training Services

Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC)

Operating from our North York location, WWCC's LINC offers five full time classes and twelve part time classes, from literacy to level 5 following the Canadian Language Benchmarks equivalent. Additionally, childminding is provided for 32 children. The program uses a learner-centered, communicative and task-based approach with the following priorities:

• To provide accessible language training that meets the needs of the communities we serve;
• To increase self sufficiency skills;
• To facilitate the process of integration into Canadian society;
• To provide quality childcare that facilitates the acquisition of English language skills that are developmentally appropriate for children.

ON YOUR MARK Tutoring Program for Children of Portuguese descent

This program is a partnership with the Portuguese Coalition for Better Education and the Portuguese Interagency Network. The tutoring/mentoring program is set up to reach "at risk" Portuguese students in public and Catholic schools. By "at risk" we mean:

• Students who in the early grades (primary division) lag behind in literacy and numeracy standards for their grades
• Students who are attending special education support services, e.g. resource centres. Although they have not been identified as learning disabled, they need more in depth learning in small group or one-to-one settings
• Students at crucial points in high school: at the transition years and towards the end, to prevent drop out and encourage the pursuit of post-secondary education.

Please visit our News page to learn more about this program and how it benefits children.

Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program for Baker/Patissier

WWCC in partnership with George Brown College is offering a pre-apprenticeship training program for Baker/Patissier. This program gives immigrant women an opportunity to acquire the tools and skills to put them on the path of a new career in baking.

In addition to the basics of baking, participants in the program are studying English language, math, customer service for bakers, food production, nutrition, and health and safety for the workplace. The training concludes with an eight-week paid work placement. Courses are held at WWCC and George Brown. Participants will receive a Certificate from George Brown College upon successful completion of the 36 week course.

All seats have been filled and the courses began on March 6, 2006. For more information about this program please call Estela Cabrera at 416-532-2824 Ext. 44.

This Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program is funded by the government of Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-School Children - HIPPY

International Agency selects Working Women Community Centre to deliver innovative school-readiness program for at-risk children. WWCC was recently selected as the first Ontario site for the HIPPY, a school readiness program developed in Israel to maximize, through early intervention, the educational potential of young children in low-income families. "The relationship between poverty and academic success is well documented" The HIPPY program has over 35 years of proven success in making a difference in families and communities around the world so we are pleased to have been chosen to deliver this valuable program for immigrant families in Toronto.

HIPPY was first launched in Israel in 1969 and has build on its success of combining two primary influences- family and school- in a simple format that helps children for the demands of school. HIPPY has been successfully introduced in Australia, German, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Mexico and the United States. Other Canadian sites include Victoria, Vancouver, and Aboriginal HIPPY, offered in partnership with The Chief Dan George Centre in First Nations communities. With two year funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation the Toronto program will be offered in the Jane/Finch/Wilson neighbourhood.

To find out more about the program and how you can get involved called Charmaine Springer at 416-532-2824. Or visit the general HIPPY website at www.hippycanada.ca.