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English Language Services in Waterloo Region
There are many useful English Language Services in Waterloo Region. The information below covers the following categories:
You can also view this  English Language Services in Waterloo Region document in pdf format.
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English Language Services for children who are primary school to junior high school age:
- Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB): English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in elementary and secondary schools at WCDSB give students needed language supports. ESL support is given to English language learners just starting to learn the language. Students who are more advanced in the language are watched to make sure they are doing well in school. In elementary schools travelling ESL teachers give instruction in class, or in small groups. ESL support is connected to the curriculum so that the student learns the language at the same time as the curriculum, so that the work is understood. ESL teachers work closely with classroom teachers to watch student progress and make changes based on how well the student is learning the language.
- Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB): All elementary schools in the WRDSB have an ESL/ELD (English as a Second Language/English Literacy Development) contact. But, the elementary level ESL/ELD program changes based on the needs of the students. Services range from giving accommodations, modifications and supports within the regular classroom, to those given in self-contained, group settings. At the secondary level, we have four ESL magnet sites that offer many ESL and ELD courses. Students can register for ESL or ELD English classes as well as other subjects like ESL Math, ESL Science, and more.
English Language Services for youth who are secondary school (high school) age:
- Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB): English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in elementary and secondary schools at WCDSB give students needed language supports. ESL support is given to English language learners just starting to learn the language. Students who are more advanced in the language are watched to make sure they are doing well in school. St. Mary's High School offers many ESL and ELD (English Literacy Development) courses, as well as ESL subject courses so that English language learners can gain credits in a supported setting. Currently, there are limited ESL sections at St. David and Resurrection high schools for international fee paying students.
- Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB): At the secondary school level, there are four ESL magnet sites that offer many ESL and ELD courses. Students can register for ESL or ELD English classes as well as other subjects like ESL Math, ESL Science, and more.
For anyone 18 years old and over seeking access to English language assessment, training, or translation, here are the services available in the Waterloo Region.
If you are unable to speak or understand spoken English, interpreters can speak for you over the phone or in a meeting. Translators help you write or understand English documents. KW Multicultural Centre has certified translation and interpretation services. Other organizations may also have limited translation and interpretation services.
There are two formalized assessments available in Waterloo Region:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks. The YMCA Language Assessment Centre provides evaluation of newcomers' English language skills in Listening/Speaking, Reading and Writing using Canadian Language Benchmarks assessments. The Language Assessment Centre is part of the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. After a language assessment, newcomers may be referred to a variety of English language training programs (LINC, ESL, ELT-Enhanced Language Training) or other programs in the community. Services are free for eligible clients. For an appointment call 519-579-9622 or email linc@ckwymca.ca. For Cambridge assessments, call YMCA Immigrant Services at 519-621-1621 or Conestoga College LINC at 519-740-8797.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS is used for Canadian immigration purposes, and is acceptable for demonstration of language proficiency requirements when applying to colleges and universities. The IELTS Test Centre is located at the Doon Campus of Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario, just off Highway 401 at the Homer Watson Exit.
LINC is open to adult landed immigrants and refugees. Classes are free and child care is provided. The LINC program is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. LINC is offered by these schools:
- Conestoga College offers Literacy to LINC 7. For more information, visit the 800 King Street office, call 519-886-3300 or email linc@conestogac.on.ca
- "English at First" offers Literacy to LINC 4. For more information, visit 16 William Street W., Waterloo (basement of First United Church), call 519-571-0360 or email EnglishatFirst@bellnet.ca
- St. Louis Adult Learning Centres offers Literacy to LINC 7 and LINC for Seniors. For more information, visit one of the St. Louis campuses or call 519-745-1201.
Adult ESL - is open to ALL adult English language learners without restriction. Adult ESL is offered at St. Louis Adult Learning Centres which offer Literacy to Level 6+, TOEFL / IELTS, computers, and more. Visitors are also welcome to the program. Students pay $20.00 for the school year. For more information or to register, visit one of the St. Louis campuses or call 519-745-1201.
- Conestoga College offers English Language Studies - a language skills program to prepare students for work or further studies at colleges/universities. Students are tested and placed in the appropriate level. For more information, call 519-748-5220, ext 3751 or email ELS@conestogac.on.ca.
- Renison University College at the University of Waterloo offers non-credit and credit courses through its English Language Institute. English for Academic Success (EFAS) is a fourteen-week program designed to prepare students for university studies where the language of instruction is English. There is also a six-week condensed summer EFAS program. Completing the advanced level of the EFAS program means you have also passed the University of Waterloo's English Language Requirement for undergraduate students. Renison University College also offers courses for university credit at the undergraduate and graduate level. For more information about EFAS, credit courses, and fees, please visit the Renison website.
- St. Louis Adult Learning Centres offers higher language learning to prepare students for Secondary School credit, College or University. Our courses include:
- Academic Reading & Writing
- Advanced Communication
- Advanced Computers
- ESL for Credit
- TOEFL / IELTS
For more information contact St. Louis Adult Learning Centre at 519-745-1201 or stlouis@wcdsb.ca
For language training that focuses on the language used in specific jobs, see the following links. Note the language levels needed for each program.
- Conestoga College offers Enhanced Language Training for internationally trained individuals in engineering, technology, and health care. For more information on current training courses contact Laura Stoutenburg at ELS@conestogac.on.ca or at 519-748-5220 x3896.
- Renison University College [] at the University of Waterloo develops special enhanced language training programs. For example, in partnership with Human Resources and Social Development Canada and University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry, Renison’s English Language Institute (ELI) developed an intensive upgrading program for immigrant optometrists and ophthalmologists. ELI has also designed programs for teachers of English as a Second Language and university students studying international business. Renison launched a non-credit, 20-hour course, ESL Writing Skills for the Workplace, in January 2009. For more information contact Ron Champion, Senior Language Instructor and Special Projects Manager, rchampion@uwaterloo.ca or 519-884-4404 x28616.
- St. Louis Adult Learning Centres
- ESL for the Transportation Industry – a course designed for English language learners who have an ESL level of 5+ who are looking for the technical language and communication skills needed for employment in the transportation industry. This is not a truck driver training course. The course will give participants the language they need to enrol in a truck driver training course or to work in this field. Students must attend an orientation session. For more information, contact St. Louis Adult Learning Centre for more information at 519-743-3005 or stlouis@wcdsb.ca
- ESL for the Customer Service Industry - a course for English language learners who have an ESL level of 3 or 4 who are looking for both the communication and experience needed for a job in the service industry. This course gives students the language and practice in real-life situations they need to work in this field. To register contact St. Louis Adult Learning Centres at 519-745-1201 or stlouis@wcdsb.ca
- Conestoga College offers specialized summer programs such as Canadian Colleges Summer Tour, 2 and 3 week programs. For more information, contact Laura Stoutenburg at ELS@conestogac.on.ca
- "English at First" – LINC program begins mid-August with a 2-week summer camp program for school aged children. For more information call 519-571-0360.
- Renison University College at the University of Waterloo offers English for Success (EFS), a four-week summer program. EFS offers 100 hours of training in communication skills for students whose language is not English. Students who stay in residence also join a social and recreational program, with day trips to Niagara Falls and Toronto, sports, and games. For more information about EFS and fees visit the Renison website.
- St. Louis Adult Learning Centres offers English courses in July. These classes teach: pronunciation, grammar, reading, writing, speaking, listening, computers, and TOEFL / IELTS. For more information, contact St. Louis Adult Learning Centre at 519-745-1201 or stlouis@wcdsb.ca
- YMCA Cross Cultural and Immigrant Services - Host Program - Summer Conversation Circles run in August. Registration usually starts July. For more information, contact Christina Koenig at 519-579-9622 x243 or visit the Host Program website.
- Conestoga College also offers part-time English language courses in the evening. LINC courses are free for permanent residents of Canada. The Conestoga Language Institute offers tuition-based courses. For more information, call 519-748-5220 x3751.
- K-W Multicultural Centre offers a one-on-one conversational English tutoring program. For more information or if you wish to volunteer, visit or call 519-745-2531.
- K-W YMCA Host Program: The Host Program offers Conversation Circles to all newcomers needing to practice spoken English and interact with other newcomers and Canadian volunteers in an social setting. Circles run weekly in libraries, community centers and churches in Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge. For more information on current locations contact Christina Koenig at 519-579-9622 x243.
- The Working Centre:
- Workplace Language Coach is a free training resource for employers who hire New Canadians. We work with the employer to meet their employee's workplace communication needs. Through coaching sessions we build the employee's confidence and communication skills for email, phone calls, reports, meetings, and presentations. For more information or to book a meeting, contact Sarah Anderson at 519-743-1151 x247 or language@theworkingcentre.org
- Speak English Café: Practice speaking English in a café setting. Drop in every Thursday year-round from 6 - 8pm at 43 Queen Street South. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Julia at 519-743-1151 x114 or Julia@theworkingcentre.org.
- Self-Directed Language Lab: Build an informal English learning plan with a job counsellor. Use on-site and on-line resources for free, including pronunciation software in a language lab. For more information, contact Julia at 519-743-1151 x114 or Julia@theworkingcentre.org
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