TIES Care for Newcomer Children Offers Sanctuary and Fun!

Much more … than just a drop-off space.

The CNC (Care for Newcomer Children) program is a home-away-from-home – a sanctuary – for many immigrant children and their parents.

“It is a beautiful support service that's offered to newcomers that come and study in the LINC program at TIES,” Senior Manager, LINC Program Jana Ciobanu says.

‍TIES (The Immigrant Education Society) first launched CNC at its Forest Lawn location back in 2003. It now has two locations (FL and Whitehorn) and is currently caring for 95 children ranging from ages one to 11.

The program is free, provided that the parents are actively studying in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) / Literacy classes at TIES.

The parents go to class, and their children go to the program – all in the very same building.

“This gives them the opportunity to join the class and study carefree,” Ciobanu says. “Not worry about the children.”

Something, she says, is especially hard for those who’ve recently landed… in a new land.

Not only are most of TIES clients low income, but they’re also alone.

“When you come to a new country, you don't have the support system that you used to have at home,” Ciobanu points out.

“In your previous countries, for example, a neighbour can take care of your child, or grandma or grandpa can. Here, you’re alone. So, this was depriving newcomers from joining the program.”

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For LINC student Rose Victor, it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

She’s been able to complete several English class levels thanks to CNC.

“I get to go to school,” she says. “I’m happy.”

Victor says her little boy is happier too, much happier than being stuck at home.

CNC also allows her to check on him whenever she wants – so she knows he’s safe.

“He’s safe and happy,” she smiles widely.

‍More than childminding…

But CNC is much more than just child “minding” – its child “educating” as well.

The passionate caregivers focus on how to build relationships and sharing. The children, many of whom are from war zones, are also taught about wellbeing and safety.

And although they’re not specifically taught how to read and write, they do learn how to speak English – an opportunity often not available at home.

“Of course, the kids pick it (English) up faster,” Ciobanu says. “You'd be surprised what they achieve in a few months’ time.”

“Somebody will just come up to you, who before was not able to say even one word in English, and they talk to you like they've been in the program forever and ever.”

Learning about the Canadian culture is also a key component at CNC.

“We teach different holidays,” Ciobanu points out. “For instance, like during Canada Day –the whole week is about Canada. They learn about Canadian symbols, the Canadian flag, the Canadian maple leaf, the beaver.”

“So, I think it's not only teaching them English, but it's teaching about living and growing up in Canada. What it means to be part of this Canadian society.”

Still, Ciobanu says their culture is also very important. And with children from an estimated 80 countries around the world enrolled, CNC celebrates being inclusive.

“We teach them about different festivals that happen. We have their multicultural costumes, so kids dress up in, you know, in cultures they come from,” she says.

“So, they celebrate diversity, and they learn about each other cultures. They also learn what it means to work and live and grow up in a place where there are different people.” ‍

Becoming a part of the CNC community…

TIES’s two licensed CNC support services operate three shifts: morning, afternoon and evening.

Again, it is free of charge thanks to funding provided by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada).

However, students must maintain an attendance rate of 75 per cent, or they lose not only their spot but also their child’s spot in CNC.

CNC is currently looking to expand its available spots and anyone interested can go on its waitlist. CNC is currently looking to expand its available spots and anyone interested can go on its waitlist.

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Media RSVP, Interviews & Inquiries:

Tomasia DaSilva

Media and Relationship Strategist

Email: tomasiadasilva@immigrant-education.ca

Phone: 403-291-0002

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