Enhanced Settlement Workers in Schools (ESWIS)
One of the first steps taken by newcomer families is to enroll their children in school. Children are then faced with unique integration challenges: they need to make new friends, learn English, and understand the curriculum content that is designed for the Alberta context.
For newcomer parents, their expected role in their child’s education in Canada often differs from that of their country of origin. Newcomer Centre works to make schools welcoming spaces for newcomer parents and children through cultural brokering, therapeutic family counselling and academic supports. We also work in schools to facilitate communication and establish meaningful connections between newcomer families, their communities, and the school system.
What we offer
Newcomers benefit from:
- Navigation support to understand the school system and key processes such as registration, parent meetings, and student assessments
- Supports for students who are feeling lonely, isolated, bored, or bullied because they do not “fit in”
- Translation for students and parents so they can share their valuable voice on issues relevant to them with teachers and school administration
- Cultural brokering during misunderstandings or disputes between parents, students, and school staff
- Referrals for additional services and resources (ex. speech-language pathology, learning disabilities, therapeutic & counselling services, FSCD, PDD, etc.)
- A comprehensive individualized needs assessment with a coordinated service plan
- Information on summer activities and camps for students
- Supports to benefit the whole family in the areas of housing, health care, employment and connecting to community
Who can access the services
Newcomers are eligible to access the ESWIS program if they meet the following criteria:
- Permanent resident
- Convention Refugee
- Live-in Caregiver
- Protected Person (as defined in Section 95 of Immigration & Refugee Protection Act)
Where is the program offered?
We are available on an on-call basis at any school in Edmonton; however, ESWIS programs are offered regularly in the following school boards:
- Public Schools
- Catholic Schools
- Private and Independent schools
Find out more
Contact the Newcomer Centre Enhanced Settlement Workers in Schools (ESWIS) Coordinator to find out more about these support group information sessions:
- Email – ESWIScoordinator@newcomercentre.com
- Call – 780-424-7709
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