Getting Ready for School (Registering)

There are four publicly funded school systems in Ontario: English Public, English Catholic, French language Public and French language Catholic.

In Ontario, publicly funded schools are administered by school boards. English public schools are open to all students. Catholic schools are open to all students who are baptized Roman Catholic, and to children of Roman Catholic parents. Generally, French language schools are open to all students seeking a French language education. For information on French language education, contact the school boards.

Registering For School

You need to provide all of the following information to register your child for school.

1. proof of child’s age - a birth certificate or passport
2. proof of address - copy of a bank statement, telephone or electrical bill or apartment lease with your name and address
3. proof of guardianship – required if the child is under 18 years of age and is not living with the parent
4. proof of child’s immigration status - birth certificate, passport, Record of Landing (IMM1000) or confirmation of permanent residence (IMM5292). In most boards, children must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants to register directly at the local school.
5. immunization record - proof that your child has been immunized, according to the recommended immunization schedule in Ontario.

Reception Centres

In some boards of education, newcomer students must register at a reception centre. At the centre, a teacher will determine your child’s mathematics and English language skills. If possible, bring your child’s previous report cards to the centre. The information will be sent to your child’s school to help the teacher plan learning activities for your child.

Students in Families Claiming Refugee Status

The policies for registering these students vary from school board to school board. Contact the admissions office in your school board to learn more about their policies.

Vision and Hearing Health

Vision and hearing problems can make it harder for children to learn. One in six children has a vision problem. Especially in the winter, many young children have ongoing middle ear infections that may make it harder for them to hear in class.

Many children do not know they have a vision or a hearing problem and may think that everyone sees and hears the way that they do. Some children find ways to work extra hard to overcome problems but they may be able to do even better if their vision or hearing problem is corrected.

Suggestions

• Take your child to an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist by age three to have his or her eyes checked. Usually children should have their eyes checked every two or three years. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for annual visits.
• Encourage your child to wear glasses if he or she needs them. If your child is reluctant to wear glasses, tell the teacher and together you can help your child feel comfortable.
• Ask your family doctor to check your child’s hearing.

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