English Language Levels
ISANS uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to assess your level of English. CLB are a national standard and are based on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. They are used across Canada to place adult learners in English classes.
It is important for you to understand your CLB levels to set your language learning, educational and work goals. When you know what your language level is, we can help you choose the most appropriate English classes.
Learn more about Canadian Language Benchmarks at www.language.ca.
Contact Language Assessment Services Nova Scotia for a language assessment at www.lasns.info.
EAL Volunteer Tutor Program
The EAL (English as an Additional Language) Volunteer Tutor Program provides you with language support by matching you with an EAL volunteer tutor and through conversation circles.
You meet with the program coordinator to discuss your language needs and your preferences. To match you with a tutor and a conversation circle placement we consider your:
- location
- availability
- learning goals and CLB level
- interests
A Tutor or Conversation Circle Facilitator is someone with whom you can talk, share and learn. Most tutors and facilitators are not professional teachers; they get basic training and support from the program coordinator. Usually, you meet your tutor and/or attend a conversation circle once a week for 2 hours, over a period of 3 months to one year.
As a learner you will:
- set your learning goals and work towards them
- practice your spoken and/or written English
- prepare for a professional/school exam or Canadian Citizenship Test
- learn how to find and use language and community resources
- learn how to use the computer
- gain a new friend
For more information please contact:
Rose Huh | Coordinator, EAL Tutor Program | 902-406-8734
Early Childhood Education
Statement of Program Philosophy
ISANS Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centre follows a philosophy of learning through play. The centre hires qualified staff and provides fun educational activities to support children’s settlement in Canada while they learn a new language and culture. The instructor understands each child’s individual needs and celebrates his/her uniqueness. The children are provided with opportunities to grow in all developmental areas at their own pace. The role of the instructor is a supportive one rather than authoritarian. The room is organized into designated play areas, which encourages children’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional and language development. The curriculum and activities are based on the children’s interests, their age group and skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide Short-term Care (STC) and Long-term Care (LTC).
Short-term Care is for parents who require occasional care for their children while they are attending workshops or in appointments with ISANS staff. ISANS staff will make arrangements for a child to attend short-term care.
Long-term Care is for parents who require daily care for their children while they are attending on-going language training classes.
If you are attending a program or service that is funded by IRCC, you are eligible for child care for Short-term Care and Long-term Care. ISANS staff will let you know if you are eligible.
- Short-term Care: Ages 19 months to 13 years old
- Long-term Care: Ages 6 months to 5 years old
Long-term Care: When you register for a language program, you will register your child on the first day of classes. Usually there is a waiting list for classes – you will be notified of a start date when space is available.
Short-term Care: When you make an appointment with an ISANS staff member or you register for a workshop, let the staff member know you need child care and he/she will make arrangements for your child.
- Your home phone number and full address
- Emergency contact information
- Your child’s health card number
- Your family doctor’s address and phone number (for LTC only)
- Your child’s immunization record (for LTC only)
*Ask the ISANS staff member for an interpreter, if needed.
During the day, qualified ECE instructors provide a variety of activities for different age groups that focus on language and social development, fine and gross motor development and cognitive development. Children engage in activities such as art projects, music and movement, science activities, and gross motor exercises. The children in Long-term Care have a snack in the morning and afternoon. The ECE instructors may speak with parents just before the children go home about the children’s progress, any issues or concerns and/or to provide information.
On the first day, the ECE Coordinator will do an orientation with you about the sickness policy, fire and emergency procedures and any other essential information you need to know.
- Long-term Care: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Short-term Care: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm and pre-arranged weekends and evenings