# Schools and childcare for newcomer families

> Each province runs its own schools. How to enrol a child, which documents to prepare, what happens on the first day and where to look for childcare.

- Category: Family & schools
- For: newcomers moving abroad to work, settle or join family
- Country: Canada
- Verified on: 2026-10-20
- Source: [IRCC — Learn about education in Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/education.html)
- Page: https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-schools-and-childcare-for-newcomer-families

## The short answer

In Canada, education is run by each **province and territory**. There is no national education system. It is the law that children get an education, and it is the parent's responsibility to enrol them and make sure they attend. To enrol a child in primary or secondary school you contact your **local school board**. Prepare a few documents, enrol well before the school year starts if you can, and ask the school about language support. Childcare is organised separately and differs by province and city.

## Key terms in plain English

- **School board:** the local body that manages the public schools in an area. You contact it to enrol your child.
- **Primary (elementary) and secondary (high) school:** the two stages before post-secondary study.
- **Post-secondary:** university, college and similar institutions, which you apply to and must be accepted by.
- **Immunisation record:** the official record of the vaccines your child has had. Canadian schools need it to enrol a child.
- **Settlement worker in schools:** a staff member in many schools who helps newcomer students and families.

## Enrolling in primary or secondary school

IRCC lists the documents you are likely to need:

- your child's **birth certificate**
- **proof of guardianship or custody**
- **proof of residency**
- the child's **record of immunisations**

Bring translations if documents are not in English or French. When a child first enters a Canadian school, the school or board assesses their education level, decides what level they should be placed at and whether they need free support such as English or French language classes. If more than one school serves your area, IRCC suggests enrolling well before the school year begins to improve your chance of your preferred school.

## Post-secondary study

To attend a post-secondary school you apply and are accepted into a programme, and you must meet its admission requirements. If English or French is not your first language you may need a language test, and each institution lists which tests it accepts. Research programmes well ahead of the deadline.

## Childcare

Childcare is separate from school. Availability, licensing, fees and subsidies are managed by provinces, territories and municipalities, and licensed places can have waiting lists, so ask early. Your settlement organisation can direct you to local options, and your province's newcomer website is a good starting point. The Government of Canada also works with provinces and territories on a Canada-wide early learning and child care system.

## Money for families

Some families also qualify for the Canada Child Benefit. See the taxes and benefits guide.

## Checklist

- [ ] Find your local school board and its enrolment process
- [ ] Gather birth certificates, proof of guardianship, proof of address and vaccination records
- [ ] Get certified translations where needed
- [ ] Enrol before the school year starts, where possible
- [ ] Ask the school about language support and settlement workers
- [ ] Ask about before- and after-school care
- [ ] Look into licensed childcare and any waiting lists
- [ ] Check the Canada Child Benefit with the CRA

## Common mistakes

- **Waiting until term starts.** Preferred schools can fill.
- **Leaving vaccination records at home.** Schools need them.
- **Assuming systems are the same across provinces.** They differ.
- **Not asking about language support.** It is often free.
- **Joining childcare waiting lists late.** Start early.

## Things that change

School calendars, enrolment methods, vaccination requirements and childcare rules are set by provinces, territories and local boards.

## Verify before you act

Read IRCC's page on [education in Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/education.html), including [how to enrol](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/education/enroll.html), and the Government of Canada's [early learning and child care](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/early-learning-child-care.html) page. Then check your own province's education and childcare pages.

---
StudentFlow gives general information from official sources. It is not legal or immigration advice and we are not a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer. For advice on your case, speak to a licensed professional. Confirm current rules, fees and thresholds on the official source above.