Overview

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a federally funded program, offering English language learning services for newcomers. LINC provides on-site "childminding" or care for children of parents attending LINC classes. LINC programs began in 1992 with the aim of facilitating the integration and settlement of immigrants and refugees by providing language instruction in either English or French.

In the past 15 years, the LINC program has served more than 3000 children at approximately 160 sites in Ontario, the province in Canada that welcomes half of all newcomers to the nation.

Without LINC Childminding programs, many newcomers would have been unable to attend due to the difficulty of finding care for their young children.

In 2000, LINC introduced requirements for childminding programs to improve the standard of care offered.

In 2002, Citizenship and Immigration Canada released The National LINC Childminding Requirements (NLCR) to further protect and promote the health and safety of newcomer children attending LINC childminding programs across Canada.

Funded by the Government of Canada through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.