For a better integration

In Quebec, certain measures have been put in place to support newly arrived students in their adoption of the host culture, while taking care to develop or maintain in them an awareness of their own culture and engage in intercultural dialogue.

When a child first arrives at school, his knowledge of French will be assessed. He may also be assessed in mathematics and participate in an interview. The parent will be asked for information to help administrators better understand the child’s educational background and determine any services they need.

Purpose of the assessment

Assessments make it possible, among other things, to determine whether a child needs “welcoming services” and support for learning French, to follow instruction in French and succeed in all subjects.

Ordinary class or welcoming class

Children can receive these services in a regular class or a specialized welcoming class until they can normally follow French instruction in all disciplines.

Source : http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/en/home

To acquire French basics and integrate better

The welcoming class is a model for the organization of French learning support services. These classes are comprised of students from different countries who must acquire French basics (oral, reading and writing) to be able to continue their studies in regular classes. It is also within these classes that allophone students can begin their integration into their new school and social environment.

The welcoming class generally has three goals:

  • Foster the linguistic integration of the student to help him develop French skills (oral, reading and writing) that will permit him to follow his courses in a regular classroom.
  • Foster the student’s academic integration to help them understand the methods of learning in Quebec schools.
  • Foster the social integration of students to help them understand the common values ​​of Quebec society.

The welcoming class or integration into a regular preschool class allows allophone students to enrich their knowledge and understanding of the world while learning French. The teacher supports the pupil in learning the language and in his school and social integration so that he can continue his elementary education in regular classes.

The class is an important step in facilitating the student’s transition to regular classes. Students will mainly learn to communicate in French and will discover the characteristics of the school and Quebec society. He will also develop skills in various disciplines, allowing him to continue his education.

Communicate in French through reading, writing and oral communication

  • All situations are used for the student to communicate in French with his peers or other children and adults in the school. In the classroom, French will be used for other disciplines such as mathematics, physical education or an artistic discipline.
  • Each communication situation becomes an opportunity for the student to learn French. They can count on equipment adapted to their needs and, of course, on the support of their teacher and school staff.

Know the culture of your environment

  • The welcoming class brings together children of various origins. Everyone learns to relate their own culture to the different aspects of Quebec culture in a spirit of openness and respect and will associate learning the language with the discovery of French-speaking culture.

The welcome class is an important step in facilitating the transition of the student to a regular class. Students will mainly learn to communicate in French and will discover the elements of the school and Quebec society, and develop skills in various disciplines allowing them to continue their education.

Communicate orally in French

  • The student quickly finds himself in situations where he must know the language well enough to encounter the world around him: express his needs, understand instructions and make his opinions known.
  • He will learn to listen, understand and react to what he hears.

Read and write

  • Language is used to communicate, but also to learn. In all disciplines, students must be able to read and write texts that are associated with these disciplines.
  • Over time, they will develop the ability to understand information contained in school and other texts, and to react to it.

Discover the characteristics of the school and of Quebec society

  • The student’s integration into a new environment is achieved thanks to their knowledge of the language and ability to use it. Students must become familiar with the different aspects of Quebec school life and be introduced to other ways of learning and working in the classroom.
  • To help students understand their host society, they will learn about Quebec history and geography, its Francophone identity and democratic values. They will also be able to establish the differences and similarities between Quebec and their country of origin, which will facilitate their adaptation.

The duration of the support also differs according to the student’s characteristics: their academic achievements, age, maturity, the degree to which they have adopted the ways of doing things in a Quebec school, etc. As with the nature of the service to be offered, it is up to the persons concerned to determine the duration of this service.

After his time in a welcoming class, the pupil is integrated into a regular class at his local school. The moment of integration and his placement are decided during a meeting which usually includes the school team. The passage and placement criteria can be at several levels, namely: the student’s potential for success, progress in French, mathematics level, length of stay in the welcoming class, motivation, and age as of September 30 of the following school year.

Starting school

When the student begins school, parents are invited to meet with the principal and teacher. This is an important moment, when all the information necessary for entering the classroom is transmitted. Parents who understand little French are invited to bring a translator with them.

When the child encounters certain difficulties

If your child has certain learning or behavioral difficulties, the school may ask you to collaborate in an intervention process aimed to meet their needs and help them succeed.

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed by school staff in collaboration with parents. This IEP must contain a description of the child’s abilities and needs, objectives to be pursued as well as the support services and means adopted to achieve the objectives. A review of the plan and adjustments can be made at the end of each term of the school year.

To find out more, consult the Ministry document Individualized Education Plans: Helping Students Achieve Success.

You can also consult the Special needs section of this website.

To have one’s achievements recognized

In Quebec, the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion provides people who have studied abroad with a service that allows them to establish equivalencies for their diplomas or studies.

  • For information: 514 864-9191
  • Fax: 514 873-8701
  • Email: equivalences@micc.gouv.qc.ca