Students with Children

Our laws require children 5 years of age and older to attend a school regularly.

The school “year” runs from the beginning of September until the end of June.

The relationship between parents and teachers may not be as formal as you are used to but parents are expected to be in contact with the teacher to help ensure their child has a positive experience and to solve problems.   It is a good idea to speak with your child’s teacher often.

Children do not wear uniforms to school (except for those attending certain Catholic Schools). Girls may wear pants to school and all children should dress in clean, comfortable clothes which are appropriate for the weather of the day.  To ensure nutritious and inexpensive lunches, most children take their lunch to school.  Every child spends at least one hour outside each day during “lunch” and “recess” and therefore needs to be dressed warm enough during the cooler months (November to March).

There may be educational tours and trips planned for your child’s class during the term. Sometimes, parents will be asked to pay for the cost of these trips.   If you think this will be a concern for your family, speak to the teacher or principal of the school about it.

For further information about the school system, please visit settlement.org/ontario/education/

Information for parents is available in many languages from the Ontario Ministry of Education.

You should contact the applicable public school board (administration) to register your child/children:

Should your child appear to be having trouble socially or academically at school, the child’s teacher should be contacted.   Before your child’s anxiety becomes a serious problem, telephone the school to make an appointment to speak with the teacher.   Remember, parents are expected to be very much involved in their children’s education.   You are also encouraged to meet with the teacher if you have questions at any other time of the school year.

Your children should always be dressed for school according to the weather and the activities they will be involved in at school. For instance, if a calm winter day threatens to become windy and therefore dangerously cold to exposed skin, send your child off with a warm hat and scarf, in addition to his or her coat. On physical education days (days with classes designed for school children to get some exercise), children will need to have clothes that allow for movement and comfort.

If you have further questions, after reviewing the information above, advising is available (without an appointment) from the International Student Advisors Mondays – Thursdays on Zoom 10-11am and 3-4pm.

• Contact the Ontario Early Years Centre for information on the type of child care that is appropriate and available for your children.
• Please also review the Queen’s Child Care Guide for extensive information on child care.
• The City of Kingston provides information and lists of Childcare centres in the city, cityofkingston.ca/residents/community-services/childcare
• Questions to ask a Childcare Provider: settlement.org/ontario/daily-life/families-children/child-care/questions-to-ask-a-child-care-provider/

International student and scholars families (those without Permanent Resident status) are also not eligible for most of the subsidies which Canadian parents can receive for childcare.  For information about childcare subsidies and to determine if you are eligible please visit cityofkingston.ca/residents/community-services/childcare.

The federal Child Tax Benefit program supplements the income of families by providing monthly benefits to assist in the cost of raising children. If you are a visitor to Canada, you can still receive the Child Tax Benefit. You must have been in Canada for at least 18 months and have filed an income tax form to be eligible. Your child must also be under the age of 18.

For more information about childcare subsidies please visit: settlement.org/ontario/daily-life/families-children/child-care/what-financial-assistance-is-available-for-child-care/

The Ban Righ Centre offers personal, academic, and financial supports to mature woman-identified students, including students with children.  We offer 1:1 student advising as well as opportunities for student-parents to meet each other, share information and resources, and build community.   Contact banrighcentre@queensu.ca to connect with a Student Advisor, or follow us on Facebook to find out about upcoming events. 

Individual, couple and family counseling for relationship problems as well as family life education programs are available. A fee will be charged according to your income.

The service is located at 417 Bagot Street, ph. 613-549-7850.

The Chaplain provides personal and confidential service and acts as a confidante and advisor. You can also consult with other religious leaders by calling the appropriate phone number.

Mitchell Hall, suite 210, ph. 613-533-2186

https://www.queensu.ca/faith-and-spiritual-life/home

• Canadian Pediatric Society
• Canada Institute for Child Health
• Best Start (Ontario)
• Human Early Learning Partnership