In Canada, the health, education and childcare systems are regulated by each province. While the majority of students who study at Algonquin College choose to live in Ottawa, Ontario, some students may choose to live in Gatineau, Quebec. Where you live will determine which school(s) children can attend.
The information below is focused on dependent children who will be living in Ottawa. A child is considered a minor in Ontario until 18 years of age.
- Bringing your child to Canada
- Your child’s immigration status in Canada
- Childcare
- Schools and studying
- Health care
Bringing Your Child to Canada
Please visit our ‘Bringing Your Family to Canada’ page.
Your Child’s Immigration Status in Canada
- Visitor Status: A child who is too young to attend school or who will not study during their stay in Canada will be considered a vistor upon arrival in Canada. Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada, however, a border services officer may allow a visitor to stay longer. The authorized period of time allowed for a family member’s stay in Canada will usually correspond to the principal applicant’s (the Algonquin College student) study permit. A visitor status may be extended after arriving in Canada.
- Study Permit:
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- A child who is outside Canada and will be accompanying a parent with a study permit, is required to hold a study permit to begin studies at the primary and secondary levels in Canada.
- A child who has already arrived in Canada with a parent who holds a study permit may study in Canada without a study permit at the primary and secondary levels.
- Find out if your child requires a study permit to study. Algonquin College recommends all minor children at the school age obtain a study permit.
- Work Permit: Effective January 21, 2025, only family members of certain international students and foreign workers are able to apply for a family work permit. Please refer to the following IRCC website for more information.
Childcare
There are many different childcare options in Ontario for children from infancy to school age, including:
- Licensed day care centres
- Licensed day care in private homes
- Unlicensed day care in private homes
- Before and after school programs
Childcare services in Ottawa are in high demand, and many providers will have long waiting lists. Plan well in advance if you need child care. Families are expected to meet vaccination requirements before children may attend licensed childcare centres.
Where To Apply
- The Ottawa Child Care Registry and Waitlist is an online application for families looking for licensed child care in homes, centres, schools and nurseries. Information on steps to prepare your application and eligibility for help with costs are available through the City of Ottawa.
- The Algonquin College Early Learning Centre (ELC) is managed through the Ottawa Child Care Registry and Waitlist. Full-time students should indicate your affiliation to the College on the waitlist application and contact the ELC to prioritize your application.
Additional Resources
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old where you can connect with other families, get advice from early childhood development professionals, and find out about other nearby family services.
- Ottawa Public Library offers children’s programs and activities to promote language, literacy and social skills.
Schools & Studying
It is a parent’s responsibility to enrol a child in school. In Ontario, children must attend school from the ages of 6 until 18. Most children begin by attending kindergarten in the year they turn 4 years old. For information on the Ontario education system, the Ontario government has created a helpful guide for parents. Learn about education in Canada here.
- Public school boards in Ottawa (Ontario)
- Public school boards in Gatineau-Outaouais (Quebec)
- Private Schools
Private schools typically require tuition fees. More information about private schools in Ontario and a list of Ottawa-based private schools can be found on the Ministry of Education website.
Once you determine which school board is best for your child’s learning needs/goals, please contact the school board to learn what documents you will require to enroll your child. The school board will determine which schools are available for your child/children to apply to based on your local address.
Many schools employ settlement workers who can help students adjust and provide transition resources.
Health Care
Health Insurance
- As an international student, you and your dependents are not eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). At Algonquin College, the mandatory health insurance provider for international students is GuardMe. International students may add coverage for a dependant on the GuardMe site. You will need your policy number to purchase coverage for dependents.
- International students arriving early with dependents need to buy early arrival insurance first for themselves to be able to enroll dependents.
- Learn more about Health Insurance for international students.
Health Care Providers
- Find a Health Care Provider using the Guard.Me Clinic Search. A “Guard.me Preferred Clinic” can bill Guard.Me directly for medical services, meaning there is no upfront payment.
- If your child requires urgent attention, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) offers emergency care and specialized health services for children up to their 18th birthday.
- CHEO also offers information on additional assessment centres and care clinics for children.
Additional Resources
- Parenting in Ottawa Drop-Ins: Speak, in person, with a Public Health Nurse about parenting. No appointment is necessary.
- Parenting in Ottawa Services: A resource created by Ottawa Public Health to assist parents in navigating health and development, immunizations, and emergency preparedness for children.
