Program Read is a community-based non-profit organization. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected from the community. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario and through the Canada- Ontario Job Fund Agreement. We also receive donations and are very grateful for these contributions.
Our learners often want help to:
- use a computer
- get a driver's license
- read bus route maps and schedules
- save money and make a budget
- read and find health information
- read a menu
- figure out tax on or a tip at a restaurant
- write emails
- look online for a job or apply online for a job
- learn about internet safety
- use Facebook
- refresh their computer skills
- get better at taking tests
Program Read follows the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework. This program provides adult learners with the following competencies:
- Find and Use Information
- Communicate Ideas and Information
- Understand and Use Numbers
- Use Digital Technology
- Manage Learning
- Engage with Others
We offer one on one and classroom training in a socially distanced office setting or remotely for learners who want to find employment and prefer to learn in a more personal setting.
One-to-one tutoring is also available. Trained volunteer tutors work individually or virtually with adult learners to help them improve their reading, writing, spelling and basic math skills. Tutors meet with learners once or twice a week to help with their specific needs. These learners goals might be to find a job, to be able to take secondary school credits, or to increase their everyday life skills.
We offer computer help to all of our learners. We use up-to-date software such as Microsoft Office 2016 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as a variety of educational software. Learners can also use our computers to check email, do online job searches and applications. They can access E-Channel online learning through the Learning Hub and Good Learning Anywhere websites. We also offer IXL Math and Language Arts - an online learning program which students can access in class or at home and work at their own pace.
Where are we?
We are centrally located at 955 Queen Street, East, Suite 320. One-to-one lessons are available at our Queen Street location, but we can make arrangements for learners and tutors to meet virtually via online platforms such as Zoom and GoToMeeting. Our new office space is nicely laid out and spacious, easily facilitating socially distanced learning opportunities. We are also well equipped to protect our learners and staff with various forms of personal protective equipment such as sneeze guards.
How are we funded?
Program Read is an Employment Ontario program funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario and through the Canada- Ontario Job Fund Agreement. We are also grateful for donations we receive from the community.
What other services are provided?
Program Read provides information and referral services to the public about other literacy agencies in the community such as School Board and College Literacy and Basic Skills programs. We also make referrals to Employment Agencies if employment is a learner’s goal. We do initial, ongoing, and exit assessments based on Ministry guidelines. Program Read staff work with each student to develop an individual learning plan.
What is the cost?
Both the tutoring and small group class are FREE. There is NO COST to the student. Transportation and/or child care costs are available to eligible students who need these supports.
How to enroll?
Please call our office at 705-946-3953 to make an appointment for an interview. The interview will take approximately an hour. During the interview we will determine how we can best help you to meet your goal.