Over 200,000 people migrate to Canada each year and face the challenges of settling in a new country.
For newcomer families, there is the added challenge of raising children in an unfamiliar environment and culture.
If you work with newcomer families and children — on the child care front lines, or in administration, coordination or management — you must respond effectively to the diverse needs and issues that may arise.
The CMAS website can help you support, educate and empower the newcomer families that use your services — whether in a regular child care program, or at an occasional or temporary site. It will also direct you to professional development and other programs for staff.
The CMAS website is your access to
- current resources,
- relevant news and research,
- knowledgeable answers to questions,
- valuable training opportunities,
- best-practice guidelines for working with newcomer children and parents,
- and reliable tips for safe, fun, educational activities.
Health and Safety Information
All children have the right to be nurtured in a safe, warm and healthy environment.
Keeping current with health and safety information can be a challenge, but it is the responsibility of all professionals working with children. CMAS has developed an up-to-date list of resources that can help!
Program Ideas
Children new to Canada bring with them a variety of experiences, language traditions, and culture to share. A welcoming and inclusive program builds on the diversity and strengths of the children, while fostering growth and encouraging cooperation, exploration, imagination, and learning.
Children learn through play. To support, encourage and inspire quality newcomer children’s programs, CMAS has compiled a library of creative and fun ideas for you to use in your program.
Special Needs
Newcomer families who have children with special needs have diverse needs and unique challenges. CMAS has compiled a library of resources and links to a variety of organizations and supports in the community to help you.