First-Stop-Assessment	One-on-One Tutoring	Small Group Classes
Essential Skills Training	Computer Classroom	Community Homework & After-School Program (CHAP)

First Stop is the name used to describe the assessment conducted by trained literacy staff. The agency conducts all English literacy assessments for adults entering training programs throughout Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

An extensive interview determines the type of assessment that is administered. A combination of formal and informal tools are used. The student’s goals and an analysis of the results is used to design a Training Plan.

This plan identifies the learner’s current literacy level, learning style, learning needs and strategies to overcome barriers to learning. It also addresses medical issues, past educational/work/volunteer experiences as well as issues that may be related to language confusion.

Finally, it provides an idea of the skills required to help the learner meet his/her short term goals. The Training Plan is ever changing as the student and his/her future instructors continue to make modifications until the final goal is reached.

If you are interested in learning or want to encourage someone to take the first step, please go to our First-Stop-Assessment Page for more information how to get started.

Trained volunteers are matched with learners who require individualized instruction. Like volunteers, learners indicate their preferences in terms of desired location of tutoring (learner/volunteer home or neutral location including the offices of Tri-County Literacy Council), male/female tutor, smoking/non-smoking, preferred days and times to meet, skills required etc. Matches made are based on suitability and not first come, first served. Tutoring is free and confidential.

It is intended especially for learners unable to attend the times of traditional training, or who may have emotional/social issues returning to an educational program. Some learners have “special” learning needs that can be best accommodated by trained tutors. This is especially true when the learner needs assistance with specific skills related to their employment. Other learners may simply require confidentiality.

We offer students the opportunity to work towards goals of further education or employment in a non-intimidating classroom setting. Classes consist of a maximum of 10 students, allowing for group and individual instruction.

Groupwork encourages students to develop communication skills and to work successfully in a team environment. We focus on improving reading skills, numeracy and workforce communication.

Students can join the class at any time. Classes run from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm.

Essential Skills are the basic building blocks we use to learn other, more
complicated skills. Grounding in Essential Skills helps us to adapt to life
and workplace change. That is why they are called Essential Skills.

Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other
national and international agencies have identified and validated nine
Essential Skills. These skills are used in virtually all occupations and
throughout daily life in different levels of complexity. The nine Essential
Skills are as follows:

•	Reading Text
•	Document Use
•	Numeracy
•	Writing
•	Oral Communication
•	Working with Others
•	Thinking Skills
•	Computer Use
•	Continuous Learning

Essential Skills are very important. Research indicates that workers
today must read on average 97 minutes per day. 77% of employers say
basic writing and numeracy skills are very important and 81% indicate
reading skills are essential. 70% of Canadian employers report
awareness of significant workplace literacy issues.

Essential Skills are incorporated into the learner’s program of instruction.
This may be in a classroom format or one-on-one with a volunteer tutor.

Tri-County Literacy Council has participated in regional projects designed
to create Essential Skill curriculum centered around the skills required for
entry level positions for literacy learners. Learners may advance their
essential skills by studying curriculum designed around landscaping, store
clerk/shelf stocker, call centre, health care aide etc.

Tri-County Literacy Council offers a variety of Computer Courses at a basic and intermediate level. We keep our groups at a cozy size with no more than 6 students per class sessions. Our primary course is Basic Introduction to Computers that lasts 12 weeks with courses 2 days a week.

We have now expandeded our program with specialized courses for Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Excel and Power Point. These courses run from 7-8 weeks.

If you are interested or need more information please call 613 932-7161 and ask for J.J. St Denis. Please give your name, number and how many people you would like to sign up, since there is limited seating available.

The Community Homework & After-School program focusses on assisting children with their homework and provides other learning activities. Paid instructors guide trained volunteers to help children complete assigned tasks and to close any learning gaps.

Many enrichment activities are offered. Children may be exposed to programs of music, physical activities and arts and crafts. They participate in the annual “Great Canadian Debate” and spend their hard earned “play money” at the annual children’s auction. Children are awarded “play dollars” for good behaviour, team spirit, completion of assignments etc. Individuals and local businesses donate prizes for the end of year auction. Local auctioneers donate their time so that children may experience the fun of a real, live auction.