English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, which are for students whose first language is other than English or is a variety of English significantly different from that used for instruction in Ontario schools. Students in these programs have had educational opportunities to develop age-appropriate first-language literacy skills.
English Literacy Development (ELD) programs, which are for students whose first language is other than English or is a variety of English significantly different from that used for instruction in Ontario schools. Students in these programs are most often from countries in which their access to education has been limited, and they have had limited opportunities to develop language and literacy skills in any language. Schooling in their countries of origin has been inconsistent,disrupted, or even completely unavailable throughout the years that these children would otherwise have been in school. As a result, they arrive in Ontario schools with significant gaps in their education.
In the TDSB, the LEAP program may be offered to ELD students. For more information about TDSB LEAP classes, click here from the TDSB network or visit the TDSB ESL/ELD homepage through TDSBweb.