Embedded Files
Explore our resources for SWIS on a wide-range of topics related to SWIS work.
Explore our resources for SWIS on a wide-range of topics related to SWIS work.
If your organization has a resource you would like added, or if you know of a resource that should be featured,
please contact ofinnamore@araisa.ca.
If you are involved in the SWIS initiative in the Altantic region, click here to access our private webpage with upcoming events, past meeting notes, additional resources and more.
SWIS-TÉÉ Toolkit - COMING SOON
SWIS-TÉÉ Toolkit - COMING SOON
The Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)–Travailleurs et travailleuses d’établissement dans les écoles (TÉÉ) Resource Toolkit was developed by the regional coordinating bodies for the SWIS and TÉÉ initiatives in Atlantic Canada: the Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA) and the District scolaire francophone Sud (DSFS), respectively . The development of this toolkit was made possible through funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Designed for SWIS-TÉÉ across the Atlantic region, this toolkit provides practical guidance, tools, and resources to support effective, consistent, and client-centred service delivery for newcomer students and families. It promotes a shared understanding of the SWIS-TÉÉ program, strengthens staff capacity, and supports onboarding and ongoing learning. The toolkit brings together benchmarks, resources, and examples of promising practices developed by organizations and regional coordinating bodies at the regional and national levels.
Recognizing the diverse contexts in which SWIS-TÉÉ services are delivered, the toolkit provides a common framework that can be adapted to local realities and organizational practices. As an evolving resource, it will be updated periodically to reflect program changes, emerging needs, and new tools and promising practices from across the field.
Browse the toolkit and explore the included resources. New SWIS-TÉÉ may benefit from starting at the beginning, while more experienced staff may prefer to navigate directly to the resources most relevant to their current caseload and practice.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the managers, SWIS-TÉÉ and partners that contributed to the development of this toolkit. Their expertise, experience, and willingness to share their promising practices have enabled us to create a tool that reflects the realities experienced in schools and communities across the Atlantic region. We also thank our national colleagues and IRCC for their support in developing this resource.
Guide to Supporting Students with High Needs
Situations encountered by SWIS in their work are often multidimensional and emotionally charged. This guide, created by the Réseau National TÉÉ, provides a methodical framework to help SWIS structure their professional practice. Adapt and shape it to fit the reality of your school and to align with your own human expertise. Download the guide in English here. Explore the interactive website in French here.
Editable Resources
Before editing the templates below, please review the Instructions for Use.
School Lunch Resources
Some SWIS deliver a school lunch presentation to newcomer parents and guardians. View the presentation template here and customize it to best fit clients’ needs. The content is summarized and available as a flyer in various languages.
Navigating Incorrect Date of Birth Cases: A Guide for SWIS
SWIS may welcome newcomer families that report an incorrect date of birth (DOB) recorded on a Canadian immigration document, such as the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). The discrepancy may have originated before arrival in Canada, including during displacement, refugee registration, interpretation, translation, or filing by a third party. Families may also have limited or no official records to establish the child's correct date of birth.
This situation elicits two connected but separate concerns: the accuracy of the child's immigration records and their appropriate educational placement. While families may consider available processes to correct immigration records, the child's urgent educational needs should also be considered, particularly where an incorrect DOB may affect grade placement, access to programs, and social and psychological well-being.
This guide is created to support SWIS in understanding these circumstances, identifying available options, assisting families with school placement advocacy, and making appropriate referrals where additional professional support is required. It also recognizes that educational advocacy and immigration record correction may proceed independently or concurrently, subject to applicable procedures.
Click here to download the guide in English and here to download the guide in French. A letter for families explaining the situation and their options can be found in various languages below.
Guide to Post-Secondary Education
The Guide to Post-Secondary Education provides helpful advice for newcomers on their options after high school.
Professional Development and Training
De-escalation & Intervention Training
by Cong Chen
De-escalation & Intervention Training
by Cong Chen
SWIS work in environments where stress is high, needs are urgent, systems are complex, and emotional intensity is common. In these contexts, challenging interactions are often structural and relational rather than personal. This professional development session emphasizes practical, nonviolent de-escalation skills that support safety, preserve dignity, and maintain working relationships with children, youth, and families.
Download the accompanying pocket guide here. It offers practical tools and scripts to navigate high-emotion interactions, stay grounded, and maintain connection using the PEARL framework: Pressure, Expression, Alignment, Redirection, Learning.
Strengthening Youth Engagement Through Belonging
by Briana Miller
Strengthening Youth Engagement Through Belonging
by Briana Miller
This webinar helps frontline workers better engage with newcomer youth by creating spaces of trust, connection, and belonging.
Watch the recording and reflect on approaches that support youth participation, build strong relationships and encourage engagement in our communities, beyond initial programming. Find the accompanying presentation and resources here.
"Do for, do with, cheer on."
Disclaimer: ARAISA is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in these resources. All materials are provided as is. This content may not work for every organization. The information here does not serve as legal, consulting, or professional advice. ARAISA is not liable for any claims, losses, or damages related to this information.
Disclaimer: ARAISA is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in these resources. All materials are provided as is. This content may not work for every organization. The information here does not serve as legal, consulting, or professional advice. ARAISA is not liable for any claims, losses, or damages related to this information.
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