Partners for Jobs is an employment strategy developed by the City of Ottawa to help unemployed and underemployed people, most of whom receive Ontario Works assistance, develop an employment plan that leads to finding and keeping a job.

The Ontario government created Ontario Early Years Centres to be a place where parents and caregivers can get answers to questions, information about programs and services that are available for young children, and an opportunity to talk to early years professionals, as well as other parents and caregivers in the community. The Salvation Army's Bethany Hope Centre, where the Learning Coach Program is delivered to clients, is a long established community partner of the Ottawa Early Years Centre.

What is the LEAP Program?

LEAP, which stands for learning, earning, and parenting, falls under Basic Education and Literacy Training as one of the Partners for Jobs employment activities. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of young parents on social assistance. LEAP provides help to finish high school, gain work experience, and learn more about parenting.

Who is LEAP for?
LEAP is mandatory for 16- and 17-year-old parents on Ontario Works who have not completed high school. Eligible single parents and couples aged 18 to 21 who have not completed high school are encouraged to participate.

Community partners can support the LEAP program by offering non-paid and paid employment placements to participants to help them gain work experience and on-the-job training.

When is LEAP a viable employment activity?
LEAP provides young parents with additional financial and emotional supports to overcome barriers to school attendance and to learn more about parenting. LEAP can help participants: finish high school, develop employment skills, plan for the future, get ideas and support and learn more about child development.

Where is more information about LEAP available?
Young parents on Ontario Works can find out more about LEAP from their Case Coordinators.

How does the LEAP program benefit participants?
As well as gaining education and experience, LEAP participants receive many benefits including financial assistance with: housing, childcare, transportation, school or training supplies.

Additional LEAP Benefits:
Upon completion of high school and an approved parenting program, participants receive a $500 bursary to be put towards their post secondary education or their child's Education Savings Plan.

Why does the LEAP program exist?
LEAP was created to help young parents take good care of their children and themselves. LEAP participants learn to be self-reliant. Completing grade 12 is a positive step towards finding and keeping a job. It also serves as an excellent example about the importance of education to the children of LEAP participants.

For more information, please call the Partners for Jobs information line at 613 560-6000.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services

The goal of the Ministry of Community and Social Services is to give assistance to people as they work to improve their lives by providing employment supports while preparing for, finding or retaining employment. In addition, the Ministry provides income supports to Ontarians who are most in need.

LEAP (Learning, Earning and Parenting) is one of the many programs the Ministry sponsors to help young parents between the ages of 16 and 21 and their children. It provides young parents who are receiving assistance through Ontario Works with the supports they need to finish high school, improve parenting skills, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.