Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP)

LEAP helps young parents aged 16-21 years old finish school and become independent. If you are 16-17 years old, a parent, and have not finished high school, you must take part in the LEAP program.

As a LEAP participant you will take part in three activities:

Attend school,
attend a parenting program, and

take part in a work-related activity.

Learning

The learning component of LEAP focuses on finishing high school. You can do this through regular high school, adult education, or distance learning.

Earning

We help you prepare for work, and together build a custom plan for the future. Plans may include:

Taking part in co-op programs, part-time and summer jobs.

Youth apprenticeship programs.

Resume writing and interview skills workshops.

Parenting

You take part in parenting programs to support you in this important role. Programs teach parenting skills for healthy child growth and development. Parenting programs may also teach household management, budgeting, and time management.

Eligibility

LEAP is mandatory for:

16 and 17 year old parents getting Ontario Works; and
16 and 17 year old parents living at home with parents who get Ontario Works.

LEAP is strongly encouraged for:

18 - 25 year old parents getting Ontario Works,
18 - 25 year old parents who live at home, and their parents get Ontario Works; and
18 - 25 year old parents who live at home and get Ontario Works on behalf of their child only;

Supports available include:

Help paying for child care (during and after school);
Transportation to school and parent activities (e.g. monthly bus pass)
Supplies (e.g. school);
Counselling;
Recreational activities; and
Links to community agencies and resources.

Incentives

You can get a $500.00 incentive when you graduate from high school and complete approved parenting activities.

The incentive can be:

Used for post-secondary education or training; or
Held in-trust for the education of your child(ren).