Learning Earning and Parenting (LEAP)
LEAP is a mandatory program for all young parents aged 16 and 17 years old and is a voluntary program for young parents aged 18 to 25 years old who are in receipt of social assistance. The LEAP program is broken down into three elements:
Learning
The Learning element of LEAP promotes high school graduation by requiring participants to regularly attend an educational program leading to a high school diploma. High school graduation is an important requirement for employment even for entry level positions. As a pre-requisite to further education it also provides the foundation for better paying, higher skilled opportunities in the labour market.
Earning
LEAP participants will access the full range of employment assistance measures available to Ontario Works participants. Earning activities will be targeted at identifying employment support activities suitable for young parents going to school to develop employment skills and become job ready. Participants may wish to consider a number of options under the Earning element of the program such as school co-op programs, Ontario Works community placements, part time or summer employment etc. Caseworkers can provide information about opportunities within the community.
Parenting
The parenting and child development element of LEAP is intended to promote children's growth and development by supporting parents to become more effective caregivers and educators. There are a variety of programs available to assist participants to complete the Parenting element of the program, including Healthy Babies/Healthy Children, family resource centres and drop in programs just to mention a few. Caseworkers can provide a full listing of the programs available in your community.
In addition to Ontario Works Income Support, each young parent involved in the LEAP program is entitled to financial support for school activities, homework time, adequate transportation, high school credits and child care. Also, upon completion of the LEAP program a $500.00 scholarship is to be awarded to the participant or directed into an RESP for the participant's children.