Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) Program
Program Description
The Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) Program is an upgrading program that
helps adults improve their reading/writing, math and computer skills, while
seeking to develop Essential Skills that adults require for work, further
school/training and life.
Focus: The LBS Program focuses on developing foundational skills that prepare learners to transition to next steps related to their individual goals. The program prepares learners to move on to employment, apprenticeship, secondary school credit, postsecondary education, or independence. Learners also work with the program on creating individualized learner plans. Learning is organized around the following six competencies: Find and use information; communicate ideas and information; understand and use numbers; use digital technology; manage learning; engage with others.
The LBS Program encompasses four cultural streams: Native/First Nations; Francophone; Deaf/Deaf Blind and Anglophone. Program emphasis is often on learners who are on social assistance, unemployed, between the ages of 45-65, who have been out of training or education for 6 years or more, who have a history of interrupted education and who fit in one of the four cultural streams.
Eligibility:Adults:
- Who are at least 19 years old
- Who are Ontario residents
- Whose literacy skills fall upon Levels 1 and 2 of the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS); Academic Upgrading falls upon IALS Level 3
- Who, if English is not their mother tongue, have a facility in speaking and listening (a CLB Level 6 is recommended), but require help developing their reading, writing, math, computer and Essential Skills
- School boards
- Colleges – Academic Upgrading offered at the colleges includes LBS and Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) programming. [Please consult the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Program information sheet for more details]. Some community-based agencies also deliver ACE curriculum in partnership with local colleges.
- Community-based organizations
- Classroom
- Small group
- Blended learning (classroom and computer)
- 1-1 tutoring
To find an LBS class in Toronto and York Region, visit the Literacy Access Network (LAN) program map or call the LAN hotline at (416) 961-5557.
Funder
The LBS Program is funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (TCU) and falls under the Employment Ontario training umbrella.
Fees: FREE
LBS PROGRAM - ONLINE/DISTANCE LEARNINGThe LearningHUB offers online Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) upgrading through flexible learning options. Registered learners across Ontario have the following options for online study:
- Independent Study
- Live Classes (offered through a program called Centra)
- Short Courses
The LearningHUB is available to adult learners who prefer to learn using technology in a supported classroom environment and designed for those unable to attend face to face upgrading due to personal barriers, such as scheduling, transportation, childcare or personal preference.
Those wishing to register must have:- Access to a computer and the Internet
- A personal email account
- A good command of the English language
- Time set aside for online studies
- A headset or microphone and speakers on their computer (for the Live Classes)