French Second Language Learning from Early Childhood — Pilot Project

Exposure to the French language in early childhood promotes learning of the language in later grades and contributes to the improvement of bilingualism in Canada. It also broadens children's cultural horizons and stimulates their attachment to, and interest in, Francophone cultures and the history of the French language in Canada.

The pilot project French Second Language Learning from Early Childhood is part of the sub-component Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector — Second Language Learning subcomponent and aims to promote the transmission and learning of French as a second language from early childhood.

This is a two-year pilot project from 2022-2023 to 2023-2024.

Who can apply

To be eligible for funding, your organization must be:

• a Canadian not-for-profit organization, duly registered
• a Canadian not-for-profit professional association
• a for-profit organization for not-for-profit activities (e.g., daycares or childcare centers)

Individuals, governments and foreign organizations are not eligible.

Eligible projects

To be considered eligible, a project must:

• have as ultimate beneficiaries children (aged 0 to 6) for whom French is not the main language spoken at home
• equip second language learning specialists and/or parents/families to support exposure to French as a second language
• demonstrate that it reflects a proven pedagogical approach, based on evidence and research

Eligible projects may:

• preferably be national or regional (more than one province or territory) in scope
• deepen or stimulate research to better understand the trends and nature of the challenges
• communicate knowledge
• develop tools and activities
• create and deliver educational activities
• share tools and best practices
• provide opportunities for children to experience the French language and Francophone cultures

Eligible expenditures

Eligible expenses include:

• costs related to the research and dissemination of knowledge, methods or tools
• costs related to the development of pedagogical tools and activities
• costs related to the support or development of learning specialists
• administrative costs including evaluation and other general administrative costs related to the funded activities

The maximum amount that the Recipient may claim for administrative costs will be set out in the Contribution Agreement, where applicable.

The following expenses are not eligible:

• capital projects
• activities with an international scope

How to apply

Applicants are required to:

• review the Application Guidelines in their entirety
• complete the Second Language Learning – Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector Application Form and submit the required documentation

Application deadline

October 1

When an application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday, it is extended to the following working day.

Contact us

Address

Official Languages Support Programs Branch
Department of Canadian Heritage
15 Eddy Street, 7th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec
J8X 4B3

Email

dglo-olsp@pch.gc.ca

Telephone

1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)

TTY

1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Agents are available to answer your questions, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (ET).