Valley Community Learning Association

COVID-19 Update

Like schools everywhere in Nova Scotia, VCLA's physical locations are currently closed as we try to do our part to contain the spread of COVID-19.
While our doors are closed, we are assessing our capacity to deliver some learning opportunities online, and staff are getting familiar with programs like...

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G.E.D. - Adult Basic Education

There are many options for adults at all levels to upgrade their education both in classroom settings or one on one with a tutor. In some programs there are evening options in addition to daytime offerings. We can help you to decide which program is best for you by assessing...

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ESL / EAL: English as a Second/Additional Language

VCLA has been providing English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes for many years with students coming from very diverse backgrounds, for example: Romania, China, Russia, Columbia, Croatia, Japan, Peru, Germany, Chile and many other countries.  We have a kind and passionate staff offering small group sessions or one-to-one tutoring,...

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1-1 Tutoring

The one-on-one tutoring program matches adult learners with volunteer tutors.  Learners can be matched with a tutor when extra help is needed to catch up with class work, when the learner is geographically remote from the nearest class, or when the needs are too individualized for classroom study...

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Cornerstone

Cornerstone is an 8-week training program designed to give learners the foundational skills and training to enter the field of health and human services as support workers with people with disabilities or seniors.

Learners receive an extensive menu of industry-recognized training certifications. They then have the opportunity to complete a...

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Reading at Last

The Reading at Last Program is a remedial reading program based on the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory technique. It is a class-based or one-to-one program available in our Kentville and/or Middleton location during the school year. The program is designed for 'struggling readers' who need to improve their reading in order to...

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Family Literacy

Parents are our children’s first teachers, and our job does not end when our children start school. There is clear evidence that shows that children who come from homes where parents read to their children and take an active interest in their homework are more likely to develop the strong...

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Computer Literacy

VCLA offers computer classes as well as online learning options for adults who are hoping to improve their computer literacy skills at work, at home, or in the community. 

Drop-in IT help - Every Friday VCLA offers a weekly drop-in workshop for people with IT questions of various kinds. Come by...

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Traditional Skills Workshops

VCLA hosts a variety of traditional skills upgrading opportunities for adults interested in First Nations culture.

Learners have made moccasins, dream catchers, woven baskets, as well as medicine pouches. Workshops also support elders to share and teach their Mi`kmaq language and traditional craft skills to the younger generations, and...

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Creative Writing Workshops at Open Arms

The Creative Writing program is a series of creative writing workshops offered for participants of the Open Arms Drop-in Centre in downtown Kentville at 32 Cornwallis Street.

Open Arms is a Christian Ministry which operates a drop-in centre and a winter shelter in Kentville and Berwick. The workshops are facilitated...

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INROADS

The INROADS program is a small-group program for survivors of brain injury which is offered in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (BIANS), Kings County Branch. This program focuses on learning skills and strategies to effectively respond to the challenges survivors of brain injury face in...

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Flower Cart Literacy Program

Flower Cart Literacy Program is an adult education program that VCLA operates in partnership with The Flower Cart Group. This program is designed for learners with intellectual disabilities, many of whom are taking part in Flower Cart employment readiness or community employment programs. Learners come to this program with a...

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Health Literacy

Public Health Services – Enhanced Home Visiting program

VCLA partners with Public Health Services to offer literacy services and training for at-risk families in the Annapolis Valley.

A public health employee introduces families to VCLA’s family literacy coordinator, who offers to make a scrapbook with families...

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Beginner Driver's: Prep for the Written Test

This is a course to help you successfully pass the Beginner Driver's License (Class VII) written test, and is designed for learners who struggle to get through the Driver's Manual on their own, and benefit from a classroom approach to the material.

The Beginner Driver's course is typically run three...

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Air Brake Endorsment - Prep for the Written Test

This course prepares learners to write for their Air Brake endorsement. Typically this course runs three hours a day, three days a week for three weeks.  This program includes small-group study sessions, hands-on learning to reinforce concepts, a visit to the local Dept. of Transportation garage as well as support...

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Jump Start to Trades

The Jump Start to Trades Program** is a 10-week program that VCLA offers in partnership with PeopleWorx. The goal of this program is to prepare learners for entry into the trade’s labour market.

Our learners often come to this program because they have a trades interest, but do not have...

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