What is the deadline to submit an Alternative Education Application?

Please refer to the Apply section of our website for timelines.  

If staff are not sure which program(s) best fits a student’s profile, what should they do? 

Referring school staff are encouraged to consult the Programs section of this website to better understand the different programs offered through Alternative Education. Students, staff, and families can also contact the District Administrators to ask questions. Referring staff can select “Unsure” on the Alternative Education Application; in this scenario, documentation that outlines the student profile should be submitted to permit Alternative Education staff to make an informed determination. 

Sometimes caregiver and school staff recommendations for programming do not align. How can referring staff best support the family in this process and/or indicate this difference of recommendation on the Alternative Education Application?

Alternative Education wants to honour the voices of students and families in educational program decision-making, as well as those from school staff. In these scenarios, please note the various perspectives when completing the application and an Alternative Education Administrator can connect with the school and family to decide on an appropriate course of action. 

If students and caregivers would like to arrange a visit to an Alternative Education Program, is this possible? 

Student and caregiver tours of programs, and introductions to staff, are part of the normal intake process. Alternative Education recommends that referring staff complete and submit the Alternative Education Application, assure students and caregivers that a site visit will be offered, and acknowledge no definitive decisions on Alternative Education transitioning will occur until a consent form is signed. 

A student has a certain designation/profile, are they a good fit for an Alternative Education Program?

Alternative Education Programs prioritize student belonging and connectedness. Students that have the most success in Alternative Education are: interested in continuing their education in an Alternative setting, and, accessing the curriculum without modifications (student is on a regular graduation path).

In addition to Alternative Education, the VSB has a variety of options to support learning. Please refer to the VSB website for other learning opportunities such as: Learning Services Programs, Career Programs, VLN, Adult Education, etc.

I want my student to access an inter-agency program, how do we do this? 

Referrals to Inter-agency Alternate Programs must be completed by an MCFD Social Worker or Youth Justice Worker. Please contact your student’s MCFD support team and ask them to complete their internal referral form.

I have more questions, what do I do?

Contact us, we are happy to help.