FAQs2023-07-04T13:32:33-07:00
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Frequently asked questions

SelfDesign® Learning Foundation
How is SelfDesign® governed?2020-02-17T11:08:57-08:00

SelfDesign Learning Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of up to 11 elected directors. The board meets regularly and holds an annual general meeting within six months of the end of the fiscal year (July 31st of each year).

SelfDesign Learning Foundation’s board of directors:

  • Creates and reviews policy that supports the mission of the organization.
  • Hires and evaluates the CEO/President.
  • Acts as needed to ensure the health and long-term success of the organization.
  • Provides strategic support and expertise.
  • Ensures continuity of the vision, legacy, and succession of leadership for the organization.
  • Advocates for SelfDesign both as an organization and as a model for learning.
What are SelfDesign’s model and philosophy?2020-02-17T11:12:34-08:00

The SelfDesign philosophy and model is shaped around three core elements:

  • Learning is a continuous and accumulating process rather than a product or set of outcomes. From imagining and planning, from enacting and experiencing, from reflecting and assessing to re-imagining…this process lasts a lifetime.
  • Learners are positioned at the centre of their individualized learning path.
  • Learning and personal development occur within nurturing, relational environments.

We believe:

  • That every learner, regardless of age, brings a unique contribution to the world. SelfDesign ensures that the learning environment becomes the vehicle rather than the obstacle in making those contributions come to life.
  • That people learn everywhere and in every moment and that learning is enriched and amplified through conversations and relationships with others.
  • In the safety, acceptance and inclusion of all learners in regard to ability, learning style, culture, personal or spiritual beliefs, gender identity and expression.
  • Real-life learning happens in your home, online and local community and through relationships within your family, along with B.C. certified educators and peers.
  • In the development of traits such as self-agency, collaboration, and a sense of social and global responsibility, which can position learners to be successful in post-secondary programs and careers.
SelfDesign® Learning Community
How is SelfDesign funded?2023-08-14T09:37:20-07:00

SelfDesign Learning Foundation, the authority for the SelfDesign® Learning Community, is funded through various streams including grants, donations and charitable gifts.

SelfDesign Learning Community is partially funded by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care as a Group 1 Independent Online Learning School. This means we are funded at 63 per cent of the flat public school online learning per-student rate.

SelfDesign Learning Community also receives partial funding from the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care for learners with a special education designation. Funding is equivalent to 100 per cent of the public per student operating cost determined for the level of support required to provide the best possible education for the student. In other words, this funding is the same for all learners across the province.

What is SelfDesign Learning Community?2021-07-14T11:15:29-07:00

SelfDesign Learning Community is one of the largest independent online learning schools in British Columbia and offers education to residents of B.C. We offer a personalized and flexible approach to education for approximately 2,000 learners from kindergarten to grade 12 each year.

Can my child graduate?2019-11-19T18:10:23-08:00

Learners have the same opportunities to graduate as learners in brick-and-mortar (traditional classroom-based) schools. Your child can apply to post-secondary institutions to further their education and work toward a future professional career. Your child can graduate with a B.C. Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma), Adult Graduation Diploma or School Completion (“Evergreen”) Certificate.

What is online learning?2022-03-07T08:45:29-08:00

As a new model of education for the 21st century, online learning offers solutions to many of the challenges faced by traditional brick and mortar schools. It also provides learning experiences that are flexible and supportive of the needs of today’s generation of learners.

Online learning meets provincial standards and is directed and supervised by a B.C. certified educator, with the responsibility for the program resting on SelfDesign Learning Community.

Homeschooling should not be confused with online learning. While homeschooling is the responsibility of the parent/guardian, students enrolled in an online learning school such as SelfDesign Learning Community are guided and supported by teachers certified by the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch.

What is personalized learning?2020-03-09T09:56:39-07:00

Personalized learning, in the SelfDesign Learning Community, means your child takes the lead in their own learning. We understand that not all children learn in the same way, at the same pace, in the same learning environment. At SelfDesign Learning Community, we focus on your child being at the centre of their learning journey.

It is a 21st-century approach to education that puts the needs of your child first because they are a unique individual with their own learning style, interests and goals.

Personalized learning is different than classroom-based personalized learning. Classroom-based personalized learning involves customized educational lessons to support learners’ needs yet within the limitations of a fixed curriculum and learning schedule.

What sets SelfDesign Learning Community apart from other schools?2022-08-15T07:06:58-07:00

What sets us apart from other online learning schools and brick-and-mortar schools is our model and philosophy which is focused on personalized and lifelong learning.

We follow the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care curriculum, in a way that puts your child at the centre of their learning journey. We acknowledge that learning is a process, not a product, and that it’s centred on relationships and conversation.

We guide your child, with the support of a B.C. certified educator, to develop a personalized learning plan for your child that will help them achieve the path to completion that best suits them – B.C. Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma), Adult Graduation Diploma, or School Completion (“Evergreen”) Certificate.

We also engage professional service providers to support your child in areas such as music, art, speech and occupational therapy, physical education classes, and more.

You are an expert in knowing your child and are a valued part of the circle of relationships that include parent/guardian, learner and educator.

Do SelfDesign educators and contractors have to undergo a criminal record check?2019-11-19T20:59:16-08:00

All SelfDesign Learning Community educators, service providers and contractors are required to submit a criminal record check for working with children, youth and vulnerable adults in order to provide services to SelfDesign Learning Community learners.

Are there Indigenous learning opportunities?2019-11-19T21:08:00-08:00

Yes, SelfDesign Learning Community provide learners with Indigenous learning opportunities so they can understand the world and its relations through a framework of Indigenous wisdom and philosophy.

Where does learning take place?2023-07-06T16:12:16-07:00

Learning takes place in your home, online, on your travels and in your local community.

We provide you and your child with digital technologies and resources as a complement to real-world learning. This includes access to subscriptions such as Discovery Education and BrainPop, which we provide free of charge.

Your child will have the option to access to real-time online connections with their peers and B.C. certified educators using web conferencing technology. They also work with their educator on the digital platform for communication, the ePortfolio, as well as access resources and extend their learning through the SelfDesign Learning Experiences Library.

We also support learning through relationships and in the community by providing various optional group learning opportunities and in-person events such as:

  • Online workshops for grades 6 to 12
  • Online forums for learners and parents/guardians
  • Seasonal, fun-filled in-person camp opportunities for grades 9 to 12
  • Family camps
  • Special interest clubs
  • Yearly commencement ceremony
  • Other special events
How do we assess learning?2022-08-15T07:07:40-07:00

At SelfDesign Learning Community, we assess our learners based on competencies.

Because our kindergarten to Grade 12 program is based on competency, we assess learning not through reporting, but through a process we call Observing for Learning. Our B.C. certified educators participate in an ongoing weekly conversation with you and your child. This type of communication and dialogue is led by your educator.

In the Observing for Learning process, you observe and reflect on your child’s learning during that week which includes describing learning activities as well as the learner’s engagement or emotional response. Your educator responds, reflects and shares in observing, and also matches your child’s learning with B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care requirements, from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Your educator will coach you and your child in how to observe daily activities, assisting you in noticing learning as it unfolds in everyday moments.

As your child becomes a youth, they collaborate directly with the educator in the Observing for Learning process, with parent/guardian-support as needed. This fosters and allows your child to form a deepened awareness of their own integrated learning, goals, interests and skills related to learning to learn such as time management, flexible thinking, and organizational skills.

Youth in grade 10-12 also engage in theme-based learning that is assessed in personalized, supportive and relationship-based ways that meet Ministry of Education guidelines for high school courses.

Who are our educators?2022-03-07T08:41:55-08:00

You and your child will be matched with one of SelfDesign’s 175 B.C. certified educators, called learning consultants, who guide learning in your home, online and in your community. They work with you and your child one-on-one to co-create individualized goals, interacting on a weekly basis with curiosity and inspiration. They provide direction and resources to the learner while validating learning for academic credit.

The role of the educator evolves as your child develops, from providing direct educational support for parents/guardians of younger learners to being a mentor and guide for youth as they enact their personalized learning.

Educators are matched with learners and families in the following ways:

  • Educators agree to work with your family based on the information you provide, and consideration of whether it’s a good fit for both parties.
  • Your family and the educator work together, potentially over the course of multiple years, until one or both parties decides to leave or a switch is made to another educator.
  • If your child needs support services, a learning consultant is chosen for you based on your child’s needs, and you work together until one or both parties decides to leave or a switch is made to another educator.
What is the role of the parent/guardian?2022-03-07T08:38:41-08:00

Parents/guardians are vital members of the learning team at SelfDesign.

You know your child’s needs best and often have the clearest ideas about what types of learning activities will best facilitate your child’s development. Our educators will take this input and work closely with your family to develop a learning plan that meets the learning needs of you child.

Being a parent/guardian of a SelfDesign learner does have a time commitment and it varies for each learner. Parents/guardians of learners in kindergarten to Grade 9 support learners at home and in their community and provide weekly communication through a process we call Observing for Learning.

Learners in grades 10-12 take a larger role in their own learning process and often do their own communicating through Observing for Learning, with support from their parent/guardian for home and community-based learning. Parents/guardians of learners receiving support services are required to provide additional supports for learners and engage in additional communication with educators.

How is a learning plan created?2019-11-19T20:50:46-08:00

At the beginning of each learning year, your learning consultant will help your family craft an individualized learning plan for your child, taking into account their interests, goals and activities. You’ll collaborate with your learning consultant to plan for activities, learning experiences and resources that fit your child’s needs. SelfDesign does not send you any specific curriculum to engage with but supports your child’s learning in a personalized way.

We also give you access to our Learning Experience Library which includes more than 150 curated resource offerings to explore. These Learning Experiences contain videos, book suggestions, articles, hands-on activities and more; and each one is linked to the B.C. curriculum in a cross-curricular way.

Learning Community K-9 Program
What should I expect from kindergarten to Grade 7?2019-11-19T21:12:08-08:00

Our B.C. certified educational program allows the unique spirit of your child to evolve naturally, today and into the future. Our offerings speak both to the playful spirit of the child and the emerging maturity of the young person.

You and your child will work with your B.C. certified educator to create a personalized learning plan. The plan maps your child’s interests and curiosities, specifying resources and activities that will be used to facilitate learning and meet B.C. educational requirements.

You’ll work one-on-one directly with your educator, who will guide you through your child’s learning plan. As your child grows older, their direct relationship with the educator grows as well.

What should I expect in grades 6 through 9?2022-01-10T20:15:43-08:00
  • Grades 6 through 9 at SelfDesign Learning Community follows a similar program to kindergarten to Grade 5 with the addition of workshops that are either theme-related or personal development-related:
    • These optional drop-in workshops offer playful, low-pressure opportunities for your child to enter into a collaborative online learning environment, to develop foundational skills, and to interact with the curriculum through the themes.
    • Your child can participate in the workshops as observers or actively participate in sharing stories, laughter, and sharing perspectives on their themes.
  • In grades 8 and 9, your child will start to take on more responsibilities, engage in deeper Observing for Learning with their educator, and may explore connections with their peers online. These Observing for Learning communications provide evidence of learning that is validated by the educator for academic credit, and creates rich documentation for your child and your family about the breadth of learning that has occurred over the year.
  • You and your child will start to look towards grades 10 to 12 and what path to completion may suit them best: B.C. Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma), Adult Graduation Diploma or School Completion (“Evergreen”) Certificate.
  • Learning takes place in a variety of environments — at home and in communities as well as in SelfDesign-organized offerings, from camps to community events to online forums and special interest groups (optional).
  • Please refer to our info package for more information
Are there opportunities for social interaction?2023-07-06T16:16:15-07:00

Live offerings are designed to enrich and supplement learning across SelfDesign Learning Community’s kindergarten to grade 12 program, and offer ways for our community to come together to build relationships. We offer a diverse array of live opportunities that are facilitated by various groups and individuals from across the organization. Look for event offerings like seasonal Learner Showcases, and other events hosted by our Indigenous educators, Gender Sexual Orientation Alliance, Learner Council and Educational Program Team.

 

Theme real-time meetings
From grades 6 to 12, learners are invited to attend theme-focused real-time meetings that allow learners the opportunity to explore topics of interest and grow a sense of community amongst their peers in a safe and engaging online format. Theme real-time meetings remain optional throughout grades 6 to 12 but are strongly encouraged as they build camaraderie and community spirit among SelfDesign’s youth.

Open Spaces
Open Spaces is a weekly Live Offering for learners K-12 and is offered into three grade categories, K-3, 4-7, 8-12. It is a casual space for learners to gather and generate their own interest groups with the use of breakout rooms to support learner-driven gatherings based around common interests and offerings.

Can I cross-enrol at my local school as well as take kindergarten to Grade 9 at SelfDesign?2020-08-06T10:11:43-07:00

Cross-enrollment is when SelfDesign learners take a course or program at another public or independent school or online learning school. Only learners in grades 8 and 9 are able to cross-enrol and need approval before doing so. Your learning consultant can guide this process.

I’m taking a vacation in September. Can I still do kindergarten to Grade 9 at SelfDesign?2019-11-19T21:28:03-08:00

We enrol learners in K-9 throughout the learning year.

I’m taking a big trip mid-year. Can I still do kindergarten to Grade 9 at SelfDesign?2019-11-19T21:28:49-08:00

It depends on the timing, length of trip, access to internet while away, and how organized you are before and after the trip. Because our program can be done online from anywhere, many of our learners have been on the move at some point in the year. However, we are a full-time program that spans the full learning year, and you’ll need to have access to the learning platform while you are away, or make a clear plan to meet our program agreements. If you have further questions, send a note with specifics to your learning consultant.

Does SelfDesign have a curriculum?2019-11-19T21:35:57-08:00

At the beginning of each learning year, your learning consultant will help your family craft an individualized learning plan for your child, taking into account their interests, goals and activities. You’ll collaborate with your learning consultant to plan for activities, learning experiences and resources that fit your child’s needs. SelfDesign does not send you any specific curriculum to engage with but supports your child’s learning in a personalized way.

We also give you access to our Learning Experience Library which includes more than 150 curated resource offerings to explore. These Learning Experiences contain videos, book suggestions, articles, hands-on activities and more; and each one is linked to the B.C. curriculum in a cross-curricular way.

Learning Community Grades 10-12
Can I cross-enrol at my local school as well as take grades 10-12 at SelfDesign?2019-11-19T21:37:09-08:00

Grade 10 -12 at SelfDesign is a full-time program with six or more courses offered in bundled themes over two semesters. We do not allow learners to cross-enrol for any courses that are offered in the themes, but it may be possible to cross-enrol for an elective, as an extra course. Factors to consider in this decision include time commitment/management, ability to juggle more than one program, and organizational skills. Please note, we do offer a variety of add-on courses that cover elective and advanced academic needs.

What about previous credits? I already have some grade 10-12 credits.2019-11-19T21:39:56-08:00

Depending on how many credits you have and what they are, we may be able to accommodate you. But because we are a full-time program, with courses offered in an interdisciplinary way through the themes, it may not be possible. Please email guidance@selfdesign.org with specifics.

I have an Individualized Education Plan. Can I do grades 10-12 at SelfDesign?2019-11-19T21:40:44-08:00

Yes! If you have an individualized education plan, we will work with you and your team to create an individualized plan that is flexible and meets your needs. See our SupportEd FAQ for more info.

How much time do I need per week in grades 10-12 at SelfDesign?2019-11-19T21:43:31-08:00

You’ll need to set aside approximately 20-25 hours a week to participate in our full-time program. Some learners will be able to work through the material in slightly less time, while others may need more time.

What will September look like?2019-11-19T21:44:43-08:00

Learners in grades 10-12 will begin in late August/September working with your learning consultant to reflect on personal goals and experiences. You will then participate together in an orientation process which includes:

  • Tour and practice of technologies used
  • Meet the learning specialists
  • Learning consultant support to select the fall semester theme and register for courses
  • Create and publish artifacts to activate your courses
  • Support to arrive at your theme’s real-time meeting on day one
I’m taking a vacation in September. Can I still do grades 10-12 at SelfDesign?2019-11-19T22:02:42-08:00

Our learners need to begin on time in September. We have an orientation phase planned for September, where you’ll meet your learning consultant, learn about the program, learn to navigate the platform, and begin some orientation challenges. It’s important and advantageous that all learners join us at the start of the learning year.

I’m taking a big trip mid-year. Can I still do grades 10-12 at SelfDesign?2019-11-19T22:04:29-08:00

It depends on the timing, length of trip, access to internet while away, and how organized you are before and after the trip. Because our program can be done online from anywhere, many of our learners have been on the move at some point in the year. However, we are a full-time program that spans the full learning year, and you’ll need to have access to the learning platform and your learning while you are away, or make a clear plan with your learning team. If you have further questions, send a note with specifics to learn10-12@selfdesign.org.

Will I be able to complete the courses required for my post-secondary education?2019-11-19T22:10:34-08:00

You will have access to our full course catalogue and have the ability to satisfy general admission requirements for any post-secondary institution. However, if you are considering direct admission into a specific post-secondary program immediately following completion of your BC Graduation Program, then you should compare those specific admission requirements with our course catalogue to see if they align. You can request support with this through guidance@selfdesign.org.

What if I have completed part of my coursework at another school?2019-11-19T22:15:04-08:00

Completed courses will be transferred over to your record with SelfDesign Learning Community and will apply towards the fulfillment of your BC Graduation Program requirements. We can not offer credit for partial courses done at another school.

What about university requirements for second languages?2019-11-19T22:16:56-08:00

Each department of each university has unique admission requirements; you should always do specific research. However, for general admission to most universities, credit for a second language at the Grade 11 level is usually all that is required.

Does SelfDesign Learning Community offer courses for learners headed to university for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math (STEAM) subjects??2022-01-10T20:20:53-08:00

SelfDesign offers many courses for learners headed to university for STEAM subjects. The new curriculum in BC is vast and varied and there are many options that SelfDesign is not able to offer at the moment. You should compare potential post-secondary program admission requirements against SelfDesign’s course catalogue to check for a good fit. You can request support with this through guidance@selfdesign.org.

Support Services
What is the role of parents/guardians?2022-03-07T08:40:42-08:00

A learner’s parents/guardians, and/or caregivers are important and welcome members of a learner’s support team. They know the child’s needs better than anyone and often have clear ideas as to the types of supports that will facilitate the child’s optimal development. Parents/guardians’ roles include the following:

  • Sharing relevant documentation and coordinating the release of confidential files.
  • Providing invaluable insights in the development of their child’s learning plan and Individual Education Plan.
  • Assisting in the search for external service providers.
  • Ensuring other support workers are contributing in alignment with the Integrated Learning Plan.
  • Maintaining weekly observations in your child’s Portfolio to enable maximum support from the SelfDesign team.
What is the role of the learning consultant (low incidence)?2019-11-19T22:31:15-08:00
  • Creating and monitoring the Integrated Learning Plan and the support services budget, in collaboration with you, and in consideration of both the documentation recommendations and the Ministry guidelines.
  • Reviewing your child’s personal learning plan progress weekly with you and at regular intervals throughout the year during the review process (completed three times a year).
  • Finding appropriate support services providers in your community, in accordance with your child’s Individual Education Plan, and in consultation with yourself and the community professionals working with your child.
  • Communicating with you on a weekly basis, providing ideas and support as appropriate.
  • Maintaining the weekly reflections in your child’s Portfolio, documenting the realization of the Integrated learning plan.
  • Working collaboratively with support providers, and responding to service provider input to the support services communication log.
  • Managing your child’s confidential files and support services folder and keeping all reports, correspondence, and documentation current.
  • Visiting you once in the year, if geographically possible. Your learning consultant (low incidence) will provide both Special Education expertise and educational expertise, in helping to integrate the “regular” part of your child’s educational program with the Special Education support provided. The Support Services team will handle the practical administrative and coordinating aspects. Your first line of contact is always your learning consultant who can refer you to the appropriate person.
What is an Individual Education Plan?2022-01-10T20:22:02-08:00

For learners using Support Services, an Individual Education Plan is created in addition to the Learning Plan to provide specialized support in areas of need. Your learning consultant will discuss Individual Education Plan goals with you, develop short-term objectives, transition plans and identify potential support providers and/or resources. We believe building on the existing strengths of each child is the best way to support a child’s optimal growth and development.

How does funding work?2019-11-19T22:35:07-08:00

The amount of funding available for special education interventions is determined by considering each child’s unique needs and reviewing the recommendations in the documentation.

Funding from the Ministry of Education is intended to cover all aspects of Support Services (supporting learners, teachers, IT and administration). No learner is entitled to a specific amount of funding and the distribution of funds to meet the needs of each learner is the responsibility of SelfDesign, the provider of the educational program.

What are Adapted or Modified Education Programs?2022-01-10T20:24:41-08:00

The Learning Plan must indicate whether a child is using supplemental competencies or replacement competencies.

With supplemental competencies, the learner is engaging with the usual grade level curricular competencies with adaptations and supports to reduce barriers to learning.

With replacement competencies, the learner is engaging with modified, personalized competencies and Learning Plan/Individualized Education Plan goals as their program instead of the usual grade level curricular competencies, so that the child experiences ongoing learning success.

Who hires Support Providers?2022-03-07T08:37:38-08:00

Our Support Services team works in consultation with the parents/guardians to select appropriate support services providers who fit the SelfDesign philosophy, who meet the professional recommendations, and who meet the Ministry criteria.

Support providers are contracted by and work for SelfDesign on behalf of your child. You do not have the right to either hire or fire support providers. Please inform your learning consultant right away if you feel that there needs to be a change in a contract for a support provider.

What is involved with hiring a support provider?2019-11-19T22:39:34-08:00

Each learner is unique, and therefore support will look different for different learners. Your learning consultant will help you understand what interventions are appropriate to include in your child’s Support Services budget, based on guidelines provided to our program from the Ministry of Education, and based on recommendations in the professional documentation

Some examples of the kinds of support providers families request for their children include:

  • 1:1 support from a Special Education Assistant
  • Adapted or modified physical activity instruction
  • Support in community activities
  • Academic support
  • Behavioural support
  • Social skills training
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Psychology services for psychoeducational assessment or behavioural support
  • Therapeutic riding
  • Music or Art Therapy, to address communication, self-regulation, and/or motor-control issues
  • Specialized small group classes or Interventions designed to support children with special needs (modified or adapted), and facilitated by a person with training specific to your child’s needs
  • 1:1 instruction in swimming or gymnastics or other individual sports
  • Specialized small group classes or Interventions designed to support children with special needs (modified or adapted), and facilitated by a person with training specific to your child’s needs
  • 1:1 instruction in swimming or gymnastics or other individual sports speech and language professionals; behavioural interventionists; art therapists; music therapists; counsellors; special education assistants; equine therapists etc.
Support Services Grades 10-12
I’m on an adapted program (using supplemental competencies) and am working toward a Dogwood Diploma. What will grades 10-12 at SelfDesign look like for me?2022-01-10T20:26:58-08:00

Learners using supplemental competencies will choose two themes over the year, one per semester, based on their interests and passions. Your learning consultant and learning specialist will work together, with our grades 10-12 Support Education team, to tailor the program to fit the adaptations and supports you need. This could mean extra support for organizational and executive functioning skills as well as extending timelines on a weekly basis or extending your overall timeline for graduation.

I’m on a modified program (using replacement competencies) and will be working toward a school completion certificate. What are my options for grades 10-12?2022-03-07T08:36:51-08:00

Learners using replacement competencies have a few options. You can choose to join one of the grade 10-12 themes: Developing MySelf 10, Guiding MySelf 11, or Being MySelf 12, where you’ll learn about transitioning to adulthood with an academic focus. There are offerings to stimulate the heart, body, and mind with the goal of generalizing these skills to the learner’s independent environment. You can also choose to join a general program theme based on your interests and your learning consultant and learning specialist will work together with you and your learning team to create an individualized plan for your learning.

For parents/guardians, when a theme is chosen, the theme becomes the foundation of their child’s learning for the year. There are ways to build in your child’s passions and external programs, but the themes are the foundation and require communication and participation. The theme is the base and you can add in additional programming as required for your child. It is a commitment with many benefits and support!

I’m on a combined program, what will my program look like?2020-03-09T17:37:44-07:00

Learners on combined programs will also choose two themes over the year, one per semester, based on your interests and passions. Your learning consultant and learning specialist will work together, with our grades 10-12 Support Education team, to tailor the program to fit your individual needs. This may mean participating in less than three courses at a time and/or using the foundation of the theme to bring in your own interests, goals, and activities. This offers flexibility in timelines, varying the number of challenges and artifacts you’ll do, or extra support for organizational and executive functioning skills.

My goal in a few years is to obtain my Adult Graduation Diploma, what does that look like?2019-11-19T22:54:12-08:00

Connecting with your learning consultant about your goals is important, and is a natural part of the learning plan conversation. Your learning consultant will help you to chart whichever completion path best suits you as a learner. Our guidance team will help support you, your learning consultant and your learning team to make the right decisions and create a plan. An individualized plan will then be created for you, which could mean taking less than three courses at a time, extending timelines on a weekly basis, or extending your overall timeline for graduation.

My child works with a third party service provider, can they successfully participate in the themes?2022-03-07T08:35:51-08:00

Learners who spend time with service providers can participate in our themes. Great communication between the Support Education Assistant or other service providers, learning consultant, learning specialist and parents/guardians is the key to success. All learners in grades 10-12 choose a theme each semester based on interests and passions. Exploring the theme content and developing skills through the weekly challenges can be facilitated by the service providers, in addition to working towards individualized education plan goals.

I have a tutor. Do I have to work on my grade 10-12 theme content with them?2020-03-09T17:35:11-07:00

Yes. This is highly recommended. Some learners will need support to navigate grades 10-12 and publish learning artifacts you are proud of. Having a tutor or Support Education Assistant support is a great idea! Many learners have their own projects on the go as well, and Support Education Assistants and tutors can help you to integrate your passions and interests into grades 10-12 at SelfDesign.

I need some support with organization and time management. Are there any resources to help me in grades 10-12?2020-03-09T17:36:01-07:00

Your learning consultant will be able to offer resources, communicate with your parent/guardian, Support Education Assistant or tutor, and your learning specialist to create systems that work for you. For many learners, this is one of the biggest learning experiences of grades 10-12 at SelfDesign!

SelfDesign Home Learning
Who is SelfDesign Home Learning for?2022-08-15T07:10:23-07:00

SelfDesign Home Learning is the most flexible option if parents/guardians wish to take on the responsibility for their child’s education and are not concerned with B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care requirements.

How large is the SelfDesign Home Learning program?2021-11-04T08:45:09-07:00

The SelfDesign Home Learning program has, on average, 200 to 225 learners registered in the program annually, representing approximately 10 per cent of the total learners registered in B.C. homeschooling programs.

Why do I have to register with SelfDesign Home Learning?2022-03-07T08:32:53-08:00

SelfDesign Home Learning offers an alternative to the SelfDesign Learning Community’s K-12 program where parents/guardians may legally register their child as a homeschooler instead of enrolling them in the SelfDesign Learning Community educational program.

Parents/guardians who choose to homeschool their children are required to register their children in a recognized school pursuant to the provincial school act.

How is SelfDesign Home Learning different from the SelfDesign Learning Community regular kindergarten to Grade 12 program?2022-03-07T08:31:46-08:00
  • Families do not work with an educator.
  • Parents/guardians take responsibility for the learning program and do not report to the school.
  • Learners’ work is not assessed.
  • Learners do not earn credit for courses in grades 10 to 12, nor graduate and earn a high-school diploma.
How is the SelfDesign Home Learning program funded?2022-08-15T07:10:56-07:00

SelfDesign Home Learning receives a nominal fee per learner through the SelfDesign Learning Foundation from the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care.

How do I get more information on SelfDesign Home Learning?2022-03-07T08:31:23-08:00

SelfDesign Home Learning families pursue learning independently. However, each family is offered an opportunity to chat with someone from SelfDesign Learning Community about their decision to homeschool, and they can be directed to local home learning support groups.

To learn more about the SelfDesign Home Learning program, parents/guardians can email homelearning@selfdesign.org.

  • We can also direct you to local homeschooling support groups if you have additional questions about homeschooling your child.
  • Learn more about homeschooling from the B.C. Ministry of Education website.
How do I register for SelfDesign Home Learning?2022-01-10T20:29:11-08:00

SelfDesign Home Learning registration for the 2021/22 learning year can be completed here.

Enrolment
Who is eligible to enrol in SelfDesign Learning Community?2023-07-06T16:19:08-07:00

Children who will be 5 years of age or older as of December 31  of the current learning year and have not yet completed grade 12 are eligible to enrol in the SelfDesign Learning Community.

*Note: If your child has a low-incidence or high-incidence diagnosis or has/had an Individual Education Plan (IEP), or you anticipate needing additional services to support your child, please contact Support Services prior to completing an enrolment application.

When is enrolment open at SelfDesign Learning Community and the SelfDesign Home Learning program?2020-09-01T11:18:14-07:00

Enrolment opens in April for the coming learning year. To be eligible for full learning resources and services amounts, learners must be enrolled before the end of September. After September, learning resources and services will be reduced according to the SelfDesign Learning Community funding schedule.

**Note: Learners registering in the SelfDesign Home Learning program after September 30 will be required to pay a $50 per learner processing fee and are not eligible for any budgeted learning resources.

What documents are required to complete an enrolment application?2023-07-06T16:19:59-07:00

To complete an enrolment application for SelfDesign Learning Community or SelfDesign Home Learning, please visit our enrolment page for more information.

Is there any cost to enrol in SelfDesign Learning Community or SelfDesign Home Learning?2020-09-01T11:17:01-07:00

There is no cost to enrol in SelfDesign Learning Community.

There is no cost to register with SelfDesign Home Learning prior to September 30. To enrol in the SelfDesign Home Learning program after September 30, families are required to pay a $50 per learner processing fee.

The program I wish to enrol in is full. What do I do?2019-11-27T09:55:42-08:00

There are waiting lists available for SelfDesign programs once we have reached our capacity for the current learning year. Please visit our enrolment application and choose the right waiting list for your family.

Can I cross-enroll in SelfDesign Learning Community and another school?2023-07-06T16:20:43-07:00

Learners in kindergarten to grade 7 cannot cross-enrol.

In grades 8 and 9, learners may be able to cross enrol for up to two courses at another school. Families are asked to let SelfDesign know prior to making those arrangements.

In grades 10-12, learners are able to cross-enrol for up to two courses at another school, provided they discuss it with SelfDesign’s guidance team first. Cross-enrolling in 10-12 can have an impact on the courses and themes learners take with SelfDesign.

How will I know if my child has been successfully enrolled?2019-11-27T09:58:48-08:00

Once you complete your enrolment application, our enrolment team will begin processing your information and reach out to you with your next steps. You will receive a final confirmation and welcome email once the enrolment process is complete.

If you have finished your enrolment application but it is not complete, we will not be able to process your application. The application will be delayed while we gather the missing information.

If your learner has ever had an IEP, and/or has needed or will need additional Support Service, do not complete the enrolment application prior to talking with the Support Services team. If you complete the enrolment application and you have not spoken to Support Services, your application will be cancelled and you’ll be put on the waitlist to receive Support Services.

Who do I contact if I have questions about enrolment?2019-11-27T10:21:00-08:00
SelfDesign Path course
Is there a parenting course available for SelfDesign?2022-03-07T08:30:07-08:00

The SelfDesign Path course is available at no cost to all parents/guardians enrolled in SelfDesign. It is a self-paced, online resource that explores the SelfDesign philosophy and how it can apply both to family relationships and to the home learning environment, ensuring that the strength of the parent/child dynamic is maximized in the present and for the future.

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