ACCESS Adult Choices in Continuing Education Support Services Continuing Education Program Shannon Tegart B.Ed.

Who is ACCESS for? Those who experience difficulty with school due to mental illness/addiction Wish to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Must have Grade 8) Need a structured environment in which to complete course work and soft skills. Referral from agency, Dr. or hospital/clinic NOT necessary; self-referrals are accepted. (Some restrictions based on level of literacy)

Mental Illnesses Include: Anxiety Disorders (any) ADHD/ADD/Conduct Disorders Addictions (any) Bipolar Disorder Spectrum BPD, other personality disorders Depressive Disorders DID Eating Disorders OCD (affective or personality) Psychosis Schizophrenia Schizoaffective Disorder Others ***Students must be participating in treatment for the illness or be able to demonstrate the ability to function in the classroom*** *Does not include Intellectual/ Developmental Disorders

Why should adult students go to school, anyway? Most jobs require either that you have or are working on a secondary school diploma. Students can also learn about the workforce. It helps prepare for college/ apprenticeship work. A GED or “equivalency” does not carry much weight on a resume. “Mature student test” does not grant OSSD credits. Develops the important “soft skills” needed to succeed

“Soft Skills… Going to school helps obtain and nurture skills such as: organization, time management, independence, flexibility, Effective communication, confidence, Self-esteem, social skills, goal setting, responsibility problem solving and learning how to learn

ACCESS Offers… Individual programs PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) Senior compulsory courses and electives Co-Op

How is ACCESS different? Accommodates for attendance issues due to illness, relapse, medication, medical and agency appointments, etc., on a case by case basis, Part time classes, Structured environment (as opposed to home study) with a teacher present to assist. A teacher who understands mental illness and its challenges. (Mental Health first Aid, education in Psychology and Mental Illness as well as First Nations Education),

How is ACCESS different? Continued… Students have one year to complete courses, Relaxed, low stress environment, Students work at their own pace on independent courses.

Expectations 9 am – 1:30 pm with 3 breaks. Punctuality, communication expected, ACCESS is NOT a drop-in centre, nor is it a correspondence program. Students must be able to commit to attending all week. Special circumstances, allowances can be arranged on a case by case basis for attendance.

What is the ACCESS classroom like? Relaxed and accepting environment! COFFEE etc. for break times, Microwave for hot snacks, Four computers for student use, Support workers are welcome in the classroom, Natural light from large windows, Plants, library, internet....

What is the teacher like? Bachelor of Education, qualified under the Ontario College of Teachers, University foci in Psychology and Native Studies, College courses in Adult Learning and Mental Health and Illness, Also teaches secondary school courses for in-patients of the Regional Mental Health Centre, 20 years of teaching experience.

What is the teacher like? Continued… Understands how adults learn, Understands pressures and obstacles the students deal with on a regular basis, Dedicated to continuous professional development in both the areas of Mental Health and in teaching adult learners, Flexible, fair yet firm. Allows and encourages students to work as independently as possible.

When can a student begin classes at ACCESS? Anytime - Continuous enrolment, Enrolment takes place in the ACCESS classroom, with or without support worker, and begin immediately. Registration consists of an enrolment form, mature credit application and orientation package. Transcripts will be retrieved by LLC staff.

What do students need to graduate? 18 Compulsory courses 12 electives 30 total credits Forty community service hours (depending on age), Provincial literacy course.

Elective Courses Offered: Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology Basic Computer use Navigating the Workplace Entrepreneurship Introduction to Business Canadian Law Designing Your Future World Religions Native Studies Parenting Family Studies Leadership and Peer Support Working with Children Art General Science Biology Healthy Living and MORE Dual Credit courses in the trades, community social work courses

Co-op Earn credits while WORKING (after school, weekends) Co-op credit courses can now be paid positions  Get the job first, then ask to do the co-op. Must be partnered with an academic course to be credited.

PLAR Program PLAR stands for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. PLAR gives credit for life experience (mature credit). Life experience includes work, raising a family, courses and certificates, volunteering, club membership, entrepreneurship etc.

Dual Credit courses at Canadore Some basic courses at Canadore are offered in the afternoon after regular class. Those who are accepted into the DC program will receive: Free new work boots (trades), Free transportation from the school to the college and then home.

How Are The Classes Organized? First part of the morning is spent working on an elective that everyone can use, taught in class format. There is a 15 min break during this time. 11 am: students work on their independent courses Lunch is at 11:30 Noon: students continue working on their independent courses. There is a 15 min. break. Class dismissed at 1:30.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings before class, a Smudge is held outside for the Aboriginal students and anyone who wishes to participate.

Re-cap: How does ACCESS achieve success for students? Works with a variety of community support agencies, Ensures the students receive the best possible assistance in reaching their goals, Structured, yet relaxed and welcoming environment with a teacher present, Accommodation is made for attendance issues due to illness, medical, agency or other appointments etc., Courses and expectations are geared toward the individual, Students work at their own pace.

How to contact ACCESS Best choice: Call me ( Shannon Tegart) on my cell 705-477-9484 Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm. Or at shannon.tegart@nearnorthschools.ca OR come to main office at Laurentian Learning Centre and ask to speak to me specifically.

How does one get to ACCESS? Taking the bus: Graniteville bus from the terminal to the Mackay stop on Trout Lake Road. Students are advised to be careful crossing Trout Lake Road. Walk down Mackay past the church, Laurentian Learning Centre can been seen. Students must use the front doors to enter the school and sign in. Go down the hall to room 9  last one on the left!