FAQs (Online COOP)

RESPONSES TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When and where are the next information sessions?
The information sessions take place in late August and September (Semester 1), October and November (Quad 2/3) and December and January (Semester 2).

See website for dates and locations.

Only COMPLETE applications will be considered. Registration closes when we reach our max. class size.
The fall term begins in September.
The Quad 2/3 begins in November.
The spring term begins in February.

2. Where is the City Adult Learning Centre (CALC)?
Our school is located at 1 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4K 1M8 on the southwest corner of Broadview and Danforth (diagonally across from Broadview subway station).
Edvance Guidance is located in C-Square (the low building above the staff parking lot).
The co-op office is in Room 113 located in the main building. There is NO student or visitor parking so we strongly recommend that you use the TTC.

3. Can I still do the Ed-Vance Co-op program if I am over 20 years old?
No, you must be 20 at the start of the Ed-Vance program. There is a co-op program in the adult school that you would be eligible to enroll in however it is fulltime days, volunteering and it is NOT online. It is called CanEX Co-op. You can read about the program at www.calconline.net/canexcoop or contact Darrell.cowan@tel.tdsb.on.ca. To listen to a phone message about upcoming CanEx Co-op info sessions you can also call 416-393-9740 ext. 20007.

4. Can I still do the program if I am under 18 years old?
If you are turning 18 during the term and have two good references you may apply but you will only be given ‘conditional’ acceptance with a contract relating to your academic and work performance and strict deadlines. This program requires a high-degree of self-motivation, independent work, and maturity both on the job and in completing the coursework online without a teacher’s direct supervision.
If you are 17 and under, contact the guidance counsellors or vice-principal of your home school and ask about your co-op or alternative school options or contact the TDSB Secondary School Placement Centre which assists students 15 – 20 years of age looking for a second chance or returning to school after a period of time. They make referrals to appropriate secondary schools/programs. Call 416-393-9300.

5. How many credits can I earn in the Ed-Vance Co-op program?
Students can earn up to six credits. Credits are issued on the basis of the student completing all of the coursework, getting a positive evaluation from the placement supervisor, and meeting the expectations of the Personalized Placement Learning Plan relating learning and work activities back to the student’s original courses. If those requirements are met, credits are issued at approximately one credit per 100 hours worked. A student who is already in a paid position working 40 hours a week can usually achieve six credits over the term. A full-time (40 hour) workweek without compensation is NOT recommended for our volunteer students. We usually aim for two to four credits for volunteering students, keeping in mind that it sometimes takes a few weeks to find a placement.

6. How much does it cost to do Ed-Vance Co-op?
The online course itself has no charge. However, to be a part of the Ed-Vance program there is a $40 student activity fee, which applies for the academic year (September-June). This non-refundable fee, payable by debit card, Visa or MasterCard applies to every student and covers the costs of programs like the weight room, intramural sports (seasonal sports include basketball and soccer), wrestling program, film club, drama and dance coaching, online gaming club, and more, all of which you are invited to participate in.

7. How do I register for Ed-Vance Co-op?
If you are between 17 and 20 years of age, with more than five credits, you must attend one of the information sessions (dates listed on the website). After the information sessions we will be meeting with candidates to administer assessment tests and take in applications. You need to bring your transcripts, your Canadian birth certificate or citizenship, healthcard, a pen, and $40 student activity fee. Students will be advised of their status within one week of the application.

8. What are the Ed-Vance Co-op term dates?
Ed-Vance Co-op runs on a regular semester system unlike the Ed-Vance quadmester program at CALC of which it is a part. Ed-Vance Co-op runs for 18 weeks.

September to end of January*
Mid November to mid April*
February to end of June*

*Please note that Ed-Vance Co-op’s actual work placements start later than most other school terms but students will have responsibilities during the preceding weeks which will involve coming to school for an orientation and pre-placement class, as well as completing online assignments.

9. Can I use co-op credits towards my compulsory credits?
A new Ministry of Education initiative allows you to use up to two co-op credit towards compulsory requirements in Group 1, Group 2 or Group 3. The rest of your co-op credits will be issued as ‘elective’ credits, You will need to discuss your transcript with a coop teacher.

10. How many credits do I need to do the Ed-Vance Co-op course ?
Ed-Vance Co-op is part of the Ed-Vance program for students who have not achieved the number of credits expected for their age and it is recommended that students have at least five credits in order to be successful in this course. The main reason is that co-op credits are linked to learning from classes that you have already successfully achieved, so you need to have enough credits on your transcripts for your teacher to link this learning to your responsibilities at the job placement. For example, as a cashier at a grocery store you would be employing math skills, English skills.

11. I already have some co-op credits, am I allowed to take more co-op?
Yes. You can have up to 12 elective credits and up to two compulsory credits used as co-op credits towards your OSSD, although it is highly recommended that you do not do so. Your secondary school education offers you the chance to experience a number of different subject areas, any of which might be of interest to you in determining a future career.

12. I already did CALC’s Ed-Vance Co-op, is there another level?
Yes, we have a Coop Part 2 using a course called GPP. This is a leadership course. You must have achieved a final mark of at least 70% in your Ed-Vance Coop part 1 course and have the recommendation of your coop teacher in order to apply.

13. Can I do Ed-Vance Co-op to get work experience if I already have my OSSD or 30 credits?
No. The government has allocated funds to this program to help students achieve their OSSD and you have already had success in achieving your diploma. Consider approaching companies on your own and volunteering your time in return for valuable work experience.

14. Can these hours of work count towards my community volunteer hours?
No. Your community hours requirement for your OSSD has to be for the COMMUNITY, not for your reward in the form of school credits or pay.

15. Will you help me find a paying job for my placement?
No. Once you are registered in the program we can look over your resume and cover letters, brainstorm ideas and offer you some advice, but we cannot directly assist you in finding paid employment.

16. Will you help me find a volunteer position for my placement?
Yes. Once registered, your co-op teacher will assist you in your efforts to secure a volunteer position but you will be doing most of the ‘legwork’. We require the students to do some research on that industry and come up with a list of companies and contacts, which we will review with the student to determine a course of action. It is part of the co-op course requirements that you prepare a resume and cover letter, and complete applications and perform interviews.

17. Can I use my existing paying job for my placement?
Yes, if it meets our requirements. Furthering your knowledge with an existing job is ideal.
 Your employer must agree to take part and provide a supervisor for you that will liaise with your teacher
 Your employer must allow the teacher to visit you on site during the work week and must be reachable by phone.
 Your job must meet the TDSB requirements in terms of safety and suitability.
 Your employer must be paying your Worker’s WSIB Insurance (as is required by law in Ontario) and as evidenced by paycheques that document income tax deductions, CPP etc.
 Your job must be in the ‘M’ postal code area.

18. Can students get placements with the police, fire or emergency response departments?
The TDSB does have a co-op relationship with the Toronto police, fire and EMS departments. Those positions are extremely competitive, and are best applied for well in advance (six months or so) by students with high marks and excellent attendance. Because the deadlines for applying are well ahead of the scheduling of our unique online program you may wish to apply for this while still in your home school. IF you manage to independently secure a coveted spot with one of these departments and want to work online with us, contact us.

19. Are there limitations to the kinds of jobs a student can do?
Yes. There are limitations to the kinds of jobs that the TDSB feels are appropriate for our students, either paid or unpaid. Work placements must be in safe environments, free of discrimination, and meet the moral and ethical expectations of the TDSB. Some positions deemed unacceptable would include roofing or working on scaffolding, or in a constricted area such as a tunnel or container. Final confirmation of the placement’s acceptance or refusal will only come a few weeks into the program after the paperwork has been filed with the TDSB main office.

That said, our students who work in suitable environments can enjoy a wide-range of opportunities in the workplace, mentored by supervisors but performing tasks as challenging and wide-ranging as those done by paid adult employees.

20. Can I work the night/weekend shift?
If you are a PAID employee and if you have a varying schedule and only work nights/weekends OCCASIONALLY, then yes you can works these shifts while enrolled in Ed-Vance Co-op. You would need at least two day shifts per week to coordinate the scheduling of teacher monitoring visits during school hours.

If you are a paid employee your worker’s WSIB insurance is covered by your employer and available to you should an injury occur in the evening hours. (As opposed to volunteer insurance which is covered by the Ministry of Education and only available during weekdays when school is in session).

21. My job is outside of Toronto. Can I use it for Ed-Vance Co-op?
No. The Ed-Vance Co-op program is offered by CALC Secondary School, which is a school in the Toronto District School Board. Therefore, our students and placements must be within the M postal code or within the 416 and 647 area codes for phone numbers. Contact your local school board to see if they have a similar program. Placements outside of Toronto, requires excessive travel time for your teacher which takes time away from other students, costs the board more money, and requires a further commitment from the teacher. Consideration may be made but it is at the coop teacher’s discretion.

22. I live outside of Toronto. Can I still do the program?
Yes, provided you are committed to meeting the time and travel requirements of your Toronto-based placement and mandatory visits to the school for classes. You might consider looking into similar programs within your own local school board.

23. What does ‘online’ co-op mean?
Instruction and content is delivered on-line. Weekly assignments are completed and submitted on-line. There are three to four mandatory in school classes you must attend. Each has a choices of a morning or afternoon class. The final exam must be written in person, at the school, and is scheduled during the day.

24. Do I need a home computer?
No. but it is highly recommended. The course is web-based and is available through eLearning Ontario. You will require internet access which can be done through any computer. We can offer access to school computers but this should be arranged through your teacher. You cannot do this course on a smart phone.

25. Do I need to be a computer whiz?
No. The eLearning Ontario program is very user friendly and fairly simple and there is an orientation assignment at the beginning of the course that walks you through the program. If you use email on a regular basis, know how to surf the web, and have used word processing software you have sufficient computer skills for this program.

26. Can I do this program if I need ESL support?
The level of reading and writing involved in the research and assignments of this course require fairly
comprehensive English literacy skills. Students must pass an assessment or have at least grade 10 applied English before participating in the course. ESLD is considered equivalent to grade 9 and ESLE is considered equivalent to grade 10.

27. Can I do this program if I need Special Education support?
The Ed-Vance program is an accelerated credit earning program and does not offer special education support. Coursework is done independently (offsite) by the student. Students must pass an assessment or have at least grade 10 applied English and grade 10 applied Math before participating in the course. That said, Ed-Vance teachers are dedicated to student success and accommodations will be made where feasible so talk to the co-op teachers and keep in mind that your choice of placement should reflect your abilities.

28. Can I do this program if I have a disability?
The coursework itself is online so it may be ideal for those with physical disabilities or limitations, provided the student has ready access to a personal computer and internet access. Talk to a co-op teacher about your specific requirements. Your insights will be integral to securing an appropriate placement.

29. Is there an IN school alternative to earning six credits in a term?
Yes. We are part of the Ed-Vance accelerated credit program for 18-20 year olds. The program offers compulsory courses (English, Math etc) and a variety of elective courses (Business, Dance, Drama, Music, Phys. Ed., Philosophy, Photography, Web Design etc). Students can earn three credits every nine week quadmester (achieving up to 12 credits per school year). Classes begin at 8:45am and end at 3:30pm. Registration begins in late Aug, mid- October, mid-January and late March. Call the Ed-Vance Guidance office to book an appointment for an info session at (416-393-9740 ext. 20048).

30. Does CALC offer summer school co-op?
Ed-Vance Co-op is not offered in the summer time. However, the TDSB does have a Summer School Co-op run on the traditional volunteer model. Interested participants should inquire through their home school guidance department as early as January. Refer to www.tdsb.on.ca.

ONLINE COOP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 When and where are the next information sessions?
2 Where is the City Adult Learning Centre (CALC) located?
3 Can I still do the Ed-Vance Co-op program if I am over 20 years old?
4 Can I still do the program if I am under 18 years old?
5 How many credits can I earn in the Ed-Vance Co-op program?
6 How much does it cost to do Ed-Vance Co-op?
7 How do I register for Ed-Vance Co-op?
8 What are the Ed-Vance Co-op term dates?
10 How many credits do I need to do the Ed-Vance Co-op course?

9 Can I use co-op credits towards my compulsory credits?

11 I already have some co-op credits, am I allowed to take more?
12 I already did Ed-Vance Co-op, is there another level?
13 Can I do Ed-Vance Co-op to get work experience if I already have my OSSD or 30 credits?
14 Can these hours count towards my community volunteer hours?
15 Will you help me find a paying job for my placement?
16 Will you help me find a volunteer position for my placement?
17 Can I use my existing paying job for my placement?
18 Can students get placements with the police, fire or emergency response department?
19 Are there limitations to the kinds of jobs a student can do?
20 Can I work the night shift?
21 What if my job is outside of Toronto?
22 I live outside of Toronto, can I still do the program?
23 What does ‘online’ co-op mean?
24 Do I need a home computer?
25 Do I need to be a computer whiz?
26 Can I do this program if I need ESL support?
27 Can I do this program if I need Special Education support?
28 Can I do this program if I have a disability?
29 Is there an IN school alternative to earning six credits in a term?
30 Does CALC offer summer school co-op?