1. When and where are the next information sessions?
The information sessions take place in late June or late August (Quad1), October (Quad 2) December and early January (Quad 3) March and early April (Quad 4)
See website for dates and locations.
Only COMPLETE applications will be considered. Registration closes when we reach our max. class size.
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 ONE QUAD Edvance Co-op program if I am over 20 years old?
No, you must be 20 at the start of the Edvance program. There is a co-op program in the adult school that you would be eligible to enroll in however it is semestered (Quads 1 and 2 or Quads 3 and 4). 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. Visit our website for upcoming CanEx Co-op info sessions or 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 Quad 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.
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 ONE QUAD EdVance Co-op program?
Students can earn two coop credits. Credits are issued on the basis of the student completing and passing 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. Students must attend 5 consecutive classes at the beginning of the Quad and work 200 hours at their placement over 7 weeks. Students are expected to attend Integration classes every second Wednesday. Most positions will be volunteer but there is a possibility to use a paid job as long as it is approved by the coop teacher and meets specific criteria.
6. How much does it cost to do ONE QUAD EdVance Co-op?
To be a part of the ONE QUAD Edvance co-op 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 EdVance Co-op?
If you are between 17.5 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, health card, a pen, and $40 student activity fee. Students will be advised of their status within one week of the application.
8. What are the ONE QUAD EdVance Co-op dates?
ONE QUAD Edvance Co-op runs on a regular quadmester system. Each Edvance Quad runs for 9 weeks.
September to mid November.
Mid November to the end of January.
February to mid April.
Mid April to the end of June.
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 Edvance Co-op course?
ONE QUAD EdVance Co-op is part of the EdVance 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. It is recommended that you have an English credit and a Grade 10 Careers Studies credit.
11. I already have some co-op credits, am I allowed to take more co-op?
Yes. This will depend on which Co-op credits you have achieved. A maximum of 2 compulsory credits can be achieved through Co-op and a maximum of 8 elective credits through the various EdVance Coop courses.
12. I already did CALC’s ONE QUAD Edvance Co-op, is there another co-op program?
Yes, we have a Edvance Online Co-op. This is a semestered program and you can earn up to 6 elective credits. The online course is GWL301 (Designing Your Future). You must have achieved a final mark of at least 70% in your ONE QUAD Edvance Coop course and have the recommendation of your coop teacher in order to apply.
13. Can I do ONE QUAD Edvance 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 much of the ‘legwork’. For this program the ideal placement is in a retail setting. 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 but these are semestered programs and done through our online co-op course. Applications are due in May/June for September placement and November for February placement. These positions are extremely competitive, and are best applied for well in advance May/June for September placement and November for February placement 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. 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?
It is NOT recommended that you work night or weekend shifts for your ONE QUAD Edvance Co-op placement. Consult with your Co-op teacher if you are going to use a paid job as your placement. Your job MUST be in Toronto and have weekday shifts.
21. Can I do this program if I need ESL support?
ESL students must have completed ELSE to be considered for this program.
22. Can I do this program if I need Special Education support?
The Edvance program is an accelerated credit earning program and does not offer special education support. Students who do not have at least grade 10 applied English or ELSE and grade 10 applied Math must do an assessment before being considered for acceptance into the co-op program. EdVance teachers are dedicated to student success and accommodations will be made where feasible.