Classroom Program - Roles and Responsibilities

The success and strength of this program is based in a strong partnership between the teachers and the family (parent and child), as well as a cooperative spirit between families that builds and nourishes a healthy, rich learning community. Parents, teachers and children each hold specific responsibilities in this partnership.

Teacher Responsibilities

• Plan, facilitate and supervise classroom activities;
• Set up and maintain classroom (with parent helper assistance);
• Communicate with parents about programming;
• Follow the non-coercive philosophy of the program and work respectfully with children and parents in an honest and open manner;
• Facilitate ongoing discussion with children and plan some collective projects and classes together;
• Plan and supervise (with parent assistance) core program fieldtrips;
• Within program foundational parameters, make decisions regarding individual students and families;
• Together with planning council make decisions about the program as a whole;
• Facilitate conflict resolution in the classroom and program based group activities;
• Prepare and deliver parent workshops to provide insight and resources to parents in supporting their children’s learning;
• Order and purchase materials for the classroom and program;
• Meet with each family at least once a term to create a learning plan, evaluate learning outcomes and to share ideas and insight;
• Complete official records pertaining to classroom time as required by the Ministry and school board;
• Various administrative tasks as needed;
• Partake in an annul performance review to be overseen by a team of parents and engage with feedback in an open manner.
• Attend Parent Program meeting each term and talk to parents about the plans for the term;
• Ensure reporting meets Ministry requirements.

Parent Responsibilities

• Provide registration documentation;
• Classroom support and cleaning shifts as scheduled (approx 1-2 half days/month/child);
• Keep and submit records of learning time outside centre time as directed by teachers;
• One parent job per family;
• Attend one individual family meeting with teacher(s) each term;
• To work respectfully and in a non-coercive manner with all children and adults in the program;
• Meet with the teacher to discuss any problems or concerns.
• Agree to participation in FSA testing for all grade 4 and 7 students (see teacher for details and non-competitive approach to this government mandated test.)
• Assist with general and seasonal clean-up;

In addition, it is great if parents:

• Attend some of the family fieldtrips, performances and special events;
• Participate in Parent Learning Workshops;
• Share your skills with others informally and through workshops;
• Help supervise fieldtrips;
• Provide thoughtful feedback.
• Help out as needed.

Student Responsibilities

• Take an active role in planning and discussing their own learning;
• Help with classroom jobs as appropriate;
• Take part in classroom activity or in independent activity;
• Engage with others in a peaceful and respectful manner and participate in conflict resolution when the need arises;
• Share their ideas and insights about their own learning and the program;