Sr Alternate Program

Senior Alternate Program Application: PDF Application and/or Google Document

Philosophy

The Senior Alternate program supports diverse students aged 15–19 who are experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges. It focuses on building resilience, confidence, and life skills to help students successfully transition to graduation, employment, trades, apprenticeships, or post-secondary education. Participation in the program does not negatively impact a student’s school record.

Program Goals

  • Provide flexible, caring support for students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs
  • Help students build self-awareness, confidence, and personal growth
  • Support positive pathways to graduation (BC Dogwood graduation or Adult graduation), further education, or employment
  • Encourage resilience through strong, lasting relationships in school and the community

Program Objectives

  • Build self-awareness, resilience, and empathy
  • Support social, emotional, and behavioral well-being, including self-regulation and positive decision-making
  • Develop healthy relationships and strong work habits
  • Provide flexible, individualized learning to help students achieve their academic goals

Program Components

The program offers:

  • Required academic courses toward the BC Dogwood Diploma, along with a selection of electives
  • Options for students to also take courses through mainstream classes, work experience, apprenticeship, or dual credit programs, and online learning during supported tutorial time
  • Smaller classes paced to meet individual needs, with flexible scheduling, academic support, and opportunities to build community through group activities
  • A dedicated Social/Emotional Learning Support teacher and Youth Support Workers who provide additional support, including emotional guidance, advocacy, and connections to community resources, as well as access to nutrition programs.

Program Prerequisites

The Alternate Education candidate should:

  • Be 15-19 years of age;
  • Have a documented history of social, emotional, and/or behavior difficulties that have interfered with normal school progress and for which intensive intervention is required
  • Be involved with or be willing to be referred (as needed) to agencies or organizations that specialize in particular areas of need, such as:
    • Saplings
    • Community Bridge
    • Youth/Adult Mental Health
    • Child and Youth Mental Health
    • Ministry of Children and Family Development.
  • Be willing to examine and improve social, emotional, and behavioral aspects of self
  • Be willing, motivated, and desirous of the placement
  • Sign a performance contract upon entry, which articulates academic and behavioral expectations

Referral and Admission Process

  • Referrals may come from parents/guardians, students, school staff, counselors, or outside agencies
  • A completed application and recommendation form (from a school or agency professional) is required
  • Applications must be submitted before the school-based team reviews for placement
  • An intake interview is held with the student and their parent/guardian or a trusted adult/support person (e.g., caregiver, social worker, or advocate), along with the program team
  • The school-based team reviews each application and determines placement or waitlist status
  • Students and their parent/guardian or support person are informed of the decision and, if needed, supported in exploring other options