Partnership Application for Third Party Professionals and Paraprofessionals, including the District Mental Health Strategy

Please provide information with respect to the following categories:

Duplication of Board Services

The services that third party professionals/paraprofessionals are proposing to provide are not to be in conflict with any provisions of collective agreements with Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board staff. Third party professionals/paraprofessionals are expected to demonstrate how the services to be provided enhance, but do not duplicate, current services provided by Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

Equity

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is committed to ensuring that all policies, guidelines, and operating practices actively demonstrate a respect for the principles of anti-classism and socio-economic equity. Pleave view our Equity Policy.

Respect for all HWDSB Policies and Contracts

All third party professionals/paraprofessionals that provide services on HWDSB property are required to review and comply with HWDSB Code of Conduct Policy. View our Respectful Working and Learning Environments.

Liability Insurance

HWDSB requires proof of insurance against civil litigation alleging incompetence, professional error, omissions or charges laid by professional colleagues, parents/guardians or students. A copy of the insurance must be provided to the Board once the proposal has been approved.

Conflict Resolution

The student’s progress and well-being must be the primary focus of all parties. It is essential that any conflict that arises during the process be communicated to the school principal in a timely manner, such that conflicts can be addressed and resolved quickly. Effective communication is the key to resolving conflicts as they arise. If the conflict cannot be resolved at the school level, system level staff may also be called upon to provide assistance.

In addition to adhering to policies outlined in their own agency, any person entering a school to provide services to students are accountable to the school principal in regards to their professional conduct and interactions with students, teachers, parents and other educational staff. Ultimately, as outlined in Regulation 298 in the Education Act the principal will ultimately be responsible for the activities of the third party professional/paraprofessional.

While operating within the school, agency personnel shall abide by relevant protocols, including: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Human Rights Policies, Abide by Duty to Report Suspected Child Abuse, and School Code of Conduct. More information can be found here.

A partnership is a mutually beneficial, reciprocal supportive arrangement between a school or school board and a community service provider. Partnerships are the relationships that add human or material resources through services/supports that ultimately lead to improved student learning. Through partnerships we seek to improve school programs, school climate as well as providing services to our families and students. Ultimately, well functioning, healthy individuals are able to make contributions to the betterment of our community.

Termination Procedure

Partnership agreements can be terminated by any of the partnering organizations with appropriate notice of termination. Specifics related to the termination of partnerships must be detailed in the partnership agreement. The process and time frame for termination of a partnership will be included in the written partnership agreement. (refer to HWDSB’s A Guide to Educational Partnerships pg. 66).

I the undersigned, declare that:

• The information in this application is accurate and complete
• The application is made on behalf of the organization named on page one (1) with its full knowledge and consent;