HWDSB is Recruiting Roots of Empathy Facilitators
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) has a long relationship with Roots of Empathy (ROE) in our schools, and we value this evidence-based program in supporting the development of social and emotional skills of children from kindergarten to grade eight. We facilitate this program in our schools through educators, community partners, and volunteers.
The “teacher” of ROE is a baby who comes into the classroom with the ROE facilitator and parent(s). The baby will be 2-4 months old at the start of the program, and the class will have the unique opportunity of watching the child grow and develop while having lessons on empathy throughout the process. The classroom teacher is always in the room while the facilitator is working with the class, and the teacher will extend the learning they observe into their classroom between visits to reinforce the content.
The ROE program commitment is 27 weeks, running between October and June. The classroom educators and the ROE facilitator will negotiate a mutually agreed upon schedule. Each lesson is up to 40 minutes. Each facilitator is required to provide a vulnerable sector screen available through your local police department. For more information on Roots of Empathy, you can visit its website.
What can I expect as ROE facilitator?
- A pre-interview with ROE staff to discuss the program and answer your questions
- Three days of training through ROE before being assigned to a school
- ROE mentor and HWDSB staff available to provide support throughout the school year and assist with preparation of materials for classroom visits
- A follow up training sessions offered later in the school year
- Mentoring and networking sessions will be available to provide an opportunity to focus on the content with others facilitating the program
Please note that ROE has been responsive to COVID-19 by creating an online model of the program. HWDSB will follow the direction of Public Health on visitors into schools. If visitors are permitted the program can take place in the classroom, but if schools are not permitted visitors then the program will take place on line.
If becoming an ROE facilitator sounds interesting to you, then follow the link to sign up with your expression of interest before June 18. If it is after June 18 your information will be captured, and you will still be contacted for follow up. This is not a commitment to do the program, but a commitment to a conversation about the program. A HWDSB staff will reach out to answer any questions you may have before we pass your contact information along to the ROE office.
Links:
ROE volunteer recruitment June 2021
Updated on Thursday, June 10, 2021.