Student Supports
Warm, supportive relationships are key to student success. Thorough, continual communication and connections are foundational to West Coast Institute programming.
International students, see also the International Student Guide page for student supports specific to your needs.
Learning Support Services and Resources
Supporting Diverse Learning Needs
WCI is committed to supporting diverse learning needs. Experiential learning is a vital element of the WCI ECE program. We provide a student learning style survey at the beginning of the training so that WCI faculty are aware of students’ learning styles and can support alternate responses to assignments. There is flexibility around assignments, and knowing that students learn with many different modalities. There are many opportunities for students to present orally and artistically. Expressing knowledge through the arts is enthusiastically encouraged. There are many opportunities for practical hands-on learning. Woodworking, clay modeling, watercolour painting, movement activities, singing and creating puppets for storytelling are a core feature of the WCI ECE program. When needed, faculty will outline Individualized Education Plans (IEP) to support and guide student learning. Faculty strive to connect, to encourage and facilitate safe inclusive learning opportunities where students know they can express opinions, questions and needs.
Mentors
Each student works with a faculty mentor. The mentor is a point person for the student during their training and coordinates secondary mentor scenarios during practicums.
Individualized Education Plans (IEP)
When needed, program directors and faculty will work with the student to outline Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to support and guide learning for students who are neurodiverse learners, including coaching, ADHD/dyslexia support.
Questions and Discussion classes
A 1.5-hour Questions and Discussion class occurs at the beginning of the in-person summer, fall and winter sessions. These Q and D sessions are embedded in our online learning blocks as well. This is an opportunity for students to speak with the WCI program directors and ask questions regarding the current course offerings and the program.
Instructor/Course Feedback
After each course students fill out instructor/course feedback forms. This feedback provides insight to how students are learning in various courses. The feedback is also helpful in modifying or making improvements to course delivery.
Administrative Assistance
The administrator is available to provide assistance for students with applying to the program or for a study permit, border and travel information and planning, housing and meals, and anything else that arises.
Technical Assistance
Students receive written instructions for accessing WCI’s Google Workspace for Education, and one-one tech support and tutorials. Administrative and ECE program directors are available to tutor students as they navigate curriculum and Google classroom/Zoom rooms. Technical support is readily available for all aspects of the online environment.
Financial Aid Support
WCI students may receive support from the administrator and treasurer to navigate the available loans, grants and scholarships. For more information about loans, grants and scholarships visit the Financial Assistance page.
Documentary Resources
Student Handbook
The WCI EC Student Handbook includes the requirements for successful probation and program completion, policies, rights and responsibilities, contact information, etc.
(WCI EC Student Handbook)
Student Portal
Through a password protected student portal on the WCI website information about session schedules, required supplies, and reading resources are also available.
Google Workspace for Education
Handouts, course outlines and other learning resource materials are provided and are available in Google Classroom in advance of each course. Course outlines provide a description of the course content, learning objectives, required text and materials as well as recommended texts, the method of instruction, the method of student evaluation and completion requirements, ensuring that the students are informed and prepared. These materials are available to students for two years after graduation. Google Workspace for Education written instruction is provided and one-on-one tutorials are readily available on request.
Online Course Recordings
Synchronous online courses are recorded and are available in Google Classroom for students to review at their own convenience after they have attended the online courses live. This is particularly helpful for neurodiverse learners.
Marjorie Thatcher Early Childhood Library
The Marjorie Thatcher Early Childhood Library—named for one of our founders—on the North Vancouver campus has relevant works that support the curriculum for students to borrow.
Education and Program Progression Assistance
Comprehensive Orientation
Students attend a comprehensive orientation with a program director, and receive written materials including the WCI EC Student Handbook that introduces academic expectations and tools, rights and responsibilities, support contacts and WCI policies before starting the program. Requirements for successful probation, progression and program completion are clearly stated as are the actions that will be taken in the event of non-compliance by a student.
(WCI EC Student Handbook)
Attendance Records
Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class and is closely monitored for the duration of a course. Attendance requirements for course completion are clearly outlined in the Requirements for Successful Probation and Program Completion document, which includes the Attendance Policy. This document is in the Student Handbook, which the students receive during orientation, and on the website Policies page. Attendance records are archived in each student’s administrative student file for the duration of their training.
Progression Monitoring & Support
Each student in the WCI ECE program works with a faculty mentor. The mentor is a point person for the student ensuring that they receive the support they need to successfully navigate the program. Before moving to a new term or into the second year, students meet with their faculty mentor to ensure all prerequisites are met and will plan their transition to the workforce following graduation.
Students meet with program directors on a regular basis to ensure all course completion requirements are met. When needed, program directors and faculty will outline Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to support and guide learning for students who are neurodiverse learners, including coaching, ADHD/dyslexia support.
Regulatory and Financial Protections
Policies
All students receive written copies of all key policies (attendance, critical incident & crisis management, dismissal, dispute resolution), rights and responsisbilties before the program begins. WCI’s policies are on the Health & Safety, Policies page. Students have access to the WCI dispute resolution policy process and can seek support through the Private Training Institute Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) in the event of a complaint.
PTIRU Certification
West Coast Institute is certified with the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. Learners entering in the WCI ECE program are made aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Student Tuition Protection
WCI contributes to the Student Tuition Protection Fund, which provides a mechanism for refunds if an institution misleads a student or ceases to be certified.
Health & Safety
Visit the Health & Safety, WCI Policies page page of our website for information about mental and physical health, safety, etc.
Summer Session Location Information
The summer sessions are held at the Sunrise Waldorf School in Duncan, a historic community in the heart of the Cowichan Valley on southern Vancouver Island. The city is the traditional home of the Cowichan (Quw̓utsun̓) Tribes, the largest First Nations band in BC. and is world-famous for its outdoor gallery of over 40 hand-carved totem poles. These monuments, created by Cowichan Tribes and other Indigenous artists, tell ancestral stories and line the downtown streets. While its city-limit population is only about 5,047, it serves as the commercial and cultural hub for a regional population of nearly 90,000 and has a bustling downtown filled with Victorian-era buildings, boutique shops, and artisanal eateries. The Sunrise Waldorf School is located about 9 km from the city centre—10 minutes by car, and 30 minutes by public transportation, which is limited.
Meals & Housing
Driving & Travel
Sunrise Waldorf School
2148 Lakeside Rd
Duncan, BC V9L 6M3, Canada
Public Transportation
Visit the Translink website for more information and their Trip Planner to plan your trip.
November & February Sessions Location Information
The November & February Sessions sessions are held at the Vancouver Waldorf School in North Vancouver, a scenic and affluent community located on the North Shore of the Burrard Inlet, directly across from downtown Vancouver. North Vancouver is known for hiking and skiing trails in the forested North Shore Mountains, including Grouse Mountain, whose Skyride cable car offers sweeping city views. High suspension bridges straddle popular Capilano Canyon and tranquil Lynn Canyon. Near the terminal of the SeaBus ferry, which takes you to downtown Vancouver, Lonsdale Quay Market is home to shops and a mix of food vendors. The Vancouver Waldorf School is located 5 km from the SeaBus terminal—approximately 12 minutes by car, and 20 minutes by public transportation; North Vancouver has an extensive public transportation system.
Meals & Housing
Driving & Travel
Both November sessions and the second February session are held at the Vancouver Waldorf School
2725 St Christophers Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7K 2B6, Canada
Map of Vancouver Waldorf School
Public Transportation
Visit the Translink website for more information and their Trip Planner to plan your trip.
West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy
Email: info(at)westcoastinstitute.org
Tel: 604-740-0539