Cedar Walk Program

Program Description:

Cedar Walk provides a respectful, safe, and culturally relevant environment to address the needs of Aboriginal students who have an extended history of non-engagement in school.  A vocational focus helps students learn pre-employment skills and provides work experience opportunities.  Cedar Walk provides social, emotional, mental health, physical and spiritual support to students through sports and recreation, arts and crafts, aboriginal cultural enrichment, field trips, A&D support, life skills and health information.

Student Profile:

Aboriginal youth ages 15 - 18 years old in the care of MCFD and/or Aboriginal delegated agency and youth that have ongoing MCFD and/or Aboriginal delegated agency involvement.  These youth present social, emotional, behavioural and/or cognitive difficulties, and have been unsuccessful in a regular secondary school or other alternative program.  They also require a team approach which includes but is not limited to school staff, Social Worker, Probation Officer, parent/caregiver, mental health worker and/or one-to-one worker to help them to be successful.  Students referred to this program meet the Ministry of Education criteria for designation in the “H” category.

Academic Goal:

Student progress is managed through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process which involves the student, the parent/caregiver and program staff. Cedar Walk students can complete grades 8, 9 and 10.  Adaptations and modifications are made where necessary to meet the needs of the students.  Academic upgrading and job readiness skills are an integral aspect of the Cedar Walk Program.  In addition to providing educational programming, the program staff is dedicated to working individually with students to focus on their social, emotional and mental health needs.  Transition Plans will be developed to provide transition to a senior alternative program, a vocational program, or employment.

Referral Process:

Referrals from MCFD or Aboriginal delegated agency Social Worker or Probation Officer are emailed to the MCFD Youth Services Community Liaison.  Referrals are accepted on an on-going basis and reviewed by a MCFD/VSB screening committee to determine eligibility, placement and priority.

Program Capacity and Staffing:

Cedar Walk enrolls 20 students and has 1 VSB Teacher, 2 Youth and Family Workers, and 1 Program Manager employed by Urban Native Youth Association.

Location:

Address:                       331 East Broadway, Vancouver, B.C.  V5T 1W5

Telephone:                    604-708-9130

Fax:                              604-708-9160

Administering School:    Britannia Secondary School