Supervisor/  Employer FAQ's

1) When will the student start?

During the each academic school year, the school runs on a semestered system.  Each semester, the Co-op program will run as follows:

• Semester 1: Mid-September to Mid-January 

• Semester 2: Mid-February to Mid-June

2) What hours does the student work?

The hours may vary slightly depending on what works best for you, and sometimes the student. Once every two/three weeks, the student will have a "school" or "in class" day where they will not be at work/placement.

• Morning co-op students will work approximately 9:00am to 12:00pm

• Afternoon co-op students will work approximately 1:00pm-4:00pm

• Full Day Co-op (4 credit students) will work 6 hours daily for placement days (Start and finish hours are negotiated with supervisor).

3) What training does this student receive at school?

Students receive basic health and safety and WHMIS training at school. We also discuss labour regulations, professional communication, and the importance of confidentiality. However, please make sure they are provided with site-specific training before they begin work, including any health and safety or COVID-related training that you may provide for any new employees. Construction students are given Working at Heights safety training.

4) Can I fire the student?

Yes. We would prefer that you discuss student performance with us before they are fired, but they can be fired. It would be appreciated if you could notify us if they are fired.

5) What if something happens?

The TDSB pays for the student’s WSIB in case of workplace injury. It should also be noted that additional legal documents have been implemented to ensure that all students and parents are aware of the risks taken when participating in a co-op program.

All students should be trained for site-specific safety at the beginning of their placement. A placement assessment is completed by the co-op teacher, and supervisors are asked to go over items such as emergency/fire procedures, injury reporting procedures, safe lifting, chemical hazards, safe use of equipment, and any other safety-related trainings that may be required at the work site.

If there are any workplace injuries or concerns, please contact the co-op teacher right away.

6) Do I have to pay the student?

No - students are paid in school credits and experience! Students cannot be paid for co-op hours, although some employers choose to hire and pay students to work, after school or on weekends.

7) Where is my student?

If your student is late or absent, we ask you to please contact the co-op teacher right away. They can be reached via text, phone, or email.

8) Can my student work during their break/weekend/after school?

No - students are only able to work when the school is open (virtually or physically), and only during the days/hours covered by their Work Education Agreement. Students who work after school, during the weekend, or over school breaks, must be hired as an employee. Any paid hours will not go toward their co-op credits.

9) Do you have an official TDSB Co-op Supervisor's Manual?

Yes! It can be found here.

10) My student is working remotely. How does this work?

Virtual students should be available to communicate with you during their work hours. Some supervisors like to meet their student on a daily basis, or 1-2 times per week, depending on the level of oversight needed for the work/project. These meetings can take place on whatever platform that works for you and the student, such as Zoom, Google Meet, or the good old telephone.

If you are a virtual elementary school teacher, you can also decide to have the student attend your virtual classroom for the entirety of their co-op work hours.

11) What would be my responsibilities as a supervisor?

While the co-op teacher will go through a more detailed list of our expectations for the supervisor at the beginning of the semester, this is the quick answer:

• Complete paperwork at the beginning of the semester (approx. 20 minutes of your time)

• Complete 2 evaluations over the semester (5 minutes per evaluation)

• Speak/meet with the teacher approximately once every 2-3 weeks (or more often, if needed)

• Supervise the student's work and let them learn as much as possible under your guidance and direction (dependant on the student and on your needs/availability)

12) Is my student vaccinated against COVID?

As vaccinations are not mandatory for students, we cannot guarantee that a student is vaccinated. However, the student or teacher may choose to disclose this information to you, with parental consent.