What does it mean to be a SelfDesign parent
You, as a parent, are a vital part of your child’s learning team here at SelfDesign Learning Community. You get the chance to help guide your child’s education and have the freedom and flexibility to live and travel where you want.
Each member of your child’s learning team – you, the learning consultant, learning specialist and service and support providers – is there to facilitate and support your child’s explorations of who they are, what their interests are, and their day-to-day experience of learning.
Being the parent or guardian of a SelfDesign learner requires time, involvement and commitment. Your main role is to support your child as they learn. This includes:
- Working with your child’s learning consultant and support providers to determine your child’s learning plan for the year (and, if needed, their individual education plan).
- It involves observing, documenting and sharing your child’s learning on a weekly basis with the learning consultant. Your shared input and observations help to further shape the learning path ahead and allow the learning consultant to assess learning.
From Kindergarten to grade 9, you will be directly involved with Observing for Learning with your learning consultant and then in grades 10-12, the parent is less involved and your child is more directly involved.
“SelfDesign has been such a huge part of my evolution in allowing my girls’ freedom to explore their interests rather than simply replicating ‘school’ at home.”
– Roey, SelfDesign Parent
How you and your child work with an educator
It all begins with choosing your Learning Consultant (LC). This is an important relationship built on trust, mutual values and the shared goal of seeing your child succeed. Some families stay with the same LC from K-12, while others shift from year to year depending on needs and interests
Your child’s LC is there to support you and your child on the child’s learning journey and one of your key responsibilities as a parent is to work with them as set out in SelfDesign’s program agreements.
Learn more about being a SelfDesign parent
There’s no better way to find out what it’s like to be a SelfDesign parent than by reading stories from other parents who have already been in your shoes. Check out the blog posts below to learn more about choosing an educator, how you work with your educator and more.
Summer camps and activities for Home Learners!
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Our in-house therapists support learners and families on their SelfDesign journeys
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Why mindfulness and meditation are important skills to add to your kid’s toolbox
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“Observing for Learning is that reflective process of observing your child and watching what they do as they live and learn. You’re watching their successes and how they manage those, their mistakes and how they learn from those, the laughter, the sadness — everything is a learning experience. It’s not just learning from instruction. It’s about interaction in every moment. Watch them. Understand them. Really watch how they make their connections and how they learn to learn. Recognize that everything is learning.”
– Todd, SelfDesign Parent
The benefits of being a SelfDesign parent
You have flexibility to travel as a family & live anywhere in BC
You get quality time with your child
You’re a part of your child’s education
You are fully supported by a B.C. certified educator and resources
You choose your educator, if possible
How you are supported as a SelfDesign parent
We offer a multitude of resources to help your child pursue their passions while achieving educational outcomes. We’re also here to help them build relationships. From in-person camps, peer-to-peer opportunities and supporting learners with special needs, to our Learning Experience Library, and our HomeLearners Network program, we’re here to help your child succeed.
A special course just for parents
Choosing to have your child learn at home and in community is a big decision. But you’re not alone on this journey and you’re not alone as you enter or transition to SelfDesign – we’re here to support you right from the start.
The SelfDesign approach may differ from your typical experience with school and you may experience an adjustment when you begin your SelfDesign journey, which is normal and expected.
Can my child graduate? YES!
Your child has the same opportunity to graduate as a learner in brick-and-mortar (traditional classroom-based) schools. Your child can apply to post-secondary institutions to further their education and work toward a future professional career. We support your child in achieving their goal of completion in the way that best suits them.
We offer three pathways:
- B.C. Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma
- British Columbia Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD or “Adult Dogwood” Diploma)
- School Completion (“Evergreen”) Certificate
Learners Graduate with Dual Certification
At commencement, SelfDesign learners can receive a Dogwood Diploma, an Adult Dogwood Diploma, or a School Completion Certificate along with a SelfDesign certificate with the prestigious Cognia seal. The Cognia seal signifies that SelfDesign adheres to globally recognized educational standards, making it easier for graduates to be considered by top institutions, including Cognia-accredited schools worldwide.
Why Parents Choose SelfDesign for their Children
Parents choose SelfDesign for their children for a multitude of reasons. Some parents choose SelfDesign because their children’s needs aren’t being met in the traditional school setting. Some choose SelfDesign for the flexibility and some choose it because their children are able to be the best version of themselves possible, in a setting that allows them to thrive. Check out the video to find out more.
“SelfDesign really gave me the freedom and the space to explore my passions by interweaving them with SelfDesign’s curriculum. If I didn’t have that opportunity, I may not have found what I’m passionate about so early on in life.”
– Gabe, Class of 2022
Where are our alumni now?
Revolutionary project sparked a passion for the environment and a career shaping environmental policy
Katherine’s Virtual High story Katherine Muncaster joined Virtual High in 1993, one of the first 35 learners to enroll with [...]
Freedom and the ability to mix learning and play: Tallisen’s Wondertree story
Freedom is what Tallisen Soong Smith appreciates most about her four years with Wondertree and SelfDesign. That, and the ability [...]
40 years of exploring her interests and following her passions: A conversation with Ilana Cameron
When six-year-old Ilana asked her dad to teach her at home instead of enrolling her in grade one at a [...]
