KEY Program
Introduction to the KEY Program
The KEY Program, formerly known as Third Step, supports youth in grades 8 – 10. Students pursue their junior high school education in an environment designed to help them engage in social, emotional and academic learning. The program is intended for youth who struggle with the requirements of the mainstream school system, and have difficulty connecting with the traditional classroom environment, structure, and behavioural expectations.
The KEY Program is a recipient of the:
2005 Outstanding Supporter of Youth Award from the City of North Vancouver
and the
2006 Kathi Hughes Innovative Programming Award from the BCTF Alternate Education Professional Specialist Association
Purpose
The KEY Program provides intense individual support for students to gain the life skills, self-esteem and social responsibility they need to actively engage in their own learning and development. Students and staff at KEY understand the importance of creating a youth-driven learning environment. At the KEY Program, youth are recognized for their talents and abilities, not their problems and inabilities.
The KEY Program's primary goal is to support each student’s successful transition back to a more mainstream school setting or work experience. For those students unable to reunite with a more mainstream setting, all effort is made to support the student’s completion of grade 10. The KEY Program facilitates this process by working together with students to reclaim the following attributes within their lives:
• Belonging. Helping students reclaim their self-esteem.
• Mastery. Empowering students to become aware of their strengths.
• Independence. Challenging students to show they can be successful.
• Generosity. Encouraging students to give back to the community.
Features and benefits of the program
• Individual education program tailored to the unique needs of youth
• Emphasis on the four core subject areas of academics: English, mathematics, science and social studies
• Meaningful activities and discussions to address students’ social and emotional needs and social responsibility skills
• Support and mentorship through life skills coaching
• Substance abuse counselling and healthy decision making sessions
• Opportunities for outdoor recreation and physical education to enhance life experience, self-esteem and wellness
• Flexible schedule includes creative and artistic projects
• Emphasis on group activities and team building
• Transitional support back to the mainstream school system or pre-employment
• Incorporation of social justice in resolving personal and social problems or issues
• Consistent celebration of student accomplishments
The KEY Program eligibility criteria/referral procedures
Referrals to KEY Program are made through the North Vancouver School District Secondary Counsellor. An interview with the student, parent/guardian and program staff is conducted to confirm suitability, entry plan and enrollment date.
Contact information
Please contact the North Vancouver School District, District Counsellor at 604.903.3278 to learn more about the program or referral process.
Q&A
How do I know this program is right for a student?
Some students between the ages of 13 - 17 in the KEY Program may have needs that are better suited to an alternative learning environment. Students coming to the KEY Program may be “at risk” for any number of reasons: abuse, sexual exploitation, substance use, bullying, discrimination, mental health problems, or street-life involvement.
The challenges faced by an “at risk” teen contribute to a complex picture of social, emotional and learning needs that must be addressed to support the student’s successful transition back to a mainstream school setting or work experience.
What’s the difference between the KEY Program and Keith Lynn Alternate Secondary School?
The KEY Program does not follow the standard class rotation of a mainstream secondary school. All subjects are taught within the same classroom, with the same teacher, resulting in fewer transitions.
In the KEY Program, a smaller student to staff ratio (up to 4 students to one staff) permits an intense individualized focus for each student.
Three agencies (NVSD, Hollyburn, and PLEA) collaborate to provide each student with direct external support services on an individualized needs basis. Staff offer a holistic approach—taking into account the student’s performance at school, as well as the contributing factors of home and community life that affect each student’s outlook.
What is the schedule of the KEY Program? Does it follow regular school hours?
The program operates five days per week, 10 a.m. – 2:20 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday is a half-day session 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
What is the age range of students in the KEY Program?
The Program is designed for students in grades 8 – 10, ages 13 – 17.
Do the staff in the KEY Program have special skills, training or experience?
Yes, staff have a combined skill set that includes decades of experience working with at risk youth in alternate education environments including:
- Drug and alcohol counselling certification
- Conflict resolution and non violent crisis intervention training
- cultural diversity training
- “Outdoor leadership” training, American Canoe Association, including rock climbing, canoe and kayak instructor certification
The KEY Program incorporates a range of outdoor activities in its program. Why is this?
All KEY Program students participate in outdoor experiential learning activities. It’s an important part of the program, creating opportunities for students to develop self-esteem, communication and peer skills through healthy outdoor activities. Students come to realize and stretch their capabilities in natural surroundings by participating in activities such as camping, orienteering, snowboarding and skiing.
Are any other organizations or professionals associated with the KEY Program?
The KEY Program is integrated and supported by a number of local and provincial organizations. The following agencies work together to support each student:
• North Vancouver School District
• Hollyburn Family Services
• PLEA Community Services Society
• Ministry of Child and Family Development
• Squamish Nation
• City of North Vancouver
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• North Vancouver Recreation Commission.
Are there any additional fees associated with the program?
Depending on the nature of the outing a modest supplemental fee might be requested. No student would be denied participation in an outing due to financial hardship.
Does the KEY Program have a student meal program?
Yes, a minimum of two hot lunches per week. Students are encouraged to help in the preparation of the meals.
How many students attend the KEY Program?
Class size does not exceed 12 students at any given time.
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