The VLC is not a school but a Specialist Learning Centre. The VLC delivers a team-based process. A teaching captain is assigned to oversee the program delivery and to be the main contact with the parents who then become an integrated part of the team. Schools can then be involved as appropriate.
In the case of home schooling, the curriculum, homework tasks, testing, and the program to earn credentials and provide oversight to the curriculum is up to the distance education school. This becomes the learner’s school and the VLC will work collaboratively with the school’s contact person and will actively address all IEPs or special needs developed by that school.
Whether the student attends on site at VLC and remains as part of a class or works with a distance education school, the VLC becomes the specialist provider of one to one teaching based on the special needs of the learner in collaboration with the learner’s parents and the contact person assigned by the school.
Services
The Vancouver Learning Centre provides an integrated set of psychological and educational services that put the clients and their families at the centre. Each aspect of service is focused on outcome for the client in personal academic achievement, cognitive growth and maturity, emotional well-being, and a long-term personal best result. The process is compassionate, respectful, enthusiastic, and transparent to families.
The VLC is not a school but a Specialist Learning Centre. The VLC delivers a team-based process. A teaching captain is assigned to oversee the program delivery and to be the main contact with the parents who then become an integrated part of the team. Schools can then be involved as appropriate.
In the case of home schooling, the curriculum, homework tasks, testing, and the program to earn credentials and provide oversight to the curriculum is up to the distance education school. This becomes the learner’s school and the VLC will work collaboratively with the school’s contact person and will actively address all IEPs or special needs developed by that school.
Whether the student attends on site at VLC and remains as part of a class or works with a distance education school, the VLC becomes the specialist provider of one to one teaching based on the special needs of the learner in collaboration with the learner’s parents and the contact person assigned by the school.
There are three components to our services strategy:
Using a neuropsychological lens to interpret data, an individual program design is built from a comprehensive analysis of Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological and Educational Assessment Report, and other documents such as school reports, medical reports, etc. From this a personalized targeted teaching program emerges from the data that fits each client like a glove.
VLC’s Signature Program One-to-one – Teacher services at the VLC uses a basket of signature programs and services that are combined with other programs in unique ways – these include:
- VLC Signature Learning to Learn Skills
- VLC Signature Neurocognitive Training
- VLC Signature Academic Training
Strategic approaches that help overcome behaviour and anxiety difficulties.
Mentoring and coaching support for development of behavioural and emotional maturity.
Three models are used in providing one-to-one teaching at the Vancouver Learning Centre:
- a part-time program
- the BOOST program
- home-schooled students with special needs
In addition, we use a four-semester schedule.
The VLC system is unique and has had large numbers of successful and transformative outcomes as it approaches the completion of 4 decades of service in September 2020.
Each VLC learner is surrounded by a team of teachers headed by a captain. Each program is specially designed for the individual student by the psychologist and is based-on the detailed information that emerges when a neuropsychological lens is placed on the data available. Detailed instructions on how to teach to a student’s strengths are provided in a multi-year program.
A comprehensive analysis of Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological and Educational Assessment, and other documents such as school reports, medical reports, etc. provide data on which the platform of an individualized program can be built.
- While a current (within 2 years) Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological report is useful in tagging levels of programs directly, it is not essential. However, if a current assessment is needed the VLC will provide appropriate referrals.
- Using whatever information is available, including information from interviews, Dr. Schwartz will develop targeted individualized programs for each learner.
This program is then integrated and coordinated with classroom expectations, home-schooling programs and distance education institution curricula, or IEP and academic requirements to achieve credits and credentials.
At the VLC, we now know the brain is neuroplastic and can improve in skills and function when a different, strategic approach to teaching is undertaken. The VLC’s individually designed, strategic, targeted program addresses its signature programs and services to the root cause of learning difficulties and developmental delay, or to produce a thriving and flourishing outcome that enhances the performance of a gifted learner, in each case in four ways:
- We establish goals and potential academic destinations by identifying and using the learners’ strengths.
- We address weaknesses (below grade level performance) by building new skill platforms in areas of weakness using a different approach to teaching them.
- We integrate both of the above by building success and learning independence into current and future learning by the array of neurocognitive and academic programs and services set forth in each individual program at age appropriate levels
- The VLC’s Learning to Learn signature programs and services are taught at appropriate age and grade level so they can be used to grow strengths to challenge levels to:
- Build skills to grade level
- Work directly on emotional strength and regulation to inspire more mature behaviour and independence as a learner
- Look ahead at their academic challenges directly (Week-Ahead Program) and use teaching, coaching and practice strategies to reduce their challenges to manageable levels