SEA Engagement

A SupportEd Assistant (SEA) is an Individual contractor who works individually with a learner to achieve IEP goals under the direction of a learning consultant (LC).

SEA Policies

Preamble: In addition to all other organizational policies, the following policies apply to SEAs.

Hiring Policy

Final approval of contracting an individual as an SEA must be made by the educator.

  • Procedures:
    • The family may interview potential SEAs and make recommendations to the LC. 
    • If it is necessary to advertise for a SEA, the educator must approve the ad and SelfDesign must not be mentioned by name.
    • SEA working with a learner may not be a member of the learner’s immediate or extended family
    • The SEA may not begin providing service until the Orientation, Documentation Checklist (CRC, WorkSafe, etc.), and a signed agreement are complete and have been received by SelfDesign.

Payment Policy

SEAs will be paid according to the SDLF rates and regulations

  • Procedures:
    • The rate of pay for the SEA will be determined by the LC, in accordance with the SP fee schedule
    • SEAs will not provide service during the months of July and August (except as approved by the educator)
    • SEAs will be paid only for direct support for the learner, not for meetings, prep or travel, with one exception –  will be paid for a meeting arranged and facilitated by the educator (usually once/year, if at all)

SEA Engagement with Learner and Family Policies

The SEA will respect the importance of confidentiality for the learner and family. The SEA will engage the learner in activities in consideration of the IEP goals, as directed by the LC and family.

  • Procedures:
    • The SEA will report weekly using the ePortfolio if providing 8 or more hours of service/week.
    • The LC may require weekly reporting from SEAs working less hours if it is appropriate for the situation.
    •  If there is no weekly reporting, the SEA will provide two reports (mid-year and end of year).
  • A parent or designated guardian (over the age of 19 years old) will be present in the home at any time the SEA is providing service.
  • Transporting Learners – will adhere to Policy for SDLF Transportation of Learner Policy including having a valid Driver’s Licence; holding current $5 million liability automobile insurance; and having submitted a signed parent/legal guardian permission form.

Invoicing Policy

The SEA will submit the required documents within the appropriate time frame.

  • Procedures:
    • Required documents: Resume or Certificate, CRC, liability insurance, transportation documents if transporting a SelfDesign learner
    • All required documentation must be received by SelfDesign prior to Contract Agreement/ budget info sent.
    • Invoices submitted monthly, after support has been rendered.

SEA Procedures

Session Cancellation Procedure

This procedure outlines the responsibilities of SelfDesign, the SEA, and the parent in the event that a parent cancels a session with an SEA with less than 48 hours notice.

  • SelfDesign Responsibility – SelfDesign will honour payment for up to two sessions that are cancelled with less than 48 hours notice of the scheduled appointment using the family’s IEP budget if the session is not able to be rescheduled within 7 days. In order to be compensated for a session using the procedure, SEAs must follow the invoicing procedures in their SEA Agreement.
  • SEA Responsibility – SEAs are responsible for communicating their own cancellation policy to families at the start of each contract. SelfDesign recommends that the policy require that the family give 48 hours notice when rescheduling with the SEA.
  • Parent Responsibility – SelfDesign parents are responsible for paying out of pocket for sessions cancelled within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment if they cancel more than twice during the school year.

Pandemic Procedure

SelfDesign requires that any pandemic-related health and safety protocols specified on the SelfDesign website must be adhered to by SEAs while providing educational services to SelfDesign learners. 

Quick link: SelfDesign’s COVID-19 Safety Plan

 

Change Log

  • Policy page updated August 26, 2022
  • Last reviewed/updated August 26, 2022