Canadian Association of Public Schools- International

The Canadian Association of Public Schools – International (CAPS-I) is a non-profit association comprised of 128 publicly-funded school districts/boards. All members offer established international student programs for various grade levels ranging from elementary school through to high school graduation. CAPS-I schools set the standard for quality international student programs in Canada. CAPS-I schools offer:

• opportunities for students to study short or long term from elementary school through high school (Grades K-12)
• high quality educational programs in all public schools
• highly qualified, government-certified teachers (many with masters degree or doctoral diploma)
• internationally recognized high school graduation diplomas
• opportunities to learn in either English or French settings
• proven success in development of English language skills
• extensive selection of both academic and optional courses
• integration and learning alongside Canadian students
• modern, well-equipped schools and classrooms
• on-going school and district-based support for international students
• comprehensive orientation programs for students
• counselling regarding graduation requirements and post-secondary opportunities
• carefully screened, caring host families

Students attending CAPS-I schools will:

• experience a Canadian lifestyle
• learn about Canadian customs and cultural activities
• have an opportunity to participate in sp
• orts, fine arts and performing arts
• make life-long Canadian friends

CAPS-I Standards of Practice

CAPS-I members will adhere to the following practices in terms of Homestay Screening & Selection by:

1. providing homestay services either in-house or outsourced and having an oral/written agreement with the homestay service provider if outsourced
2. utilizing a comprehensive application form to compile a profile of prospective homestay families
3. conducting criminal/police record/vulnerable sector/child abuse registry checks (as applicable in each province) and personal reference checks with initial screening of all host family members (that are the age of majority at a minimum) and updated/reviewed per individual Board policy and/or procedures
4. conducting home visits and interviews with prospective homestay families to ensure the following is in place: private, single room, key/security to the home, meals, desk, access to laundry, access to internet and in compliance with local building codes
5. having a formal Code of Conduct/agreement which clearly defines expectations of homestay families to ensure a minimum level of service/care/support is provided to all students
6. having staff responsible for the homestay program as well as an established process for record keeping that complies with protection of privacy legislation
7. ensuring both students and host families receive profile information in a timely fashion
8. having host families consult with their insurance provider, advise they will be hosting and update their policy as necessary

CAPS-I members will adhere to the following practices in terms of Homestay Monitoring / Support by:

1. providing homestay families with a profile of their student and attend an orientation session or provide a welcome package prior to arrival. International students should receive a profile of the homestay family, emergency information card, welcome package, Homestay Coordinators contact info, city map, timetable and orientation session information
2. clearly defining expectations for both students and homestays
3. monitoring all host families to ensure the social, emotional and physical well-being/needs of the international student are satisfied
4. having a process in place to deal with homestay conflicts and misunderstandings
5. conducting exit interviews or utilize evaluation forms with homestay families and students regarding their experience

CAPS-I members will adhere to the following practices in terms of Student Care & Support by: 

1. providing an orientation for new international students
2. having an established support network for students within and beyond the school community
3. clearly communicating expectations/rules pertaining to students to all international students and their natural & homestay parents
4.  having established expectations regarding the role of the students’ custodian
5. conducting an assessment of the students’ English language ability before or after their arrival
6. supporting transition of international students to post-secondary institutions

CAPS-I members working with agents shall adhere to the following practices by:

1. having a method for screening prospective agents
2. having an agent profile form to collect information about prospective and current agents
3. utilizing a formal agency contract/agreement
4. paying commissions as negotiated and outlined in the contract/agreement
5. having clear written expectations of agents before and after student arrival in Canada
6. working to develop and manage agent relationships so they are mutually beneficial

CAPS-I members will adhere to the following practices in terms of Program Management by:

1. complying with any international education-related standards/guidelines as outlined by their province/territory
2.  making all fees (tuition, homestay, etc.) publicly available on the CAPS-I website
3. having a written refund policy which addresses all fees (tuition, homestay, etc.) and is publicly available