CAPS-I Standards of Practice
CAPS-I members will adhere to the following practices in terms of Homestay Screening & Selection by:
- providing homestay services either in-house or outsourced and having an oral/written agreement with the homestay service provider if outsourced
- utilizing a comprehensive application form to compile a profile of prospective homestay families
- 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
- 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
- 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
- having staff responsible for the homestay program as well as an established process for record keeping that complies with protection of privacy legislation
- ensuring both students and host families receive profile information in a timely fashion
- 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:
- 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
- clearly defining expectations for both students and homestays
- monitoring all host families to ensure the social, emotional and physical well-being/needs of the international student are satisfied
- having a process in place to deal with homestay conflicts and misunderstandings
- 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:
- providing an orientation for new international students
- having an established support network for students within and beyond the school community
- clearly communicating expectations/rules pertaining to students to all international students and their natural & homestay parents
- having established expectations regarding the role of the students’ custodian
- conducting an assessment of the students’ English language ability before or after their arrival
- supporting transition of international students to post-secondary institutions
CAPS-I members working with agents shall adhere to the following practices by:
- having a method for screening prospective agents
- having an agent profile form to collect information about prospective and current agents
- utilizing a formal agency contract/agreement
- paying commissions as negotiated and outlined in the contract/agreement
- having clear written expectations of agents before and after student arrival in Canada
- 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:
- complying with any international education-related standards/guidelines as outlined by their province/territory
- making all fees (tuition, homestay, etc.) publicly available on the CAPS-I website
- having a written refund policy which addresses all fees (tuition, homestay, etc.) and is publicly available
