About Our Program
St James CEC has been selected as a successful applicant to launch a Living Classroom in partnership with Perth Community Care Centre, beginning in September 2026.
Funded by the Government of Ontario and led by the Schlegel–UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) in partnership with CESBA, the Living Classroom model integrates PSW education directly within a long-term care home to support high‑quality, workforce‑ready training for senior living.
We are excited for the meaningful impact this initiative will have on both learners and long‑term care workforce development in our community.
In-class instruction: 330 hours
On-site supervised clinical workplace experience: 90 hours
co-op/consolidation workplace experience (with both long-term care and community placements): 270 hours
All students enrolled in the CDSBEO Personal Support Worker (PSW) program must successfully meet all Vocational Learning Outcomes (VLOs) and Elements of Performance (EOPs) as outlined by the Ontario PSW Training Standards. These requirements include both knowledge acquisition and demonstration of practical skills in providing personal care.
Students are expected to be able to:
- Provide safe, respectful, and inclusive care to individuals of all genders and identities.
- Uphold principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all learning and practice environments.
As future PSWs, your role is to ensure dignity, comfort, and cultural sensitivity for every person you support. These expectations reflect the professional standards of care and the values of our program.
Students may also be eligible to earn secondary school credits through our Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) process. PLAR is an official evaluation and credit-granting process that allows mature students to earn credits for knowledge and skills acquired through hands-on life experiences.
Anyone who has previous credentials (i.e.: HCA, or previous training/work experience), can be assessed with the PSW Recognition and Advanced Standing assessment. (In some cases, someone may be given an exemption from some of the theory or some of the training when they enrol).
Upon completion, you will also receive up to 10 additional certifications. All certifications for the PSW program are completed in-house and are mandatory for the program. The CDSBEO issues the PSW certificate, requiring full completion and attendance to earn each certificate within the PSW Program. Failure to attend the mandatory training may result in the student being unable to continue in the program.
Lastly, if hired by a facility, a student may be paid during their co-op placement.
