Accreditation & Accessibility
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is accredited by the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) ensuring that BHMS meets the highest standards of Montessori education.
Licensing
Infant, Toddler and Casa programs at BHMS are regulated by the Ministry of Education Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA). Learn more about the CCEYA here.
Our Elementary and Junior High programs are regulated by the Ministry of Education, Private Schools Division.
Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities
Our Commitment
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School (BHMS) is committed to excellence in serving all customers and employees, including people with disabilities and improving accessibility. We will strive to provide our services to people with disabilities in a manner that is respectful, dignified and inclusive. We will put the following policies into practice as required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Information and Communication
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. When asked, we will provide information and communication materials in accessible formats or with communication supports. This includes publicly available information about our goods, services and facilities, as well as publicly available emergency information.
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.
Notice of Temporary Disruption
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities BHMS will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.
The notice will be placed in a conspicuous place at BHMS and on our website.
Assistive Devices
We will ensure that our staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices we have on site or that we provide that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods or services.
Service Animals
We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are permitted on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.
Support Persons
A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be permitted to have that person accompany them on our premises.
Training
BHMS will provide training to employees, volunteers and others who deal with the public or other third parties on our behalf. Training will also be provided to people involved in the development of policies, plans, practices and procedures related to the provision of our goods and services.
Individuals in the following positions will be trained:
Management, Faculty and Non-Faculty
This training will be provided to staff within 3 months of hiring.
Training will include:
- An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard
- BHMS’ plan related to the customer service standard
- How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
- How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person
- How to use assistive devices as required
- What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing BHMS’ goods and services
- Staff will also be trained when changes are made to your accessible customer service plan.
Feedback Process
Customers who wish to provide feedback on the way BHMS provides goods and services to people with disabilities can email info@bhms.ca, visit in person at the main office, by telephone, fax or in writing.
All feedback, including complaints, will be reviewed and responded to by School Director.
Customers can expect to hear back in 5 business days.
Notice of Availability
BHMS will provide accessible formats of our Accessible Customer Service Documents to the public upon request.
Modifications to This or Other Policies
Any policy of BHMS that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
Design of Public Spaces
Accessibility Standards for the design of public spaces will be met when making modifications to any of the public spaces at BHMS.