Legal and Safety Issues of Work-Based Learning Programs, Durkee, Spring 2020

Note: Course payment of $1,590 is due and payable to VT-HEC.

Course Description

This course provides a thorough examination of the legal and safety issues that affect work-based and community-based learning programs and experiences. Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of federal and Vermont law and safety requirements and be able to provide effective systems that ensure safe and legal student experiences. 

The course is aligned to and uses as a guiding framework Standard 7 of the Vermont Agency of Education’s Work-Based Learning Standards (VT AOE's WBL Standard #7). The course will provide a comprehensive exploration of relevant federal and state labor, employment, civil rights, and education laws; safety requirements; insurance and liability considerations; and the legal, safety, and ethical issues that should inform effective work-based learning agreements and placements. The course will also explore how to effectively educate students about their own rights, safety, behavior, and responsibilities in the workplace.

Audience: Those seeking the Work-Based Learning Coordinator endorsement, currently licensed work-based learning coordinators, and teachers and administrators with an interest in work-based learning law and safety issues.

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and apply the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and Vermont labor/employment law to work-based learning programs and placements, including:
   1. Age requirements and limitations for placements
   2. Hazardous occupations restrictions
   3. Agricultural placements

2. Understand and apply the criteria determining the legal requirements for unpaid versus paid work-based learning placements, including when a student must be paid for work performed in a work-based learning environment.

3. Understand how the following laws impact work-based learning programs and placements and apply that knowledge to developing legally compliant work-based learning programs:
   1. Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
   2. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
   3. Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1973
   4. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991
   5. Vermont’s Public Accommodations Act
   6. Vermont’s Fair Employment Practices Act
   7. Provisions in Vermont education law prohibiting harassment, hazing, and bullying in educational institutions and programs
   8. Act 77
   9. Vermont’s Mandatory Reporting law

4. Understand and apply the protections afforded by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to work-based learning programs and communication with work-based learning community partners.

5. Identify safety issues, requirements, training materials, and resources to ensure safe work-based learning placements and educate students about workplace safety expectations and requirements.

6. Develop and implement protocols and practices to provide for student transportation to and from work-based learning placements.

7. Develop and implement protocols and practices to determine when criminal background checks are required for work-based learning experiences.

8. Develop and implement protocols and practices to provide for appropriate communication with parents/guardians and to secure parent/guardian permissions related to work-based learning experiences.

9. Identify insurance requirements for a full-range of work-based learning initiatives and the underlying liability issues that inform the insurance coverage that both schools and employers should provide.

10. Understand and apply additional requirements if placing students in work-based learning situations in neighboring states (New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts).

Required Texts

All required readings will be provided by the instructor. Readings will include laws, legal guidance, and articles on law and safety issues.

For additional course information

Ruth Durkee

518-321-6238

For additional registration information

Julie Medose
(802) 498-3350

Register online now!