Education support workers, a parent of a child with complex needs and the Shadow Minister for Education joined CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers’ Steering Committee (EWSC) to address growing concerns about medical responsibilities being carried out in schools without consistent standards, adequate training or support.
Earlier this year, the EWSC released survey findings based on 980 responses from education workers in 19 school divisions. The survey found that education workers are regularly performing medical procedures, including administering medication, using EpiPens, providing tube feedings, responding to seizures and delivering other medical and personal care.
“Education workers continue to step up to support students with complex needs in inclusive classrooms,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “This is not about whether education workers are willing to help. They already are. This is about whether Scott Moe’s government is willing to provide the staffing, training and support needed to ensure students receive the care they deserve and workers can do their jobs safely.”
The survey found that many education workers are carrying out medical responsibilities without consistent training or clear direction.
“Education support workers are not saying no to helping students. We are saying yes to doing it safely,” said Karla Sastaunik, chair of the EWSC. “When students require medical care at school, everyone benefits from clear standards, proper training and the supports needed to ensure students receive the care they deserve.”
The EWSC is calling on the provincial government to:
- Create a taskforce with education workers, school divisions and health professionals to set safe and consistent standards;
- Ensure medical procedures are handled by qualified health professionals in schools;
- Make participation voluntary with full training and support;
- Provide proper training from certified professionals; and
- Establish clear policies, documentation protocol, training and protections for workers.
“Education workers have identified the problem and brought forward solutions,” said Peterson. “It’s time for Scott Moe to stop ignoring the problem and start taking action.”
