Teachers & Professionals
The education team at OPTIONS works in many setting. We work in schools, community groups and parent's groups to name a few. We can tailor any workshop to meet the needs of the group. For information on booking a workshop scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Why Do We Work With Schools?
Sexual and reproductive health issues are an essential part of the Health and Life Skills and Career and Life Management general learning outcomes for Junior High and Senior High.
Much of the information that teens receive about sexuality comes from peers, advertisements and television. This can lead to confusion and misinformation, with undefined sexual boundaries. This lack of information about sexuality can increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and exploitive relationships.
OPTIONS Sexual Health Association recognizes and responds to the need of youth for accurate, unbiased information concerning sexuality and skills to determine personal boundaries and to make healthy decisions within the context of their values, beliefs, culture and experience.
The philosophical basis of the Education Program is consistent with best practices guidelines laid out in the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education by Health Canada and reflects a comprehensive, broad-based, inclusive, sex positive, and multi-faceted approach.
What Services Do We Offer in Schools?
The services that we provide to schools in the Edmonton and surrounding areas include the following:
- Are We There Yet? interactive theatre presentations and workshops on setting boundaries and sexual decision making for Junior High students.
Workshops for Junior and Senior High students:
- safer sex
- birth control
- sexual boundary setting and maintenance
- sexually transmitted infections (STI's)
- anti-homophobia
- puberty
- reproduction
- anatomy
- one on one support and referrals to students regarding a range of sexual health issues.
What Services Do We Provide For Teachers?
- Outlines for classroom presentations, resources, and referral.
- Program planning and problem solving consultations.
- Teacher and post-secondary student training in sexual health.
Teaching Tips
- Addressing Sexual and Gender Orientation.pdf
- Qualities of an Effective Sex Educator.pdf
- Tips for talking to youth about sex.pdf
- What We Address in The Classroom.pdf
- what to do when a student comes out.pdf
- LBGTQ positive space sign.pdf
- How to create an inclusive school environment.pdf
- Creating a supportive environment.pdf
- Comprehensive Sexual Health.pdf
How Can You Request Our Help?
Contact us:
Telephone: 780.423.3737
e-mail: education@optionssexualhealth.ca
Fax: 780.425.1782
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Closed from noon until 1:00 pm.
See our resources page for more information or for resource packages that are distributed in classrooms.