Handbook Policy & Procedure

 In the event of updates to the IPDC CHW Handbook, you will be notified via email, and the changes will also be posted on the IPDC CHW Handbook page.

Attn: Apprenticeship EEO Complaints IPDC CHW Resource Center

As a proud member of the CHW Apprenticeship, I pledge to share my professional knowledge and skill.  I will place honor, fairness, cooperation and consideration first when dealing with my colleagues.  I will keep all comments professional and respectful when dealing with my colleagues.  I will protect all members from the use of unfair means, unnecessary risks and unethical behavior when used against them for another’s personal gain.  I will support the success, growth, and future of my colleagues and this great Apprenticeship.

Policy on Stipends for Job Re-entry Program
  • This job re-entry program is sponsored by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Health and Human Services Administration (HERSA). As participants in this government-sponsored workforce program, individuals are not considered employees subject to certain standard employment payroll taxes and are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • The stipends provided through this program are intended as social support to facilitate participation, not as mandatory wages or compensation for employment/training. Stipends will be paid upon attendance and satisfactory completion of program components based on the published stipend schedule.
  • The program reserves the right to modify stipend amounts and payment schedules at its discretion. Continued payment of stipends is contingent on program compliance and completion. Participants will receive notice of any changes to the stipend policy in a timely manner.
  • The program sponsor and administrators thank participants for their engagement in this effort to gain skills and transition back into the workforce. We aim to provide social support enabling participation; however, stipends are not guaranteed pay, cannot be earned through work, and do not constitute an employment arrangement.
  • To remain in good standing, participants are expected to stay on track with coursework and program requirements. If a participant becomes ineligible for stipend payments for three consecutive pay periods due to incomplete work, IPDC reserves the right to remove the participant from the program for non-participation.
  • Participants are allowed up to four absences over the course of the 32-classroom program. Any missed classroom must be made up within one week of the absence. If a session is not made up within two weeks, future stipend payments may be withheld until the requirement is fulfilled. After three weeks without resolution, the participant may be placed on review status, which could result in discharge from the program.

 

Equal Opportunity pledge

IPDC CHW Resource Center will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older.  IPDC CHW Resource Center will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 CFR.

Probationary Period:  All applicants selected for IPDC CHW Resource Center Apprenticeship program shall serve a probationary period of no more than 90 of the days of the program.  The probationary period begins once the apprentice agreement has been signed by the apprentice and the fees paid and processed.  During the probationary period the apprentice program coordinator may terminate the apprenticeship agreement, without stated cause, by notifying the other party in writing.

IPDC CHW Resource Center’s POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR ONLINE OR BLENDED COURSES
  • IPDC CHW Resource Center courses will challenge and prepare you for future endeavors.  As an online student, you will need to be motivated, dedicated, organized, and determined in your courses.
  • As a student enrolled in online or blended courses, you will need to have basic computer skills. You are expected to be able to:
    • Open files in standard formats (e.g. MS Office documents, PDF’s and images)
    • Create, save, organize, and maintain digital files
    • Interact with the learning management system (Canvas LMS, CHW Student Resource Center, Zoom, & GoTO)
    • Communicate electronically, and
    • Knowledge of web browsing and searching
  • To fully participate in this online program, all students must have access to a laptop or desktop for Zoom meetings. Consistently attending class using a phone (3+ sessions) will result in being placed on review and may ultimately lead to discharge from the program. This requirement ensures that all participants can fully engage with the course material, access documents, and complete assignments without limitations.
  • In your online course, you are expected to be an active participant. Cameras must remain on at all times during class.The IPDC CHW Resource Center online courses are designed to include discussion, collaboration, and communication. You are required to be ready to engage regularly with classmates and instructors online. You will participate in weekly activities, log into your course regularly, and check your official IPDC CHW Resource Center email account daily via CanvasLMS. This will allow you to stay updated on announcements, participate in discussions, submit assignments, and complete assessments. You are expected to complete all coursework, quizzes, tests, and other activities by the assigned due dates.
  • Do not hesitate to ask questions.  You are strongly encouraged to contact your instructor if you have course related questions regarding course concepts, assignments, and feedback provided to you.  It is recommended that you contact your instructor or ask your classmates during the student’s study group session, once a week.
  • Managing your time is essential in online and blended courses.  Successful students are very organized in the studies and take ownership of their own learning.  A best approach is to set aside specific time each day to focus on your coursework and studies. Ideally, set that time to be the same time each day.  Study Environment setting should be consistent, familiar study environment is just as essential as managing your studies around those times you have access to your distraction-free environment.  You find that you’ll make better use of your time.
  • Grades are issued at the end of each lesson. A grade of “C” or better (70% or higher) is required for all quizzes, discussion posts, make-up classroom summaries. If you score less than 70%, you are expected to retake the exam. You are able to retake an exam up to 2x total. If you score under 70% on both attempts, than you are expected to notify your Instructor that you are requesting a 3rd attempt. 

 

Numerical Equivalent

​A                       B               C                 D                F

100 – 90       89 – 80        79 – 75        74 – 70       69 – below

Attendance Policy for the CHW Certification Program
  • Attendance is essential to completing the required 156 hours of training to be eligible for the CHW certification exam. Participants are expected to attend all scheduled online class sessions.
  • Participants may miss up to a maximum of 4 online class sessions if needed. If an online session is missed, the participant is required within 1 week to view the recorded video and complete the associated knowledge check assessment. This ensures they obtain the information delivered in the missed session. If you do not make up a classroom within 2 weeks, IPDC reserves the right to hold all of your stipend hours until the classroom is made up. If you go 3 weeks without making up the classroom, IPDC reserves the right to discharge you from the CHW Program. 
  • For online classes, participants must have their webcam on and be present for at least 75 minutes of the 90 minute session to be considered present and receive attendance credit. If a participant needs to step away during the online session, they should inform the CHW Team Leader in the chat.
  • If a participant misses more than 4 total online class sessions, they will be placed on review status. Review status means the participant must meet with the program administrator to discuss their attendance record, makeup missed material, and develop a plan to improve attendance moving forward.
  • Exceeding 4 absences may result in extended timelines for completion, or discharge from the program if attendance does not improve based on the program administrator’s assessment. Extenuating circumstances like medical issues will be taken into account on a case-by-case basis but require documentation.
  • Attendance is paramount but we also aim to work with participants facing challenges. Please communicate early with the program administrator or your CHW team leader if difficulties arise impacting your attendance so appropriate support can be provided. 

 

Student Conduct

At IPDC CHW Resource Center, learning and instruction are our number one priority.  It is expected that each student will have this goal for themselves.  Any student that is disruptive or violates the program’s policies and procedures is subject disciplinary action that may include expulsion.

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy 

We are committed to fostering a learning environment rooted in honesty, personal accountability, and genuine effort. All participants are expected to complete assignments, quizzes, and other coursework using their own words and original thinking. Plagiarism—including copying and pasting content from outside sources such as websites, study aids, or AI tools—is strictly prohibited. Submitting work that is not your own undermines the purpose of the program and violates our standards of academic integrity. Violations of this policy will result in the following actions:

    • First Violation: The participant will receive a formal written warning and a reminder of the policy.
    • Second Violation: The participant will be suspended from the program pending review and may be subject to discharge.
    • Third Violation: If allowed to return after a second violation, a third offense will result in automatic and immediate discharge from the program.

We reserve the right to determine what constitutes a violation based on the nature of the work submitted and any patterns of concern. By continuing in this program, participants agree to uphold these standards and engage in learning with honesty and integrity.

 

Gossip – A place for learning without any gossip.

Our organization strives to maintain a respectful and professional workplace. As such, gossiping about co-workers, supervisors, customers, clients, participants or any member of the organization is strictly prohibited.

Gossip is defined as idle talk or rumors that are malicious, confrontational, or unfounded. Discussing someone else’s personal or private business with others who do not have a legitimate need to know is considered gossip. Spreading accusations without factual backing is harmful.

We value the privacy and reputation of every individual. If there are concerns that need to be addressed regarding policies, behaviors, or factual events, please follow the proper channels for reporting based on the situation. Speak to your CHW course leader or HR representative.

Let’s strive to build each other up, assume positive intent, and maintain open and honest communication. Together we can create an ethical and engaged workplace culture.

 

Drug & Alcohol

IPDC CHW Resource Center is committed to maintaining a drug-free work-place and academic environment as stated in the Federal Drug-Free School and Communities Act of 1989 and the Drug -Free Workplace Act of 1988.  There is a zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol.  Illegal use of drug and the abuse of alcohol are dangerous and may result in permanent damage or death.  The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of illegal drugs by students is prohibited and will result in expulsion from the program.

 

Emergency Response

If a student falls ill or is injured during the course of class and is unable to determine their own level of care, IPDC CHW Resource Center’s staff will contact the student’s emergency contact and 911 for emergency assistance.

 

General Procedures

Academic Support

Every effort will be made to ensure the successful completion of the Apprenticeship Program by all students.  Instructors and administrators are committed to providing instruction and customer service that promotes high academic achievement and success in the field of Community Health Worker.  IPDC CHW Resource Center also maintains contact with its alums and offers tools to encourage and support a stable and productive career.

 

Counseling Services

Occasionally students encounter situations in their lives that impact the learning process; when this occurs students will be referred to trained staff; if the situation is beyond the expertise of our staff a referral will be made to a community resource that can offer the help needed.  Life Skill and Job Readiness classes will also be provided.  These classes offer additional instruction that explores self-knowledge, problem-solving skills, coping strategies, and job readiness skills to encourage the creation of a strategic plan for lifelong learning. 

 

Student Grievance Procedure (Complaint Procedures – 29 CFR §§ 29.5(b)(22), 29.7(k), 29.12, and 29 CFR § 30.14)
  • General Complaints. The sponsor will hear and attempt to resolve the matter locally if written notification from the apprentice is received within 15 days of the alleged violation(s). The sponsor will make such rulings as it deems necessary in each individual case within 30 days of receiving the written notification:
    • Name: Denise P.
    • Address: 14500 Roscoe Bl., 4th Floor
    • Panorama City, CA 91402
    • Telephone Number: (818) 714-2022
    • Email Address: hr@ipdc4dm2.org

 

Student Records

All student records are maintained in a secured area that can be accessed only by approved personnel.  The student files contain confidential documents, program application, and academic progress records.  Students will receive quarterly evaluations and a regular assessment of their performance. Evaluations and assessments will be documented.

Equal Opportunity Act

Registered Apprenticeship Standards

Voluntary Disability Disclosure

Application Apprentices

By confirming receipt, it is understood and agreed that you have received the CHW Resource Center Handbook and will adhere to the specified policies and procedures, including any forthcoming updates.