In Manitoba, every student is entitled to receive appropriate educational programming. Each school division offers a unique continuum of supports for students with special needs. Understanding the funding mechanisms available can help schools provide these essential services more effectively.
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning publishes the "Funding of Schools" booklet annually. This booklet outlines the base support grants and categorical grants provided to school divisions, ensuring they have the resources needed to support their students.
Here are some key grants that support students with special needs:
- Student Services Grant: This grant is intended to support students with mild to moderate special learning needs.
- Clinician/Coordinator Grants: These grants are used by school divisions to provide a continuum of supports for students with special needs.
For school divisions, these grants also support students with severe to profound special learning needs. Since 2017/18, no student-specific funding applications for special needs Level 2 and Level 3 funding have been required, with a few notable exceptions. Ending the student-specific application process for Level 2 and 3 funding has helped avoid the negative labeling of students by funding category. It also allows for predictable levels of funding as school divisions continue to plan for and provide appropriate educational programming that is inclusive of all students.
However, funded independent schools continue to use the student-specific special needs categorical funding application process.
Special Needs Categorical Funding Criteria
There are specific cases where student-specific funding applications are still required for Special Needs Level 2 and Level 3 categorical funding:
- Level 3 EBD Funding: Students with profound emotional/behavioral disorders require Multisystem treatment plans. Eligibility for funding is determined by a Multisystem Team that includes representatives from Education and Training, Families, Health, Seniors, and Active Living.
- Unified Referral and Intake System (URIS) Group A (UGA) Funding: For students who require support for complex medical procedures that must be performed by a nurse, the URIS application process is used. Eligibility for funding is determined by the URIS Interdepartmental Committee, which includes representatives from Education and Training, Families, and Health, Seniors, and Active Living.
- Level 2 or Level 3 Funding for Specific Schools: Students attending the Whiteshell School District or a funded independent school may still require individual applications for Level 2 or 3 funding.
In these cases, the process for determining eligibility for Level 2 or 3 funding requires Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning to consider applications on an individual basis. The Student Services Administrator (SSA) or Funded Independent School Representative (FISR), together with the school/division team, identify those students requiring exceptional supports who meet the criteria for Level 2 or 3 funding support. Applications are then completed and submitted to Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning’s funding review team to determine eligibility.
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