News release

Special Needs Support Program Gets Fourth Year

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

A tuition support program for students with special needs has been expanded.

"Providing a fourth year of coverage will allow students to remain in their current programs while we complete our review," Education Minister Karen Casey said.

Ms. Casey announced earlier this year that the tuition support program will have an internal review. The report is expected next June.

Students with special needs receive special programs in their local schools. The tuition support program, however, provides eligible students with assistance while they attend a designated private special education school.

This year, each eligible student will receive $6,600 to help pay for tuition at the three approved schools, Landmark East in Wolfville and Churchill Academy and Bridgeway Academy in Dartmouth. Some families with lower incomes receive additional support. Students and families go through an application and approval process each year.

In the 2007-08 school year, about 125 students were enrolled in the program. There were about 30 students who received third-year funding and may be eligible for a fourth year.

The estimated cost of extending the program is $220,000. The total cost will be $1.2 million.

Students with attention deficit disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder or learning disabilities may be eligible for tuition support.