High School Transition Information Night

Please join us at Barrie North High School 

for the Transitions and Pathways Presentation 

at 7pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

CHILDREN’S RESPITE FLEXIBLE FUNDING APPLICATION

The Children's Respite Flexible Funding application is available to families living in York Region, Simcoe County, Durham Region, Haliburton, Kawartha and Pine Ridge (HKPR).  

Applications are available January 1, 2015 to February 10, 2015.

The Children's Respite Flexible Funding is provided through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) to serve as an enhancement for families to access respite services in their community. Kerry’s Place Autism Services is hosting this project in cooperation with other community agencies to oversee the application review process and the management of funds. Each application is carefully reviewed by an allocation committee.  Families can only apply for these funds once a year (between January and mid-February) and there is no guarantee of the availability of these funds in future years.

The purpose of the Children’s Respite Flexible Fund is to help caregivers get the flexible and individualized support their family needs in order for them to take intervals of time off from their care-giving duties.

The Children’s Respite Flexible Funding application will be made available online starting January 1, 2015.   Families are encouraged to begin their respite plan now for the funding year April 1, 2015 - March 31, 2016.

Eligibility

• Children that are up to the age of 18 years (after their 18th birthday they no longer qualify)
• Children must have an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (proof of diagnosis is required)
• Children must live in York Region, Simcoe County, Durham Region and Haliburton, Kawartha & Pine Ridge (HKPR)

The funds will cover	The funds will NOT cover
Respite worker / mediator	Any type of therapy ( speech and language, ABA, IBI, music therapy, etc)
Respite worker / mediator at a camp or group	Transportation costs, mileage, parking fees
Camp fees	Activity costs (admission fees, costumes, snacks, etc)
Social groups, recreational groups	Home care and cleaning costs
Specialized classes, lessons (guitar, swimming, karate, etc)	Education fees, assistive devices, computer software, equipment

Important Information about the Children's Respite Flexible Funding:

• There is a limited amount of funding per year to serve many families. Not all families that apply will receive funds this year.
• This is an enhancement to a family’s already existing respite plan. These funds are not expected to cover all of yearly respite costs.
• This is a reimbursement funding process.  Costs will be reimbursed once families have submitted valid receipt of payment.
• If any portion of the application is missing, it will not be processed.
• Decisions will not be made until after the application deadline has passed.
• The application covers a 1 year period; families are encouraged to apply yearly.

The Application Process

• Complete an application online and submit.
• Applications are reviewed by an Allocation Committee
• Decisions are made available as of April 30, 2015 
  • All applicants receive an email notice stating their status
  • Applicants also receive a written letter by mail
  • Approved applicants receive an approval package with further information.

Applications are available January 1, 2015 to February 10, 2015 .  

To view the application click here (https://secure.kerrysplace.org/reff/)

For more information on the Children's Respite Flexible Funding, contact:
Sue Townsend 905-713-6808 ext. 360 or stownsend@kerrysplace.org.

Special Education at the Simcoe County District School Board

The goal of special education in the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is to help students achieve the curriculum to the best of their ability and to become as independent as possible as they do so.

The SCDSB provides special education supports and services to students with special needs. There are special education teachers at every school. In addition, there are some specialized county classes for students who require significant changes to curriculum to meet their needs. Students who are identified as requiring this level of specialized support are transported to a school which has the county class.

Students do not have to be identified as exceptional to receive special education support. The principal and special education teacher work with classroom teachers and parents to provide support to students who need it.

Please speak to the principal or a teacher at the school if you would like more information about the special education support available in your child's school.

Check out the Special Education category of our blog Sharing Simcoe for tips, strategies and stories from throughout the system.

Hello West Bayfield!

Hello,

I am pleased to announce my new position as the junior/intermediate Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) at West Bayfield.  I look forward to working with you and your child to promote success in their educational career.  I welcome any questions/concerns you may have and am available for conferences.

Mrs. Kylene Higgins

kahiggins@scdsb.on.ca

www.mrskhiggins.blogspot.ca