Special Education
Services and Supports
Qualifying for Special Education Supports
Guidelines for Special Needs Funding
In School Support
Referral process
Special Health Care
Transportation
Special Education Department Contacts
Other Special Education Supports
Qualifying for Special Education supports
How does a student qualify to Special Education Supports and what supports are provided in Winnipeg School Division?
To qualify for Special Education support in Winnipeg School Division a student must meet specific criteria. He or she must:
- Be a resident of the Winnipeg School Division
- Be between the ages of 4 and 21
- Demonstrate the need for an Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
- Need more supports and resources than are already available to students
- Need a specialized learning environment
(See Guidelines for Eligibility for Special Education.)
The Winnipeg School Division Policy states:
The Winnipeg School Division will attempt to provide supports and/or special programs
for students with exceptional needs who require any one, or a combination, of the following in order to function adequately in the classroom:
(a) Trained specialists in education and therapy;
(b) Special materials, equipment and/or physical facilities;
(c) Special and/or modified programs and supports within regular classrooms;
(d) Special placement.
Insofar as possible, the supports and/or special programs will be provided in the most enabling environment and shall encourage integration of students in a regular
school environment.
Special Education services may be provided to students with the following diagnosed
exceptional needs:
- Severe to profound hearing loss
- Severe visual impairment
- Severe to profound language disorder
- Physical or multiple disorder
- Significant cognitive disability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Psychosis
- Severe to profound emotional/behaviour disorder
Guidelines for Special Needs Funding
What is Special Needs Funding?
Special Needs Funding is provided by Manitoba Education, Citizenship and
Youth. The funding provided by the government partially covers the cost of
serving a special needs student in the Winnipeg School Division.
Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth Website
In School Support
What Special Education personnel are provided in schools?
Each student has individual needs and therefore requires different supports. Inschool
supports include:
Special Education Resource Teachers (SERTs)
The role of Special Education Resource Teachers is coordination, implementation,
and evaluation of the individualized education plan for each identified student.
They provide academic assessment and prescriptive planning, direct assistance to
the student and/or indirect assistance through consultation or team teaching with
the classroom teacher and provision of appropriate materials/equipment. The
SERTs work in conjunction with the regular classroom teacher and school team.
They apply for Special Needs Funding if necessary. They train, monitor and
schedule teacher assistants.
Special Education Classroom Teachers (SECTs) (Low Enrolment)
The role of Special Education classroom teacher is to take primary responsibility
for the students on the class list and to ensure appropriate programming is provided
in all curriculum areas. They coordinate the development, implementation
and evaluation of the individual education plan for each student with appropriate
support staff and parents. They train and monitor teacher assistants and report to
parents. They also apply for Special Needs Funding if necessary.
Educational Assistants (EAs)
Educational Assistants provide support to teachers and students. They are under general
supervision of the principal and the specific direction of the teacher.
Principals - See Special Education Policy IGBA 8.4 (see policies section).
Child Guidance Clinic
Tel: 786-7841
Fax: 783-6068
700 Elgin Avenue, 2nd Floor
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 1B2
The Child Guidance Clinic is a school-based support service that provides
clinical services to students, parents and teachers in Winnipeg School Division
as well as other school divisions in metropolitan Winnipeg. The Clinic is
administered by the Winnipeg School Division and provides services on a
shared cost basis with other participating school divisions. The services of the
Clinic are provided at no charge to children and their families. The costs of
the services are covered by Manitoba Education & Youth and the participating
school divisions.
Generally the services provided by clinicians are developed in partnership
with the school’s support team. The school may request support in the following
areas:
• Assessment and treatment of children’s problems and needs
• Consultations with teachers, parents and other agencies
• Provision of programs for others working with the student
• Meet with families to develop support plans
• Prevention activities, such as parenting programs
• Provision of workshops and talks to community groups
• Research
• Professional development programs
Clinic services are organized on a team basis which usually include:
• Speech-Language Pathologist: helps students who have problems in
language, speech, voice and fluency and provides support to their
teachers.
• Reading Clinician: provides assistance to students who have reading
and other learning difficulties.
• Social Worker: assists families of children with special needs in regards
to management issues, emotional and social problems and in
dealing with the various agencies involved.
• School Psychologist: assists classroom teachers and parents in diagnosing
the academic and social/emotional needs of the child and implementing
suitable interventions.
• Psychiatrist: assists with assessment, diagnosis and consultation. Psychiatry
is provided at Child Guidance Clinic offices through Manitoba
Adolescent Treatment Centre. Children with developmental problems
are usually referred to the Neurodevelopmental Clinic.
• Audiologist: provides support to students with hearing loss and assists
teachers and parents in managing these students.
Child Guidance clinicians work under the direction of an Area Service Director.
They develop an understanding of the student needs in the geographic region in
which they work and a knowledge of the resources available.
Schools have referral forms and referrals are discussed with school personnel
and parents and channeled through a school support team. Services are provided
on request and with the consent of the parent or guardian.
How can a parent reach a clinician?
• Contact the school and talk to the teacher or principal. They can make a
referral to the Child Guidance Clinic. In this way, the school, the family
and the Child Guidance Clinic can become a team working together to
benefit your child.
• You may talk directly to a clinician in your child’s school. Clinicians
have regularly scheduled time in schools.
School Therapy Services
Tel: 452-4311
Fax: 786-6068
633 Wellington Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 0A8
The purpose of School Therapy Services is to provide physiotherapy and/or
occupational therapy or consultation support services in the school setting for
students with Special Needs.
The goal is to enhance the learning potential of the disabled student and to
facilitate his/her adaptation to the education environment.
Services provided are as follows:
1. Assessment;
2. Written report of assessment findings and recommendations;
3. Consultation with school staff and other service providers;
4. Training of ancillary personnel as required, monitoring and program
modification as necessary;
5. Liaison with medical personnel and other agencies;
6. Direct therapy as required;
7. Assessment and recommendations regarding architectural barriers, environmental
adaptations and adapted equipment to enhance independence.
The following guidelines regarding occupational and physiotherapy services to
Winnipeg School Division students will apply:
1. Eligible students are those who:
a) are registered in Division Special Education programs;
b) are registered in K-S4;
c) have a long-term disability which significantly impairs their functional abilities
in school.
2. For screening consultation, assessment, direct service and consultation and/or monitoring, priority is for:
a) students with profound multiple disabilities (Low Incidence Level III);
b) students with severe physical/multiple disabilities (Low Incidence Level II);
c) students with significant cognitive impairment.
Referral forms may be completed by teachers, physicians, public health nurses,
or other health/education professionals. Written parental consent is obtained by
School Therapy Services and must be received before assessment or treatment
can be initiated.
Vision Consultants
Tel: 945-7842
Manitoba Education and Youth
Program and Student Services Branch
206-1181 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0T3
The Department of Manitoba Education and Youth provides Vision Consultant
Services to students whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/70 or less or who
have less than 20 degrees of field of vision or whose information reveals extenuating
conditions (e.g. deteriorating eye condition). They provide direct
teaching to students and consultation to parents and school staff.
Nurse Educator
Tel: 788-0203
Prince Charles, E.R.C.
1075 Wellington Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J7
The Nurse Educator provides support in schools by consulting with teachers and
staff about a student with special health care needs, training teacher assistants in
specific care procedures and assisting in writing Individual Health Care Plans.
Community Liaison Officers
Tel: 788-0203
Prince Charles, E.R.C.
1075 Wellington Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J7
The Community Liaison Officers role is to:
• Provide knowledge to professionals regarding various cultural differences
and needs of immigrants;
• Assist in bilingual assessments and the development of diagnostic tools;
• Provide reliable interpreter services;
• Work closely with existing ethnic organizations and resources and act as
agency liaison;
• Act as a therapeutic agent within families and with individuals serving
as a mediator and role model regarding social skills and problemsolving;
• Assist parents in understanding the school system.
Other Special Education supports
What other Special Education Supports are provided?
• Environmental/building modifications
• Special instructional programs
• Special instructional and teaching strategies
• Assistive technology
Adaptive Aquatics
Elementary students in adaptive skills programs have access to an adaptive
aquatics program that provides adaptive swimming lessons for students
with disabilities who require a warm pool and intensive instruction
supports.
Adaptive Physical Education
Adaptive physical education support is provided for many students with
significant disabilities who require an individually designed physical education
program. On one hand, they may have physical disabilities which
dictate alternative activities or adaptation to typical activities. On the
other hand, they may require a functional, community-oriented curriculum
which includes instruction in lifetime leisure activities.
An experienced teacher is available part-time to consult with and support
physical education teachers and organize some interschool activities.
Community Transition Program
Community Transition Program is a specialized program within the Special
Education Department. One work education teacher, two vocational trainers
and one mobility trainer serve secondary students from various Special
Education programs throughout the Division. Community transition is the
passage from school to community life. It represents the change from a
school-based curriculum to a work-oriented program. The curriculum
stresses life skills, work education and career development. The work education
components include:
• Work skills assessment
• Group work site placement
• Individual work experience
• Time-limited job placement and support.
All students are required by Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth to
have a Transition Plan at 16 years of age.
Music Therapy Program
Some specialized programs have music therapy programs.
Special Health Care
What does a parent need to know about Special Health Care in the
Winnipeg School Division?
The Winnipeg School Division is committed to meeting the educational needs
of all students. To meet the needs of student who require special health care, the
Division has developed a continuum of supports which include: health or personal
care procedures, specialized staff as well as modified equipment and environments.
We believe that students with a special health care need to have a
right to safe and appropriate health care, privacy and all the rights enjoyed by
other students.
Communication with School
It is important that ongoing communication occur between home and school.
You are asked to keep the school informed regarding any changes in the health
status of your child. (Report any procedure or medication change as soon as
possible. These changes must be in writing from your child’s physician).
Also, please notify the school if your child is to be away from school for extended
periods of time.
Teamwork, planning and communication is the key to successfully responding
to the special health care needs of our students. Working together is essential.
Roles and responsibilities of parents/guardians, as well as school personnel must
be defined in order to ensure that the students’ special health care needs are met
in a safe and caring way.
The written health care plan will assist in providing an individual education program
and ensure that health care procedures are carried out in a safe, caring and
competent manner. Personnel working with students who have special health
care needs will receive appropriate training and ongoing supervision.
Procedure for Special Education Health Care
STEP 1: Alerting the School
Meeting the special health care needs of students begins
with the sharing of information with the school. It is the
responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to make the
school/Division aware of the student’s special needs. For a
student entering the Division, information should be shared
with the school at the time of registration. The school/Division should be notified immediately when the health
care needs of a student change.
STEP 2: Providing Medical Information to the School
You will be asked to provide relevant medical information
about your child. The information must be in writing from
medical personnel. The Medical Assessment for School
Placement form is used for this purpose. You will be given
this form at school. You will also be asked to fill out the
Authorization for Exchange of Information form so that the
school may exchange written information with appropriate
medical personnel.
STEP 3: Attending a Meeting at School
The last step will be a meeting at school to jointly develop an
Individual Health Care Plan for your child. Classroom teachers,
parents, special education resource teachers and health
care professionals work together to complete this plan. The
plan includes health care information, procedure(s) necessary,
as well as precautionary and emergency procedures.
The plan also includes a parental/guardian consent authorizing
school personnel to carry out the identified procedure(s).
Medication Administration at School
Only medication that is absolutely necessary during school hours (as determined
by physician) will be administered. Parents must request that the school administer
the necessary medication. A physician must request that the school administer
the necessary medication. A physician must supply a written request to the
school in order for the necessary medication to be given. A telephone communication
from the physician will suffice, pending the receipt of written verification.
The medication must be brought from home by a reliable adult. Whatever appropriate
arrangement is made, it is important that the correct medication, in
original pharmacy container, (medication will not be given beyond expiratory
date) with original pharmacy label, is provided and that it is available as required.
Epipen at School
Some students are required to carry an Epipen for use in case of emergency. If
your child requires an Epipen at school, please inform the school of this need.
A written order to administer the Epipen, in emergency, is necessary from the
physician. Your child should carry the Epipen at all times unless other arrangements
are made with the school. Some students carry them in a “fanny-pouch.”
The reason for the Epipen should be shared with the school. The date on the
Epipen should not be expired.
Inhalers at School
Please inform the school if your child requires an inhaler at school. The reason
for the inhaler (asthma, allergies) and the frequency of use, as well as environmental
triggers, should be reported to school in order for the school to assist in
emergency plans and in the prevention of an attack (asthmatic, allergic) as is
reasonable and practical.
School Emergency Plan
Parents are asked to collaborate with the school in the development of a specific
emergency plan based on individual health needs of your child (this will be part
of the Individual Health Care Plan). This plan includes your phone number at
home and at work as well as a back-up phone number (of a responsible adult) in
case of emergency (such as illness/injury). The onus is on you to inform the
school of any changes in address or phone number, as well as any changes in the
health status of your child.
The school also has a general Emergency Plan for the whole school. It includes
when and how to access emergency medical personnel (911) what to do in case
of fire, as well as what to do in case of general emergencies.
If you have any questions in respect to Special Health Care in School, please
contact your school principal.
Transportation
The transportation of pupils within the Division is governed by the Public
School Act (Section 43-47), Manitoba Regulation No. 465/88R under the Public
Schools Act, and Division Policy EEA.
The general practice is to provide transportation by school bus for students under
ten years of age who do not live within walking distance from the program
(more than 1.6 kilometres). Students ten years of age and over are encouraged to
travel by transit in order to help them gain a sense of accomplishment and independence.
Transit tickets may be issued to each student who does not live within
walking distance of the program in the school which the student attends, as arranged
with the Transportation Department and by Special Education personnel.
Transportation for students entering special education programs is authorized by
the Service Director of Special Education or consultants as determined in the
intake/entry conference.
It is important that the child reaches the bus and be ready to board the bus on
the scheduled time. If your child will not be attending school on a particular
day, please notify the Transportation Department, phone: 775-0237. Please
note that students are not allowed to eat or drink on the bus for safety reasons,
unless some form of sugar is necessary for a diabetic condition. It is requested
that necessary supplies, materials required at school, be placed in a pouch or
packet and labeled with your child’s name and given to the bus driver.
Transportation of Students with Health Care Needs and Physical Disabilities
Special arrangements can be made for students who have a physical disability to
be transported to and from school by specially equipped vehicles.
