If your child receives a designation at school it recognizes they have a chronic health condition, special physical or mental health needs, or learning challenges. That means your child has access to extra funding and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help support them at school.

The school may want your child to receive a Ministry Funding Designation, or you may want to look into getting a designation for your child.

The extra support at school can improve your child’s learning and experience. For example, it may help to prevent problems with self-esteem, confidence, and anxiety about school. It can also provide supports such as time in a resource classroom, access to special programs or support from an educational assistant (EA).  

You can learn about the types/categories of Ministry Funding Designations here. For example, category “H” is for “students requiring intensive behaviour intervention or students with serious mental illness”. 

You can think of a designation as a way to get support for your child’s learning. It is not a label for the rest of your child’s life, and your child can still go on to college or university. In some cases, the designation can change as your child develops and changes. The designation stays on your child’s school file, but does not need to be passed on to post-secondary schools if it is no longer appropriate. A designation does not limit your child’s future. But it does help them to access supported learning.

You can be involved in the process and kept informed along the way. The designation takes a joint effort. You will work with your child’s teacher and doctor to fill out paperwork and questionnaires. There may be testing for your child. If you have questions or concerns along the way, please bring them up with your child’s teacher.

Featured Resources:

Special Education Policy Manual (BC Ministry of Education)

Visit this school district website for a simple visual of the government funding levels