Description of Services
Learning Assistance Services are school-based, non-categorical, resource services designed to support classroom teachers and their students who have mild to moderate difficulties in learning and adjustment. (Refer to pages D1-D4 Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.)
According to the Ministry, the Learning Assistance Teacher "is a member of the school-based team, provides collaborative consultation, assists with pre-referral intervention, and works closely with teachers and the schoolbased team to plan for, organize and access support services for students with special needs".
Learning Assistance Services Include:
- Collaborative Planning and Coordination
- Instruction
- Consultation
- Assessment
Access to Learning Assistance Services
Each school should establish procedures for teachers, students and parents to access learning assistance services. Schools should decide the focus for learning assistance services considering the student needs and other school-based supports.
Service Delivery Models
The Ministry suggests that schools may "combine learning assistance with other special education services, provided that the supports available to the students served are consistent with guidelines and appropriate to the needs of the students."
IEP Development
The Ministry states that "Students receiving ongoing instruction in a learning assistance program should have an Individual Education Plan." An exception can be made if the student is receiving in a school year 25 hours or less remedial instruction, by a person other than the classroom teacher, in order to meet the expected learning outcomes (see pages C10 and D2, Ministry Binder).
