Our Mission
The Equal Education Association of Nova Scotia believes that children with learning disabilities deserve an education equal to children who do not have a learning disability.
EEANS is dedicated to building a level playing field for children with learning disabilities to enable them to function as students with equal opportunities and to develop to their potential.
EEANS believes that decisions regarding educational placement of students with learning disabilities must be based on the needs of each individual student rather than administrative convenience or budgetary considerations, and must be the result of a cooperative effort involving government, educators, parents, and the student.
Our Mandate
EEANS current mandate is to ensure children with special needs receive an education that meets their individual needs. Due to strained resources and over crowded classes within the public system, this often means private schooling in a Designated Special Needs School. These schools only accept students with learning disabilities and strive to teach the students way they learn. The Tuition support program is a key component of providing this education.
Our Focus
Putting the students needs first:
- Assist parents in navigating the tuition support application and appeal process. Many parents are not aware of the program or its requirements. Unfortunately this excludes many students who would otherwise benefit from the program.
- Assist the tuition support review committee in improving the program. The Ministers review provides an opportunity for parents to ensure the program fits the needs of their children. This includes ensuring the program length suits the needs of the student, and ensuring it is accessible to every student that demonstrates a need.
- Change Education Act to allow funding to follow the student and reflect student needs. Funding formulas need to consider individual needs verses population models.
- Early and timely assessments of students with Learning Disabilities. Even without formal assessment, schools can recognize students who are experiencing learning difficulties. Intervention programs provided early in the primary grades may foster student success by helping students to become effective learners before learning difficulties result in student failure /retention and low self-esteem.
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