High-Cost Special Education Program

Overview:

The High-Cost Special Education Program helps First Nations students with moderate to profound special education needs access quality, culturally appropriate educational programs and services. Funding supports specialized staff, assessments, therapies, assistive technology, and other resources that help students succeed while meeting provincial or territorial education standards.

Funding Amount:

• Indigenous Services Canada invests approximately $115 million annually in the program.
• Funding supports both direct services for students and indirect services that strengthen special education programming.
• At least 75% of available funding supports direct student services, while up to 25% may support indirect services such as educator training, program development, and parent information.
• Funding amounts are determined through the regional application process based on student needs and proposed activities.

Eligibility / Who It’s For:

Eligible applicants include:

• First Nations
• Organizations designated by First Nations
• Federal schools
• Provincial ministries of education
• Provincial school boards or school districts

To receive support, students must:

• Be First Nations students with moderate to profound special education needs.
• Have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in place or in development.
• Have their educational needs supported by appropriate professional assessments.

Project Examples:

Funding may support:

• Professional and student assessments
• Speech and language services
• Educational psychology services
• Counselling and social services
• Elder, mentoring, and cultural supports
• Occupational and physical therapy
• Special education teachers, teacher aides, and para-professional staff
• Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
• Instructional and learning materials
• Professional development for educators
• Parent information services
• Transportation, lodging, and accommodation supports where required

Province/Scope:

National

Deadline:

Application deadlines vary by region for the 2026–2027 school year.