Assessment & Identification
Documentation must support that the student has been appropriately assessed and identified as meeting the criteria for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing inclusive education category.
Category F Funding Support for B.C. Independent Schools
A Qualified Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides the services
For students reported under Form 1701 Category F — Deaf or Hard of Hearing , the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care Category F checklist specifically states:
“A qualified teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing provides the services.”
ClearBridge services are provided by Melissa Leifer, M.Ed., a CAEDHH-certified Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with a Master of Education in Special Education (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) from the University of British Columbia.
What Independent Schools in B.C. Need to Know
Category F funding depends on more than a student’s hearing status alone. Schools must maintain documentation demonstrating that the student meets the applicable Category F criteria and is receiving appropriate inclusive education programming and services related to their identified needs.
A Current IEP
A current Individual Education Plan must identify individualized goals, strategies, adaptations or modifications where appropriate, and services related to the student’s identified educational needs.
Category F-Related Goals
The student’s IEP goals should correspond to the category under which the student is identified and address educational needs associated with the student’s hearing loss.
Appropriate Services
The student must receive inclusive education services that address identified needs, are beyond those offered to the general student population, and are proportionate to the student’s level of need.
Supporting The Educational Program Behind The Funding
ClearBridge can provide qualified TDHH services as part of an Independent School’s Educational Program for a Deaf or Hard of Hearing student.
We can work with the school team to establish appropriate service priorities, support IEP development and review, provide specialized TDHH programming and consultation, monitor progress, and maintain professional documentation relating to the services ClearBridge provides.
Services can be structured according to individual student needs, the school’s existing support team, location, scheduling, and the agreed scope of service.
Official Ministry Information
Confirm current Category F requirements
Schools should refer directly to current B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care policies, guidelines, and reporting requirements when determining eligibility for inclusive education funding.
Category F Checklist
Review the B.C. Ministry checklist for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students reported under Form 1701 Category F.
Independent School Funding Policy
Review the B.C. Ministry policy governing Inclusive Education Programs and Funding for independent schools.
Inclusive Education Manual
Review provincial policies, procedures, and guidelines for inclusive education, including the section addressing Deaf or Hard of Hearing students and specialist TDHH personnel.
Connect With ClearBridge
Looking for Qualified Category F TDHH support?
If your Independent School is seeking specialized Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing services, contact ClearBridge to discuss the student’s educational needs and appropriate service options.
Request a Consultation Call Melissa: 604-764-0109Important Information
ClearBridge provides specialized TDHH educational services and professional support.
ClearBridge does not determine or guarantee a student’s eligibility for Ministry funding. Eligibility, reporting, and funding decisions depend on the student meeting all applicable Ministry assessment, identification, IEP, programming, service-delivery, and documentation requirements. Independent schools remain responsible for their funding claims and compliance with current Ministry requirements.