ADMISSIONS POLICY

Forming part of: Giant Steps Tasmania’s Curriculum & Learning Experiences Manual

 Policy Statement

Giant Steps Tasmania accepts students/ adult client with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as diagnosed by a suitably qualified Medical Practitioner. Giant Steps Tasmania gives priority to students with a moderate to severe ASD as diagnosed by a suitably qualified Medical Practitioner and who require extensive or substantial levels of adjustment as defined by the Department of Education (www.education.tas.gov.au)

Giant Steps Tasmania accepts students with an ASD regardless of sex, race, socio-economic status and place of residence, from the age of 3. Giant Steps Tasmania can accept a maximum of 10 students on any given school day in each of the following classes: Early Intervention; Green Room (Grades K-2); Red Room (Grades 3-6); Blue Room (Grades 7-12). Giant Steps Tasmania will not accept any student for placement whose needs cannot be adequately met by the school’s resources.

Giant Steps Tasmania placements are funded by federal funding and/ or parental contribution. School fees are set by Giant Steps Tasmania’s Board. Details of current fees can be found on the school’s website (www.giantsteps.tas.edu.au) or by contacting the Giant Steps Tasmania Business Manager (Tel: 63 622 522).

Dual enrolment is possible at Giant Steps Tasmania and any other school in the State, Independent or Catholic sectors with the agreement of both schools.

 Purpose

The aim of this policy is to ensure transparency regarding the criteria upon which Giant Steps Tasmania accepts students/ clients and upon which a placement pay be terminated.

 Implementation

In most cases, the Principal will manage the enrolment process. If the Principal feels it is necessary, an enrolment committee maybe set up, involving one or more members of the class or therapy team and/ or a Board member.

Places at Giant Steps Tasmania normally become available if a former student is withdrawn, or if a student moves from one classroom group to another. The school will seek to replace that student with one of a similar age and developmental level to maintain the homogeneity of the group.

Parent(s)/ Carer(s) and students/ adult clients, whenever possible, are encouraged to actively participate in the admissions process.

Giant Steps Tasmania will consider students for enrolment based on:

  • The student’s/ client’s diagnosis by a suitably qualified Medical Practitioner
  • Funding approval by the Tasmanian Department of Education
  • Homogeneity in age or functioning level for an available classroom placement at Giant Steps, Tasmania
  • The student’s place on the waiting list

For information regarding the enrolment process, refer to Admissions: Enrolment Procedure

Ending a placement

If a parent/ carer wishes to remove a student/ client from Giant Steps/ Tasmania, they must give the school one term’s notice in writing

Giant Steps Tasmania will end a placement if the student/ client no longer requires intensive services from the Giant Steps Tasmania programme and can be successfully transferred to another school/ centre, with any necessary on-going support being provided by the accepting school/ centre

The Giant Steps Tasmania placement will be jeopardised if:

  • The student has an unexplained absence of more than a week (5 consecutive days when s/he is expected to attend Giant Steps Tasmania).  Refer to Home/ School Agreement
  • The student has an unexplained pattern of absences or 10 unexplained days of absence in any term. Refer to Home/ School Agreement
  • Parents/ Carers do not participate in IEP meetings, behavioural support programmes, nutritional/ diet plans and have not contacted Giant Steps Tasmania to discuss this. Refer to Home/ School Agreement
  • Parents/ Carers have not update the student’s Medical Information Form at the start of the academic year in spite of a reminder to do so. Refer to Home/ School Agreement
  • Parents/ Carers have outstanding fees of more than 2 terms and have not made arrangements with Giant Steps Tasmania to settle the amount, following a reminder letter having been sent to the address the school holds for them. Refer to Home/ School Agreement
  • Parents/ Carers, a family member, a Giant Steps Tasmania student/ client or their advocate has a grievance against the school or a member of the Giant Steps Tasmania staff and does not follow the Giant Steps Tasmania Grievance policy to attempt to resolve the issue.  Refer to Home/ School Agreement and Grievance Policy

 A student who has attained the age of majority is encouraged to participate in all procedures which require parent/ carer participation as specified in this policy.