Catholic School and Parish leadership
Catholic schools within the boundaries of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph that are planning to enroll a child with special needs who would NOT be able to attend without paraprofessional support may apply for a FIRE grant if/when specific criteria is met. Catholic schools and parish communities receiving FIRE grants are committed to adopting a philosophy of inclusive education within their school and assuming ownership of the inclusion program. Potential grantees are encouraged to apply school enrollment policies and guidelines (tithing requirements, available space, etc.) when considering enrollment of a student with significant special needs. When possible, it’s desirable to offer special consideration for children who already have siblings attending the school. For parish schools, the Diocesan Inclusive Education Coordinator can assist with testing and observation to assess the child’s specific learning needs and determine if placement is in the child’s best interest.
Parents of Child with Special Needs
Please contact your parish priest and school principal to request a meeting to discuss the possibility of your child attending your parish school. Parents are encouraged to provide any appropriate information to the principal including diagnosis, contact information of child’s current school, educational plans, etc., to assist the school in determining if they are able to meet the needs of your child.
All parents of children receiving partial to full-time paraprofessional support are asked to become members of Friends of FIRE !
Principals | Priests | Special Educators
FIRE has established a formal grant application process. Before qualifying for grant assistance, the following must be completed.
- Contact the Executive Director of the FIRE Foundation to discuss your school’s desire to enroll a student with special needs who would NOT be able to attend without paraprofessional support and to learn more about partnership with the Foundation.
- For parish schools, contact the Diocesan Inclusive Education Coordinator to ask for assistance in determining whether a new student requires partial or full time Para educator support in order to attend your parish school.
- For parish schools, upon determination by the Inclusive Education Coordinator and school Special Education teacher/principal, that a student would NOT be able to attend your parish school without paraprofessional/Special Educator support, please contact the FIRE office to request a meeting to learn about specific grant requirements and the process for application. At that time, Friends of FIRE packets will be provided to encourage immediate participation from parents and school community members.