The Bridge the Gap fund reduces barriers to education for children receiving special education services in the Tacoma Public School District
Process:
Teachers, therapists, paraeducators, parents, students will submit a Bridge the Gap Request Form via the online application process found below.
A committee will review the requests immediately after the set deadline this academic school year:
–March 10th Open for Applications
–March 25th Applications closed
–April 15 at General meeting Recipients to be Announced
We will then send out emails following the meeting.
What needs to be addressed on the application?
- Estimated funds requested. Supporting documentation and links is helpful.
- A request statement. In this statement, please share with us what you will use this for, in what settings will it be used, how many students will it impact, for what purpose, frequency/duration of use, etc.
- What steps have you already taken to fulfill this need?
- Name and title/role of requestor: parent, paraeducator, teacher, etc.
- What school/classroom/program will be supported by this request?
- Contact information
Criteria:
- This fund must benefit students with special needs in Tacoma.
- If approved for the fund assistance, requestor must provide documentation of use within three months of receipt.
- Has to directly support student academic enrichment in and/or out of the classroom.
–Toys, games, sensory materials, technology, etc.
–Assistance for other domains such as social/emotional/behavioral, adaptive, etc.
–Field trip or Curriculum supports
- We will not support snacks for the classroom, income for a paraeducator, playground or sensory room equipment that is permanently installed, etc.
The Tacoma Special Education PTA reserves the right to offer partial or full support in cases where we are able, as sufficient funds are available.