All You Need To Know About Resource Claims
How home education funding works in Alberta
New For 2023-24
Grades 1-12 funding = $901 per student
Kindergarten funding = $450.50 per student
How to receive funding:
Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on the process.
Refer to the SWIS By Design Funding Policy Document below.
If you're ever unsure about an item for funding please reach out to your facilitator.
Create an account in our By Design Digital Portal here.
Upload receipts for purchases dated after May 15, 2023 for 2023-24 resource claims for approval (must align with your program plan).
Update your program plan to ensure all resources claimed are included on your plan.
Funds are electronically transferred to your chosen bank account.
2023-2024 Payment Dates
Claims submitted by November 1st will be processed on or before December 18th, 2023
Claims submitted by January 15th will be processed on or before February 26th, 2024
Claims submitted by March 15th will be processed on or before April 29th, 2024
Claims submitted by May 15th will be processed June 30th, 2024
Bank times vary, funds will appear in your account 24-72 hours after processing.
ANY CLAIMS SUBMITTED AFTER May 15th, 2023 WILL BE PAID THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR.
Transfer Unclaimed Funds:
If you aren't planning to make a claim, or if your claim doesn't cover your full funding, please consider donating any unused funds back to our program, otherwise the funds automatically go back to Alberta Ed. We use the funds for program improvements and various website subscriptions. You can do this by filling out this Transfer of Parental Portion of Home Education Funding and sending it to: reimbursements@summitwestschool.ca
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Funding Policy & Receipt Submission Requirements
Consistent with the Home Education Regulation and clearly reflected in your Home Education Program Plan, we will reimburse parents who provide us with original receipts dated between May 15 - May 15 of the current school year for learning resources related to the home education program (not the home education school).
*All items listed are subject to change based on The Standard for Home Education Reimbursement in Alberta
Items Approved For Reimbursement
Books
textbooks, workbooks, resource books, extra reading books, etc.
Consumables such as:
paper, pens, notebooks, etc.
woodworking supplies, art & craft supplies
Learning Aids / Manipulatives
cards, dice, puzzles, games, blocks, counters, play money, etc.
Audio/Video:
instructional DVDs
instructional audio CDs
documentaries and other identifiably educational DVDs
Tangible Assets
materials needed to construct projects that are clearly part of the EPP (e.g.play-dough, clay, glue, building blocks, fabric, lumber, materials for science projects including seeds and dissection kits, craft supplies, Lego etc.)
cameras, telescopes, musical instruments, physical education equipment, sewing machine
Technology
desktop, laptop and tablet, printer and ink
educational software
e-reader (other than tablet)
monitor
3D printer
Homeschool Management
shipping and handling for homeschool resources
photocopying costs
50% of internet service from September 1 to August 31 of the current school year
Tutoring
as necessary for student’s program, delivered by a subject matter expert who is not an immediate family member to the student; must provide a detailed receipt listing tutoring dates, subject(s), number of hours and tutor’s name
Correspondence Courses and Online Learning Programs
Lessons or Classes (considered on a per-year basis)
group classes: group swimming classes, art classes, music classes, dance classes, language classes, etc.
individual private lessons
Admissions / Field Trips
(passes & memberships) Note: student cost only up to a maximum of 50% of annual allotment. The student portion of a family pass can be reimbursed as long as proof of student cost is submitted.
zoo admission
museum/science centre
theatre tickets related to literature study
cultural events
fitness centre passes and classes
We Do Not Reimburse For The Following
Competitions
swim meets
tournament costs
Registration Fees
club or league fees
sports teams
community leagues
summer camps.
Phones
including smart phones
phone plan or long distance costs
Furniture of Any Kind
desk, bookshelf, chairs, etc.
personal or household items; bins, totes, organization
Clothing
sports clothing
costumes for plays, dance, etc.
backpacks
shoes of any kind, including sport shoes
Yard and Garden Expenses
garden shed, garage
quads, tractors or other equipment
swimming pools • playground equipment • playhouse or treehouse materials or packages
Pet Related Expenses
animal purchase costs or “adoption” fees
animal food
grooming
pens/cages/terrariums/ aquariums etc
veterinary fees
animal husbandry, training, etc.
Travel Costs
fuel, meals, accommodations
Parent Resources
“professional development” workshop fees
books, planners, teacher keys and teaching guides
Sport Extras
fishing license, boating license, hunting or gun license
weapons (including archery)
Entertainment
movie tickets
TV/cable/satellite expense
Netflix/other movie-rental fees
amusement park tickets, circus tickets
non-educational videos and DVDs
gaming consoles or handheld gaming devices
Other
photography sessions
personal remuneration to parents or siblings of a student
post-secondary courses or training from a college or university
warranties / insurance
donations
lumber / renovation costs
graduation supplies (ie cap and gown, grad ring or other attire and materials)
Camping Equipment / Campground Fees
Medical therapies
Please ensure that when submitting receipts to the By Design Portal:
You have familiarized yourself with the above lists; this helps prevent receipts being submitted and not approved. If unsure, check with your facilitator prior to submitting.
They contain itemized purchase information and complete vendor information, including name, date of purchase, contact (and signature if it is a handwritten receipt).
Receipts include proof of payment, such as a credit card statement or a paid stamp/status. If the receipt / invoice shows an amount due, that does not show proof of payment. (Ex: Amazon Order Confirmations are not acceptable; you must provide the receipt from your account.)
Please attach a note explaining how it corresponds to your child’s plan.
Resource receipts expire two years from purchase to refund date. Lessons & classes or admissions / field trips cannot be reimbursed outside of the year in which they were taken.
Tax and shipping costs are refundable and should be included with your submission (shipping is part of the subtotal costs).
Receipts not adhering to this policy will not be reimbursed. If you believe something should be claimable that was not accepted, you may appeal our decision in writing.