This was sent from EECD to all high school student families regarding the purchase of laptops:
Dear Parent or Guardian:
The Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development recently announced a new Bring Your Own Device program for students
in grades 9 to 12, beginning in September 2020. A laptop or tablet will
now be a required tool to support learning in these grades. This program will
help avoid interruptions in learning that may result from COVID-19 and allows
more personalized learning opportunities to help
better prepare students for post-secondary education and the workplace.
We understand that purchasing a new device may
be a financial pressure for families. In response, the department has launched
a financial assistance program for low to middle income families. Commencing
July 31, you will be able to apply online https://www.nbed.nb.ca/DeviceSubsidy/
for a subsidy under the new Laptop Subsidy Program. Eligibility criteria and
processes for application are described below.
The
following is the eligibility criteria and potential assistance to support the
purchase of new devices:
Eligibility Criteria and subsidy
|
|
Number of
children enrolled in grades 9 to 12
|
Household income*
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
below $40,000
|
$600
|
$1,200
|
$1,800
|
$2,400
|
between $40,000 and $55,000
|
$400
|
$1,000
|
$1,600
|
$2,200
|
between $55,0000 and $70,000
|
$200
|
$600
|
$1,200
|
$1,800
|
between $70,000 and $85,000
|
0
|
$200
|
$600
|
$1,200
|
*Household income is equivalent to line 150 of
your 2019 CRA Notice of Assessment. Alternatively, you may provide pay
stubs for the past 4 consecutive periods (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly,
semimonthly, monthly, etc.) to demonstrate proof of income and for determining
eligibility.
ELIGIBILITY
|
TIME OF PURCHASE
|
SUBSIDY
|
DEVICE
|
Eligible
for subsidy
|
Purchased a device before March 16, 2020
|
No subsidy will be provided
|
- Any laptop or tablets that meet the recommended minimum
specification;
(refer to device
specifications)
- Smart phones are not recommended.
|
Purchased a device between
March 16, 2020, and July 22, 2020
|
- Submit household income through the Parent Portal;
- Submit a copy of the detailed receipt of purchase through the Parent Portal
to obtain a refund;
Note: Application for a refund will be assessed in September 2020.
|
- Any new laptop or tablet will be eligible for subsidy;
- Smart phones are not recommended and not eligible for subsidy.
|
Purchased a device after July 22, 2020
|
OPTION 1
- Submit household income through the Parent Portal;
- Submit a copy of the detailed receipt of purchase through the Parent Portal
to obtain a refund;
Note: Application for a refund will be assessed in September 2020.
|
- Devices must meet minimum recommended specifications required
for subsidy.
(refer to device
specifications)
|
OPTION 2
- Submit household income through Parent Portal to receive a subsidy code;
Note: Allow a few days for processing;
- Order laptop through IMP (online) with the subsidy code. The code will
reduce your cost of purchase by the approved subsidy amount.
|
- Device provided by IMP meets minimum recommended
specifications required for subsidy
(refer to device
specifications)
|
Not eligible for subsidy
|
Purchased a device before March 16, 2020
|
No subsidy will be provided
|
- Any laptop or tablet that meets the recommended minimum
specification;
(refer to device
specifications)
- Smart phones are not recommended.
|
Purchased a device after July 22, 2020
|
No subsidy will be provided
You have the option to purchase a laptop through IMP (online) with the unique
code provided below. The cost to purchase will be under $600 (tax included).
|
- Device provided by IMP meets minimum recommended
specifications required
(refer to device
specifications)
|
Minimum
recommended specifications for devices can be found here.
Parents are asked to ensure the device meets
the minimum recommended specifications as described. This is to ensure students
best experience with the online learning platforms that will be used to support
education, in and out of the classroom. These platforms, which are provided by
the department, include: Microsoft Teams,
Desire 2 Learn/Clic. The specifications are higher for new devices
as these are intended to ensure the device will last through high school.
Students will continue to benefit from free access to Office 365 on their
device.
How to Apply for Assistance if eligible
1.
Before
applying, you will require the following information:
a.
Electronic
copies of your 2019 Notice of Assessments and/or your last 4 consecutive pay
stubs must be attached to your application. Documents could be scanned, copied,
or a photo of the document may be attached.
b.
The
New Brunswick
Education Number (NBEN)
of each child in grades 9–12
c.
Detailed
invoices for purchases made after March 16, 2020
2.
To
apply, please go to https://www.nbed.nb.ca/DeviceSubsidy/
a.
NOTE – The
application is a one-time use only form, so please ensure you are applying for
assistance of all children in grades 9–12 at the same time.
b.
You
will need to create a Parent Portal Account (if you have not done so already).
3.
Once
you have submitted the application, your information will be
validated. Once validated, eligible applicants will receive a code
via email enabling them to obtain a credit not exceeding the cost of the new
device(s). The email will provide details to assist in completing the
purchase of a laptop through IMP Solutions.
What if I am ineligible and need a device?
If you are ineligible to receive a subsidy
based on the above table but would like to take advantage of a discounted
price, you may still purchase your computer through IMP Solutions. You
may access their site at https://eecdsd-edpeae.impsolutions.com. You will need to provide
your unique code in order to obtain the discounted
price. Please note that this site will not be operational until
August 17, 2020.
For
enquiries on the program, you may contact us at 1 833 901-1963 or by
email at
EECDRTS-EDPERAE@gnb.ca
Original
signed by
George
Daley
Deputy
Minister
Education
and Early Childhood Development