Want to know more about JCAS?

If you would like to find out more about who we are, please visit us at JCAS

Some FAQs about us:

1.What is JCAS’ mission? Our mission is to support students with special needs to attend Melbourne Jewish day schools and to ensure that they can participate in mainstream classrooms and school life.

2. How old is JCAS? JCAS was founded in 1882.

3. Where does my donation go? We fund the cost of teachers’ assistants and aides which are not covered by government subsidies and other sources. We also provide emergency funding in exceptional circumstances – for example, for the education of a child requiring prolonged hospitalisation or time away from school due to illness. We only provide funds where the child has a demonstrated special need and the family cannot afford to provide that support for their child.

4. What percentage of my donation goes directly towards the cause? 99%

5. Who benefits from JCAS? The children with special needs and their families enjoy lifelong benefits. In addition, a whole generation of school children are also educated to embrace difference. We also run a training program for teachers’ assistants supported by Gandel Philanthropy, and supply ongoing training for the assistants which is important vocational training and can assist them in later job qualifications.

6. What is the relationship between JCAS and the Posh Opp Shoppes? We are the organisation that set up and runs the opportunity shops.

7. How does JCAS raise funds? JCAS raises funds from generous donations from supporters in the community and from the proceeds of the Posh Opp Shoppes.

8. How much does a full-time teacher’s assistant cost? Upwards of $70,000.

9. How many children does JCAS assist? Since our program began in 1990 we have assisted over 1000 children with disabilities. In 2024 we are assisting 241 students across the 11 Jewish day schools, who will be supported by over 100 teachers’ assistants.

10. Doesn’t the NDIS pay towards this?  No. The NDIS supports children out of school hours. The Federal and State Governments provide some funding to schools but there is a substantial gap in funding, especially for the children with high needs who we support.