The Nova Scotia School Boards Association has announced a list of possible cuts that could occur if the provincial government reduces education funding.

The NDP government asked each of the eight provincial school boards in October to determine what the impact would be of an almost $200 million — or 22 per cent reduction — in their provincial funding over three years.

The NSSBA estimates the cuts will mean 70 school closures and about 4,000 job losses, with half of those being teaching positions.

There could also be cuts to programs and services.

"I don't think they [parents] know yet the full extent of the impact," said Vic Fleury a spokesman for the Nova Scotia School Boards Association.

Fleury said he's concerned about families with special needs children.

"It's going to virtually jeopardize or eliminate many services and programs, particularly those that are there to help children with special needs," he said.

After consulting with superintendents from each of the eight boards, the Nova Scotia School Boards Association compiled a list of likely cuts.

People who work in the autism support field are worried. They train teachers and help set up lesson plans for autistic students.

Each school board has an autism consultant. The Halifax board has four.

Other possible cuts include speech pathology, library services and support for students with severe learning disabilities, among others.