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Demystifying Special Education Services for Parentally Placed Private School Students

Demystifying Special Education Services for Parentally Placed Private School Students

As a Special Education Director, one of the common questions I encounter is about the rights and services available to students with disabilities who are parentally placed in private schools. This blog aims to shed light on this topic and provide key insights into the legal framework and practical considerations involved.

Understanding Equitable Services

Unlike their peers in public schools, parentally placed private school students with disabilities are not entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Instead, they are eligible for equitable services determined by the Local Education Agency (LEA). This means that while these students may receive some special education services, they do not have an individual right to all the services they would receive if enrolled full-time in a public school.

The Services Plan

For students who do receive services, the LEA must develop a Services Plan, not an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Services Plan is a collaborative effort involving the parents, private school representatives, and public school representatives. Here's what it includes:

Location and Transportation

The location of services is decided during the consultation process between the LEA, private school representatives, and parents. The final decision rests with the LEA and may include the premises of the private school. If transportation is necessary for the student to benefit from or participate in the services, the LEA must provide it at no cost to the parents.

Parental Participation

Parents play a crucial role in the development of the Services Plan, similar to their involvement in creating an IEP. This ensures that the plan is tailored to meet the specific needs of the student.

Consultation Process

The LEA is required to engage in an annual consultation process with private school representatives and parents. This process covers several key issues, including:

Special Considerations

In Montana, homeschooled students registered with the county superintendent of schools are considered parentally placed private school students and must be included in the consultation process. However, preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) are entitled to FAPE through an IEP, regardless of their attendance in a private school.

For more information, please follow this link.

Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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