Subject: Implementation of IDEA 2004--Information on Private School Children, Ages 3-5

Source: Pam Williams, Director, Compliance

 

Intended Audience: Directors of Special Education, ECSE Directors/Coordinators, and ECSE Teachers

 

Date: September 16, 2005

 

Information was disseminated on July 26, 2005, regarding revised requirements in IDEA 2004 for provision of services to children who are parentally-placed in private schools.  Information in that communication indicated that the provisions regarding parentally-placed private school students applied to all private school children, ages 3-21.  Since that communication, the Division has received many questions regarding application of the provisions to children ages 3-5 (ECSE).  A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document has been developed to respond to the questions we have received.  This document is posted at the following address http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Compliance/Q&A/PPP-FAQ.pdf.

 

Readers are also referred to another document on our website for further information on this topic.  The document is entitled Questions and Answers on Obligations of Public Agencies in Serving Children with Disabilities Placed by Their Parents at Private Schools.  Readers are cautioned that this document was disseminated by OSEP following the 1997 Reauthorization of the IDEA and has not yet been updated to incorporate some of the changes resulting from the 2004 Reauthorization.  However, much of the information is still relevant, including Question 38 which clarifies OSEP's position regarding parentally-placed private school children, ages 3-5.  This document can be accessed at the follow address http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Compliance/Guidance/osepletter.html.