Special Education Listserv
Subject: Private Agency Approval Process/Changes
Source: Rick Lewis, Supervisor, Compliance
Intended Audience: Administrators, Special Education Administrators, Private Agency Administrators
Date: November 4, 2008
This is a reminder regarding private agency approvals. New private agency applicants will receive an on-site visit by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE); in addition, new agencies will also receive a follow-up on-site visit within one year of initial approval.
Existing private agencies will be transitioned to the new process adopted October 23, 2007. For an explanation of that procedure, see the SELS message at:
http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Administration/ListServPostings/LS10.23.07.html.
Private agencies and school districts need to be aware that background checks for private agency employees are not required by Missouri law (Section 168.133 RSMo.). However, school districts may want to consider requiring background checks of private agency employees have contact with pupils as a part of their contractual agreement with the private agency.
Oversight of private agencies remains the responsibility of the Division of Special Education, Compliance Section. School districts have the responsibility for ensuring that the IEPs of children placed in private agencies are implemented as written. In addition, if the district contracts with the agency for other activities related to the IEP process, such as development of the IEP, evaluations, etc., the district is responsible for ensuring that the process is implemented in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Additional information on private agency approvals and copies of the revised application and on-site standards are posted on our website at http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Compliance. If you have questions, you may contact the Compliance Section at webreplyspeco@dese.mo.gov or by calling 573-751-0699.