Parentally Placed Private School Student

Parentally Placed Private School Student

Children with disabilities who are enrolled in a public school have the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) through which they receive special education and related services. Parentally placed private, parochial, and home school students with disabilities do not have the same individual right to receive special education and related services. Instead, a local education agency (LEA) must set aside a “proportionate share” of their IDEA Part B funds to provide services to parentally-placed private, parochial, and home schooled children with disabilities ages 5-21 who have been evaluated and determined eligible for special education services. Decisions about how to spend the proportionate share funds for services must be made in accordance with the consultation process.

General Requirements
Consultation Process

LEAs are required to meet with representatives from the private/parochial schools, including persons representing the parents of private/parochial schooled student and parents of home-schooled students, in an ongoing way to discuss the following:

  • The child find process
  • The amount of proportionate share funds available
  • How often consultation will occur and for what reasons
  • The design and provision of special education and related services
  • How funds will be re-allocated if they run low and what happens if they run out
  • Written explanation regarding services

Affirmation of Nonpublic School Consultation & Participation
Affirmation of Nonpublic School Consultation & Participation Guidance Document

Proportionate Share