| Do you have a child with autism or dyslexia that is not | | | | concern that your child will not receive FAPE, and also |
| receiving a free appropriate public education (FAPE) | | | | your intent of enrolling your child in private school. Make |
| from their school district? Have you found a private | | | | sure that the input statement is attached to your child's |
| school that has the knowledge and experience with | | | | IEP! |
| your child's type of disability-perhaps a school devoted | | | | IDEA also requires a 10 business day written notice |
| to children with autism? Did you know that parents that | | | | prior to the removal of your child from the public |
| place their children in private schools because they are | | | | school. Reimbursement can be reduced or denied by a |
| not receiving FAPE, can be reimbursed for the cost? | | | | hearing officer, if Tip 2 is not done! |
| This article will discuss 4 tips to help you in giving your | | | | Tip 3: Write a brief letter to special education personnel |
| school district 10 day written notice for a private school | | | | in your school district and state why you think your |
| placement, due to lack of FAPE. | | | | child is not receiving FAPE, why you are rejecting the |
| Tip 1: Contact a Parent Training and Information Center | | | | proposed placement, and that you intend to ask for |
| and try and get as much information as you can on | | | | reimbursement for private school due to the school |
| how to fulfill the legal requirements for 10 day written | | | | districts denial of a free appropriate public education. |
| notice. Every state has at least one PTIC, and most | | | | Even if you have written a parent input statement that |
| have experienced parents available to help other | | | | is attached to your child's IEP, send this letter also. Date |
| parents. | | | | the letter, keep a copy, sign the letter, and either hand |
| The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | | | | deliver the letter to the special education office or send |
| deals with the issue of 10 day notice at 300.148; the | | | | by the post office Certified with a return receipt. |
| category is called: Children With Disabilities Enrolled by | | | | Tip 4: Make your child available for any evaluations |
| Their Parents in Private Schools When FAPE is at | | | | from your school district; prior to the actual removal of |
| Issue. | | | | the child. If a parent refuses to allow their child to be |
| The law requires that at the most recent IEP meeting | | | | evaluated, a hearing officer can reduce or deny |
| prior to removal of the child from the public school, you | | | | reimbursement. |
| must inform the IEP team that you are rejecting the | | | | School districts can place a child in a private school at |
| placement proposed by the public agency, state your | | | | public expense. Though most parents must file for a |
| concerns, and also tell school personnel of your intent | | | | due process hearing, to receive reimbursement for a |
| to enroll your child in a private school at public expense. | | | | private placement, due to lack of FAPE. Try and find |
| Reimbursement can be reduced or denied by a | | | | an advocate, another parent, or a special education |
| hearing officer, if Tip 1 is not carried out! | | | | attorney who is experienced in due process hearings. |
| Tip 2: Bring a parent input statement to the IEP | | | | Many parents have won the right to have their children |
| meeting before removal, and include the following: your | | | | educated in private schools, due to school districts |
| rejection of the schools proposed placement for your | | | | inability to appropriately educate their children. Good |
| child, your reasons for rejecting the placement, your | | | | luck! |