As a private/home school student, your child may be eligible to receive federally funded special education and related services through the school district under the IDEA Part B proportionate share provision.
Below is a list of key information to help you understand how these services work and what is required for participation.
Proportionate Share of Equitable Services: Federal law requires the district to reserve and expend a proportionate share of federal grant dollars on services to eligible private/home school students with disabilities. Services are provided by the district or through contract services determined by the district. Once the per pupil amount is expended, equitable services end for the student until the new fiscal year.
Eligibility of a Child is Based on IDEA Part B Criteria: Equitable services will be made available if your child meets the eligibility criteria as a student with a disability in need of special education and related services as set forth in IDEA Part B.
Eligibility of a Private/Home School: Private/Home schools must meet the state and federal definition of an elementary school, secondary school, or home-based educational program. Preschools and other home-based programs are not eligible.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Students with disabilities attending a private/home school are not entitled to FAPE or an IEP. They do not have an individual right to receive some or all of the special education and related services they would receive if enrolled in a public school. As a result, an eligible private/home school student will be offered a Private Services Plan (PSP) outlining the equitable services.
Consultation is Required: The district must consult with private/home school representatives prior to offering equitable services through a PSP; your input matters, so participation is encouraged. Upon consultation, the district has the final authority on the provision of equitable services.
Participation is Voluntary: Your child is not required to participate, but you must inform the district if you are interested in services for your child each year.
Services Must Be Secular and Non-Ideological: All services provided must be non-religious, neutral, and non-political.
No Direct Funding to Families: Funds are controlled by the district and used only to provide services. No funding will be provided directly to private/home school programs.
Documentation May Be Required: Private/home schools must comply promptly with all required reporting and monitoring related to the distribution of proportionate share funding.
Annual Communication is Important: Be sure to respond to outreach from the district each year so you don’t miss the opportunity to participate.
Equitable Share Amount: The proportionate share may change each year based on the formula applied to the federal dollars based on the number of participating students. The estimated per/pupil amount for the 25-26 SY is $2,235.00.
Education Savings Account: ESA students are not entitled to FAPE. They may be entitled to their proportionate share of equitable services if eligible.
How to Access Equitable Services for Private/Home School Students
If you’d like to participate in any of the federally funded programs the private/home school will work with LCSD1 to complete the following steps:
- Visit the LCSD1 Homeschool Page and complete the Equitable Services Form
- Wait to be contacted by the district to review your child’s eligibility — or feel free to call us directly at (307) 771-2214
- If eligible, a district representative will work with you to schedule timely and meaningful consultation.
Important Reminders:
- All services are coordinated and funded by LCSD1 — families do not receive direct reimbursement.
- Any materials provided (books, software, etc.) remain the property of LCSD#1 and must be returned when no longer in use.