District Level Equitable Services for Private Schools

ESSA Resources

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) contains provisions aimed at making certain forms of assistance available to children attending nonpublic schools. The district and the participating private school then agree on the services that will be provided by the district (funds are never given directly to the private school). Following approval of the ESSA entitlement grant application, the district must provide the agreed-upon services within the current school year. Additional information on ESSA equitable services can be found here: Private School Equitable Services under ESSA.

Outreach to Private Schools

• Sample Offer of Consultation to Eligible Non-Public Schools — Tites I, IIA, III, and IVA

• Timelines Related to Private School Equitable Services under ESSA

• ESSA Equitable Services for Private Schools Resource Guide

• Collecting Poverty Data and Generating Funds for Services to Eligible Private School Children

Consultation with Private Schools

• Affirmation of Consultation and Agreement with Participating Non-Public School Officials under ESSA — Must be submitted with annual ESSA application

Providing Services to Private Schools

• Title I Private School Services Frequently Asked Questions

• Five Steps: Providing Title I Services to Eligible Private School Children

• Title IIA Equitable Services to Private Schools Quick Reference Guide

• Requirements for Third Party Provider Contracts for the Delivery of Title I Services to Private Schools

Federal Guidance

• USED Updated Guidance on Providing Equitable Services to Eligible Private School Children, Teachers, and Families under Title I

• U.S. Department of Education Guidance on Providing Equitable Services for Eligible Private School Children, Teachers, and Families under Title VIII, Part F of ESSA (Titles IIA, IIIA, and IVA/B/F)

• U.S. Department of Education Guidance on Fiscal Changes and Equitable Services Requirements Under ESSA

ESSA Ombudsman

Under ESSA, each state must designate an ombudsman to monitor and ensure ESEA equitable services requirements are carried out under both Title I and Title VIII (comprising Titles II-A, III-A, and Title IV-A&B) of the law.

Ombudsman Contact Information:
Alex Lilley
ESEAequitableservices@mass.gov

Private School Complaint Procedures under ESSA

IDEA Resources

Districts have an obligation to locate and evaluate students with disabilities enrolled by their parents in private schools located within the LEA's boundaries, or those who are home-schooled. Districts must consult with private school or parents to discuss a service plan for students (funds are never provided directly to private schools or parents). Once the annual IDEA entitlement grant application is approved, services must be provided during the current school year, and districts must follow up with private schools/parents two additional times during the year. More information on IDEA equitable services can be found here: IDEA Equitable Services for Students with Disabilities Enrolled by Their Parents in Private Schools.

Outreach and Child Find

• Sample IDEA Equitable Services Proportionate Share Calculation (Fund Codes 240 and 262)

• Draft Sample Consultation Invitation — Includes Child Find Notices

• Draft Sample Child Find Notices

Consultation

• Sample Written Affirmation (Administrative Advisory SPED 2018-1, page 21)

• Sample Written Affirmation for School Districts Receiving Resolution Funds

• Draft Sample Letter — For use when private schools could not attend the consultation meeting

• Draft Sample Letter — For use when parents of homeschooled student could not attend the consultation meeting

Providing Services

• Sample "Services Plan" Form (Administrative Advisory SPED 2018-1, page 23)

• IDEA Proportionate Share Quick Reference Guide

• IDEA Equitable Services Allowable Costs Quick Reference Guide

• SEPP Proportionate Share Carryover Questionnaire for FY22 Funds

Federal Guidance

• Provisions Related to Children With Disabilities Enrolled by Their Parents in Private Schools

• Questions and Answers On Serving Children With Disabilities Placed by Their Parents at Private Schools

• Office of Non-Public Education (ONPE)

DESE Contact for IDEA Equitable Services

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of IDEA equitable services in greater depth please contact IDEAequitableservices@mass.gov .

Last Updated: April 4, 2024