Private School Students
Laurel Public Schools is committed to meeting its responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to identify, locate, and evaluate children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private elementary and secondary schools located within the district's geographic boundaries.
Child Find Responsibilities
Laurel Public Schools conducts ongoing Child Find activities to identify students attending private schools who may have disabilities and may be eligible for special education services. Parents, private school personnel, or other individuals may refer a student for an evaluation if there is reason to suspect the student has a disability.
The district conducts evaluations and eligibility determinations using the same procedures and timelines required for students enrolled in public schools.
Parentally Placed Private School Students
A student who is enrolled in a private school by their parents may be evaluated to determine eligibility for special education under IDEA. However, eligibility does not guarantee the same services that would be available if the student were enrolled in Laurel Public Schools.
Unlike students enrolled in public schools, parentally placed private school students do not have an individual entitlement to receive all special education and related services. Instead, federal law requires school districts to use a proportionate share of federal IDEA funds to provide equitable services to eligible students attending private schools.
Consultation Process
Laurel Public Schools conducts timely and meaningful consultation with representatives of private schools and parents of parentally placed private school students each year. During this process, the district discusses:
- Child Find procedures;
- The determination of the proportionate share of IDEA funds;
- How students' educational needs will be identified;
- The services that may be provided;
- How, where, and by whom services will be delivered; and
- How decisions regarding services will be made.
Service Plans
If a student is selected to receive equitable services, the district will develop a Services Plan that outlines the special education and/or related services the student will receive. A Services Plan differs from an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and reflects the specific services available through the district's proportionate share of federal IDEA funding.
Enrollment in Laurel Public Schools
If a student enrolled in a private school later enrolls in Laurel Public Schools, the district will review the student's evaluation and eligibility information. If the student is eligible under IDEA, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team will develop an IEP, and the student will be entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in accordance with federal and state law.
Collaboration with Private Schools and Families
Laurel Public Schools values collaborative partnerships with private schools and families to ensure that students with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and considered for services as required by law. The district works cooperatively with private school administrators, parents, and service providers to support eligible students and ensure compliance with IDEA requirements.
For additional information regarding Child Find, evaluations, consultation, or services for students attending private schools, please contact:
Christina Petersen
Director of Student Services
(406) 628 - 3360 ext. 3311
christina_petersen@laurel.k12.mt.us