In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), school districts are required to consult with private schools, including religiously affiliated schools, and provide limited services to eligible special education students.

Child Find

Each Local Education Agency (LEA or School District) is required to locate all children with disabilities, including those enrolled by their parents in private schools located in the school district's area.  In carrying out this requirement, the LEA must undertake activities similar to the activities undertaken for the agency's public school children, often referred to as "Child Find" activities.  Per an agreement between the SELPAs within Los Angeles County, the District of Residence (the school district where the child lives) will complete all assessments for children suspected of having a disability who are attending private schools.  

Determination of Services

A parentally-placed private school child with a disability does not have an individual right to receive some or all of the special education and related services that the child would receive if enrolled in a public school.  Decisions about the services that will be provided to parentally-placed private school children with disabilities must be made in accordance with 34 CFR 300.134 and 300.137.  The LEA must make the final decision with respect to the services to be provided to eligible parentally-placed private school children with disabilities.  The districts within the Foothill SELPA provide consultation services to students and private school staff when the student is eligible to receive special education services and the parent chooses to remain in  the private school.  

Who to Contact

Regardless of which private school your child may attend, please contact your District of Residence to request an assessment.  Should you need assistance or further information, please feel free to contact the Foothill SELPA.