Private School ESE Services

Students enrolled by parents in private (including religious) not-for-profit schools may be eligible for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services through a Services Plan (SP) if they have been identified as a student with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes students who have a Florida Individual Education Plan (IEP) or have been found eligible for special education services by a Florida school district.  Student with eligibility from another state must be reviewed by the district to determine whether they meet the Florida eligibility criteria under IDEA prior to receiving services.

The student's reevaluation must be current for a student to receive services.  If a parent requests services and the student is eligible, the district will assist parents with updating the reevaluation as needed.

Students who have a Section 504 Plan, are home schooled, or attend a for-profit private school are not eligible to receive services due to the funding source.

Eligibility for the Florida Empowerment Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) does not guarantee eligibility for services.

Developed in consultation with private school representatives and input from the parent survey, the following services will be offered during the 2026-27 school year:

• Reevaluation of private school students.
• Access to training for private school staff and parents.
• ESE Services are provided based on the student's eligibility up to a maximum of 90 minutes per week for each service.
• Academic services for students with Varying Exceptionalities (VE) are provided on the private school sites until the proportionate share is exhausted.
  • Students with a Language Impairment may receive VE academic services.
  • DHH Services (PreK-12)
  • Vision Services (PreK-12)
  • Consultative services (PreK-12 case-by-case basis)
  • Services may be provided in small groups or individually.
• Therapy services are provided on the private school sites before or after school (with permission from the private school) until the proportionate share is exhausted.
  • Speech/Language (PreK-12)
  • Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy (PreK-12)

No. Children enrolled in private schools are not entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as outlined in the student's IEP. The special education services to be provided will be described on a Services Plan (SP).  Students will be offered F.A.P.E. when they enroll in a public school.

No. The SP is only required to include the type and amount of special education that the school district will provide during the school year, as outlined in the annual consultation agreement.

A meeting will be scheduled and will include the parent(s), a teacher from the private school, a private school representative, and a Pinellas County Schools representative. Students aged 12 years and older are also invited to attend.

If the parent has requested services for the student, the assigned case manager will ensure that reevaluations occur every three years, at a minimum.  If the parent has not requested services, the district will offer to provide reevaluations every three years.  Notifications will be sent to the email that is on file with the district.

No.  The public school will implement the most recent IEP (even if it is expired) upon enrollment.  An IEP team will meet within 30 days to update the IEP and initiate any needed reevaluations.