Tips for Families of Kids with Disabilities, Delays or Behavioral Health Concerns

When your child has a disability, delay or behavioral health concern, choosing the right school can be tricky. Many children with concerns do well in public schools. Others may need different support. If you are thinking about changing schools, try these steps:

1. Ask Your Child’s IEP or 504 Team

Sometimes teams can make changes to help your child stay where they are. Examples include:

• Changing your child’s daily schedule - like teaching academics during times when your child is more ready to learn
• Adding or changing support - like increasing support minutes or adding a different related service
• Changing where your child learns - like using small groups or a resource room

Sometimes IEP teams decide that they can’t serve a child. When this happens, the team may suggest a district placement. A district placement means that your school district pays for your child to attend a different school or center.

2. Look at Funding Options

Most private schools charge tuition. Ohio has different ways to cover those costs:

• EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion are vouchers that allow students to attend approved schools. Your child does not need an IEP to use these programs.
• Autism Scholarship pays for children with autism and some with developmental delays to use approved providers. The Autism Scholarship amount is set for each school year. All children who use it get the same amount of money.
• Jon Peterson Scholarship pays for children with an IEP to use approved providers. Children will receive an amount based on their diagnosis.

Private schools aren’t the only option. This guide will teach you about charter schools, homeschooling and center-based programs.

3. Make a List of Schools

When you’re ready to start your search, make a list of the schools you want to look at. If you’re not sure how to do this, the Connecting for Kids (CFK) team can help! You can call/text 440-570-5908, email info@connectingforkids.org, or choose a date/time that works best for you at connectingforkids.org/askus.

4. Ask Lots of Questions

It’s a good idea to call and talk to people at the schools on your list. This guide has ten questions to help you get started.

Choosing the right school might seem like a lot of pressure – but remember, you can always change your mind. And if you need help sorting through options, CFK is here to help!