IDEA Requirements for Children with Disabilities in Faith-Based Schools

Abstract

Children with disabilities enrolled by their parents in private schools do have certain rights to services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The specific requirements of IDEA for students enrolled in private schools are summarized, with an emphasis on those students enrolled in faith-based schools. Although it is clear that the extent to which IDEA does apply to children in private schools is limited, there are implications for the amount of federal flow-through funds that are available for the provision of special education services to this group of students. Specific suggestions for cooperation between public schools and private school personnel are made, with the goal of maximizing the IDEA benefits for children with disabilities in private schools.