special education
Our Special Education Guide includes additional details about the UFA program and special education.
how does the UFA program work?
When applying for the UFA scholarship, parents agreed to the following statements:
1. A qualifying provider may not provide the same level of disability services that are provided in a public school.
What does this mean?
Public schools must adhere to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which guarantees free and appropriate public education and specific rights to children with disabilities and their families. Other types of qualifying providers, like private schools, aren’t legally obligated to follow IDEA but will use an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) instead of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). ISPs may offer fewer services and accommodations, so it’s advisable for families to assess a prospective provider’s offerings for students needing special education or accommodations.
*For more technical assistance regarding students with disabilities enrolled in private schools view this resource.
2. Agreeing to establish this scholarship account has the same effect as a parental refusal to consent to services as described under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
What does this mean?
When a parent enrolls their child in the Utah Fits All Scholarship program, they are simultaneously declining special education services from the public school. This means the school won’t provide any services, hold IEP meetings, or create further IEPs. If the parent requests it, the public school district will reassess the student’s eligibility for special education services.
3. The qualifying provider I select for my student’s enrollment or engagement is capable of providing education services for my student.
What does this mean?
A parent is the best person suited to choose the educational services, materials and environment for their student. This acknowledgement identifies the parent as the person responsible for assuring whichever provider selected by them will meet the educational needs of their student by reviewing both the services offered and those who are providing the services without interference or intervention from any other party.