How will I find out about my child's progress?
Each provider that works with your child will be required to complete progress reports. Those reports are completed quarterly and given to the parent by the provider. Reports are due on September 30, December 31, March 31st and June 30th. The report will give the parent detailed information on the child's progress for the goals and objectives that the providers are addressing.
If the child attends a chartered non-public school, that school will also provide report cards indicating how the child is doing in their regular classes.
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What can I do if I believe my child needs an educational service that was not approved on their IEP?
Parents can complete a service modification request form with their provider to add a service associated with educating their child that was not included on the child's individualized education program. If approved by the Department, the modification will allow the parent to use scholarship dollars to purchase the additional service. The modification will not change the student's IEP.
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What services are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship can pay for the child's education including related services on the child's IEP. Only services provided by a registered Autism Scholarship provider can be invoiced to the scholarship.
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What services is my public school district responsible for providing?
By accepting the scholarship, you have relinquished your right to FAPE. Your district must renew your child's IEP annually and conduct required evaluations, but the district is not required to provide any services to your child.
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What is the maximum amount of money available for the scholarship?
The maximum scholarship amount is $27,000 per school year. The child must be in the program for a full academic year to claim the maximum amount.
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If the services rendered exceed the maximum amount per year for the Autism Scholarship, who is responsible for the costs of these services?
If the cost exceeds the maximum amount allowed per year, the parent would be responsible for covering the additional cost.
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How do I know how much my provider has billed?
For a parent with multiple providers, the parent will designate the maximum amount of the scholarship each provider can receive when they accept the scholarship. Each provider will submit invoices through our online scholarship system. The online scholarship system will track all invoices and payments and a printout of the history can be obtained from the provider if there are ever any questions. Parents can also set up their own access to the online system and view their students’ information at any time. For instructions, refer to the parent portal information on this web page.
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Do I have to sign every scholarship check?
The scholarship checks are written to the provider and the parent. By law, the parent/guardian is required to endorse the scholarship checks. The parent must endorse each scholarship check before the provider can cash or deposit the scholarship payment. A parent/guardian cannot take a scholarship check from a provider nor can he/she refuse to endorse a check unless a written complaint has been filed regarding failure to provide the services.
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Can scholarship money pay for transportation?
If transportation is listed on the IEP as a related service, the parent may obtain transportation from a registered private provider that is approved by the state to provide such transportation and claim it for reimbursement through the Autism Scholarship program.
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How will my child receive a high school diploma?
If your child attends a chartered non-public school, the school will be able to award a diploma once your child has met state graduation requirements. If your child is attending a special education program that is not chartered as a school, you must notify your district superintendent of your intent to home school your child. Recent changes in law may allow for some home school students to receive diplomas. Please see section 3313.6110 of the Ohio Revised Code for more information.
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If my child is receiving services on their IEP, are they required to attend school?
A child between six and eighteen years of age is "of compulsory school age". Parents of children who are of compulsory age are obligated to ensure that their child receives instruction. Every child of compulsory school age shall attend a school or participate in a special education program that conforms to the minimum standards prescribed by the state board of education.
Many of the service providers who participate in the Autism Scholarship program provide specific services on the IEP but do not provide minimum instruction. If your child is not attending a chartered non-public school or a non-chartered non-public school, then the parent is obligated to register their child as home schooled with their district of residence.
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Who is responsible for making sure my child gets the services on their IEP?
The parent must work with providers that they choose to insure that their child's educational needs are met and they receive the necessary supportive services.
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Can I use my scholarship for educational services that are not on my student's IEP?
If the parent and provider agree that there are additional educational services necessary, they can request a modification of services. The parent and provider complete the modification request form and submit it to the Autism Scholarship program through the online system. The program must approve the modification before the provider can invoice for the new service. The modification does not change the student’s IEP. It allows the parent to use the scholarship for services associated with educating the student that are not currently part of the IEP.
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