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Navigating Student Educational Needs

Navigating the educational needs of students within Residential Treatment Facilities (RTFs) requires a thoughtful awareness of their unique circumstances and challenges. Understanding the nuances of educational program requirements and considerations is crucial to ensuring that students receive the support and resources necessary to thrive academically and personally within the RTF setting. 

Click the links below to learn more: 

Career-Technical Education
English Learners
Foster Care
Justice-Involved Students

Nutrition Requirements
Ohio's School Options
Parent/Caregiver Requirements
Special Education
Assessments

Career-Technical Education

Ohio law states that each school district must devise a plan to provide Career-Technical Education (CTE) for students in grades seven through twelve. To ensure the continuity of CTE programming during a student's stay at an RTF, facilities should support the ongoing participation of students previously enrolled in any CTE programs. 

For RTFs  operating as a public charter school, the facility has the option to develop its own CTE  programming or collaborate with external entities for such services. 
For RTFs  operating as a chartered nonpublic school, the facility can either contract with external entities or allow students to directly enroll in CTE programs.

Contact the Department’s Office of Career-Technical Education for further assistance.

English Learners

The facility must identify all English learner students, annually assess their English language proficiency, provide reasonable accommodations for educational materials and state assessments, and implement accountability systems that include long-term goals and measures of progress. For further guidance on English learners, visit  English Learners in Ohio. 

Foster Care

Children living in foster care may face educational barriers such as high mobility, increased incidences of trauma, and mental, behavioral, and physical health conditions. To assist with the educational stability of these students, all Ohio school districts must designate a foster care liaison. The foster care liaison also provides support during transitions from an RTF. To locate a district’s designated foster care liaison, access the Ohio Educational Directory System (OEDS). Access the Department’s webpage about Foster Care  for further guidance.

Justice-Involved Students

Some of Ohio’s students have contact with the juvenile justice system prior to admittance to an RTF. To support the educational stability of students transitioning to and from out-of-home placement due to court involvement, Ohio’s school districts designate a liaison to work with community agencies, community partners, juvenile detention centers, and local juvenile courts. To locate a district’s designated justice-involved youth liaison, visit the  Ohio Educational Directory System (OEDS). For further guidance on justice-involved students, access the Department’s page about  Students in the Justice System.  

Nutrition Requirements

Treatment facilities, including Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCIs), that have established an educational program as required under federal and state law are eligible for participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Students attending an RTF that participates in the NSLP with an educational program are eligible for no-cost breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks seven days a week until their twenty-first birthday.  

For more information, visit the Department’s page about the National School Lunch Program or contact Child.Nutrition@education.ohio.gov.

Parent/Caregiver Requirements

Ohio law provides guidance for family and civic engagement. The federal Every Student Succeeds Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) both outline provisions for family and civic engagement as well. 

Special Education

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and Ohio's Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities include requirements and responsibilities of schools and districts, including timelines, progress monitoring, and reporting. Not every child is eligible for special education services under IDEA, and having a medical or mental health diagnosis does not guarantee eligibility. Contact the Office for Exceptional Children at ExceptionalChildren@education.ohio.gov to discuss questions or concerns related to individual cases; contact the Local Area Coordinator for support in the identification of district of residence. 

Assessments

State Assessments

In accordance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Ohio law, all students enrolled in districts and schools in Ohio must undergo annual subject-specific testing at designated grade levels.  Additionally, students in high school take End-of-Course (EOC) state tests in English Language Arts II, Algebra I, Geometry (or Integrated Mathematics I and II), Biology, American History, and American Government.  For more information about specific testing requirements, visit the Department’s page about Ohio State Testing.  

Dyslexia Screening

Dyslexia screening laws apply to students in residential treatment facilities. All traditional public school districts and community schools in Ohio must follow laws related to dyslexia screening. This universal screening, referred to as a tier 1 dyslexia screening measure, is detailed in  Ohio’s dyslexia support laws, and identifies students who may be at risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, by assessing their current skill levels.

For more information, access the Department’s webpages about Dyslexia Screening and Dyslexia Supports.

Last Modified: 11/3/2025 12:04:43 PM