Privately placed school students with disabilities service model

Parentally Placed Private School Students with Disabilities

In compliance with Maryland Senate Bill 0602 and IDEA, Part B, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents or guardians in private elementary or secondary schools, including religious schools, have access to appropriate special education services through proportionate share funding.

We have created this page to outline available supports and clarify procedures for parents, guardians, and private school staff.

Who Are Parentally Placed Private School Students?

These are children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private or parochial schools located within Washington County, but who are not enrolled in WCPS. Under IDEA, Part B, these students may still be eligible to receive equitable services funded through WCPS.

Child Find & Evaluation Services

WCPS conducts Child Find evaluations for all students attending private or parochial schools in Washington County when a disability is suspected.

• Referrals may be made to the child’s school of residence or to the public school closest to the private school.
  
  

• Evaluations and eligibility determinations are provided at no cost to families.
  
  

• If a student is found eligible for special education, WCPS will develop an IEP for parent information. If the student remains in the private school, a Service Plan may be offered based on the available services through proportionate share funding.
  
  

List of Special Education Service Delivery Models

Available to Parentally Placed Private School Students (through proportionate share funding)

Speech-Language Therapy

Direct therapy services for eligible students with identified communication needs

Service Plan Development

Customized plan outlining the specific services available while enrolled in private school

Child Find Evaluation

Free referral, assessment, and eligibility determination services

Preschool IEP Services

IEP services for eligible children prior to kindergarten

Professional Development for Staff

Trainings, materials, and consultation for private school educators

Specialist Consultation

On-site or virtual support by WCPS special education staff

Note: These services are limited to what can be provided through WCPS’s federal proportionate share and are not the same as a full IEP offered in public school settings.

Professional Development & Support

Private/parochial school staff are invited to participate in in-person and virtual workshops provided by WCPS. Topics include:

• Strategies for supporting struggling learners
  
  

• Understanding IDEA provisions
  
  

• Instructional accommodations
  
  

Participants receive a $25/hour stipend for attending, and schools can request classroom observations or consultations at no cost.

Commitment to Equity

WCPS meets annually with private school representatives to:

• Review services available
  
  

• Gather input on student needs
  
  

• Document agreements and ensure transparency
  
  

Our goal is to ensure access, communication, and consistency across all educational settings in the county.

Questions?

If you are a parent or school staff member seeking more information about services available to private school students with disabilities, please contact:

Washington County Public Schools
Department of Special Education
(301) 766-2969