The Mississippi Department of Education has released information for parents of students with disabilities who want to participate in the special needs scholarship program. The Mississippi Department of Education has launched the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Applications will be released and accepted beginning July 1 when the law becomes effective.
About the Scholarship Provider:
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) provides resources and technical support to Mississippi’s public school system. MDE is dedicated to improving the educational opportunities for all students and ensuring a bright future for every child. The MDE seeks to create a world-class educational system that gives students the knowledge and skills to be successful in college and in the workforce, and to flourish as parents and citizens.
About the Scholarship Program:
The 2015 Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act will provide up to $6,500 for educational savings accounts (ESA) for parents of students with disabilities. The program is open for those parents who want to remove their children from a public school to seek educational services elsewhere.
The amount of funds helps to pay the cost of private school tuition or other specific allowable activities to educate the child. The administration of this program has been designated to be performed by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE).
Who Can Apply:
- The applicant must be a Mississippi resident
- The student must have had an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the last 18 months
- The parent must sign an agreement to adhere to the rules of participation.
- Parents will be reimbursed for expenses quarterly (subject to availability of funds) after submission of a reimbursement request with proper documentation of expenses incurred. Funds can also be paid quarterly directly to an educational service provider if approved by the parent.
How to Apply:
On July 1, 2015, the application will be available on the MDE website and also in each school district so that every interested person will have the opportunity to apply for the program.
Link for More Information:
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/ose/ESA
