NC 1503-5.2 Private School Placements by LEAs

Plain English summary

This regulation governs how LEAs must handle IEP development and revision when placing children with disabilities in private schools or facilities. The LEA must convene an IEP meeting with private school participation before placement, ensure parental involvement in any subsequent IEP revisions, and retain full compliance responsibility even after the private school begins implementing the IEP.

Key requirements

• Before an LEA places a child with a disability in, or refers a child to, a private school or facility, the LEA must initiate and conduct a meeting to develop an IEP for the child in accordance with NC 1502-4.1 through NC 1503-5.1.
• The LEA must ensure that a representative of the private school or facility attends the meeting.
• If the representative cannot attend, the LEA must use other methods to ensure participation by the private school or facility, including individual or conference telephone calls.
• If the private school or facility initiates and conducts these meetings, the LEA must ensure that the parents and an agency representative are involved in any decision about the child's IEP.
• The LEA must ensure that parents and an agency representative agree to any proposed changes in the IEP before those changes are implemented.
• Even if a private school or facility implements a child's IEP, responsibility for compliance with this part remains with the LEA and the SEA.

Affected parties

• Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
• State Education Agency (SEA)
• Children with disabilities placed in private schools or facilities
• Parents of children with disabilities
• Private schools and facilities receiving LEA-placed students

Official source

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/documents/publications/catalog/ec144-policies-governing-services/open#page=82