Under Iowa Code 256.12, eligible students with disabilities who are parentally placed in accredited nonpublic schools are entitled to special education and related services provided by public agencies “in the same manner and to the same extent that they are provided to public school students.” Iowa law reflects the state’s full-service entitlement and establishes responsibilities that extend beyond federal baseline requirements, including access to FAPE, Child Find and applicable procedural protections. Iowa’s funding structure includes eligible nonpublic students in the weighted special education child count, with funding for the provision of special education services remaining with the resident district.
Webinars
Webinars share important and emerging information about special education policies and how they apply in Iowa’s accredited nonpublic school settings. The content is grounded in Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Rules and is designed to help Area Education Agencies (AEAs), public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and families better understand their roles, responsibilities, and shared practices.
Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and engage with team members from the Department’s Division of Special Education. Recorded webinars and any supporting documents will be posted in the corresponding sections of the webpage.
Join Us & Tell a Friend
Join the webinars on Zoom using passcode 431127. No registration is required. The link remains the same each session.
Upcoming Dates & Topics
The time for all webinars is 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
March 25, 2026: Child Find & Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) - The Child Find process, including disability suspect, evaluation and eligibility for special education services. Explaining FAPE as a right provided to identified special education students, at public expense and under public supervision.
April 15, 2026: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) - Information to understand how IEPs are individualized plans to meet a student's educational needs. This information will help administrators and families understand the processes and roles involved, as well as rights afforded by IDEA.
May 20, 2026: Discipline, Behavior and Manifestation Determinations - Understanding discipline requirements, evaluating behavioral needs and implementing behavior intervention plans for identified students, as well as the protections afforded to students and families.
List items for Accredited Nonpublic Schools and Special Education
AEA level consultation provides a structured forum for AEAs, LEAs, and all accredited nonpublic schools to build and sustain collaborative systems that support special education services for eligible students parentally placed in accredited nonpublic schools. Consultation clarifies roles, fosters communication and shared understanding, and establishes a foundation for ongoing collaboration, including implementation of Child Find and IEPs “in the same manner and to the same extent that they are to public school students.” Iowa Code 256.12.
AEA Level Consultation Webinar Recording (2-18-26) - State-focused consultation guidelines clarify required components, roles and responsibilities, with emphasis on Iowa Code 256.12 and the requirement to serve students “in the same manner and to the same extent.” The guidelines stress meaningful collaboration, communication and shared planning for services to accredited nonpublic students eligible for special education. Presentation intended for AEAs, LEAs and accredited nonpublic school representatives.
Child Find responsibilities under Iowa law, including how children are located, identified, evaluated, counted and reevaluated, with a focus on accessibility and understanding for nonpublic stakeholders.
FAPE for accredited nonpublic students, including topics that may be addressed such as provision of services “in the same manner and to the same extent,” as public school students, LRE, placement, location of services and transportation.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Placement
Location of Services
Transportation
Service Delivery - Continuum of Services
Guidance on IEP development, implementation and attention to documentation and the family portal.
