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.
Accredited Nonpublic Schools and Special Education Survey Intended to gather feedback on previously provided webinars and resources, identify what is working well and where additional clarification or support may be needed, and determine which topics, tools and implementation supports would be most valuable moving forward. Because this work brings together accredited nonpublic schools, AEAs, LEAs and other partners within Iowa’s unique framework, perspectives from stakeholders across the state are essential. The survey should take about 8-10 minutes to complete. Responses will be reviewed in aggregate and used to inform future statewide support efforts, resources, webinars and guidance.
Webinars
Webinars provide information on current and emerging special education policies and their application in Iowa’s accredited nonpublic school settings. Grounded in Iowa Code and Iowa administrative rules, the webinars help Area Education Agencies (AEAs), public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools and families understand their respective roles and responsibilities, as well as the practices that support collaboration.
Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and engage with staff from the Iowa Department of Education’s Division of Special Education. Webinar recordings and supporting documents will be posted in the corresponding sections of this 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
All webinars will be held from 9 to 10 a.m.
- Nov. 3, 2026: Funding and Contracts - Webinar will examine public agency special education funding as it relates to students enrolled in accredited nonpublic schools and public agency contracting arrangements used to provide educational and related services. Particular attention will be given to the continuing responsibilities of public schools when public funds are used through contractual arrangements, including fiscal oversight, accountability, and compliance.
Dec. 1, 2026: Building Written Procedures for Strong Systems - If an arrangement is important enough to rely on, it is important enough to examine intentionally, agree upon and document in writing. What happens when a system depends on who is involved, what people assume or what has always been done?
Webinar will explore how local education agencies (LEAs) and accredited nonpublic schools can develop and document operational systems that promote shared understanding, clarify roles and responsibilities, strengthen communication, encourage collaboration and support LEAs’ general supervision responsibilities in the accredited nonpublic school setting.
Participants will consider what their operational systems need, which questions to ask and how clearly defined, written processes can reduce confusion and prevent conflict. They also will explore how intentionally designed working relationships can strengthen collaboration between LEAs and accredited nonpublic schools in monitoring and supporting individualized education program (IEP) implementation.
Documented operational systems establish a clear, shared record of agreed-upon processes and practices, reinforce commitments, and help ensure that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) consistently throughout the school day. These systems also make complex work easier to manage, monitor and continuously improve across organizations.