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Frequently Asked Questions

Education

What if the school says the student doesn't qualify and I disagree?

If you are denied, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation.

For more information about Independent Educational Evaluations, visit the Arizona Department of Education's Special Education Dispute Resolution website at https://www.azed.gov/disputeresolution

You may also ask the school for a 504 plan for the child if they don't qualify for special education services.

What do I do if the school is noncompliant with providing special education services?

Caregivers should first work with the special education coordinator at the child’s school to discuss what services are in place and if any revisions need to be made. If a school continues to be noncompliant, the caregiver can request that the DCS specialist or therapist refer the child for services through Raising Special Kids.

You can also contact the Arizona Department of Education for information and support to ensure that Arizona schools are following special education laws.

The Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education can provide assistance to caregivers if they request it.

Where can I get training on advocating for the child in my care within the special educational system?

Several organizations offer training on IEP advocacy are:

AZ Center for Disability Law
Raising Spc ial Kids
Arizona Family Center
Southwest Behavioral Health
Spring Training Blitz (You can contact your licensing agency for information)

Do children in foster care qualify for the free lunch program?

Children in foster care are automatically qualify for free breakfast and lunch at schools where breakfast and lunch are provided.

Who pays for school fees, books, and materials?

School districts have individual policies regarding fee waivers. If you are charged additional fees by a school, you can contact the school to see if the fees can be waived or reduced. If you have questions, you can reach out the child's school's social worker or ESSA point of contact.

Can I get assistance obtaining school supplies?

DCS provides you with an educational allowance up to $82.50 per year to cover books, supplies, course fees, etc. You can request the allowance from you DCS specialist.

Many schools and non-profit organizations across the state hold annual backpack and school supply drives at the beginning of the school year. Please check with your local school district for information.

Is there someplace I can get school uniforms for the child in care?

Some school districts provide assistance with school uniforms. You can contact your child's school to determine if they offer this resource.

Who pays for graduation expenses?

Foster youth who are graduating can be reimbursed up to $220 for graduation-related expenses. You can inquire with the child's specialist for more information.

Arizona Friends of Foster Care Foundation (AFFCF) also assists with graduation expenses. You can apply for a grant for the child https://www.affcf.org/.

Can I get assistance with extracurricular activities?

Arizona Friends of Foster Care Foundation (AFFCF) offers grants to fund extracurricular activities for children in foster care. You can apply for a grant on their website: https://www.affcf.org/

Do children in foster care and former foster children receive assistance with college or vocational training?

Most students who are in foster care, aged out of foster care or were adopted from foster care after reaching age 13 should qualifiy for a full Pell Grant after filling out the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid. The amount of aid a student can receive depends on financial need, the cost of attendance at your school, and other factors.

The Arizona Tuition Waiver is available to youth who were in foster care after their 14th birthday. This waiver covers costs after the Pell Grant is applied. To obtain this waiver, you can contact the financial aid office of the Arizona university or college the student plans to attend.

How can I obtain tutoring for the child in care?

Most schools provide before or an after-school tutoring programs. Arizona Friends of Foster Care Foundation will pay for tutoring through a grant that you apply for.

You can find more information about the grant here: https://www.affcf.org/

Are there any resources for affordable computers and internet access?

EveryoneOn's Connect2Compete (C2C)program offers affordable computers to low-income populations. Your local internet provider may offer low-cost internet services as well. You can visit:

https://www.everyoneon.org/ for more information

Broadband Now has a guide that covers low-cost or free internet service options for households with low-income or fixed-incomes. You can visit:

https://broadbandnow.com/guides/low-income-internet for more information

What is expected of me as a foster parent in the area of education?

When a child is placed in your home, you will have a Best Interest Determination (BID) meeting with your case specialist to discuss school enrollment options and transportation to and from school. The BID will consider the wishes of the parent, caregiver, and child; the school’s distance from where the child is placed; the child’s age, personal connections, social, and emotional state; academic, developmental, language, and socialization needs; and the effect a school change will have on the child's learning, academic strength, and grade placement.

Caregivers are expected to communicate with the child's teacher, other education personnel and the child’s case specialist on a regular basis in order to monitor the child’s progress.

How can I get the child in my care free software for school?

Microsoft offers eligible students Office 365 Education for free. To see if you child qualifies, you can enter his school email address at this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

Is daycare available for the child in my care?

Children in DCS care may have their child care fees covered depending on the child care provider that you choose. Child care providers will receive payment up to the maximum reimbursement rate negotiated by the Department of Economic Security. There is no copayment for child care services. However, there may be additional charges that caregivers are responsible to pay if the provider’s rate exceeds the maximum reimbursement rate.

Children in foster care who are between 3 and 5 years old are also eligible for Head Start.

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