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Arizona Department of Child Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions

Education

What is an Individual Education Program (IEP)?

Any child who qualifies for special education services has an IEP. The IEP is a plan tailored specifically to the individual child's needs. The IEP is intended to help the child succeed in the classroom. IEP's are created with input from teachers, counselors, parents, and the student. For more information, you can visit the Arizona Department of Education's website: https://www.azed.gov/specialeducation

What is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP?

A 504 plan provides the student with accommodations in their current classrooms. IEPs provide special education services outside of their current classroom.

For details about qualifying disabilities and other differences between 504 plans and IEPs, review A Parent and Educator Guide to Section 504 from the U.S. Department of Education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/504-resource-guide-201612.pdf

How does a student get an IEP?

There are ten major steps for a student to get an IEP:

Child is identified as possibly needing special education and related services.
Child is evaluated.
Eligibility is decided.
Child is declared eligible for services.
IEP meeting is scheduled.
IEP meeting is held and the IEP is written.
Special education services provided.
Progress is measured and reported to parents.
IEP is reviewed at least annually.
The child is reevaluated for IEP eligibility every three years.
For a complete description of each step, review 10 Basic Steps in Special 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.

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