Special Education Grant Information

Summary

The user is seeking information about grants for parent training in special education in Memphis Shelby County Schools. They were advised to submit a public records request to the school and escalate to Tennessees Office of Open Records Counsel if no response is received. The user also asked about the IDEA policy on private service providers, and was informed that schools must cooperate with these providers but are not obligated to pay for services if they offer a similar program. The user was directed to advocacy groups for assistance in advocating for their childs rights. The user also asked about the difference between an ABA paraprofessional and a teacher paraprofessional, and about Medicaid billing for services provided to students.

Full Conversation

I have asked but no response
I understand your situation. If they haven't responded within a reasonable timeframe, you can escalate your request to Tennessee's Office of Open Records Counsel. They can guide you on next steps.

Tennessee's Office of Open Records Counsel


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * Rosa L Parks Ave, Nashville, TN *
Website: www.comptroller.tn.gov/openrecords
would this tell grant funding on programs
Yes, a public records request should provide information about the grant funding on programs. If it doesn't, consider contacting Tennessee State Department of Education for further assistance.

Name:Tennessee State Department of Education
Phone:(*) *-*
Address: Andrew Johnson Tower, * James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN *
Website: www.tn.gov/education
Ideas policy on a childs private provider
Could you please clarify if you are asking about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) policy regarding private service providers for children with special needs?
yes
Under IDEA, schools must cooperate with private service providers for a child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). However, schools are not obligated to pay for these services if they offer a similar program. This can vary, so contacting your local school district may give you more specific information.
where can I find the details of this
You can find details on the IDEA policy regarding private service providers on the U.S. Department of Education's website or the Tennessee Department of Education's website.
Name: U.S. Department of Education
Phone: *-*-*-*
Address: * Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. *
Website: www.ed.gov
Name: Tennessee Department of Education
Phone: (*) *-*
Address: Andrew Johnson Tower, * James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN *
Website: www.tn.gov/education
So this gives parents the right to have their child's BCBA come into the classroom
Under the IDEA, your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team decides on appropriate services, including BCBA involvement. While parents are part of this team, the final decision is collaborative. It's important to advocate for your child's needs within this process.
How can I find how to advocate for my child's right to his private BCBA
You can consult with advocacy groups such as the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). They provide resources for advocating for your child's rights in school.
**Name: Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)**
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.copaa.org
Which section of IDEA does it state that schools must collaborate with childs private provider
The specific provision in IDEA isn't explicitly detailed but it's generally understood under the principle of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, the interpretation can vary by state and district. For accurate information, consider consulting a local education attorney or advocate.
how does an ABA paraprofessional and teacher paraprofessional differ
An ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) paraprofessional focuses on behavioral interventions for students with autism and other developmental disorders. A teacher paraprofessional, assists the lead teacher in general classroom activities. Both roles support students, but their responsibilities and specializations differ.
What would be a paraprofessional job title in ABA
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a paraprofessional may hold a job title such as "Behavior Technician," "Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)," or "ABA Paraprofessional." Their responsibilities typically involve implementing behavior intervention plans under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
is a ABA paraprofessional listed in IDEA act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does not specifically list or mention ABA paraprofessionals. However, it does require that services be provided by "qualified professionals," which can include various roles depending on the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Explain this In order to bill Medicaid, school districts must contract directly with the Medicaid managed care plans, and the managed care plans must cover all medically necessary services in the student’s IEP and specific nursing services in an IHP. As of July *, medically necessary, covered behavioral health services are not required to be in the student’s IEP to be reimbursed by Medicaid. If any Medicaid-enrolled student receives a medically necessary behavioral health service, and if the school has a contract with the student’s Medicaid managed care plan, that service can be reimbursed.
For schools to bill Medicaid for services provided to students, they must have a contract with Medicaid managed care plans. These plans should cover all services deemed medically necessary in a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and specific nursing services in an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP).
From July *, Medicaid can reimburse for medically necessary behavioral health services provided to a student, even if these services are not in the student's IEP. However, the school must have a contract with the student's Medicaid managed care plan.
are the Medicaid managed care plans the type of insurance policy or the therapy company
Medicaid managed care plans are a type of health insurance policy. They are not therapy companies. These plans contract with a network of healthcare providers to deliver care for members.
So, you can technically use this to state that services be provided by a students BCBA not in connection with the school but it is covered by the insurance
Yes, as long as the services are deemed medically necessary and the provider is contracted with the student's Medicaid managed care plan, it's possible for a BCBA to provide services outside of the school context, and for those services to be covered by insurance.
But could that BCBA go into the school upon medical nessicity
Yes, a BCBA can potentially go into the school if it's medically necessary and part of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, this decision ultimately depends on the school's policies and the IEP team's agreement.