OSSE recently published regulations that establish requirements for non-public schools serving students with disabilities. These regulations contain two particular sections: 1) process and criteria for obtaining a Certificate of Approval (COA), and 2) rates for reimbursing non-public schools for tuition and related services. The 30 day public comment period on the proposed regulations ended on July 19, 2010 (57 D.C. Register 5263). For more information click here.

OSSE is reviewing the public comments and expects to finalize the COA portion of the proposed regulations by this fall.  OSSE will propose revised regulations for how rates are set this fall. Once the rules are re-proposed the public will have an opportunity to submit public comments including a public hearing.  Earlier this month, OSSE issued rate letters for nonpublic schools. These rates will remain in effect for the upcoming school year 2010-2011. The goal is to complete the revision of the rate portion of the COA rules by January 2011, with an effective date of July 1, 2011, for school year 2011-2012.