Educational Services

Educational Services 1. School Attendance. Each child in care must attend school in accordance with state law. a. The Partner Provider, legal guardian, or MDCPS must enroll children in school within seven (7) days of placement change, if a school change is necessary. A child must remain enrolled in their school of origin until the BID is completed. b. The Partner Provider must collaborate with MDCPS to ensure children are enrolled in the appropriate grade and classes and when applicable, request an IEP placement meeting to ensure that the child receives the protections outlined in federal and state law. To include but not limited to, timelines for evaluations, implementation of an IEP and placement in the least restrictive environment. c. The Partner Provider must ensure that the appropriate contact has been made and documented with MDCPS within seven (7) days of the child’s admission. This includes: i. Receipt of educational documentation to enroll the child in school (ex. BID, enrollment letter, grade report, IEP when applicable, etc.) ii. Active parent log in information, such as, name on the account and password d. If a Partner Provider is unable to enroll a child in school within the seven (7) day timeframe, an education referral should be made to the education hotline number 601-576-1558 or email the Education Unit education@mdcps.ms.gov. An Education Liaison will respond within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving the referral to assist. e. Children should be encouraged to participate in all school clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities, including all Independent Living activities. Transportation to these activities must be provided by the Partner Provider. f. When the Partner Provider provides therapeutic or psychiatric treatment, they must integrate such treatments with the child’s educational program. g. Partner Providers must not withdraw children or change a child’s school without consultation with MDCPS. 2. Best Interest Determination (BID). The Partner Provider must obtain the BID document from MDCPS for children in foster care within seven (7) days of placement. a. The best interest determination will be made by MDCPS, and the location education agency point of contact. b. MDCPS and MDE retain final authority in any disputes as to school placement. 3. Alternative Academic Settings a. If the needs of congregate care children can only be met by the provision of an on-campus educational program, such programs must maintain standards of instruction comparable to those of the local public schools. Enrollment in said alternative academic setting must be approved by MDCPS. b. The Partner Provider must arrange for specialized training for each child based on the needs of the child. c. Partner Providers requesting to have a child placed in a day treatment program must seek approval from MDCPS. 4. Children Not Enrolled in School. Children of legal working age who are not in school must be encouraged to seek employment in the community in accordance with their service plan and MDCPS approval, and in compliance with state and federal laws.