Proportionate Share Services and Child Find Information
About
In compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) provides child-find evaluations and special education services to parentally placed students attending local private schools or students who are homeschooled. We must utilize a portion of federal funds, called Proportionate Share, to provide equitable special education or related services to eligible students within our attendance boundaries. Through ongoing consultation with stakeholders, these funds are typically used to provide speech and language services to qualifying students. We also provide Child Find (screening and evaluation) services at no charge.
Evaluation
Throughout the year, MCS receives requests to evaluate students who are homeschooled or attending private schools. We are legally obligated to consider each evaluation request. MCS will review existing data and information from parents and teachers to inform the decision and then notify the referring party of any decision regarding assessment selection.
Child Find
In accordance with Section 504 and IDEA, MCS is required to locate, identify, and evaluate children who require special education and related services. The Child Find process is the first step in determining if a child has a disability and is eligible for special education. If you suspect your child has a disability and should be evaluated for special education services, contact your child’s teacher at their private school or the office at your child’s zoned school to request an evaluation.
Services
Local public schools do not provide the full range of special education services to students attending private schools or home schools as they do for students in public schools. Representatives from the Department of Special Education meet with local participating private schools and home-schooling parents to discuss the types of services that will be provided by our Proportionate Share funding. Based on this feedback, MCS generally opts to provide speech-language services only. Students receive a specific amount of service, regardless of the severity of their disability. Should you wish to access greater support for your child, you may choose to enroll them in their MCS zoned school.
Timely and Meaningful Consultation
In compliance with IDEA, MCS meets with representatives of private schools and home schools annually to discuss how the district will support their students with disabilities. This meeting is typically held in the spring of each school year. Please contact the Department of Special Education if you would like to be notified of the meeting’s date and time.
MCS Department of Special Education
Email: specialed@cityschools.net
Phone: 615.893.2313