At the heart of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the principle of equitability—the belief that all children, regardless of ability or circumstance, deserve an education that meets their unique needs. Catholic schools, grounded in faith and the inherent dignity of every individual, have a moral obligation to serve marginalized populations, including children with disabilities. This conviction has biblical roots in the example of the Old Testament prophets and the life of Jesus chronicled in the gospels.
By obtaining the IDEA services to which Catholic schools are entitled, these institutions can better fulfill their mission and provide critical support to all students. Many families choose Catholic schools for their emphasis on religious values, smaller class sizes and a strong sense of community. For children with disabilities, these factors can be especially beneficial, creating a supportive environment that fosters academic, spiritual and personal growth. However, without access to IDEA-funded services, Catholic schools may lack essential resources such as speech therapy or individualized instructional strategies.
IDEA ensures that children with disabilities have access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE). While public schools are the primary recipients of IDEA funds, children with disabilities in private schools, including Catholic schools, must also by law receive support.
While private school children are not entitled to all the services they may need and would receive if they attended a public school and received FAPE, the public school district is required to provide private schools with “equitable services” for private school children with special needs using funds equivalent to the federally paid for portion of their full FAPE program if they were attending a public school. Regrettably, these requirements are not always met.
Policymakers and educators must prioritize equitable access to IDEA-funded services and foster stronger partnerships between public school districts and private institutions. Improved access to these services enables Catholic school students to benefit from resources such as:
Individualized learning plans tailored to student needs, helping children overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Assistive technology such as speech-generating devices, adaptive keyboards and learning support software.
Professional development for educators, equipping them with tools for inclusive teaching.
Specialized services like individualized instruction and counseling, vital for holistic student development.
These resources create an environment where children with disabilities are not only accommodated but celebrated for their unique contributions.
Access to IDEA-funded services empowers families to choose Catholic schools without compromising their child’s educational support. For many families, Catholic schools represent a deeply personal choice rooted in faith and tradition. The lack of necessary resources can force families into difficult decisions, choosing between their convictions and their child’s needs. Providing equitable services eliminates this dilemma, ensuring families can secure their values and their children’s future.
Additionally, Catholic schools play a significant role as community hubs, offering academic, social, emotional and spiritual support. The inclusion of children with disabilities enhances this role, promoting compassion and strengthening the broader community.
To maximize the benefits of IDEA funding, effective collaboration between public and Catholic schools is essential. Key strategies include:
Clear communication and role definition: Public school districts and Catholic school administrators must work together to identify eligible students, design service plans and monitor progress.
Training and professional development: Catholic school staff should be equipped to navigate IDEA processes and implement best instructional practices for children with disabilities.
Equitable distribution and accountability: Policymakers must establish transparent systems to monitor IDEA fund allocation, ensuring resources reach the students who need them most.
Unfortunately, not all public school districts effectively locate, assess and provide services to children with disabilities in private schools. A 2019 white paper by Michelle Doyle Educational Consulting Services (MDEC) revealed that while research suggests 6-9 percent of private school children have special education needs, the average identified in sampled states was only about 3 percent. Alarmingly, some states and districts identified just 1 percent or fewer. In contrast, public schools identified approximately 13 percent of students needing IDEA services in the same districts.
The complexities of IDEA law, coupled with public schools’ focus on their own students, often result in insufficient attention to private school children. It is vital for Catholic school leaders to understand their students’ rights under IDEA and collaborate with public school districts to ensure eligible students receive the services they need. Having regular, standardized and annual processes for locating, identifying and assessing children in Catholic schools suspected of having disabilities, a process known as Child Find, is essential. Even though FAPE is not a legally guaranteed entitlement for parentally placed private school children, Child Find is.
Get to know your school’s rights under Child Find and assert them.
Equitable Services Inc.: Formerly known as MDEC, this organization, now operated by Henry Fortier, guides leveraging IDEA services effectively. https://equitableservicesmdec.com/
ADAC: Another valuable resource for understanding and maximizing IDEA services. https://theadac.com/public/special-education-overview/
Catapult Learning: With over 40 years of experience, Catapult Learning proudly supports Catholic school students with specialized instruction and other services under IDEA and other federal and state programs. http://www.catapultlearning.com/
By advocating for equitable access to IDEA-funded services, Catholic schools can ensure their students with disabilities receive the support they deserve, fulfilling their mission of inclusivity and excellence.
Stephen K. Freemanis co-founder and senior advisor for Catapult Learning, LLC.info@catapultlearning.com