ESS OPERATIONS INFO: FY 25 ESS Special Education Program Approvals Updates

Please see the following updates for Emotional Disabilities-Public (ED-P) programs in FY 25.

• ED-P Criteria document has been updated to align with the ED-P Statement of Assurance. The following changes were made:
  • New Items
    • No more than a four-year age span per classroom unless approved by ESS due to extraneous circumstances.
    • A 6:1 student-to-staff member ratio is maintained.
    • Facility requirements:
      • The facility allows for mobility and is accessible for all students and staff. Building features are safe, secure, and in good condition.
      • Entrances/exits are clearly marked for the program.
      • Overall, furniture is safe for use.
  • Removed Items
    • Curriculum are aligned to/with the Arizona Academic Standards.
    • IEPs have measurable annual goals.
    • Progress reports are sent to the Home School District on a quarterly basis.
    • Special education services provided (Specially Designed Instruction or SDI).
    • Responsible individual(s) identified for dispensing medication to students and the procedures involved.
  • Revised Items
    • From “Program is housed in a designated classroom, area, or building on school campus; is on a separate site within the local education agency; and/or the programmatic structure supports the physical separation of students within the local education agency.” to “Program is housed in a separate building, separate school, or separate classroom that inconspicuously and physically restricts access to/from the traditional school site.”
    • From “Detailed description of Exit Criteria Must be individualized [From Restrictive to LRE]” to “Describe the exit criteria process and transition plan to promote individual student’s return to a least restrictive environment.”
• Beginning FY25, ESS will require PEAs to submit quarterly renewals for ED-P programs. More information will be shared regarding this new process near the beginning of the school year.
• We are enhancing the application. PEAs will be informed of the FY25 application opening date soon and will receive an instruction manual detailing the application modifications and process to submit quarterly renewals.

Please review the revised documents attached (Document I) (Document II). They can also be found on the Emotional Disabilities-Private/Public Program web page. If you have any questions, please email the ESS Private Day and ED-P inbox.