What the approved list shows
None of the 53 approved schools in the eight parishes is classified in the federal survey as a special education school. The REACH Institute in Lafayette is on the approved list for pre-K through grade 1 and reported a dozen K-12 students; ask it directly about its program. For most Acadiana families the realistic plan for a child with dyslexia, autism, ADHD or a speech delay is a mainstream approved school plus outside services paid from the account.
The IDEA tiers
A student served under IDEA receives more than the standard award, with the amount set by the level of support and raised for families at or under 250% of the poverty level, up to $15,253. IDEA students are also in the second funding priority group, right behind returning participants, which matters in a year with a long waitlist.
An IEP from a Louisiana public school is the simplest proof. A child who has never been in public school will usually need an evaluation first; ask the program line how to document eligibility before you apply.
What can be paid outside tuition
- Therapies: speech-language, occupational, physical and behavioral therapy, counseling and audiology from licensed providers.
- Reading and math help: structured literacy, dyslexia intervention, tutoring and ACT preparation.
- Evaluations and exams: psychoeducational evaluations and test fees, with AP exams capped at $100.
- College courses: dual enrollment from a registered provider, such as courses at UL Lafayette or South Louisiana Community College if they are listed.
- Tools: assistive technology, a laptop or tablet and software, within the program's caps.
Every purchase goes through the Odyssey marketplace to a registered provider. The program does not reimburse a family for paying a therapist directly, so check a provider's registration before the first session.
One program or the other
The School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities cannot be held at the same time as LA GATOR. Compare the two before switching.
Questions for an Acadiana school
- Who provides support here: a certified specialist, an aide or the classroom teacher?
- Can an outside therapist work with my child on campus during the day?
- Have you enrolled a student on the IDEA award, and did Odyssey billing go smoothly?
- How do you report progress for a student with accommodations?
Questions for a therapist or tutor
- Are you registered in the Odyssey marketplace, and under which service?
- What is your session rate, and how many sessions do you expect over a school year?
- Do you bill the account directly?