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Individualized Education Account Program

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Summary

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The Tennessee Individualized Education Account, often shortened to an IEA, is a special pot of money. It’s designed to assist parents of kids with certain disabilities in Tennessee. The funds can be used to create a customized education plan specific to each child’s needs.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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What is the Individualized Education Account Program?

The IEA Program gives parents and students access to public education funds to use on certain types of approved educational expenses that best meet their own unique needs.

How much funding will students in the IEA Program receive?

The maximum annual amount is equal to the amount representing the per-pupil state and local funds generated and required through the Basic Education Program (BEP)—the state’s funding formula for public education—for the school district in which the student resides and is zoned to attend.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

You can contact the IEA team with any questions by: Leaving a voicemail at (615) 253-3781 or by sending an email to [email protected]

Is there a limit on the number of students who can receive an IEA?

No. Any student who is eligible for an IEA may participate after they submit an application, receive approval from the department, and complete the entire IEA enrollment process.

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Scientific Definition

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Here’s the scoop on how the Tennessee IEA program works. The state funds the program, and parents of kids with specific disabilities can apply for it. If their application is approved, they receive funds that can go towards the educational services their child needs. The amount each family gets can vary, determined by the state’s public school funding formula. Be sure to check out the Tennessee Department of Education website to stay up to date.

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What Can Families Spend the Money On?

The following table includes a description of approved IEA Program expenses:

Approved Expense Category Expense Qualifications Requires PreApproval
Tuition, Fees, and Required Textbooks at a Participating Private School The nonpublic school must be listed on the department’s approved list… No
Tutoring Services Tutoring services are supplementary instruction in an academic subject area… Yes (Form)
Educational Therapies “Educational therapies” are defined as individualized services… Yes (Form)
Curriculum “Curriculum” is defined as instructional educational materials for a particular content area… No
Computer Hardware or Technological Devices IEA funds may be used to purchase computer hardware or technological devices pre-approved… Yes (Form)
Test Fees Includes nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement tests… No
Tuition/Fees for Online Learning Program/Courses Individual courses provided by a virtual education program or other online learning programs… Yes (Form)
Public School Services Services provided under a contract with a public school, including individual classes and extracurricular programs. No
Tuition, Fees, and Required Textbooks at Post-secondary Institutions Must be used for the sole benefit of the participating student at a Tennessee community college… No
Transportation Defined as fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service… No
ABLE TN Account Contributions Achieving a Better Life Experience – Tennessee (ABLE TN) is a savings program designed to help individuals… Yes (ABLE Form)
Coverdell-530 Education Savings Account Contributions A Coverdell-530 education savings account is a tax-deferred trust that assists families… No

Who is Eligible to Receive Funds?

To qualify for the Tennessee Individualized Education Account, a family has to meet the following criteria:

  • They must live in the state of Tennessee: Families must be residents of Tennessee to apply.
  • Their child must have a disability: Any kid with a disability recognized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) qualifies, including autism, Down syndrome, and others.
  • Their child must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP): The child has to have an IEP in place, a document that’s developed for each public school child who is eligible for special education.
  • The child must be enrolled in a Tennessee public school: The kid must be attending a public school in the Tennessee school system for at least a year before the family applies.
  • They must opt-out of future public schooling: By accepting the funds, families agree not to enroll their child in a Tennessee public school during the time they’re using Tennessee IEA funds.

In the end, remember, the Tennessee Individualized Education Account program is here to help families. If you think you qualify based on these points, it’s worth tossing your hat in the ring and applying.

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