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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>HeatherHeather</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/6423522"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Interesting. I was thinking that for preschools some of the services were provided in private schools, especially if the state doesn't fund public preschools.<br><br>
Also, I used to live in NJ. I know for a fact that the public school child study team provided special education services to children attending parochial schools <b>in the parochial school</b>. I'm not sure what that means tho? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/dizzy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Dizzy">:</div>
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A private school is technically not required to provide special education services if the public school offers an appropriate program (FAPE). However, that doesn't mean that the child cannot receive special education services in a private school setting - it depends on the school. It happens all the time and many times it's the state that actually wants to place the child in a private setting if the public school cannot provide FAPE.<br><br>
Now just because the special education student is receiving state special education services in that private setting, it does not render that private school "public." Also keep in mind that some private schools will not even accept a child with any disability - mental or physical - and they have the right to make that policy.<br><br>
ETA: On the other hand, if a school enrolls special education students and relies on the state <b>in order to operate</b>, then it would be considered a public institution. For instance, there are some special education preschools that cannot discriminate because they rely solely on public funds in order to operate and all referrals are children transitioning out of Early Intervention.