Special Services
We're Here for You
Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) offers robust special education services to support students and meet their needs, empowering them to thrive in school and beyond. With high-quality, personalized learning and the help of teachers and support staff, students with special needs can achieve their academic goals, find their confidence, and pave a path to success.
Request for Parent/Guardian Disability Accommodations
If any parent/guardian has a disability or other limitation that impacts their ability to participate fully in their child's educational planning process, Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) would be happy to discuss accommodations that may be available to maximize their participation. Individuals seeking to discuss these accommodations may contact Amanda Judd at ajudd@k12.com.
Child Find
IDVA, in cooperation with parents and nonpublic school agencies, engages in Child Find services throughout the school year. Child Find activities are conducted (1) to create public awareness of special education programs, (2) to advise the public that students who qualify for services have the right to a free appropriate public education and confidentiality protections, and (3) to alert community residents that a process exists for identifying and serving children with disabilities from the age of 3 through the semester in which they turn 21 if they are eligible for special education.
Children with disabilities may have difficulty walking, talking, hearing, or learning, or may display behaviors that appear different from other children their age. If you know of a child aged 3–21 who may have needs resulting from disabilities or developmental delays, and who is not enrolled in a school program, please contact Amanda Judd, special education administrator, or the school district office at 208.322.3559.
If you are part of a community agency or civic group that would like more information about educating children with disabilities, or would like pamphlets to distribute to members, please call the school office at 208.322.3559.
Annual Public Notice of Special Services and Programs
In accordance with federal and state regulations, IDVA will provide an annual public notice to families informing them of IDVA's Child Find responsibilities, procedures involved in the identification of educational disabilities, and determination of students' service and support needs.
Families are encouraged to review the following information that describes these regulations. Information regarding IDVA's internal practices to comply with these will be available in IDVA's Special Programs Manuals and Handbooks.
Special Education Consent to Evaluate
IDVA cannot proceed with an evaluation, or with the initial provision of special education and related services, without the written consent of a student's parents/legal guardians. For additional information related to consent, please refer to the Procedural Safeguards Notice and Special Education Forms. Once written parental/guardian consent is obtained, IDVA will proceed with the evaluation process. If the parent disagrees with the evaluation results, the parent can request an independent education evaluation at public expense.
Special Education or Service Agreements
Once the evaluation process is completed, a team of qualified school personnel, parents/guardians, and other relevant service providers will hold an evaluation determination meeting to come to agreement on whether the student meets eligibility for one of the disability categories under the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA). (Visit the Idaho State Department of Education for information about eligibility criteria.)
If the student is eligible and requires specially designed instruction, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be coordinated; during which the IEP team will review and finalize the proposed details of an appropriate educational program to meet the student's documented needs.
For students confirmed to present with special education needs, once the IEP team agrees on the IEP and the student's educational placement, a Prior Written Notice (PWN) will be sent to the parent/guardian for signature. This must be signed and returned to IDVA. IDVA can proceed with implementing the student's IEP (or 504 Service Agreement) only upon receipt of the signed PWN. Some students are found to present with one or more disability, but do not meet the eligibility criteria outlined under IDEA (special education); however, their disability may still require IDVA to develop a 504 Service Agreement (504 Plan) to outline the special provisions a student may require for adaptations and/or accommodations in school-based instruction, facilities, and/or activities.
Students may be eligible to certain accommodations or services if they have a mental or physical disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program and otherwise qualify under the applicable laws. IDVA will ensure that qualified students with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate in the school program and activities to the maximum extent appropriate for each individual student.
In compliance with applicable state and federal laws, IDVA will provide students with disabilities the necessary educational services and supports they require to access and benefit from their educational program. This is to be done without discrimination or out-of-pocket cost to the student or family for the essential supplementary aids, services, or accommodations determined to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student's abilities and to the extent required by the laws.
Learn more about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Parents/Guardians have the right to revoke consent for services after initial placement. Please note, a revocation of consent removes the student from ALL special services and supports outlined on their IEP or 504 Plan.
McKinney-Vento
Please read about McKinney Vento [PDF] if a family lives in any of the following situations: a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground; on the street; in an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodation; or doubled up with friends or relatives.
English Language Learner Support
IDVA is committed to supporting English Language Learner students to help them learn English while simultaneously meeting state academic content and student achievement standards. For questions regarding IDVA's English learner program or to request an interpreter, please contact Alisha Delamarian at 208.322.3559.
