Program Approval
Information on obtaining Special Education Program Approval and Individual Program Approval (IPA).
The process for approval of a new special education instructional program begins with a conversation with the requesting LEA, public academy, private provider of special education, public agency, or other non-LEA program and the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE), Bureau of Student Support (Bureau) to determine the appropriateness of the program and readiness for implementation. The process from development to implementation may last from three to six months. Requesting entities are encouraged to contact the Bureau when first considering the development of a new program. If determined feasible, the Bureau will send out an application packet and provide technical assistance as needed with completion of the application and supporting documents.
If approval is granted by the Bureau, the LEA, public academy, private provider of special education, public agency, or other non-LEA program will receive written notice of initial approval for one year, and the new special education instructional program will be entered into the New Hampshire Special Education Information System (NHSEIS). At that time students may be placed in the new program. Within one year of the approval, an on-site monitoring visit will be conducted by Bureau representatives to determine continued approval.
For LEAs or public academies considering a new program:
Contact Janelle Lavin at (603) 271-4982 or Janelle.C.Lavin@doe.nh.gov to set up a teleconference with the Bureau.
For private providers of special education, public agencies, or other non-LEA programs considering a new program:
Contact Janelle Lavin at (603) 271-4982 or Janelle.C.Lavin@doe.nh.gov to set up a teleconference with the Bureau.
Change to an Existing Special Education Instructional Program Application
When considering a change in a currently approved special educational instructional program such as with disability areas, location, and/or grade/age spans, please contact Janelle C. Lavin for LEA or public academy programs and for private providers of special education, public agency, or other non-LEA programs to request an application for a program change.
Other Resources
Out-of-State Program Request Form
Program Approval Visitation Case Study Compliance Review Summary Reports
Individual Program Approval
Per Ed 1126.05 Placements in In-State Programs Not Currently Approved to Provide Special Education and Related Services an Individual Program Approval (IPA) is an option for a school district in order to place a student with an educational disability in a program not approved to provide special education and related services. This option is available when no approved program which would be appropriate can be found.
A Request for an IPA is made by the school district to the New Hampshire Bureau of Student Support. An IPA Request may be made for a placement of up to one year/365 days in duration. An IPA is available solely for in-state programs. IPAs are not an option for out-of-state programs.
An IPA must be requested by the school district and approved by the New Hampshire Bureau of Student Support before the student may attend the program.
The requirements for requesting an IPA and the IPA Request form are available below. Once an IPA Request has been approved by the Bureau, the student may attend the program. Data entry of the IPA placement into NHSEIS is done by the Bureau, not by the school district.