CBS Texas

Applications are open for families wanting to apply for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), but some students with special needs are having difficulty getting a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) to receive the largest voucher. Students with special needs are eligible for a voucher up to $30,000. Per TEFA guidelines, whether the student is already a private school attendee or making the switch, they must obtain a new IEP from a local public school district. Many districts across the state already have a backlog of IEPs they are working on for public school students. Add in private school students needing new IEPS for vouchers, and some parents say it’s created a headache. There are concerns that IEPs will not be completed by the March 17 deadline for TEFA applications. If an IEP is not completed in time, families will not be able to obtain the full $30,000 voucher.