Do school districts even pay tuition at private preschools?

Generally not, because most preschools are not certified as nonpublic schools. It may be necessary to use the fair hearing process to show that a private preschool is the appropriate, least-restrictive educational program for your child. If you prevailed at hearing, the district would have to pay for the noncertified preschool program out of its general fund rather than use special education funds. 12. What if I am told there is a "waiting list" for services for my three- to five-year-old? Under federal and state law, waiting lists are not allowed. The IEP must be implemented as soon as possible following the IEP meeting. This means immediately following except when IEP meetings occur during a vacation period or if circumstances require a short delay (to work out transportation, for example). While there can be no undue delay in providing special education and related services, the IEP may specify projected dates to begin services. [34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.342 and comment, and Sec. 300. ...  more