How To Use ESA Funds to Support Your Child’s Special Needs Education
5 min read
What Is an Education Savings Account?
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are state-sponsored programs that provide families with funding to support their children’s learning. These programs are designed to help students, often particularly those with special needs, access a variety of educational tools and services that might otherwise be out of reach financially.
By affording families flexibility in how their educational dollars are spent, ESA programs empower families to go beyond the traditional school systems most often available. Many parents are able to use these funds for therapy services, sensory equipment, tutoring and private school to best meet their child’s learning needs.
There are many ESA programs throughout the US. Some of the most well-known ones are available in Arizona, Florida, Utah, West Virginia and New Hampshire. Tennessee and Missouri offer ESA grants that parents can apply for, too. Know about an ESA program in your state? Tell us about it at activemind@funandfunction.com!
Who Qualifies for ESA Funds?
While eligibility for ESA programs varies by state, many prioritize students with special needs, those who are homeschooled and kids from low-income households. Most of the time families need to apply for the program and meet specific criteria, such as having a formal diagnosis or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for their child. Eligibility for ESA programs varies by state. Many of them prioritize students with special needs or those who are homeschooled, while others are for kids from low-income households.
To find out if you qualify, check out your state’s specific ESA program guidelines or application page. Continue reading to find information on how to apply for an ESA for each of the most well-known state programs.
Fun and Function is proud to be an approved vendor for many ESA programs, such as Step Up for Students in Florida, the Parent-Directed Special Education Services grant in Texas, and for many other programs that use the ClassWallet platform, so that we can help families find the right sensory tools and support for their needs.
What Can ESA Funds Be Used For?
Depending on the program’s rules, ESA funds can be used for a wide range of educational expenses. These can include curriculum and private school tuition, which can help parents send their child to a school with the best learning environment for their needs. The funds may also be eligible for therapy services like speech, occupational and behavioral therapies to better support the child’s learning.
In addition to schooling and services, ESA funds can often be used for sensory tools, therapeutic products and adaptive equipment needed by kids with special needs. You may be able to use your funds toward larger pieces of equipment to build a sensory room in your home. Products that benefit your child’s learning through improved focus and self-regulation, like weighted blankets or therapy swings are often available through your ESA as well.
Understanding ClassWallet and Step Up for Students
Two of the most widely known ESA programs are ClassWallet and Step Up for Students. ClassWallet is a platform that helps families manage their ESA funds. Parents can purchase from a library of approved vendors directly through their ClassWallet portal, thus simplifying the payment process without using out-of-pocket funds.
ClassWallet is currently used by 28 states around the US, including Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. Once you have a ClassWallet account set up, you can search for approved vendors on the platform.
Step Up for Students is Florida’s ESA program, and is one of the most robust programs in the country. It enables families to customize their children’s education through scholarship and funding. There are specific scholarships within Step Up for Students that families can apply for, such as a private school scholarship, Unique Abilities fund for kids with special needs, New Worlds Scholarship for those struggling with math or reading, a Personalized Education Program fund, and even a transportation stipend if your child needs to attend a public school outside their district.
State ESA Programs: Arizona, Florida, Utah & More
Each program has distinct eligibility rules and application processes, so be sure to check your state's official site for the most accurate information.
Maximize ESA Funds: Tips for Parents
It can feel overwhelming to try and make the most of your ESA funds. Through personal and professional experience, we’ve gathered some helpful tips to maximize your ESA:
If you don’t use up all of your ESA funds one year, they may roll over to the next. Find out if they definitely do before letting the funds lie unused and forgotten! Some ESA programs also qualify homeschooling tools and resources. If your child is homeschooled, then apply for your state’s program to receive assistance if needed.
Make the Most of Your ESA Today
Whether you are new to ESAs or a longtime beneficiary, you are now equipped with the information to best utilize your ESA funds to support your child’s education and sensory needs. Explore our range of ESA-eligible products designed to support children with autism, ADHD and sensory processing challenges. Need help navigating ClassWallet or Step Up for Students? Contact our team for support– we’re with you every step of the way.
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