Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarship Program for Children with Disabilities

The Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarship Act allows the parent or guardian of a public school student with a disability, who is served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and was enrolled in an Oklahoma public school during the previous school year, to apply for an LNH Scholarship. This scholarship can be used for the child to attend a private school approved by the State Board of Education.

The Act also provides scholarship eligibility for the following student categories:

• Students with an Individualized Service Plan: Those who have a plan developed by the Department of Human Services (DHS).

• Military Families: Students who are children of military families with permanent change of station orders, and who have moved to Oklahoma after receiving IDEA services in another state.

• SoonerStart Program: Students who have been served through the SoonerStart program and are found eligible for school district services during transition.

• Juvenile Affairs Placement: Students who have been placed in out-of-home care by the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

• DHS Placement or Adoption: Students who have been in out-of-home placement with DHS, or who were adopted while in the permanent custody of DHS.

• Homelessness: Students who are attending or have enrolled in a school exclusively serving those experiencing homelessness.

Student Application Guidelines

• Enrollment Requirement: Before applying for the LNH Scholarship, the parent must first secure enrollment at an approved private school. approved private school .

• Initial Application: The application process must be completed each year if the parent or guardian wishes to continue their child’s participation in the LNH Scholarship Program.

• Renewal Process: All scholarship recipients must renew their scholarship each year by completing a current LNH Scholarship application by July 1 or before the start of the academic year. If the application is received and/or approved after the school year begins, the scholarship will be prorated from the date of OSDE approval. For example, if applying for the 2024-2025 school year, the application must be submitted by December 1, 2024.

• Late Renewal: If the renewal application is not submitted by December 1 each year, the scholarship will be terminated.

• Application Submission: To apply for the LNH Scholarship, go to the PCG Scholar online application platform, complete the application, and upload all required documents to OSDE.

• Paper Applications: If you need a paper application, please contact our office at (405) 521-4876.

Private Schools Guidelines

Private schools that want to participate in the LNH Scholarship program must notify the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) by completing the Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarship Private School Application and providing the required documentation. The OSDE will approve a private school for the program if it meets the following criteria:

• Accreditation: The school must meet accreditation requirements set by the State Board of Education or an approved accrediting association.

• Services for Students with Disabilities: The school must provide services and/or accommodations for students with disabilities.

• Fiscal Soundness: The school must have been in operation for at least one year or provide a statement from a certified public accountant confirming that the school is insured and has sufficient capital or credit to operate for the upcoming year. Alternatively, the school may file a surety bond or letter of credit for an amount equal to the scholarship funds for any quarter.

• Anti-Discrimination Compliance: The school must comply with the anti-discrimination provisions of 42 U.S.C., Section 2000d.

• Health and Safety: The school must meet all state and local health and safety laws and codes.

• Academic Accountability: The school must be accountable to parents or guardians for meeting the educational needs of students.

• Qualified Staff: The school must employ or contract with teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree, have at least three years of teaching experience, or possess special skills or expertise relevant to the subjects taught.

• Regulatory Compliance: The school must comply with all state laws relating to private schools.

• Disciplinary Procedures: The school must adhere to its published disciplinary procedures before expelling a scholarship student.

The LNH Private School Application can be found under the Resources for private schools section. The application and required documentation must be submitted by the school’s superintendent, headmaster, or principal, and emailed to Stacy Eden.

The Lindsey Nicole Henry Specialist will notify the private school once the State Board of Education has made its eligibility determination. If approved, the school will be added to the list of approved LNH private schools and must submit an annual private school compliance affidavit