AUSTIN, Texas.- Governor Greg Abbott together with the Texas Education Agency -TEA-, today launched an online application for the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program, which allows eligible families of children with significant cognitive disabilities and complex learning needs, Receive a one-time grant of up to $ 1,500 toward the purchase of a wide range of educational resources and services.
–
Families should apply for an account online, and indicated that they will give priority to those who receive financial assistance and have documented financial needs; The objective, to help them mitigate the educational setbacks, changes and interruptions that the Coronavirus pandemic has caused.
–
Governor Greg Abbott along with state leaders established such a program last fall with
–
$ 30 million in funding will impact the education and care of at least 18,000 students with significant cognitive disabilities across the state.
–
They clarify that these services do not reduce or eliminate the responsibilities of schools to provide a free appropriate public education to all students.
–
“The Supplemental Special Education Services program provides crucial academic resources for students with cognitive disabilities and will help close the educational gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Abbott said. “He urged eligible Texans to apply for these funds so the state of Texas can partner with them and provide more support for students.”
–
Mike Morath, Texas Education Commissioner, endorsed the Government’s call and also invited eligible families to quickly apply.
–
Once approved for the program, families will have access to an online portal managed by ClassWallet and a digital spending account that they can use with providers who have been vetted and approved by TEA. The portal will provide information on available resources and services, allow families to make purchases, and provide complete account and balance information. The program will support students who were enrolled in Texas public schools during the 2019-20 school year and are currently enrolled for the 2020-21 school year.
–
The TEA requests that school systems throughout the state encourage eligible families of identified K-12 students with complex disabilities or significant cognitive disabilities to review eligibility requirements and complete the application online through the secure portal.
–
After an application is submitted, eligible families will receive an email to create their SSES Marketplace account through ClassWallet to access the one-time $ 1,500 grant per eligible student.
–
Both the Texas Government and TEA recognize that now more than ever they must work to identify alternative, innovative solutions to support our most vulnerable students and prevent them from getting lost. They agree that the funds provided for SSES grants will go a long way to keeping these students on the correct academic path and closing the gaps in our public education system.
–
For additional program, resource, and app information visit: [email protected].
–
It may interest you:
Arlington ISD will offer support workshops to guide parents about the academic process of their children
—
Does your child study near a place suspected of human trafficking? An interactive map will tell you
—
