Public schools are required to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities ages 3-21 who are eligible for special education. If a student's special education needs cannot be met by their resident district, the district may contract with an approved NonPublic Agency (NPA). The NPA provides the student's special education and related services that are determined through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

Washington State Vaccine Mandate 

Governor Inslee announced on August 18, 2021, a directive (Proclamation 21-14.1) requiring all employees working for public and private K-12 schools to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain a religious or medical exemption by October 18, 2021. The order applies directly to private schools and health facilities providing educational services with NPA status in the state of Washington who contract with public school districts. The Governor's order, however, does not directly apply to out-of-state NPAs. OSPI, at this time, is also not requiring school districts to ensure that out-of-state NPAs have fully vaccinated staff as a condition of contracts for placement with an NPA. OSPI, on the other hand, does interpret the Governor's proclamation as giving school districts the option of asking for and/or requiring proof of vaccination from the out-of-state NPA as a "contractor" providing services to a student placed there as a condition of their contract. If the NPA is unable to comply, then the school district can consult with legal counsel about next steps and consider terminating the contract.

School districts are encouraged to review Proclamation 21-14.1 directly and email Scott Raub or call 360-725-6075/360-819-7277 with any questions about working with NPAs.

Related Documents

NPAs are due to OSPI by June 1 of each year, and reviewed and approved by OSPI over the summer for the upcoming school year. The application form must be printed, signed where noted, and forwarded to the district.

• Nonpublic Agency Application
  • Fillable Annual Review Application Form
  • Fillable Renewal Application Form

This is a version of Appendix A and Appendix B that allows the NPA to type in their application information.

• NPA Updates and General Information - Recording
  • NPA Updates and General Information - Presentation