The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Gardiner Scholarship for Special Needs Students

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Gardiner Scholarship for Special Needs Students

Education is the right of every child, irrespective of their abilities. Special needs children require focused attention, education, and resources that are tailored to their unique needs. The State of Florida recognizes this need and has established a scholarship program to help families of parents with special needs children. The scholarship program is the Gardiner Scholarship for Special Needs Students. In this ultimate guide, we will explain all you need to know about the program, how to apply, and the benefits it offers.

What is Gardiner Scholarship for Special Needs Students?

Gardiner Scholarship for Special Needs Students is a scholarship program in the State of Florida that offers financial assistance for special needs education. The scholarship is named after Florida Senator Andy Gardiner, who has been a champion of special needs education. The scholarship program aims to provide an opportunity for parents or guardians of special needs children to choose the best education options for their children.

Who is Eligible for the Gardiner Scholarship Program?

The Gardiner Scholarship program is open to eligible Florida residents with children who have a special need:

– Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
– Children with Intellectual Disabilities
– Children with Speech and Language Impairments
– Children with Specific Learning Disabilities
– Children with Other Health Impairments

To be eligible, the child must meet the following criteria:

– Must be a Florida resident.
– Must be 3 or 4 years of age and eligible for Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) or enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade.
– Must have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 accommodation plan.
– Must not have received a scholarship from the John M. McKay scholarship program.

How to Apply for Gardiner Scholarship Program?

The application process for the Gardiner Scholarship program is simple. The first step is to check the eligibility criteria, as mentioned above. Once you have verified your child’s eligibility, the next step is to apply.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Step 1: Visit ‘Step Up for Students’ Website
The first step is to visit the Step Up for Students website, the organization that administers the scholarship program.

Step 2: Login or Register
You will need to sign up for an account on the Step Up for Students website. If you have an account, log in to your account.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Once you are logged in, complete the application form, which includes basic information about the child, school information, and parental information.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents
After completing the application form, submit the following documents: Child’s Current Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 accommodation plan, Parent’s proof of income.

Step 5: Scholarship Approval
If your application is accepted, the scholarship is awarded. Parents can use the scholarship to pay for tuition, books, therapies, and other educational expenses.

Benefits of the Gardiner Scholarship Program

The Gardiner Scholarship program provides many benefits to eligible children and their families:

– Financial Assistance – The scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $10,000 per year for eligible children. This amount can be used for tuition, books, therapies, and other educational expenses.
– Flexibility in Education Choices – The scholarship program allows parents to choose the best education option that suits their child’s unique needs. Parents can choose from private schools, homeschooling, virtual schools, and other education options.
– Personalized Education – With the flexibility to choose the best education option, parents can get a personalized education for their child. Special needs children require tailored education based on their abilities. The scholarship program offers this opportunity.

Conclusion

The Gardiner Scholarship program is an excellent opportunity for special needs children to receive the education they need. The program offers financial assistance and flexibility in educational choices, which allows parents to choose the best education option based on the unique needs of their child. Moreover, the personalized education program provides for the tailored education that special needs children require. As Florida Senator Andy Gardiner says, “Every child deserves to reach their potential, and this scholarship program is an important part of making that a reality for every student.”