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ABA provider urges Hernando schools to streamline private-provider paperwork and timelines
Summary
Jacqueline Burns, an ABA provider and parent, asked the board to standardize and speed the district's paperwork and approval timeline for private instructional personnel (PIPs) so medically necessary services can begin promptly in schools.
Jacqueline Burns, who identified herself as a mother of a special-needs child and a provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) services in Hernando County for more than 10 years, told the school board on Sept. 9 that delays in district paperwork are slowing access to medically necessary services.
"Right now, there are real challenges that slow access to these vital services for some of our most vulnerable students," Burns said during citizen input. She asked the board to "consider standardizing and expediting the PIP access process, especially regarding timelines for submission review and approval."
Burns said the district's revised paperwork for private instructional providers (which she referred to as "PIPs") was due July 1 but that she did not receive the updated forms until July 27, leaving under two weeks to obtain signatures, notarization and administrative meetings before the Aug. 11 start of school. Burns said that compressed timeline made it "impossible" to complete steps needed to provide timely services in the school setting.
She urged the board to adopt clearer timelines and a more transparent review process so private providers, parents and school staff can coordinate care and avoid delays that can affect a student's right to a free appropriate public education. Burns said collaborative planning between school staff and private providers strengthens learning and consistency for students who rely on ABA supports.
The board did not take formal action on Burns's request at the Sept. 9 meeting; her remarks were entered under the district's standard public-comment rules, which state staff may follow up with speakers and may place items on a future agenda if board action is required.
