Can a Duval family pay for reading support and dyslexia programs with scholarship funds?
Structured-literacy help can be bought as tutoring, curriculum or a specialized service depending on who delivers it and how.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Allowed | Counts as tutoring when the provider holds an approved reading certification, as curriculum when parent-delivered, and as a specialized service when a licensed speech-language pathologist provides it. |
| PEP (family-directed account) | Allowed | The same tutoring credential rules apply, and self-paced reading software falls under curriculum or educational software. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Allowed from money left after tuition | Leftover funds can pay a credentialed reading tutor or a reading program. |
Which rules apply to reading support and dyslexia programs purchases?
- Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading System certifications are among the credentials the guides recognize.
- Online delivery by a credentialed provider is allowed.
- A diagnostic assessment falls under the testing category.
What is not allowed under reading support and dyslexia programs?
- An uncredentialed tutor
- Medical evaluations outside the listed services
How do Jacksonville families use reading support and dyslexia programs?
51 Duval private schools report serving at least one disability category, and 32 name specific learning disability. A child at a school without a reading specialist can close that gap with a funded literacy tutor.
How does a family buy reading support and dyslexia programs with scholarship money?
Browse MyScholarShop first, because its items are pre-approved, then search Find Providers in EMA to pay a tutor, therapist or instructor directly. Failing that, pay on a card and send in the itemized receipt for repayment. Anything not on the eligible list needs permission beforehand, and requests for 2026-27 stop on May 28, 2027.
Build my child's spending plan →
Sources: Step Up For Students purchasing guides for FES-UA, PEP and the Private School Scholarship (2026-27) and its summary of handbook and guide changes. These are summaries and not legal advice; Step Up's handbook controls.