8VAC20-671-30: Licenses generally

A. The board has established general requirements for a license to operate a private school for students with disabilities and has authorized the Superintendent of Public Instruction to issue licenses. The following applies in accordance with § 22.1-323 of the Code of Virginia:

1. No person shall open, operate, or conduct any school for students with disabilities in the Commonwealth without a license to operate.

2. A license to operate shall be restricted to the disability categories specifically indicated on the license, which may include one or more of the disability categories in the definition of a school for students with disabilities in this chapter.

3. A license to operate may be issued for a period of up to three successive years.

4. The term of a school's license may be reduced at any time during the licensure period based on a change in the school's compliance with this chapter.

5. A license to operate shall be prominently displayed on the premises of the school in a place open for inspection by any interested person during the hours of operation.

6. A license to operate shall be restricted to the approved conditions as printed on the license. Such conditions include the maximum number of students that can be enrolled, the disability category of students that can be served, age range and gender, and grade levels.

B. An individual seeking to operate a school for students with disabilities shall file an application with the department.

C. A school must obtain accredited status within three years from the date of issuance reflected on the school's first triennial license to operate as a school for students with disabilities issued by the board.

D. Upon renewal of a first triennial license, a school must thereafter maintain an accredited status.

E. The department may make exception to the requirements of this chapter for good cause.