I have concerns about the background checks. My current home educational instructional program is owned by a national organization that has been very vocal about not wanting government money because it will eventually lead to more regulation. Local leaders get around it as long as they are not set up as a direct pay provider. I highly doubt they would up their level of background checks to comply. These opinions about not wanting the strings attached to government money are not isolated. Longstanding programs can continue to operate as-is with families who are committed and will continue to attend and pay out of pocket as they have for years before the scholarship. But it limits those of us who joined because of the scholarship and rely on getting reimbursed those costs. In looking at HEIP programs in my area, all of them require parents to stay while their kids are participating (and are often required teach or help in some way). Some have drop off options for middle school kids and older. But likely for liability, parents of younger kids are always present. Seems like less of a need for level 2 checks. A larger group I am a part of does level 1 background checks for all parents or designated accompanying adult. I'm not against background checks in order to protect kids. But targeting scholarship service providers and potentially putting the responsibility of parents to provide documentation sounds frought with problems. At least if it were limited to direct pay providers then the documentation process would be easier on the parent side. But I know there are still obstacles for providers.

That's true for businesses popping up or coming in to take advantage of the new funds. But plenty of longstanding homeschool programs would rather steer clear from govt money and extra hoops to jump through. That would be a loss to the homeschool community!

Thank you laying things out so clearly, especially ways we can be involved! I know we're all focused on the instructional materials, but wondering if it's still worth asking for digital devices in our emails? Is FHEF working on that aspect at all? I've mentioned it in all my emails to reps in Dec and have received some responses that they are aware of this desire and it's part of the discussion - but was disapointed it wasn't addressed in this draft.