4PLUS Residential Program

There is no cost to the family of 4PLUS students. Likewise, there are few, if any, expenses that will be billed to the referring school district. When the IEP team determines the student needs additional individual services which are not part of IESBVI’s program, the IEP may be weighted, the school district will receive additional funds, and will be billed to cover the cost of these additional services. This might include tuition and books for Iowa Western Community College, assistive technology, a job coach and supported employment programs.

This is dependent on your child’s school. Most schools will allow your child to participate in graduation ceremonies with their class; however, the school will not issue your child’s diploma until your child meets IEP goals, transition activities and other graduation criteria as determined by their IEP team. If attending 4PLUS, the diploma will be issued by the home school district when the student leaves 4PLUS.

High school students who are blind or visually impaired may be admitted if they have completed 4 years of high school, met credit requirements as determined by their IEP team, but have not met IEP goals and/or transition needs in the areas of living, learning or working. Students remain eligible for 4PLUS services until they reach age 21 or their IEP team determines graduation criteria relative to IEP goals and transition needs are met.

Students who participate in 4PLUS services cannot be graduates of the school district. They may have the option of participating in the commencement ceremony if local district policies permit, but the diploma cannot be dated, signed, accepted or included as board-approved graduation. When the student graduates, the graduation date on the diploma must indicate the individual’s completion of all graduation requirements, including services provided ages 18-21 
Read more about 4Plus services from the Iowa Department of Education.

Students will be enrolled in their original school districts. The school district does not count them in their certified enrollment in the fall or receive general education funding. The school district can receive funding for the student through the special education weighting on the IEP.

Although all referrals come to us through the local school system, families may initiate this process by contacting their child’s school administrator. All referrals to the 4PLUS program need to be a part of the IEP team planning process.

Of course! We welcome you to visit our campus and see the programs we have to offer. Participating in a tour is encouraged for all prospective students and their families prior to the IEP meeting. Please work with your local school district and/or teacher of the visually impaired to make campus tour arrangements.

Although all referrals come to us through the local school system, families may initiate this process by contacting their child’s school administrator. All referrals to the 4PLUS program need to be a part of the IEP team planning process.

No. Students attending the 4PLUS have fulfilled the requirements necessary to obtain a high school diploma, but need more support in meeting goals established in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) that pertain to the Expanded Core Curriculum (for example, independent living skills).

Students who are entitled to special education services and have unmet vocational and life skill needs may be considered as appropriate candidates for the 4PLUS Program. Other considerations will be looked at on an individual basis. The IEP team will determine if the 4PLUS is right for your child.

No. Some 4PLUS students are day students and return home every evening. Other students live on campus during the week and go home every weekend. The residential program is open during the academic school year. Students reside at home on weekends, during major holidays and when school is not in session. Students who are employed in the Council Bluffs/Omaha metropolitan area may be granted permission to stay in the dorms on the weekend if necessary to sustain employment.

Students may work with dorm staff to determine opportunities in Council Bluffs and Omaha. Students meet weekly to prepare a meal and monthly to plan a community outing. 4PLUS students are eligible for Special Olympics and extracurricular events sponsored by Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (track, goalball and swimming, etc.) If enrolled at Iowa Western Community College, there are many organizations to join. Students are also able to attend Iowa Department for the Blind weekend retreats.