Wyoming ESP Certification Process

The Wyoming ESA certification process for ESPs consists of an application with assurances followed by a certification audit during the first year of services. Once full certification is awarded, the ESP must participate in an annual survey and any additional audits requested by the Wyoming ESA program. Vendors that only provide tangible goods such as supplies, equipment, or materials are exempt from the certification process.

Upon initial review, new ESPs (schools, educational centers, specialized service providers, tutors, etc.) are granted provisional status and allowed to begin offering services to ESA families while awaiting full certification.

K-12 school applicants must provide evidence of instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, civics (U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions), history, literature, and science. Pre-K school applicants must provide evidence of instruction necessary for kindergarten readiness.

An ESP candidate is not eligible to receive funds if it requires an ESA student to sign a contract waiving the right to transfer to another provider during the school year.

The WDE will conduct a certification review, either virtual or in-person, within the first year of provisional status to audit program compliance. The ESP will be notified in advance and informed of required documentation. Certification is based on fulfillment of Wyoming ESA program ESP requirements and evidence of compliance with assurances in the contract.

Upon successful review of assurance compliance, ESPs receive full certification status.

ESPs must complete an annual survey to confirm ongoing compliance and service quality. Additional audits may be conducted as needed to maintain program standards.