This article is intended for schools or vendors interested in applying to become a Wyoming ESA Program Educational Service Provider
The Wyoming ESA certification process for ESPs consists of the application with assurances followed by a certification audit during the first year of services to ensure compliance with the rules and requirements of the program. Once full certification is awarded, the ESP is expected to participate in an annual survey and any additional audits requested by the Wyoming ESA program to ensure program integrity. Vendors that only provide tangible goods such as supplies, equipment, or materials are exempt from the certification process.
Provisional Status
Upon initial review, new ESPs such as schools, educational centers, specialized service providers, tutors, or other ESPs that provide services to students are granted provisional status and allowed to begin offering services to ESA families while awaiting full certification.
An applicant seeking to become a qualified school for K-12 students shall provide evidence that it offers instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, civics (U.S. Constitution and Wyoming Constitution), history, literature, and science.
An applicant seeking to become a qualified school for pre-kindergarten students must provide evidence that it offers the instruction necessary for preparation to enter kindergarten.
A certified ESP shall comply with all applicable Wyoming ESA program statutes, rules, and assurances.
An ESP candidate is not eligible to receive funds if it requires an ESA student to sign a contract waiving the student’s right to transfer to another provider during the school year.
The Wyoming ESA support team may request additional information at any time.
Certification Review to Audit Compliance (within year one)
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 and informed of the required documentation before the review. Certification will be based on the fulfillment of the Wyoming ESA program ESP requirements in addition to evidence of compliance with assurances contained in the contract.
Full Certification
Upon successful review of assurance compliance, ESPs will receive full certification status.
Annual Survey & Additional Audits
ESPs must complete an annual survey to confirm ongoing compliance and service quality. Additional audits may be conducted as needed to maintain program standards.