Bridge the Gap Learning Center

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NC State Education Assistance Authority

Bridge the Gap Learning Center is an approved North Carolina SEAA provider and can accept ESA+ payments. What is ESA+? North Carolina’s Education Student Accounts (ESA+) scholarship provides funds for North Carolina families that can be used to pay for education and other support services for children with disabilities. 

Eligibility Requirements for Base Award

• Is a child with a disability who is eligible for special education, as documented by a North Carolina public school IEP Eligibility Determination

• At least 5 years old by August 31 or at least 4 by April 16and approved for kindergarten according to State guidelines

• Lives in North Carolina

• Has not graduated from highschool

• Has not enrolled in a post-secondary institution full- time

* Additional Eligibility Requirements for Higher Award Students who meet the criteria outlined above AND have one of the following designated as the primary or secondary disability on the IEP Eligibility Determination may be eligible for a higher scholarship award.

• Autism

• Hearing Impairment

• Moderate or Severe Intellectual Disability

• Orthopedic Impairment

• Visual Impairment

About the Program

  • Two Levels of Funding: The base level of funding is a $9,000 annual award; students with certain designated disabilities may be eligible to receive a $17,000 annual award.

  • Enrollment Options: The ESA+ includes a variety of enrollment options, including private schools, home schools, and co-enrollment.

  • Flexible Spending: Funds can be used for K12 school tuition as well as certain allowable expenses such as speech therapy, tutoring, and educational technology.

How to Apply for ESA funding 

The ESA+ scholarship is for students with disabilities who require special education services. When you apply, we will ask you to submit your student’s Eligibility Determination. This is a legal document issued by a public school that determines whether a student has a disability and is eligible for special education or related services. Visit How to Apply for more information on the process.

What Educational Therapy Services Are Allowed?

Educational therapists must enroll with SEAA and hold a license or credential in their field to accept ESA+ funds.  

  • Examples include: applied behavior analysis therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy.

  • Music therapy, art therapy, therapeutic horseback riding lessons/equine therapy: allowable if administered by someone with a professional credential for their field.

  • ESA+ funds can pay for services provided by therapists who are registered with SEAA but not necessarily products recommended by the therapist. 

Tutoring/Supplemental Teaching Services 

Tutoring and supplemental teaching services supplement a student’s learning. This could include a live (not recorded) online or in-person class. 

Tutors and supplemental teachers must enroll with SEAA to receive ESA+ payments, and their services must support one of the following core academic subjects: 

  • Math

  • Science

  • English/Language Arts

  • Social Studies

  • Foreign Language

Please visit https://k12.ncseaa.edu/the-education-student-accounts/ for more information on the ESA scholarships.

If you need assistance with starting the Eligibility Determination process, please email Admin@bridgethegaplearningcenter.org

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