In-District Classrooms Help Texas Students Thrive  

SESI In-District Classrooms (IDCs) are designed for Texas school districts seeking a campus-based option for students who require Special Education and Alternative Education placements that provide higher levels of academic, behavioral, and emotional support. Delivered on a district campus, IDCs offer small, structured, therapeutic environments to students receiving intensive support beyond what traditional classrooms offer. 

IDCs keep students connected to a local community school while providing the structure, staffing, and services needed to support meaningful progress. SESI provides evidence-based, data-driven, and TEKS-aligned instruction based on individual students’ needs. 

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HB 2 Updates 

Leveraging House Bill 2 Day Placement Grants 

Large areas across Texas are facing a shortage of day placement options. As a result, students are often sent out of district and, in some cases, placed in more restrictive settings than their needs require. House Bill 2 (HB 2) creates new funding to help address this gap. 

HB 2 introduces targeted funding to help districts and ESCs expand in-district day placement capacity. However, funding is limited, and early planning is critical. Districts and ESCs need to act quickly and align at the county level to secure funding and maximize impact. 

HB 2 Day Placement Grant Highlights 

  • Up to $250,000 for year-one program startup, staffing, and infrastructure
  • $100,000 annually thereafter
  • $150,000 bonus when three or more students are enrolled
  • Available to regional ESCs and school districts
  • Limited to one program per county and 20 new programs statewide annually 

Proposed TEA Timeline for Year 1 Funding for SY 26-27 

  • May 15, 2026 – Application opens
  • May 19, 2026 – TEA hosts Special Education webinar
  • June 26, 2026 – Application closes
  • July 15, 2026 – Preliminary awards
  • Sept 2026 – Within 10 business days of the rule’s effective date,
    TEA provides final notice of award to selected programs.

Act Now to Secure Funding 

With a limited number of programs approved each year, districts and ESCs that plan early and align at the county level are best positioned to secure funding. 

Download the one-page overview for key details on funding, eligibility, and timelines, so you can move quickly and plan with confidence.  

Download the HB 2 One Pager

Districts provide the space. SESI provides the staff, programming, and expertise. 

Together, we ensure Texas students receive the right supports while remaining part of their local school community.

How Students and Families Benefit 

  • Small, structured, therapeutic classrooms 
  • Individualized instruction and personalized behavior support 
  • District-aligned curriculum and targeted interventions 
  • Opportunity for individually planned and paced transition to the home school district 
  • Increased opportunities for school engagement and extracurricular activities 

How Districts Benefit 

  • Cost-effective programming alternative to out-of-district placement  
  • Step-down support for students returning from out-of-district placement 
  • Trained classroom staff using a proven, outcomes-based model 
  • Build capacity across the district to meet IDEA & FAPE mandates 
  • Flexible and customizable to meet your school district’s needs 

An Inside Look at Texas
In-District Classrooms

In-District Classrooms are designed to deliver intensive academic, behavioral, and therapeutic support while keeping students connected to their home campus. This video highlights how SESI partners with Texas districts to bring that model to life. 

Transformational Support

Sierra School at Manor has worked wonders for our son. He had serious behavioral incidents and was sent home from school…now, we can trust that SESI professionals prioritize learning 
and can support his academic journey. He’s learning and returns home, discussing what he’s learned while away. What a difference four months in this program has already made. We’re so thankful for Sierra School. I’ve already spoken to other parents about how much it’s improved our family. 

Gina G., Parent

IDC Stories of Impact

  • Sierra Knights students and staff gathered for Autism Awareness celebration
    School Events and Stories

    Knights Unite for Autism Awareness at Sierra Sherman
    Knights Unite: Tailgating for Autism Awareness At Sierra School at Sherman, Autism Awareness Month highlights what students and staff practice…
    April 8, 2026
  • Student speaking during classroom presentation at Sierra School
    School Events and Stories

    Draven’s Growth at Sierra School at Sherman
    At Sierra School at Sherman, progress often builds over time. During World Autism Month, the school is highlighting one student’s…
    April 8, 2026
  • Amanda smiling while speaking into a microphone at Sierra School at Wylie
    School Events and Stories

    Amanda Makes Strong Transition Progress at Sierra School
    Amanda, 15, has attended Sierra School at Wylie for the past four years. Faculty members say that she brings joy…
    April 2, 2026

SESI IDCs Keep Students Close to Home

SESI’s In-District Classrooms offer students the intensive support they need while keeping them in their home school community. With individualized instruction and therapeutic supports, students build the skills and confidence to make steady progress. IDCs minimize more restrictive placements and support transitions to less intensive settings.

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K–2 Early Behavioral Support in Action

When Wylie Independent School District identified the need for more intensive behavioral support for young learners, the district partnered with SESI to implement a K–2 Early Behavioral In-District Classroom. In this video, district leaders and a parent share how early intervention, structured support, and strong collaboration helped William build essential skills and successfully transition back to his district classroom.

FAQs for Districts

Yes. HB 2 creates new day placement grant funding that may be used to support program startup, staffing, and infrastructure for eligible districts and ESCs. SESI partners with districts to design programs aligned to HB 2 requirements and student needs.

Districts and ESCs must align at the county level and meet TEA program requirements. Early planning and collaboration are critical, as only one program per county and 20 new programs statewide annually.

SESI provides a fully managed solution from program design and staffing to implementation and ongoing support. We partner with districts and ESCs to build sustainable, high-quality programs aligned to TEA expectations.


IDCs are funded by the district through a variety of available sources. Because the classrooms operate in your district and serve students locally, many districts see significant cost savings compared to out-of-district placements. SESI partners with you to build a staffing and service model that fits your budget and aligns with your students’ needs.  

Every IDC follows SESI’s evidence-based behavioral framework, which includes positive behavior supports, consistent routines, proactive interventions, and crisis prevention strategies. Classrooms are highly structured and staffed with professionals trained in de-escalation and therapeutic supports. The goal is to help students develop the tools they need to return to more independent, less-restrictive settings 

SESI handles all recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training for the IDC. We leverage a national talent pipeline, local partnerships, and comprehensive professional development to attract mission-driven educators and support staff. Employees receive ongoing coaching, data-driven feedback, and access to career pathways that help retention stay strong. 

Absolutely. IDC instruction mirrors your district’s curriculum, pacing expectations, and state standards. While instruction is differentiated and personalized to meet individual student needs, it remains firmly anchored in your district’s academic vision. 

District teams submit a referral packet and collaborate with SESI to review the student’s needs and determine fit. From there, we partner with the district and family to observe the student, answer questions, and plan next steps. The IEP team makes the final placement decision, and together we establish services, a transition plan, and a start date.  

Reintegration is guided by student data and IEP team decision-making. When students demonstrate readiness, we work together to develop a phased transition plan that increases time spent in less-restrictive settings with the right supports in place to ensure success. 

FAQs for Families

An IDC is a specialized classroom located inside your child’s home district. Operated by SESI in partnership with the district, it provides a smaller, structured learning environment with individualized academic and behavioral support while keeping your child connected to their school community, peers, and familiar routines. 

Both settings offer structured, supportive environments designed to meet students’ needs. The key difference is location and the level of integration. An IDC is run by SESI in partnership with your district, so your child can receive specialized support in their home school district. A private day school is a separate program outside the district for students who need a more intensive setting. 

If the IEP team recommends an IDC, SESI and the district will work with you to plan a smooth, supportive transition. This may include classroom visits, meeting the staff, reviewing routines, and building a comfort plan tailored to your child. 

Families receive regular updates on academic progress, behavior data, and IEP goals. Communication is ongoing, and families are always welcome to reach out, ask questions, or meet with the classroom team. 

Absolutely. Because IDCs are located within the district, students often participate in school activities, sports, or events as appropriate. Being in an IDC keeps them connected to peers, staff, and familiar routines. 

Yes. Reintegration is a part of the process. When students are ready, the IEP team creates a gradual transition plan to increase their time in general education or other district settings. 

Let’s Talk About Your District’s Needs 

Whether you’re looking to enhance your current services or you are exploring new partnership models, SESI offers flexible solutions to meet your district’s unique needs. Let’s talk about how we can support your goals. Schedule a meeting today.