Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) — Traditional + Expansion tracks: how to apply and use for tutoring
Tuition-only voucher (cannot be used for fees, materials, supplies, therapies, or homeschooling). Expanded to functionally-universal eligibility with income-tiered awards starting FY24 (HB 33). Vouchers Hurt Ohio coalition lawsuit ruled unconstitutional at trial level in 2024 — under appeal.
- Administered by
- Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
How to apply
- Step 1Verify eligibility
Check the current requirements on the official Ohio state portal and confirm your child and family qualify for Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) — Traditional + Expansion tracks for this school year. Rules can change from year to year.
- Step 2Gather documents
Prepare proof of residency, birth certificate, academic records, and any program-specific documentation.
- Step 3Apply yourself and book with KOTY
The parent or guardian submits the application via the Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) — Traditional + Expansion tracks state portal. KOTY provides the provider-side documentation (invoices, service descriptions, credentials) the program may request as part of your enrollment or reimbursement.
Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) — Traditional + Expansion tracks is under court review
Enrollments and disbursements may be paused. Verify the current status on the official portal before applying.
If your district or the program requests provider documentation, KOTY provides it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) — Traditional + Expansion tracks for online tutoring?
Yes. Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) — Traditional + Expansion tracks funds cover online tutoring with certified providers. Kids on the Yard meets the program requirements and gives you the documentation you need for your application.
Does KOTY accept this program in Ohio?
Yes. Kids on the Yard accepts all state education funding programs. We provide you with every document the program or the state may request (invoices, service descriptions, attendance records, provider credentials). The application and enrollment with the program are always submitted by the parent or guardian — talk to our educational team if you'd like more details on what documentation we provide.
When are the application deadlines?
2025-26 window: Feb 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026. Applications after Oct 14 prorated based on remaining school year. Deadlines change frequently — always verify the latest dates on the official Ohio state portal or the program's official site before submitting.
What subjects does the program cover?
Each program sets its own approved categories. KOTY rates are always priced within the Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) — Traditional + Expansion tracks allowed range.
Can I stack this program with others?
Some states allow stacking programs (e.g., ESA + additional scholarships). Stacking rules are state-specific and change over time — verify with the official portal before enrolling.
How does KOTY invoice families using Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) — Traditional + Expansion tracks?
We know state-program approval and reimbursement can be complex. That's why we issue invoices in the cycles programs accept most smoothly — monthly, every two months, or quarterly — depending on what best fits your approval window. Each invoice includes the service description, hours, tutor credential, and the information programs typically require. If your program asks for a specific format, we adapt to it so your approval doesn't get delayed.
Do KOTY tutors meet the program's qualification requirements?
Yes. On request we provide the tutor's credentials, background-check confirmation, provider-of-record information, and any other documentation the program needs to validate the provider. If your program requires a specific certification, we confirm it up front so your enrollment goes through cleanly.
What happens if my program reimbursement is delayed?
Your child's sessions continue as scheduled. We work with many families on state programs and we know reimbursements sometimes lag — that's between you and the program, not between you and KOTY. If you need extra documentation or a different invoice format to speed up review, just ask and we'll generate it.
Can my child change subjects or frequency mid-year?
Yes. We adjust subjects, frequency, and hours across the school year. Updated invoices reflect the change so program review stays clean. Approval of any change that affects the program-funded amount is always granted by the program itself, not by KOTY.