(a) “Program” means a five-year pilot program to implement the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program created in this chapter.

(b) “Eligible student” means any student who has had an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the past five (5) years.

(c) “Parent” means a resident of this state who is a parent, legal guardian, custodian or other person with the authority to act on behalf of the eligible student.

(d) “Department” means the State Department of Education.

(e) “Home school district” means the public school district in which the student resides.

(f) “Eligible school” means a nonpublic school that has enrolled a participating student. An eligible school must be accredited by a state or regional accrediting agency or possess a provisional letter of accreditation from a state or regional accrediting agency or be approved/licensed by the State Department of Education. An eligible school does not include a home instruction program under Section 37-13-91, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(g) “Tutor” means a person who is certified or licensed by a state, regional, or national certification or licensing organization or who has earned a valid teacher’s license or who has experience teaching at an eligible postsecondary institution.

(h) “Postsecondary institution” means a community college, college, or university accredited by a state, regional or national accrediting organization.

(i) “Educational service provider” means an eligible school, tutor, or other person or organization that provides education-related services and products to participating students.