eNotes
January 12, 2022Updates from the ECTA Center
SPP/APR Basics, What You Need to Know Training Series
What considerations need to be made when setting targets for child outcomes is one of the many topics covered in the new SPP/APR Basics, What You Need to Know Training Series. Developed primarily for Part C and Part B, Section 619 coordinators and their staff, SPP/APR Basics is a collection of self-directed modules that provide a basic understanding of the IDEA Part C and Part B, 619 State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) indicators and their requirements. Each module summarizes key points in the SPP/APR Measurement Tables, and includes an indicator description, its measurement, and reporting requirements.
Recruitment for Cohort of 10 New aRPy Ambassadors
aRPy Ambassadors help build states' capacity to use the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center's Practice Improvement Tools to support implementation of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices by local practitioners and families. Applications are due January 31, 2022.
The cohort will consist of professional-level ambassadors who represent state agencies, institutes of higher education (IHEs), and technical assistance and professional development organizations. Applicants will be notified of their status by February 28th, 2022.
The project is a partnership between ECTA, DEC of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and Parent to Parent of Georgia/the Region B Parent Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).
News from the Field
Strengthening Early Childhood Inclusion
This report from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities outlines opportunities to improve collaboration between school districts and community partners to support young children with disabilities.
The information, that came from key interviews and focus groups, will inform early childhood systems' efforts in Illinois including the Early Childhood Transformation's implementation of the Funding Commission recommendations, the Governor's Office of Early Childhood's needs assessment and strategic planning process funded through the federal Preschool Development Grant, and the work that is anticipated under the Build Back Better Act.
Resources to Support Families Experiencing Housing Instability
Challenging before the pandemic, affordable housing has become increasingly difficult due to rising high rental debt, evictions, and the loss of basic housing security. These Resources to Support Families Experiencing Housing Instability can help ensure children and families experience less stress and more overall well-being, including physical and mental health. Through ongoing partnerships with the Public Housing Authority (PHA), Continuum of Care program (CoC), and other community partnerships, families can be helped in finding stable housing.
ITCA 2021 Tipping Points Survey: Demographics, Challenges and Opportunities
This survey by the Infant & Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA) is available that tracks emerging issues and state responses related to eligibility, finance, and decisions regarding continued participation in Part C. Information is aggregated and individual state responses are confidential.
Fifty-one of the fifty-six states and jurisdictions completed the survey in summer 2020. The response rate is significant given the many challenges that states were dealing with because of COVID-19.
CIFR Resources
The Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting (CIFR) has released two Quick Reference Guides (QRG). The Quick Reference Guide on Restricted Indirect Costs and Cost Allocation Plans for IDEA Part C Grants provides state Part C and finance staff information about restricted indirect costs that may be charged to the Part C grant, the regulatory requirements for calculating costs on a restricted basis, and the approval process. This is timely as states begin to prepare their state grant applications for Part C funds due this spring.
The Quick Reference Guide on the Use of IDEA Part C Funds on the Use of IDEA Part C Funds provides state Part C and finance staff information about the permissive use of funds, costs that require prior approval, questions for states to consider, and additional resources on the topic. This is timely as states are actively engaged in determining uses of IDEA American Rescue Plan funds.
Equity Resources
Two resources, developed from the National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home (NRC-PFCMH) virtual roundtable discussion, highlight the criticality of ensuring African American and Black children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families receive family-centered and culturally effective care through the medical home model.
- The roundtable executive summary captures the practical strategies and recommendations the NRC-PFCMH can implement to support building stronger relationships between pediatricians and African American and Black families of CYSHCN served in their clinic or practice.
- A visual representation of the discussion captures key themes and topics that reinforce the importance of equitable collaborations, care coordination, and culturally effective care for building stronger partnerships between pediatricians and African American and Black families of CYSHCN.