eNotes
September 22, 2026Updates from the ECTA Center
Exploration and Installation Discussion Guide for Community Implementation Teams
The Exploration and Installation Discussion Guide for Community Implementation Teams provides community partners who are considering a new implementation effort with discussion questions, planning prompts, and suggested products to explore needs, engage partners, build infrastructure, and prepare for successful implementation.
Part C General Supervision Monitoring Procedures Checklist
A lead agency's general supervision system is the mechanism for enforcing federal requirements and for ensuring continuous improvement.
This updated Part C General Supervision Monitoring Procedures Checklist will be useful in:
- Assessing whether the states procedures are meeting all requirements in Guidance on State General Supervision Responsibilities under Parts B and C of the IDEA (July 24, 2023).
- Evaluating, prioritizing, or improving specific parts of your general supervision system.
- Preparing for the Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS 2.0) process.
- Supporting your work with the Accountability and Quality Improvement Component of the System Framework.
News from the Field
ITCA 2026 Tipping Points Survey Results
The Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA) surveyed IDEA Part C state and jurisdiction coordinators about issues and challenges of Part C implementation. In their 2026 Tipping Points Survey, ITCA reports on forty-nine states and jurisdictions completing their survey in Spring and Summer 2026. Questions were categorized by themes of state funding, child services, provider issues, collaboration, and telepractice.
ITCA uses survey data to track emerging issues in the field, as well as providing a demographic snapshot of the characteristics of Part C leadership. ITCA and its members provide these aggregate findings to federal, state, and local officials and to early childhood disability partners.
'Zero positive outcomes' from harsh preschool discipline, report says
Arizona State University released a new report showing that harsh punishments and exclusionary discipline of young children lead to "zero positive outcomes". In fact, these practices can result in lower academic achievements and reduced likelihood of graduating from high school. Head Start Performance Standards prohibit harsh discipline and expulsion and limit suspensions. While preschool suspension rates have decreased over time, children with disabilities are still disproportionately more likely to be suspended than other students.
Research
Preliminary Efficacy of Telehealth Family Navigation for Early Autism Services Access
In Preliminary Efficacy of Telehealth Family Navigation for Early Autism Services Access, a cluster-randomized pilot study tested the preliminary efficacy of telehealth family navigation case management for children with identified autism symptoms. Family navigation is a case management method that is a promising approach to early autism identification and service provision. While the in-person model is effective, there is a need to adapt family navigation for widespread implementation and sustainability through telehealth.
Forty-nine children between the ages of 12-54 months were enrolled in the pilot study. Thirty children were assigned to the telehealth family navigation group, while nineteen were in the control group with usual care. Findings indicate preliminary promise for improving access to services in early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE), especially for referral and evaluation, using telehealth family navigation.