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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

Early Hearing Detection, and Intervention Program (EHDI) and Early Intervention

Data show that despite these longstanding newborn hearing screening and early intervention programs, there are critical gaps in services for deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) infants and toddlers.

In this Joint Dear Colleague Letter on Early Hearing Detection and Intervention and Part C Programs (Aug. 5, 2024), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S Department of Education (ED) support increased collaboration between State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C early intervention programs. The letter:

  • Highlights the requirements and expectations in federal law that support collaboration between EHDI and IDEA Part C programs.
  • Emphasizes the importance of data-sharing to support ongoing collaboration between EHDI and IDEA Part C programs to coordinate child find activities, refer children from EHDI to IDEA Part C programs, support timely service delivery, and monitor children's outcomes.
  • Provides technical assistance resources to support States in this collaborative work.

Data Sharing Partnerships Improve Systems

Partnerships between the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program and Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program can support and improve outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and their families. Collaboration between these programs is specified in the IDEA Part C Regulations 34 CFR ยง303.302(c)(ii)(J) and strengthened in P.L. 115-71, EHDI Act of 2017.

Data Sharing Agreement Template: Examples from the Early Hearing Detection, and Intervention Program (EHDI) and Early Intervention Programs

This template provides users with examples of components, descriptions, and language to use for data sharing agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOU) between service providers for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Data Sharing Agreement Checklist: Early Hearing Detection, and Intervention Program (EHDI) and Part C

This checklist has been developed by the EHDI Outcomes Committee as a resource for state Part C and EHDI staff to use as they develop Data Sharing Agreements, consistent with the federal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Produced in collaboration with:

  • The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
  • The Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy)
  • The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM)

The contents of this document were developed:

  • Under a grant, #H373Z190002, and a cooperative agreement, #H326P170001, from the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education. DaSy Center Project Officers: Meredith Miceli and Amy Bae ECTA Center Project Officer: Julia Martin Eile
  • Under a cooperative agreement funded in part by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of award U52MC04391.

However, the content does not necessarily represent the policy of, official views or an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education, or the Department of Health and Human Services.