Frequently Asked Questions
What state agency is responsible for the oversight of services for children with special needs before they go to school?
Infant Toddler Services/Part C serve children with special needs from birth to their third birthday. Services focus on both the child and the family, with services provided in the child’s natural environment. Part C services are overseen by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). www.ksits.org
Children aged three until they start kindergarten may receive services through their local school district if determined eligible. Eligibility is determined based on how the child’s delay/s may impact his/her ability to learn. The Kansas Department of Education oversees the Part B programs throughout the state. www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=514
Infant Toddler Services/Part C serve children with special needs from birth to their third birthday. Services focus on both the child and the family, with services provided in the child’s natural environment. Part C services are overseen by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). www.ksits.org
Children aged three until they start kindergarten may receive services through their local school district if determined eligible. Eligibility is determined based on how the child’s delay/s may impact his/her ability to learn. The Kansas Department of Education oversees the Part B programs throughout the state. www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=514
What are the differences between the Part C/0-3 program and Part B/3-5 program?
Each program has its own criteria for eligibility.
Part C/Kansas Early Childhood Developmental Services/Part C has three different ways to determine eligibility: percentage of delay when compared to same-aged peers (25% in one are or 20% in two or more areas in the state of Kansas), auto-eligibility due to extenuating circumstances, Micro-prematurity, a genetic disorder, and Failure to Thrive are just a few examples. The third method of determining eligibility is the use of professional judgment. If the evaluation team (comprised of two professionals from different areas of development) feels that the child is showing signs that they could struggle with issues not necessarily related to child development, such as feeding difficulties, nutritional issues, behavioral or sensory issues, the child could be found eligible. www.ksits.org/download/part_c_manual/ELIGIBILITY.pdf
Kansas Early Childhood Developmental Services/Part C programs use an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP, to document current levels of development as well as the objectives the family would like to meet within a certain timeframe, usually within 6 months. The IFSP can be reviewed at any time, but is usually reviewed twice yearly. The family is actively involved in the provision of services, following through on the strategies given by their provider/s. Services are provided in the natural environment, the family’s home, daycare, the park – the places that the child would naturally go as part of their daily routines.
Part B /Preschool services are part of the educational system. When children reach the age of three, the criteria for determining eligibility changes from child development and how the child’s delay/s impact/s the child and family throughout their daily routines, to how the child’s area/s of need will impact their ability to learn. Children are evaluated according to the guidelines of each individual school district. Eligibility is based on the child’s functioning in an educational setting.
The Part B planning document is called an Individualized Education Program, or IEP. It also lists the current levels of development as well as goals and objectives to be worked on, but they are broken down into four benchmarks to be met throughout the term of the IEP. IEP’s are for a one year time period, but can be reviewed at any time by calling a meeting of the team (which includes parents) to revisit the plan and make any changes. Services can be provided within a school, or in the community, depending on the need of the child and the service delivery model use by that particular program.
Each program has its own criteria for eligibility.
Part C/Kansas Early Childhood Developmental Services/Part C has three different ways to determine eligibility: percentage of delay when compared to same-aged peers (25% in one are or 20% in two or more areas in the state of Kansas), auto-eligibility due to extenuating circumstances, Micro-prematurity, a genetic disorder, and Failure to Thrive are just a few examples. The third method of determining eligibility is the use of professional judgment. If the evaluation team (comprised of two professionals from different areas of development) feels that the child is showing signs that they could struggle with issues not necessarily related to child development, such as feeding difficulties, nutritional issues, behavioral or sensory issues, the child could be found eligible. www.ksits.org/download/part_c_manual/ELIGIBILITY.pdf
Kansas Early Childhood Developmental Services/Part C programs use an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP, to document current levels of development as well as the objectives the family would like to meet within a certain timeframe, usually within 6 months. The IFSP can be reviewed at any time, but is usually reviewed twice yearly. The family is actively involved in the provision of services, following through on the strategies given by their provider/s. Services are provided in the natural environment, the family’s home, daycare, the park – the places that the child would naturally go as part of their daily routines.
Part B /Preschool services are part of the educational system. When children reach the age of three, the criteria for determining eligibility changes from child development and how the child’s delay/s impact/s the child and family throughout their daily routines, to how the child’s area/s of need will impact their ability to learn. Children are evaluated according to the guidelines of each individual school district. Eligibility is based on the child’s functioning in an educational setting.
The Part B planning document is called an Individualized Education Program, or IEP. It also lists the current levels of development as well as goals and objectives to be worked on, but they are broken down into four benchmarks to be met throughout the term of the IEP. IEP’s are for a one year time period, but can be reviewed at any time by calling a meeting of the team (which includes parents) to revisit the plan and make any changes. Services can be provided within a school, or in the community, depending on the need of the child and the service delivery model use by that particular program.
What is the difference between the Kansas ICC and the Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Developmental Services?
There is no difference – they are the same entity.
There is no difference – they are the same entity.
Why does Kansas have an Interagency Coordinating Council?
The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, or IDEA – section 303.601 – requires that each state must have an Interagency Coordinating Council. Members are to be appointed by the governor. The state of Kansas enacted a law calling for this advisory body prior to the federal law.
Federal Statute: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CC%@C641%2C
The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, or IDEA – section 303.601 – requires that each state must have an Interagency Coordinating Council. Members are to be appointed by the governor. The state of Kansas enacted a law calling for this advisory body prior to the federal law.
Federal Statute: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CC%@C641%2C
How is the Kansas ICC funded?
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), three state agencies – the Kansas Department of Health and Environment/KDHE, the Kansas Department of Education/KSDE, and the Kansas Department for Children and Families – contribute funding to cover the costs of the Council. Funding covers administrative expenses – including the ICC staff person, meeting costs and stipends for those members who wish to take it.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), three state agencies – the Kansas Department of Health and Environment/KDHE, the Kansas Department of Education/KSDE, and the Kansas Department for Children and Families – contribute funding to cover the costs of the Council. Funding covers administrative expenses – including the ICC staff person, meeting costs and stipends for those members who wish to take it.
How many states have designated their state’s Health agency as lead agency for Part C of IDEA?
Less than half of the states have designated their health agency, whether alone or in combination with other agencies. For a listing, please go to: ectacenter.org/partc/ptclead.asp
Less than half of the states have designated their health agency, whether alone or in combination with other agencies. For a listing, please go to: ectacenter.org/partc/ptclead.asp
Does the ICC staff person work for the Kansas State Department of Education?
Through an interagency agreement the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas State Department of Education support interagency coordination, including support for the State ICC. Currently, under that agreement, KSDE employs the ICC staff person to fulfill those responsibilities. The staff person’s office is located within the KSDE offices.
Through an interagency agreement the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas State Department of Education support interagency coordination, including support for the State ICC. Currently, under that agreement, KSDE employs the ICC staff person to fulfill those responsibilities. The staff person’s office is located within the KSDE offices.
How are members chosen to join the Council?
Most members are appointed by the Governor to a four year term of office. If you are interested in learning more about the Council and/or would like to serve on the Council, please contact the ICC Chair, Dave Lindeman by using this link
Legislative members are chosen by their respective bodies (House of Representatives and the Senate). The potential members (one from each body) are confirmed by the Legislative Coordinating Council. (K.S.A 74-7801, section 7).
Most members are appointed by the Governor to a four year term of office. If you are interested in learning more about the Council and/or would like to serve on the Council, please contact the ICC Chair, Dave Lindeman by using this link
Legislative members are chosen by their respective bodies (House of Representatives and the Senate). The potential members (one from each body) are confirmed by the Legislative Coordinating Council. (K.S.A 74-7801, section 7).
Are there any local Interagency Coordinating Councils (LICCs) in my area?
Part C networks have at least one LICC per program.
Part C networks have at least one LICC per program.
What is done at these local ICCs?
At minimum, they meet four times each year to discuss early childhood issues. On occasion, they will need to make decisions about boundary lines or administration of tiny-k services. Each community will have its own agenda with tasks and projects that are important to that particular community.
At minimum, they meet four times each year to discuss early childhood issues. On occasion, they will need to make decisions about boundary lines or administration of tiny-k services. Each community will have its own agenda with tasks and projects that are important to that particular community.
What can our LICC do to enhance parent participation?
The current Part C regulations in the state of Kansas require the involvement of at least two parent members whose child was eligible for Part C services. The child does not have to currently be receiving services in order to participate on the LICC.
The current Part C regulations in the state of Kansas require the involvement of at least two parent members whose child was eligible for Part C services. The child does not have to currently be receiving services in order to participate on the LICC.
Things to take into consideration when asking a parent to be a part of the LICC:
Where are your meetings held? Would a change in location (or rotating locations) be more accessible? When are your meetings held? Is there the possibility to join meetings remotely (via phone, computer, etc)? Is there flexibility with the meeting date/time?
Are you asking your parent members how they feel they can contribute to the Council? Are they able to do so?
Finally, can you support them in other creative ways? Child care provided by appropriate volunteers or a small stipend are two possible examples.
Where are your meetings held? Would a change in location (or rotating locations) be more accessible? When are your meetings held? Is there the possibility to join meetings remotely (via phone, computer, etc)? Is there flexibility with the meeting date/time?
Are you asking your parent members how they feel they can contribute to the Council? Are they able to do so?
Finally, can you support them in other creative ways? Child care provided by appropriate volunteers or a small stipend are two possible examples.
