new dir acad 2004

New Directors’ AcademySeptember 8, 2004: 

New Directors’ Academy September 8, 2004 The ABC’s of 619 Preschool Services Three and Four Year Olds with Developmental Delays

Presenters/Resource People: 

Presenters/Resource People Harriet Forman, Preschool Special Education Consultant, Public Education Department Judy Kimmel, Coordinator, NM Early Childhood Transition Initiative Sophie Bertrand, Training and Development Consultant, Preschool Network Michele Stanley, Coordinator, Project DreamCatchers, Parents Reaching Out

Our Vision:: 

Our Vision: “We strive to ensure that all of New Mexico’s students succeed – learn well, create and maintain social relationships, and complete school prepared for post secondary life and full participation in a democratic society.” Sam Howarth, State Director of Special Education

Additionally,: 

Additionally, We believe that serving children in the Least Restrictive Environment will help us achieve this: by giving our children access to the regular education curriculum, alongside their typically developing peers.

All Provisions of IDEA Apply to Preschool Services: 

All Provisions of IDEA Apply to Preschool Services All eligibility categories apply + Developmentally Delayed: if no other exceptionality is identified >>Additionally, New Mexico generously supports early identification of students with exceptional needs >>No matter the extent of services, the same unit value accrues >>Children are recorded as maximum level for reporting purposes

Continuum of Services: 

Continuum of Services Less restrictive placements must always be considered. Where there is a reasonable likelihood that a student with an exceptionality can be educated in the regular classroom with the use of supplementary aids and supports, then that placement should be tried.

Least Restrictive Environments are required: 

Least Restrictive Environments are required Separate schooling…occurs only if the nature or severity…is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily

NMAC 6.31.2.11-Preschool Programs for Children Aged 3 and 4: 

NMAC 6.31.2.11-Preschool Programs for Children Aged 3 and 4 Each public agency shall ensure that a free appropriate public education is available for each child with a disability…NO LATER THAN THE CHILD’S THIRD BIRTHDAY AND that an IEP or IFSP is IN EFFECT by that date

Monitoring Transition: 

Monitoring Transition September 2003: first year to monitor Early Childhood Transition Family Infant Toddler Program, Department of Health, provided lists of children eligible to transition Special Education Bureau notified LEAs and collected data on the actual Transition of each child

03/04 Results:: 

03/04 Results: 16% started receiving services the first day of the school year (roughly 1 in 6) 44% started on the first day of preschool, one-two weeks after the first day of school

Additionally,: 

Additionally, 19% started later than the preschool, Ranging from 2-43 days later than preschool (2-8 weeks after 1st day of school)

16% received no services:: 

16% received no services: They did not qualify Their family refused services The family moved or The district could not locate the family

5% Not sufficient data:: 

5% Not sufficient data: Districts did not supply the exact date when the services started

To Improve this Performance:: 

To Improve this Performance: We will supply information to LEAs earlier LEA staff should Participate in 90-Day Conferences Complete IEP in Spring or at least 15 days before the first day of school Provide extended contracts (e.g., during ESY) to complete the process

Services to 2 Year Old Children: 

Services to 2 Year Old Children Children who turn 3 during the school year Can start receiving services at the beginning of the school year or If they are receiving services from Part C, they can >complete the year with the early intervention provider or > Start receiving services from the LEA the first day of school

NM EARLY CHILDHOODTRANSITION INITIATIVE: 

NM EARLY CHILDHOOD TRANSITION INITIATIVE

Smooth Means:: 

Smooth Means: Uninterrupted Services EI services on IFSP are available and provided until first day of services by receiving agency IEP in place at least 15 days prior to transition Services & supports begin on the date specified on the IEP Interagency planning process with family centered practices is evident. Interagency agreements Mutually developed policies & procedures Formalized systems of communication and information sharing

Effective Means:: 

Effective Means: Families informed of all options and rights Timely planning Transition planning initiated at least 6 months prior as evidenced by identified transition steps in the IFSP 90 Day Conference occurs and includes participation of Part B and other relevant parties High Level Of Satisfaction A demonstrated high level of satisfaction related to the experience of transitioning from one system to another Family Sending agency Receiving agency(ies)

Accomplishments & Status: 

Accomplishments & Status 43 Community transition teams exist Interagency partnerships are stronger 72% completed interagency agreements 7% in signature phase 12% in development phase 9% no agreement started Each team supported by a Coach

Slide22: 

SAVE THE DATE EARLY CHILDHOOD TRANSITION TRAINING NOVEMBER 4, 2004 8:30-3:45 Albuquerque Science & Technology Park Rotunda Conference Room 801 University Blvd. SE Pre-registration Required Watch for more info in the mail...