US Codex
C.F.R.
Browse by date

View an earlier version

Latest
Current
Browse all versions by date
Notes

34 C.F.R. §§ 303.201–303.212

12 sections in range

§303.201. Designation of lead agency.

34 C.F.R. § 303.201

Each application must include the name of the State lead agency, as designated under § 303.120, that will be responsible for the administration of funds provided under this part.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.202. Certification regarding financial responsibility.

34 C.F.R. § 303.202

Each application must include a certification to the Secretary that the arrangements to establish financial responsibility for the provision of part C services among appropriate public agencies under § 303.511 and the lead agency's contracts with EIS providers regarding financial responsibility for the provision of part C services both meet the requirements in subpart F of this part (§§ 303.500 through 303.521) and are current as of the date of submission of the certification.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.203. Statewide system and description of services.

34 C.F.R. § 303.203

Each application must include —
(a)
A description of services to be provided under this part to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families through the State's system;
(b)
The State's policies and procedures regarding the identification and coordination of all available resources within the State from Federal, State, local, and private sources as required under subpart F of this part and including—
(1)
Policies or procedures adopted by the State as its system of payments that meet the requirements in §§ 303.510, 303.520 and 303.521 (regarding the use of public insurance or benefits, private insurance, or family costs or fees); and
(2)
Methods used by the State to implement the requirements in § 303.511(b)(2) and (b)(3); and
(c)
The State's rigorous definition of developmental delay as required under §§ 303.10 and 303.111.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.204. Application's definition of at-risk infants and toddlers and description of services.

34 C.F.R. § 303.204

If the State provides services under this part to at-risk infants and toddlers through the statewide system, the application must include—
(a)
The State's definition of at-risk infants and toddlers with disabilities who are eligible in the State for services under part C of the Act (consistent with §§ 303.5 and 303.21(b)); and
(b)
A description of the early intervention services provided under this part to at-risk infants and toddlers with disabilities who meet the State's definition described in paragraph (a) of this section.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.205. Description of use of funds.

34 C.F.R. § 303.205

(a)
General. Each State application must include a description of the uses for funds under this part for the fiscal year or years covered by the application. The description must be presented separately for the lead agency and the Council and include the information required in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.
(b)
State administration funds including administrative positions. For lead agencies other than State educational agencies (SEAs), each application must include the total—
(1)
Amount of funds retained by the lead agency for administration purposes, including the amount in paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and
(2)
Number of full-time equivalent administrative positions to be used to implement part C of the Act, and the total amount of salaries (including benefits) for those positions.
(c)
Maintenance and implementation activities. Each application must include a description of the nature and scope of each major activity to be carried out under this part, consistent with § 303.501, and the approximate amount of funds to be spent for each activity.
(d)
Direct services. Each application must include a description of any direct services that the State expects to provide to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families with funds under this part, consistent with § 303.501, and the approximate amount of funds under this part to be used for the provision of each direct service.
(e)
Activities by other public agencies. If other public agencies are to receive funds under this part, the application must include—
(1)
The name of each agency expected to receive funds;
(2)
The approximate amount of funds each agency will receive; and
(3)
A summary of the purposes for which the funds will be used.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.206. Referral policies for specific children.

34 C.F.R. § 303.206

Each application must include the State's policies and procedures that require the referral for early intervention services under this part of specific children under the age of three, as described in § 303.303(b).
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.207. Availability of resources.

34 C.F.R. § 303.207

Each application must include a description of the procedure used by the State to ensure that resources are made available under this part for all geographic areas within the State.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.208. Public participation policies and procedures.

34 C.F.R. § 303.208

(a)
Application. At least 60 days prior to being submitted to the Department, each application for funds under this part (including any policies, procedures, descriptions, methods, certifications, assurances and other information required in the application) must be published in a manner that will ensure circulation throughout the State for at least a 60-day period, with an opportunity for public comment on the application for at least 30 days during that period.
(b)
State Policies and Procedures. Each application must include a description of the policies and procedures used by the State to ensure that, before adopting any new policy or procedure (including any revision to an existing policy or procedure) needed to comply with part C of the Act and these regulations, the lead agency—
(1)
Holds public hearings on the new policy or procedure (including any revision to an existing policy or procedure);
(2)
Provides notice of the hearings held in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section at least 30 days before the hearings are conducted to enable public participation; and
(3)
Provides an opportunity for the general public, including individuals with disabilities, parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities, EIS providers, and the members of the Council, to comment for at least 30 days on the new policy or procedure (including any revision to an existing policy or procedure) needed to comply with part C of the Act and these regulations.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.209. Transition to preschool and other programs.

34 C.F.R. § 303.209

(a)
Application requirements. Each State must include the following in its application:
(1)
A description of the policies and procedures it will use to ensure a smooth transition for infants and toddlers with disabilities under the age of three and their families from receiving early intervention services under this part to—
(i)
Preschool or other appropriate services (for toddlers with disabilities); or
(ii)
Exiting the program for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
(2)
A description of how the State will meet each of the requirements in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section.
(3)
(i)
(A)
If the lead agency is not the SEA, an interagency agreement between the lead agency and the SEA; or
(B)
If the lead agency is the SEA, an intra-agency agreement between the program within that agency that administers part C of the Act and the program within the agency that administers section 619 of the Act.
(ii)
To ensure a seamless transition between services under this part and under part B of the Act, an interagency agreement under paragraph (a)(3)(i)(A) of this section or an intra-agency agreement under paragraph (a)(3)(i)(B) of this section must address how the lead agency and the SEA will meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section (including any policies adopted by the lead agency under § 303.401(d) and (e)), § 303.344(h), and 34 CFR 300.101(b), 300.124, 300.321(f), and 300.323(b).
(4)
Any policy the lead agency has adopted under § 303.401(d) and (e).
(b)
Notification to the SEA and appropriate LEA.
(1)
The State lead agency must ensure that—
(i)
Subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, not fewer than 90 days before the third birthday of the toddler with a disability if that toddler may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency notifies the SEA and the LEA for the area in which the toddler resides that the toddler on his or her third birthday will reach the age of eligibility for services under part B of the Act, as determined in accordance with State law;
(ii)
Subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if the lead agency determines that the toddler is eligible for early intervention services under part C of the Act more than 45 but less than 90 days before that toddler's third birthday and if that toddler may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, as soon as possible after determining the child's eligibility, notifies the SEA and the LEA for the area in which the toddler with a disability resides that the toddler on his or her third birthday will reach the age of eligibility for services under part B of the Act, as determined in accordance with State law; or
(iii)
Subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if a toddler is referred to the lead agency fewer than 45 days before that toddler's third birthday and that toddler may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, with parental consent required under § 303.414, refers the toddler to the SEA and the LEA for the area in which the toddler resides; but, the lead agency is not required to conduct an evaluation, assessment, or an initial IFSP meeting under these circumstances.
(2)
The State must ensure that the notification required under paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this section is consistent with any policy that the State has adopted, under § 303.401(e), permitting a parent to object to disclosure of personally identifiable information.
(c)
Conference to discuss services. The State lead agency must ensure that—
(1)
If a toddler with a disability may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, with the approval of the family of the toddler, convenes a conference, among the lead agency, the family, and the LEA not fewer than 90 days—and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months—before the toddler's third birthday to discuss any services the toddler may receive under part B of the Act; and.
(2)
If the lead agency determines that a toddler with a disability is not potentially eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, with the approval of the family of that toddler, makes reasonable efforts to convene a conference among the lead agency, the family, and providers of other appropriate services for the toddler to discuss appropriate services that the toddler may receive.
(d)
Transition plan. The State lead agency must ensure that for all toddlers with disabilities—
(1)
(i)
It reviews the program options for the toddler with a disability for the period from the toddler's third birthday through the remainder of the school year; and
(ii)
Each family of a toddler with a disability who is served under this part is included in the development of the transition plan required under this section and § 303.344(h);
(2)
It establishes a transition plan in the IFSP not fewer than 90 days— and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months—before the toddler's third birthday; and
(3)
The transition plan in the IFSP includes, consistent with § 303.344(h), as appropriate—
(i)
Steps for the toddler with a disability and his or her family to exit from the part C program; and
(ii)
Any transition services that the IFSP Team identifies as needed by that toddler and his or her family.
(e)
Transition conference and meeting to develop transition plan. Any conference conducted under paragraph (c) of this section or meeting to develop the transition plan under paragraph (d) of this section (which conference and meeting may be combined into one meeting) must meet the requirements in §§ 303.342(d) and (e) and 303.343(a).
(f)
Applicability of transition requirements.
(1)
The transition requirements in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii), (c)(1), and (d) of this section apply to all toddlers with disabilities receiving services under this part before those toddlers turn age three, including any toddler with a disability under the age of three who is served by a State that offers services under § 303.211.
(2)
In a State that offers services under § 303.211, for toddlers with disabilities identified in § 303.209(b)(1)(i), the parent must be provided at the transition conference conducted under paragraph (c)(1) of this section:
(i)
An explanation, consistent with § 303.211(b)(1)(ii), of the toddler's options to continue to receive early intervention services under this part or preschool services under section 619 of the Act.
(ii)
The initial annual notice referenced in § 303.211(b)(1).
(3)
For children with disabilities age three and older who receive services pursuant to § 303.211, the State must ensure that it satisfies the separate transition requirements in § 303.211(b)(6)(ii).
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.210. Coordination with Head Start and Early Head Start, early education, and child care programs.

34 C.F.R. § 303.210

(a)
Each application must contain a description of State efforts to promote collaboration among Head Start and Early Head Start programs under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9801, et seq., as amended), early education and child care programs, and services under this part.
(b)
The State lead agency must participate, consistent with section 642B(b)(1)(C)(viii) of the Head Start Act, on the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care established under the Head Start Act.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.211. State option to make services under this part available to children ages three and older.

34 C.F.R. § 303.211

(a)
General.
(1)
Subject to paragraphs (a)(2) and (b) of this section, a State may elect to include in its application for a grant under this part a State policy, developed and implemented jointly by the lead agency and the SEA, under which a parent of a child with a disability who is eligible for preschool services under section 619 of the Act and who previously received early intervention services under this part, may choose the continuation of early intervention services under this part for his or her child after the child turns three until the child enters, or is eligible under State law to enter, kindergarten or elementary school.
(2)
A State that adopts the policy described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section may determine whether it applies to children with disabilities—
(i)
From age three until the beginning of the school year following the child's third birthday;
(ii)
From age three until the beginning of the school year following the child's fourth birthday; or
(iii)
From age three until the beginning of the school year following the child's fifth birthday.
(3)
In no case may a State provide services under this section beyond the age at which the child actually enters, or is eligible under State law to enter, kindergarten or elementary school in the State.
(b)
Requirements. If a State's application for a grant under this part includes the State policy described in paragraph (a) of this section, the system must ensure the following:
(1)
Parents of children with disabilities who are eligible for services under section 619 of the Act and who previously received early intervention services under this part will be provided an annual notice that contains—
(i)
A description of the rights of the parents to elect to receive services pursuant to this section or under part B of the Act; and
(ii)
An explanation of the differences between services provided pursuant to this section and services provided under part B of the Act, including—
(A)
The types of services and the locations at which the services are provided;
(B)
The procedural safeguards that apply; and
(C)
Possible costs (including the costs or fees to be charged to families as described in §§ 303.520 and 303.521), if any, to parents of children eligible under this part.
(2)
Consistent with § 303.344(d), services provided pursuant to this section will include an educational component that promotes school readiness and incorporates preliteracy, language, and numeracy skills.
(3)
The State policy ensures that any child served pursuant to this section has the right, at any time, to receive FAPE (as that term is defined at § 303.15) under part B of the Act instead of early intervention services under part C of the Act.
(4)
The lead agency must continue to provide all early intervention services identified in the toddler with a disability's IFSP under § 303.344 (and consented to by the parent under § 303.342(e)) beyond age three until that toddler's initial eligibility determination under part B of the Act is made under 34 CFR 300.306. This provision does not apply if the LEA has requested parental consent for the initial evaluation under 34 CFR 300.300(a) and the parent has not provided that consent.
(5)
The lead agency must obtain informed consent from the parent of any child with a disability for the continuation of early intervention services pursuant to this section for that child. Consent must be obtained before the child reaches three years of age, where practicable.
(6)
(i)
For toddlers with disabilities under the age of three in a State that offers services under this section, the lead agency ensures that the transition requirements in § 303.209(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii), (c)(1), and (d) are met.
(ii)
For toddlers with disabilities age three and older in a State that offers services under this section, the lead agency ensures a smooth transition from services under this section to preschool, kindergarten or elementary school by—
(A)
Providing the SEA and LEA where the child resides, consistent with any State policy adopted under § 303.401(e), the information listed in § 303.401(d)(1) not fewer than 90 days before the child will no longer be eligible under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to receive, or will no longer receive, early intervention services under this section;
(B)
With the approval of the parents of the child, convening a transition conference, among the lead agency, the parents, and the LEA, not fewer than 90 days—and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months—before the child will no longer be eligible under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to receive, or no longer receives, early intervention services under this section, to discuss any services that the child may receive under part B of the Act; and
(C)
Establishing a transition plan in the IFSP not fewer than 90 days— and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months—before the child will no longer be eligible under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to receive, or no longer receives, early intervention services under this section.
(7)
In States that adopt the option to make services under this part available to children ages three and older pursuant to this section, there will be a referral to the part C system, dependent upon parental consent, of a child under the age of three who directly experiences a substantiated case of trauma due to exposure to family violence, as defined in section 320 of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, 42 U.S.C. 10401, et seq.
(c)
Reporting requirement. If a State includes in its application a State policy described in paragraph (a) of this section, the State must submit to the Secretary, in the State's report under § 303.124, the number and percentage of children with disabilities who are eligible for services under section 619 of the Act but whose parents choose for their children to continue to receive early intervention services under this part.
(d)
Available funds. The State policy described in paragraph (a) of this section must describe the funds—including an identification as Federal, State, or local funds—that will be used to ensure that the option described in paragraph (a) of this section is available to eligible children and families who provide the consent described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section, including fees, if any, to be charged to families as described in §§ 303.520 and 303.521.
(e)
Rules of construction.
(1)
If a statewide system includes a State policy described in paragraph (a) of this section, a State that provides services in accordance with this section to a child with a disability who is eligible for services under section 619 of the Act will not be required to provide the child FAPE under part B of the Act for the period of time in which the child is receiving services under this part.
(2)
Nothing in this section may be construed to require a provider of services under this part to provide a child served under this part with FAPE.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.

§303.212. Additional information and assurances.

34 C.F.R. § 303.212

Each application must contain—
(a)
A description of the steps the State is taking to ensure equitable access to, and equitable participation in, the part C statewide system as required by section 427(b) of GEPA; and
(b)
Other information and assurances as the Secretary may reasonably require.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431 through 1444, unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 76 FR 60244, Sept. 28, 2011, unless otherwise noted.