In December 2016, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) finalized new regulations on significant disproportionality (34 CFR §300.646). These regulations enforce the use of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds for mandatory Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CCEIS), which local education agencies (LEAs) provide upon identification of significant disproportionality and distinguish the use of funds for CCEIS from the use of IDEA funds for voluntary Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS).
Comprehensive Coordinating Early Intervening Services are provided to assist students in 3 – 12th grade who are not currently identified as needing special education or related services but who need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in a general education environment. Children currently identified as needing special education or related services (funds can be used primarily, but not exclusively, for this group).
Whenever a district is determined by the State, based on the district's numerical data, to have significant disproportionality in the identification, placement, and/or discipline of children with disabilities, the district must use the maximum amount of 15 percent for CEIS to help address issues of disproportionality. CCEIS must be provided to students particularly, but not exclusively, in those race/ethnic groups that were significantly impacted. To apply to use IDEA funds for CCEIS, the district must describe how the proposed expenditures for CEIS will be used. The plan must be relevant in assisting the district to address the targeted area of disproportionality.
CCEIS Guidance:
Forms
Professional Learning
Resources
