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The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness

by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Honorable Joshua Baker

Director

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

P.O. Box 8206

Columbia, South Carolina 29202

baker@scdhhs.gov

Dear Director Baker:

This letter addresses the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ (SCDHHS’) 

submission dated June 16, 2020 in response to the Office of Special Education Programs’ 

(OSEP’s) required actions under the fiscal section of OSEP’s differentiated monitoring and 

support (DMS) report dated August 29, 2019. 

OSEP’s Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS) report, required SCDHHS to submit: 

1. Policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure the accuracy of SCDHHS’ 

payments to its early intervention service or EIS providers. Those policies and procedures 

must include a review of EIS provider claims for early intervention services and ensure 

that EIS providers are not submitting multiple claims or receiving duplicate payments. A 

review of the policies and procedures must also examine Managed Care Organization 

(MCO) practices to ensure that their relationship with EIS providers does not negatively 

impact the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s (IDEA’s) payor of last resort 

requirement in 34 C.F.R. § 303.510 or the requirement to serve traditionally underserved 

groups (including rural populations) in 34 C.F.R. § 303.227; and

2. Documentation supporting the implementation of those policies and procedures, 

including training on SCDHHS’ updated procedures and processes, and examples of 

reports generated through SCDHHS’ general supervision oversight responsibilities.

Upon reviewing the State’s submission, OSEP has determined that SCDHHS has provided all the 

required information, and no further action is needed specific to the required actions listed above. 

OSEP notes that, pursuant to the State’s designation as a “high risk” grantee, as outlined in the 

Specific Conditions to South Carolina’s IDEA Part C Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2020 grant 

award, a robust fiscal monitoring system should be part of the full implementation of SCDHHS’ 

general supervision responsibilities, including monitoring to timely identify and correct 

noncompliance as required by IDEA sections 635(a)(10) and 640 and 34 C.F.R. §§ 303.120, 

303.501 (monitoring), inclusive of SCDHHS’ fiscal oversight responsibilities. We would be 

happy to offer any technical assistance appropriate in achieving this goal.

OSEP appreciates the cooperation and assistance provided by your State staff in addressing the 

fiscal requirements related to Part C of the IDEA. If you have any questions or wish to request 

technical assistance, please do not hesitate to call your OSEP State Lead, Brenda Wilkins at 

(202) 245-6920.
Page 2 – Honorable Joshua Baker

Sincerely, 

Laurie VanderPloeg 

Director 

Office of Special Education Programs 

cc: Jennifer Buster

Part C Coordinator