Nevada

April 27-28, 2017

DMS Area: State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) DMS Designation: Intensive

Background: 

On October 31, 2016, OSEP issued Nevada a Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS) document that 

specified engagement activities that OSEP would conduct with the State across five areas: results, 

compliance, State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP), child find, and fiscal. Under SSIP, OSEP gave 

Nevada a designation of intensive engagement for stakeholder engagement based on information specific 

to how stakeholders were involved in all aspects of planning, implementing and evaluating Nevada’s SSIP,

included in their FFY 2015 Phase II SSIP submitted on April 1, 2016. Based on the intensive designation 

and recent changes within the leadership of the Nevada Part C (NV-C) program, OSEP determined that a 

site visit would be an effective engagement activity to support the NV-C program to improve outcomes for 

infants and toddlers with disabilities.

Visit Summary

OSEP engaged with representatives of the State to discuss stakeholder engagement in the planning, 

implementation and evaluation of the SSIP. The Nevada officials that responded to questions from OSEP 

included staff from the NV-C Office and staff from OSEP-funded technical assistance (TA) centers. The 

major discussion items were focused on the following topic:

Topic Discussed

The State Systemic Improvement Plan – Stakeholder Engagement

Data Reviewed

Prior to onsite engagement, OSEP asked the NV-C team to identify their priorities regarding stakeholder 

engagement. In addition to identifying priorities, the NV-C team provided information on the development 

of a comprehensive communication plan. The primary purpose of the plan is to ensure that the various 

stakeholder perspectives relevant to the SSIP work are included. The plan would also ensure timely 

sharing of information so that decisions are made using the most current data, as well as establish a 

feedback loop that informs stakeholders of the impact of their contributions. Based on the feedback and 

information that the NV-C team provided, OSEP developed a presentation that gave the NV-C team and 

the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) an overview of the SSIP requirements. OSEP also answered 

questions and addressed concerns that the State shared regarding stakeholder engagement.

Challenges and Barriers

The NV State team acted immediately to rectify the factors identified in the DMS notice issued in October 

2016. For example, in monthly calls with OSEP leading up to the onsite visit, the NV –C team described a 

more robust engagement with regard to how stakeholders meaningfully contributed to SSIP implementation 

and evaluation. As a result, potential barriers and challenges were addressed before OSEP arrived. 

Outcome of Engagement Activity

OSEP answered questions from the ICC regarding the need for the State to formalize a more timely 

feedback structure. The NV-C Team has begun to put a structure in place to inform stakeholders of the 

results of their input in a timelier manner. 

Use of Technical Assistance and Professional Development Resources: 

Ardith Ferguson (NCSI) provided onsite support and will continue to work with the NV -C team to ensure

that stakeholders are clear on their roles and responsibilities and are continually kept apprised of the SSIP 

work.
Next Steps

During FFY 2016 and throughout FFY 2017, OSEP will continue to be available for TA calls with Nevada 

regarding the SSIP/stakeholder engagement. In addition, OSEP will share TA resources and materials with 

Nevada that may be most helpful for addressing the SSIP/stakeholder engagement. Nevada’s 

Performance Accountability Implementation Team member, Janine Rudder, will participate in OSEP State 

calls with NV to provide feedback and support on the State’s SSIP.