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[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 28, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60140-60309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22783]

[[Page 60139]]

Vol. 76

Wednesday,

No. 188

September 28, 2011

Part II

Department of Education

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34 CFR Parts 300 and 303

 Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities; 
Assistance to States for the Education of Children With Disabilities; 
Final Rule and Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2011 
/ Rules and Regulations

[[Page 60140]]

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

34 CFR Part 303

RIN 1820-AB59

Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers With 
Disabilities

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.

ACTION: Final regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary issues final regulations governing the Early 
Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. These 
regulations are needed to reflect changes made to the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act, as amended by the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (Act or IDEA).

DATES: These regulations are effective on October 28, 2011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexa Posny, U.S. Department of 
Education, 550 12th Street, SW., Potomac Center Plaza, room 5107, 
Washington, DC 20202-2641. Telephone: (202) 245-7605. If you use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal 
Relay System (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339. Individuals with disabilities may 
obtain this document in an alternative format (e.g., braille, large 
print, audiotape, or computer diskette) upon request to the contact 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These regulations implement changes in the 
regulations governing the Early Intervention Program for Infants and 
Toddlers with Disabilities necessitated by the reauthorization of the 
IDEA.
    On May 9, 2007, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) 
published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (72 
FR 26456) (NPRM) to amend the regulations governing the Early 
Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. In the 
preamble to the NPRM, the Secretary discussed, on pages 26456 through 
26496, the changes proposed to the regulations for this program, which 
regulations are set forth in 34 CFR part 303.
    In these regulations, the Department is amending and finalizing the 
regulations proposed in the May 2007 NPRM, except in the maintenance of 
effort (MOE) provisions (proposed Sec.  303.225) (which implement part 
C's supplement not supplant requirements). The Department plans to 
obtain additional public input and conduct further rulemaking in this 
area.
    Due to the economic changes that many States have experienced since 
the publication of the NPRM in May 2007, the Department has received 
many informal inquiries requesting guidance on the MOE provisions in 
the part C regulations (which implement the supplement not supplant 
requirements under part C of the Act). States also have expressed 
concern about their ability to meet the MOE requirements and their 
continued participation in the part C program. In response to these 
concerns, the Department intends to issue a separate NPRM and seek 
input from the public on the MOE provisions. Accordingly, these final 
regulations continue in Sec.  303.225 the MOE requirements in current 
Sec.  303.124.

Major Changes in the Regulations

    The following is a summary of the major changes in these final 
regulations from the regulations proposed in the NPRM (the rationale 
for each of these changes is discussed in the Analysis of Comments and 
Changes section of this preamble):

Subpart A--General

Definitions

     The definition of multidisciplinary in Sec.  303.24 has 
been revised with respect to the individualized family service plan 
(IFSP) Team composition to require the parent and two or more 
individuals from separate disciplines or professions with one of these 
individuals being the service coordinator.
     Revised Sec.  303.25(a) and new Sec.  303.321(a)(5) and 
(a)(6) clarify that in the case of a child who is limited English 
proficient, native language means the language normally used by the 
parents of the child except that when conducting evaluations and 
assessments of the child, qualified personnel determine whether it is 
developmentally appropriate to use the language normally used by the 
child. Additionally, we have removed the requirement in proposed Sec.  
303.25(a)(2) that the native language of the parents be used in all 
direct contact with the child.
     We have revised the definition of personally identifiable 
information in Sec.  303.29 to cross-reference, with appropriate 
modifications, the definition of that same term contained in the 
regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 
in 34 CFR 99.3, as amended.
     New Sec.  303.32 adds to these regulations a definition of 
scientifically based research, which cross-references, with appropriate 
modifications, the definition of the same term contained in section 
9101(37) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as 
amended (ESEA).

Subpart C--State Application and Assurances

Application Requirements

     Section 303.203(b)(2) clarifies that the State's 
application must include, as part of coordination of all resources, 
those methods the State uses to implement the payor of last resort 
requirements in Sec.  303.511.
     Revised Sec.  303.208(b), regarding public participation 
policies and procedures, requires lead agencies to hold public 
hearings, provide at least 30 days' prior notice for the hearings, and 
provide a public comment period of at least 30 days before adopting any 
new or revised part C policies or procedures.
     Revised Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) (proposed Sec.  
303.209(b)(2)(i)) requires that, for toddlers with disabilities who may 
be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead 
agency notify (consistent with any opt-out policy adopted by the State 
under Sec.  303.401(e)), not only the local educational agency (LEA) 
where the toddler resides, but also the State educational agency (SEA), 
and revise the timeline for the notification to occur not fewer than 90 
days before the toddler's third birthday.
     New Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(ii) clarifies that if the lead 
agency determines a child to be eligible for part C services between 45 
and 90 days prior to the toddler's third birthday, the lead agency must 
notify (consistent with any opt-out policy adopted by the State under 
Sec.  303.401(e)), not only the LEA where the toddler resides, but also 
the SEA, as soon as possible after the toddler's eligibility 
determination.
     New Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(iii) provides that if a child is 
referred to the lead agency fewer than 45 days before that toddler's 
third birthday, the lead agency is not required to conduct the initial 
evaluation, assessment, or IFSP meeting, and if that child may be 
eligible for preschool services or other services under part B of the 
Act, the lead agency, with the parental consent required under Sec.  
303.414, must refer the toddler to the SEA and appropriate LEA.
     Revised Sec.  303.209(d)(2) clarifies that the transition 
plan is not a separate document, but is included in the IFSP.
     New Sec.  303.209(e) clarifies that a transition 
conference under Sec.  303.209(c) or meeting to develop the transition 
plan under Sec.  303.209(d) must meet the

[[Page 60141]]

IFSP meeting requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.342(d) and (e) and 
303.343(a) and that this conference and meeting may be combined.
     New Sec.  303.209(f) clarifies when and what transition 
requirements in Sec.  303.209 apply to toddlers with disabilities, 
including toddlers in a State that elects to offer part C services 
beyond age three under Sec.  303.211.
     Revised Sec.  303.211(b)(6) clarifies the transition 
requirements that apply to children receiving services under Sec.  
303.211 as they transition to preschool, kindergarten or elementary 
school.
     Proposed Sec.  303.225 has been revised to include the MOE 
requirements in current Sec.  303.124. The Department intends to issue 
an NPRM on the MOE provisions and provide an opportunity for the public 
to comment on the proposed rule.

Subpart D--Child Find, Evaluations and Assessments, and Individualized 
Family Service Plans

General

     New Sec.  303.300 identifies the major components of the 
statewide comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary interagency 
system by specifically distinguishing between pre-referral activities 
(public awareness and child find), referral, and post-referral IFSP 
activities (including screening, evaluations, assessments, and IFSP 
development, review, and implementation).

Pre-Referral Procedures

     Revised Sec.  303.301(c) (proposed Sec.  303.300(c)) 
requires each lead agency, as part of its public awareness obligation, 
to provide for informing parents of toddlers about preschool programs 
under section 619 of the Act not fewer than 90 days prior to the 
toddler's third birthday.
     Revised new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.301(c)(1)(ii)) adds the following two programs to the list of 
programs with which the lead agency must coordinate its child find 
efforts: (1) The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and (2) the 
State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) system. Since the 
publication of the May 2007 NPRM, the name of the State Children's 
Health Insurance Program (S-Chip) was changed to the ``Children's 
Health Insurance Program (CHIP).'' This change is reflected in these 
final regulations.
     Revised Sec.  303.303(a)(2)(i) requires primary referral 
sources to refer a child to the part C program ``as soon as possible 
but in no case more than seven days'' after identification.

Post-Referral Procedures

     New Sec.  303.310 (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)(1)) requires 
that, within 45 days after the lead agency or early intervention 
service (EIS) provider receives a referral of a child, the screening 
(if applicable), initial evaluation, initial assessments (of the child 
and family), and the initial IFSP meeting for that child must be 
completed (45-day timeline).
     New Sec.  303.310(b)(2) adds an exception to the 45-day 
timeline if the parent has not provided consent to the initial 
screening, evaluation, or assessment of the child, despite documented, 
repeated attempts to obtain parental consent. Revised Sec.  303.310(c) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(e)(2)) requires the lead agency to ensure 
completion of the initial evaluation, assessments, and IFSP meeting as 
soon as possible after parental consent is provided.
     Revised Sec.  303.320 (proposed Sec.  303.303) requires 
the lead agency to provide notice to parents of its intent to screen 
and clarifies that, at any time during the screening process, a parent 
may request an evaluation.
     Revised Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(i) (proposed Sec.  303.320) 
clarifies that (1) the term initial evaluation refers to the evaluation 
of a child that is used to determine his or her initial eligibility 
under part C of the Act and (2) the term initial assessments refers to 
the assessment of the child and the family assessment that are 
conducted prior to the child's first IFSP meeting.
     New Sec.  303.322 clarifies that the prior written notice 
requirements in Sec.  303.421 apply when the lead agency determines, 
after conducting an evaluation, that a child is not an infant or 
toddler with a disability.
     Revised Sec.  303.342(e) requires early intervention 
services to be provided as soon as possible after parental consent.

Subpart E--Procedural Safeguards

Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information and Early 
Intervention Records

     New Sec.  303.404(d) requires that the general notice 
provided to parents by the lead agency specify the extent to which that 
notice is provided in the native languages of the various population 
groups in the State.
     Section 303.405(a), regarding a parent's rights to inspect 
and review any early intervention records and the timeline the lead 
agency must follow any time a parent makes such a request, is revised 
to require that the participating agency must comply with a parent's 
request without unnecessary delay and in no case more than 10 days 
after the parent makes the request to inspect and review records.
     New Sec.  303.409(c) requires the participating agency to 
provide at no cost to the parent, a copy of each evaluation, assessment 
of the child, family assessment, and IFSP as soon as possible after 
each IFSP meeting.
     Section 303.414(b) sets forth the specific exceptions to 
the parental consent required before a participating agency may 
disclose personally identifiable information under these regulations.
     Proposed Sec.  303.414(d), regarding limited disclosures 
of personally identifiable information in early intervention records 
that may be sought by Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agencies, has been 
removed.

Parental Consent and Surrogate Parents

     Section 303.420(c) is revised to indicate that a lead 
agency may not use the due process hearing procedures under this part 
or under part B of the Act to challenge a parent's refusal to provide 
any consent required under Sec.  303.420(a), which includes consent for 
evaluations and assessments.
     New Sec.  303.422(g), concerning lead agency 
responsibility concerning surrogate parents, adds a 30-day timeline 
requirement regarding the lead agency's obligation to make reasonable 
efforts to ensure the assignment of a surrogate parent after a public 
agency determines that the child needs a surrogate parent.

Dispute Resolution Options

     New Sec.  303.437(c) permits the due process hearing 
officer, in a State that elects to adopt the part C due process hearing 
procedures under Sec.  303.430(d)(1), to grant specific extensions of 
time beyond the 30-day timeline at the request of either party.
     Section 303.446 is revised to permit, but not require, the 
lead agency to establish procedures that would allow any party 
aggrieved by the findings and decision in the due process hearing to 
appeal to, or request reconsideration of the decision by, the lead 
agency.

Subpart F--Use of Funds and Payor of Last Resort

     Section 303.520(a) establishes three new requirements that 
are designed to provide important protections for parents of infants 
and toddlers with disabilities balanced against the need for States to 
have access to public benefits and public insurance to finance part C 
services while implementing the system of payments, coordination of

[[Page 60142]]

funding sources, and payor of last resort requirements under part C of 
the Act. Under this section, a State must obtain a parent's consent 
prior to requiring a parent to enroll in a public benefits or insurance 
program or if the use of funds from a public benefits or insurance 
program imposes certain costs on the parent. This section also requires 
a State to provide written notice to parents of applicable 
confidentiality and no-cost protections if the State lead agency or EIS 
provider or program uses public benefits or insurance to pay for part C 
services.
     Section 303.521(a) is revised to provide that the State's 
system of payments policies must include the State's definition of 
ability to pay and indicate when and how the agency makes its 
determination regarding the parent's ability or inability to pay.
     A new Sec.  303.521(e) is added to address a parent's 
procedural safeguard rights under a State's system of payments.

Subpart G--State Interagency Coordinating Council

     Proposed Sec.  303.601(a), which states that a parent 
member on the Council may not be an employee of a public or private 
agency involved in providing early intervention services, has been 
removed.
     New Sec.  303.605(c) permits the Council to coordinate and 
collaborate with the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood 
Education and Care, which is required to be established by States under 
the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007.

Subpart H--Federal and State Monitoring and Enforcement; Reporting; and 
Allocation of Funds

     Section 303.702(b) has been revised to indicate that the 
State annual reporting to the public, on the performance of each EIS 
program in relation to the State's Annual Performance Report (APR) 
targets must be ``as soon as practicable but no later than 120 days'' 
following the State's APR submission to the Secretary.
    These final regulations contain additional changes from the NPRM 
that we explain in the following Analysis of Comments and Changes.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

Introduction
    In response to the invitation in the NPRM, more than 600 parties 
submitted comments on the proposed regulations. An analysis of the 
comments and of the changes in the regulations since publication of the 
NPRM immediately follows this introduction. The perspectives of 
parents, individuals with disabilities, early intervention providers, 
State and local officials, members of Congress, and others were useful 
in helping identify where changes to the proposed regulations should be 
made, and in formulating many of the changes. In light of the comments 
received, a number of significant changes are reflected in these final 
regulations.
    Substantive issues are discussed under their corresponding subpart. 
References to subparts in this analysis are to those contained in the 
final regulations. The analysis generally does not address--
    (a) Minor changes, including technical changes made to the language 
published in the NPRM;
    (b) Suggested changes the Secretary is not legally authorized to 
make under applicable statutory authority; and
    (c) Comments that express concerns of a general nature about the 
Department or other matters that are not directly relevant to these 
regulations, including requests for information about innovative early 
intervention methods or matters that are within the purview of State 
and local decision-makers.

Subpart A--General

Purpose and Applicable Regulations

Purpose of the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers With 
Disabilities (Sec.  303.1)
    Comment: A few commenters recommended revising the title of Sec.  
303.1 to replace ``early intervention program'' with ``early 
intervention system.'' These commenters stated that the word ``system'' 
is consistent with the language in the Act, other recent regulatory 
changes, and the intent of coordinated interagency efforts.
    Discussion: The title of this section refers to the overall 
purposes of the Federal early intervention program that the Department 
administers under part C of the Act and is being implemented through 
these regulations. The term is not intended to refer to the early 
intervention systems that States must develop and implement under part 
C of the Act. Therefore, the title of this section has not been 
changed.
    Changes: None.
Purpose of the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers With 
Disabilities (Sec.  303.1(d))
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the list of historically 
underrepresented populations in Sec.  303.1(d) be revised to include 
infants and toddlers with disabilities who are wards of the State and 
homeless children. Other commenters recommended that we include infants 
and toddlers in foster care in this list.
    Discussion: The historically underrepresented populations listed in 
Sec.  303.1(d) are the same as those listed in section 631(a)(5) of the 
Act, which refers to the need to enhance capacity to identify, 
evaluate, and meet the needs of all children, including historically 
underrepresented populations, particularly minority, low-income, inner-
city, and rural children, and infants and toddlers in foster care.
    The list in Sec.  303.1(d) is not exhaustive. Rather, this list 
provides examples of historically underrepresented populations, for 
whom State and local agencies and EIS providers need to improve 
services. For this reason, including children who are wards of the 
State and homeless children in Sec.  303.1(d) is not necessary. We also 
note that other sections of the Act and these regulations identify 
specific child find and other responsibilities of States for 
identifying, evaluating, and meeting the needs of children who are 
homeless and wards of the State. For example, Sec.  303.101(a)(1)(ii) 
through (a)(1)(iii) requires a State, as a condition of receiving part 
C funds, to provide an assurance that the State has adopted a policy to 
make appropriate early intervention services available to infants and 
toddlers with disabilities who are homeless and their families and 
infants and toddlers with disabilities who are wards of the State.
    Concerning the specific comment that infants and toddlers in foster 
care should be included in the list, we note that the list in Sec.  
303.1(d) already includes ``infants and toddlers in foster care.''
    Changes: None.
Eligible Recipients of an Award and Applicability of This Part (Sec.  
303.2)
    Comment: One commenter indicated that tribal programs and tribal 
governments should be included in the list of eligible recipients of an 
award in Sec.  303.2.
    Discussion: Section 303.2 provides that the Secretary of the 
Interior is an eligible recipient of funds under part C of the Act. 
Under section 643(b)(2) of the Act, the Department of Interior, through 
the Bureau of Indian Education, distributes part C funds to Indian 
entities that are eligible to receive services and funding from the 
United States. Under section 643(b)(1) of the Act, the Department must 
distribute part C funds that are used by tribal programs and 
governments to the Secretary of the

[[Page 60143]]

Interior and not directly to tribal programs and governments. 
Therefore, it would be inappropriate to list these entities as eligible 
recipients.
    Changes: None.
Applicable Regulations (Sec.  303.3)
    Comment: Some commenters expressed concern with and were confused 
by the multiple terms used to refer to early intervention records 
across the subparts. The commenters noted, for example, that the 
proposed regulations use the terms ``part C records,'' ``early 
intervention records,'' ``education records,'' and ``the records.''
    Discussion: We agree that using multiple terms to refer to early 
intervention records is confusing and, therefore, we have changed all 
references to ``part C records,'' ``education records,'' and ``the 
records'' in this part to ``early intervention records.'' Additionally, 
we have added paragraph (b)(2) to Sec.  303.3 to indicate that any 
reference to ``records'' or ``education records'' in the applicable 
regulations means the early intervention records under this part.
    Changes: We have changed all references to ``part C records,'' 
``education records,'' and ``the records'' in this part to ``early 
intervention records.'' Consequently, the reference to ``part C 
records'' in Sec.  303.401(b)(2), regarding confidentiality procedures 
and the parents' opportunity to inspect and review all part C records, 
has been changed to ``part C early intervention records.'' Also, the 
proposed phrase ``education records'' has been changed to ``early 
intervention records'' in Sec.  303.403(b), regarding the definition of 
early intervention records; Sec.  303.405(a), regarding parents' right 
to access such records; Sec.  303.405(b), regarding what the right to 
inspect and review early intervention records includes; Sec.  303.406, 
regarding the record of access; Sec.  303.407, regarding records on 
more than one child; Sec.  303.408, regarding the requirement that 
agencies must provide parents, upon request, a list of the types and 
locations of early intervention records collected, maintained, or used 
by the agency; Sec.  303.410(a), regarding amendment of records at the 
parents' request; and Sec.  303.411, regarding the opportunity for a 
hearing to challenge information in early intervention records.
    Finally, the references to ``the records'' in the following 
regulations have been replaced with ``early intervention records'': 
Sec.  303.7(b), regarding the definition of consent; Sec.  
303.310(c)(1), regarding the documentation of exceptional circumstances 
that may delay the evaluation and initial assessment of a child; Sec.  
303.405(b)(1), regarding parents' right to a response to reasonable 
requests for explanations and interpretations of early intervention 
records; Sec.  303.405(b)(2), regarding parents' right to request that 
a participating agency provide copies of early intervention records; 
Sec.  303.405(b)(3), regarding parents' right to have a representative 
of the parents inspect and review the early intervention records; Sec.  
303.406, regarding the maintenance of a record of parties obtaining 
access to early intervention records; Sec.  303.412(b), regarding the 
right of parents to place a statement commenting on information or 
disagreeing with the decision of the agency following a hearing to 
challenge information in early intervention records; Sec.  303.412(c), 
regarding the maintenance of any such explanation in the child's 
record; Sec.  303.412(c)(1), regarding the length of time any 
explanation must be maintained as part of the early intervention 
records; Sec.  303.412(c)(2), regarding the disclosure of any 
explanation placed in the early intervention records, and Sec.  
303.414(b)(2) regarding the modification provisions in applying the 
exceptions under FERPA to the part C program.
    Additionally, we have added Sec.  303.3(b)(2) to indicate that any 
reference to ``education records'' in EDGAR means ``early intervention 
records'' under this part.
Eligible Recipients of an Award (Proposed Sec.  303.2) and Limitation 
on Eligible Children (Current Sec.  303.4)
    Comment: Many commenters opposed our proposal to remove current 
Sec.  303.4, which provides that part 303 does not apply to any child 
with a disability who is receiving a free appropriate public education 
(FAPE), in accordance with the part B regulations in 34 CFR part 300. 
The commenters stated that this long-standing provision was an 
important component of State EIS systems for children who are 
transitioning from services under part C of the Act to services under 
part B of the Act. One commenter suggested retaining current Sec.  
303.4 because the regulation helped to clarify that children receiving 
part C services do not also receive FAPE under part B of the Act. The 
commenter also indicated that it is important to clarify to whom the 
part C regulations apply.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters and have included the 
language from current Sec.  303.4 in a new paragraph (b) under Sec.  
303.2 to clarify that the regulations in part 303 do not apply to a 
child with a disability who is receiving FAPE under part B of the Act.
    We also have modified this provision to identify the entities that 
must comply with part 303. Part 303 applies to the lead agency and any 
EIS provider that is part of the part C statewide system of early 
intervention required of each State in sections 634 and 635 of the Act, 
regardless of whether the EIS provider receives funds under part C of 
the Act. part 303 also applies to each child referred to part C, as 
well as to infants and toddlers with disabilities (i.e., children 
determined eligible for services under part C of the Act) and the 
families of these children, consistent with the definitions of child in 
Sec.  303.6 and infant or toddler with a disability in Sec.  303.21.
    Changes: We have revised the title of Sec.  303.2 to read 
``Eligible recipients of an award and applicability of this part.'' We 
have added a new paragraph (b) to provide that the provisions of part 
303 apply to the lead agency and any EIS provider that is part of the 
part C statewide system of early intervention services, regardless of 
whether that EIS provider receives funds under part C of the Act, and 
to all children referred to the part C program and infants and toddlers 
with disabilities and their families. New paragraph (b) also provides 
that part 303 does not apply to a child with a disability receiving a 
free appropriate public education or FAPE under 34 CFR part 300.
At-Risk Infant or Toddler (Sec.  303.5)
    Comment: Two commenters supported the proposed definition of at-
risk infant or toddler in Sec.  303.5. Other commenters recommended 
revising the definition to expand the list of factors that could cause 
an infant or toddler to be considered at-risk. The suggested factors 
included exposure to lead paint, alcohol abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, 
abandonment, post-natal drug exposure, homelessness, and family 
violence. One commenter suggested the list of factors be preceded by 
the phrase ``including, but not limited to.''
    Discussion: The list of factors that may contribute to an infant or 
toddler being considered at-risk for a developmental delay included in 
Sec.  303.5 is not meant to be exhaustive. We have not expanded this 
list further because Sec.  303.5 provides a sufficient number and range 
of factors that a State may include in its definition of at-risk infant 
or toddler for each State to understand the scope of the regulation. 
Further, Sec.  303.5 provides discretion and flexibility for each State 
to define at-risk infant or toddler and determine the factors that may 
contribute to an infant or toddler being considered at-risk for a

[[Page 60144]]

developmental delay in light of the unique needs of the State's at-risk 
population. Therefore, revising the definition of at-risk infant or 
toddler to expand the list of factors included in the definition is not 
necessary.
    For clarity, we have replaced the phrase ``such as,'' which 
precedes the list of factors, with the word ``including.'' We note that 
the definitions of include and including in Sec.  303.18 clarify that 
the items named in a particular list are not all of the possible items 
that are covered, whether like or unlike the ones named. This change 
clarifies that the list of factors is not exhaustive.
    Changes: We have replaced the phrase ``such as'' with the word 
``including.''
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern that Federal funding of 
part C of the Act is not sufficient to serve at-risk infants and 
toddlers and that the inclusion of Sec.  303.5 may give parents the 
impression that early intervention services are available for at-risk 
infants and toddlers, when these services are not always available.
    Discussion: The statute permits, but does not require, States to 
offer services to at-risk infants and toddlers. A definition of at-risk 
infant or toddler is necessary to guide implementation by States that 
choose to provide early intervention services to at-risk infants and 
toddlers. If a State chooses to provide these services, the State, 
pursuant to Sec.  303.204(a), must provide a definition of at-risk 
infant or toddler and a description of the services available to these 
children in the information the lead agency provides to parents and 
primary referral sources through the State's public awareness program, 
as required under Sec.  303.301. For those States that choose to 
provide part C early intervention services to at-risk infants and 
toddlers, the definition of at-risk infant or toddler in Sec.  303.5, 
which aligns with the statutory definition, provides the information 
States need to meet the part C requirements.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: As proposed, the definition of at-risk infant or 
toddler provided that, at the State's discretion, an at-risk infant or 
toddler may include an infant or toddler who is at risk of experiencing 
developmental delay because of biological and environmental factors, 
including those listed in the proposed definition. We have determined 
that this language should be clarified to provide that the term at-risk 
infant or toddler may include an infant or toddler who is at risk of 
experiencing developmental delays due to biological or environmental 
factors. We have made this change to clarify that States are not 
required to ensure that an at-risk infant or toddler is at risk due to 
meeting both types of factors.
    Changes: We have replaced the phrase ``biological and 
environmental'' with ``biological or environmental'' in the definition 
of at-risk infant or toddler.
Child (Sec.  303.6)
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the definition of 
child in Sec.  303.6 could be misinterpreted to mean that an infant or 
toddler under age three would not meet the definition. Another 
commenter stated that Sec.  303.6 should not be included in the 
regulations because there is no requirement that early intervention 
programs serve children over the age of three.
    Discussion: The term child, as used in part C of the Act, means an 
individual under the age of six. This is a broad definition that 
includes children with or without disabilities under the age of three 
(including infants and toddlers with disabilities) and children with or 
without disabilities ages three and older. While the commenter is 
correct that States are not required to provide early intervention 
services under part C of the Act to a child over the age of three, a 
State may elect, under Sec.  303.211, to make early intervention 
services available to children ages three and older who are eligible 
for services under section 619 of the Act and previously received early 
intervention services under Sec.  303.211 until the child enters, or is 
eligible under State law to enter, kindergarten or elementary school. 
Nothing in Sec.  303.6 or these regulations requires a State to serve 
children with disabilities beyond age three under part C of the Act.
    Additionally, requirements in these regulations, such as the 
evaluation and assessment requirements in Sec.  303.321, apply to a 
child who is referred to the State part C program but is determined not 
to be eligible as an infant or toddler with a disability. Thus, 
including a definition of child in the regulations is necessary, and 
this definition is clear in its inclusion of infants and toddlers under 
the age of three.
    Changes: None.
Developmental Delay (Sec.  303.10)
    Comment: A few commenters suggested amending the definition of 
developmental delay. One commenter recommended that the definition be 
revised to specifically reference infants and toddlers with mild 
disabilities. Another commenter recommended that the regulations 
clarify that any definition of developmental delay that the State 
adopts in response to public comments should not exclude from 
eligibility children who are eligible under the State's pre-existing 
definition of developmental delay.
    Discussion: These comments are addressed in our discussion of the 
comments on Sec.  303.111.
    Changes: None.
Early Intervention Service Program (Sec.  303.11) and Early 
Intervention Service Provider (Sec.  303.12)
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern with the use of the 
term early intervention service program throughout the proposed 
regulations. One commenter suggested that the terms ``early 
intervention service program'' (EIS program) and ``early intervention 
service provider'' (EIS provider) were not used consistently throughout 
the proposed regulations, that the use of these terms was confusing, 
that the terms were sometimes used incorrectly, and that the terms did 
not align with the reporting requirements outlined in Sec. Sec.  
303.700 through 303.702. Another commenter recommended changing all 
references to ``EIS'' in the regulations to ``EI'' because ``EIS'' is a 
term used in part B of the Act and has a different meaning under the 
part B regulations.
    Discussion: We do not agree that the terms ``early intervention 
service program'' and ``early intervention service provider'' are used 
inconsistently or incorrectly throughout the regulations, or that the 
terms do not align with the reporting requirements outlined in 
Sec. Sec.  303.700 through 303.702. An early intervention service 
program, as defined in Sec.  303.11, is the entity designated by the 
lead agency for reporting purposes under sections 616 and 642 of the 
Act and under Sec. Sec.  303.700 through 303.702; whereas an early 
intervention service provider, as defined in Sec.  303.12, is an entity 
(whether public, private, or nonprofit) or individual that provides 
early intervention services under part C of the Act, whether or not the 
entity or individual receives Federal funds under part C of the Act.
    Changing the abbreviation ``EIS'' for purposes of referencing early 
intervention services is not necessary. ``EIS'' is the long-standing, 
commonly accepted abbreviation used in the field of early intervention 
and we do not anticipate any confusion by the abbreviation's continued 
use in programs administered under part C of the Act.
    Changes: None.

[[Page 60145]]

Early Intervention Service Provider (Sec.  303.12)
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department revise the 
regulations to clarify the distinction between ``early intervention 
service providers'' as used in part C of the Act and ``related services 
providers'' as used in part B of the Act.
    Discussion: Parts B and C of the Act have different purposes, 
eligibility criteria, and requirements and the services required by 
each program are already defined in each part respectively. Part C of 
the Act requires States to make available to infants and toddlers with 
disabilities early intervention services to meet their developmental 
needs. The terms early intervention services and EIS provider are 
defined in the part C regulations, respectively, in Sec.  303.13 and 
Sec.  303.12.
    Part B of the Act requires States to make available to children 
with disabilities a free appropriate public education or FAPE, which 
includes special education and related services. The term related 
services is defined in the part B regulations in 34 CFR 300.34 as 
supportive services that are required ``to assist a child with a 
disability to benefit from special education'' and includes 
transportation and developmental, corrective, and other supportive 
services. The term ``related services provider'' is not defined in the 
part B regulations.
    While many examples of early intervention services under part C of 
the Act, including occupational therapy and speech-language pathology 
services, are the same as the examples of related services under part B 
of the Act, there are potential differences between related services 
and early intervention services, based on differing ages of the 
populations served and purposes of the programs. Therefore, it is the 
Department's position that the regulations for part B and part C of the 
Act, and specifically the definitions of related services, early 
intervention services, and early intervention service provider, 
distinguish sufficiently between the roles and functions of a related 
services provider under part B of the Act and an early intervention 
service provider under part C of the Act.
    Changes: None.
Early Intervention Services, General (Sec.  303.13(a))
    Comment: One commenter recommended changing the defined term early 
intervention services to ``early intervention'' so that readers would 
not confuse early intervention services under part C of the Act with 
the early intervening services described in 34 CFR 300.226 of the part 
B regulations.
    Discussion: The term early intervention services, defined in Sec.  
303.13(a), mirrors the term ``early intervention services'' referenced 
throughout part C of the Act. In order to remain consistent with the 
statutory language, we have not changed the term early intervention 
services within this part.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that we modify the definition of 
early intervention services to reflect the provisions in 34 CFR 
300.324(a)(2) of the part B regulations, which require a child's 
individualized education program (IEP) Team consider special factors 
when developing a child's IEP.
    Discussion: We address this comment in our discussion of the 
comments on Sec.  303.342.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that, when describing the 
purpose of early intervention services in general, we retain the 
language that these services must be designed to serve ``the needs of 
the family related to enhancing the child's development'' that is in 
current Sec.  303.12(a)(1). The commenter stated that meeting family 
needs is a key component of an early intervention system and should be 
addressed routinely in IFSP development, rather than only upon family 
request.
    Discussion: Proposed Sec.  303.13(a)(4) provided that early 
intervention services are developmental services that are designed to 
meet the developmental needs of an infant or toddler with a disability, 
and, ``as requested by the family, the needs of the family.'' We agree 
with the commenters that our inclusion of the language ``as requested 
by the family'' could be interpreted to mean that addressing the needs 
of a family of an infant or toddler with a disability is not an 
essential component of early intervention services under part C of the 
Act. This was not our intention in proposing this language. Therefore, 
for clarity we have removed this phrase from Sec.  303.13(a)(4).
    Changes: We have removed the phrase ``as requested by the family'' 
from Sec.  303.13(a)(4).
    Comment: A few commenters recommended adding the word ``language'' 
in Sec.  303.13(a)(4)(iii) regarding communication development because 
communication and language have separate meanings and the regulations 
should make that distinction.
    Discussion: The list of developmental areas in Sec.  303.13(a)(4) 
reflects the requirements in section 632(4)(C) of the Act. The 
Department's position is that communication is a broader developmental 
area than language but that it includes language, and thus no further 
change is necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended clarifying in Sec.  
303.13(a)(4)(iv), which identifies social or emotional development as 
an area in which early intervention services may be provided, the 
differences between the terms social development and emotional 
development because they are separate developmental processes. Another 
commenter recommended adding ``social skills'' to the list of 
developmental areas in Sec.  303.13(a)(4).
    Discussion: Social and emotional development are two distinct 
developmental areas. Therefore, section 632(4)(C)(iv) of the Act and 
Sec.  303.13(a)(4)(iv) use the term ``or'' to make clear that early 
intervention services may address a child's needs in either 
developmental area. Consequently, we do not agree that further 
clarification of these areas is necessary. Concerning the request to 
add social skills to Sec.  303.13(a)(4), the term social or emotional 
development includes the acquisition of developmental skills, such as 
social skills. Thus, adding ``social skills'' to the developmental 
areas identified in Sec.  303.13(a)(4) is not necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We realize that the term ``early intervention'' should 
have been included before the word ``services'' in Sec.  303.13(a)(5), 
which provides that developmental services must meet the standards of 
the State in which the services are provided, including the 
requirements of part C of the Act. We have added the phrase ``early 
intervention'' before the word ``services.''
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.13(a)(5) to include the phrase 
``early intervention'' before the word ``services.'' Where appropriate, 
we have made similar changes throughout the regulations.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department amend Sec.  
303.13(a)(8) to require that specific services and methods be provided 
in natural environments to the maximum extent appropriate. 
Additionally, the commenter suggested that we add the phrase ``and 
based on the child's developmental needs and chronological

[[Page 60146]]

age'' to Sec.  303.13(a)(8) after the word ``appropriate.''
    Discussion: Section 303.13(a)(8) references the definition of 
natural environment in Sec.  303.26, which provides that natural 
environments are settings that are natural or typical for a same-aged 
infant or toddler without a disability and may include the home, 
community, or other settings that are typical for an infant or toddler 
without a disability. Additional natural environment requirements are 
in Sec. Sec.  303.126 and 303.344(d)(1)(ii) and we have added, in Sec.  
303.13(a)(8), a cross-reference to both of these regulations. Section 
303.126 requires that each State's system include policies and 
procedures to ensure that early intervention services are provided in 
natural environments to the maximum extent appropriate. Section 
303.344(d)(1)(ii), regarding IFSP content, requires that the IFSP Team 
include on the child's IFSP a statement that each early intervention 
service is provided in the natural environment for that child or 
service to the maximum extent appropriate or a justification, based on 
the child's outcomes, when an early intervention service is not 
provided in the natural environment for that child. In light of these 
other regulatory provisions, amending the language regarding natural 
environments in Sec.  303.13(a)(8) to reference specific early 
intervention services or methods of delivering early intervention 
services is not necessary.
    With regard to the commenter's suggestion that we add the phrase 
``and based on the child's developmental needs'' to Sec.  303.13(a)(8) 
after the word ``appropriate,'' Sec.  303.13(a)(4) already provides 
that early intervention services must be designed to meet the 
developmental needs of an infant or toddler with a disability. 
Therefore, adding ``and based on the child's developmental needs'' 
would be repetitive and thus not necessary. Adding the phrase ``and 
based on the child's chronological age'' to Sec.  303.13(a)(8) also is 
not necessary because the definition of natural environments in Sec.  
303.26 includes environments that are ``natural or typical for a same-
aged infant or toddler without a disability.'' This definition takes 
into account the comparability to same-aged peers as well as the 
chronological age of the child in the context of natural environments. 
The Secretary believes that the natural environments provisions in 
these regulations address sufficiently and appropriately the issues 
raised by the commenter.
    Changes: We have added in Sec.  303.13(a)(8) a cross-reference to 
Sec.  303.344(d).
    Comment: One commenter requested that we clarify in the definition 
of early intervention services that EIS providers who work with infants 
and toddlers with disabilities and their families should focus their 
services on ensuring that family members and children have the tools 
needed to continue developing the skills identified in the IFSP 
whenever a learning opportunity presents itself even when a teacher or 
therapist is not present.
    Discussion: Section 303.344(d) requires the IFSP to include the 
early intervention services that are necessary to meet the unique needs 
of the child and family to achieve the results or outcomes identified 
in the IFSP. If the IFSP Team determines that a child or family needs 
services to help the child learn when a teacher or therapist is not 
present, then that outcome, and services to meet that outcome, must be 
included in the IFSP. This individualized approach, in which 
appropriate outcomes and services are determined by the IFSP Team in 
light of each child's unique needs, is appropriate and is addressed 
sufficiently under this part. Therefore, clarifying the definition of 
early intervention services, as requested by the commenter, is not 
necessary.
    Concerning the comment about providing family members with the 
necessary tools to help an infant or toddler with a disability learn 
even when a teacher or therapist is not present, we agree that EIS 
providers should work with the parents of an infant or toddler with a 
disability so that the parents can continue to assist the child 
whenever a learning opportunity occurs. However, in addition to the 
reasons stated, adding language to Sec.  303.13 as requested is not 
necessary because the definition of EIS provider in Sec.  303.12(b)(3) 
specifies that such providers are responsible for consulting with and 
training parents and others concerning the provision of early 
intervention services described in the IFSP of the infant or toddler 
with a disability. Additionally, this consultation and training will 
provide family members with the tools to facilitate a child's 
development even when a teacher or therapist is not present.
    Changes: None.
Types of Early Intervention Services (Sec.  303.13(b))
    Comment: One commenter supported our proposal to remove nutrition 
services and nursing services from the types of early intervention 
services identified in Sec.  303.13(b) (current Sec.  303.12(d)(6) 
through (d)(7)), stating that these services are medical in nature and 
not consistent with the definition of early intervention as a 
developmental program.
    However, many commenters opposed removing nutrition services from 
the types of early intervention services identified and requested that 
nutrition services be specifically included as one of the types of 
early intervention services identified in the final regulations.
    Numerous commenters also opposed the removal of nursing services 
from the definition of early intervention services and requested that 
these services be specifically included in that definition in the final 
regulations. Other commenters stated that although they recognized that 
the Act did not include a specific reference to nursing services, these 
services could nonetheless be provided, where appropriate, pursuant to 
Sec.  303.13(d), which recognizes that services other than those listed 
in the definition may constitute early intervention services under 
certain circumstances.
    Additionally, many commenters requested that music therapy be 
included in the definition of early intervention services.
    Other commenters requested that respite care be specifically 
included in the definition of early intervention services. One 
commenter requested that we include parent-to-parent support as a type 
of early intervention service because of its value and importance.
    Discussion: The specific early intervention services that are 
listed in Sec.  303.13(b) are those identified in section 632(4)(E) of 
the Act. While nursing services and nutrition services are not 
specifically mentioned in the Act, they historically have been included 
in the definition of early intervention services. For clarity, we have 
included the previous definitions of nursing services and nutritional 
services from current Sec.  303.12(d)(6) and (7) in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(6) and (b)(7). However, as noted in the preamble to the NPRM 
and in the definition of early intervention services in the 
regulations, this list is not exhaustive. Specifically, Sec.  303.13(d) 
states that ``(t)he services and personnel identified and defined in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section do not comprise exhaustive lists 
of the types of services that may constitute early intervention 
services or the types of qualified personnel that may provide early 
intervention services.'' Further, Sec.  303.13(d) states that 
``[n]othing in this section prohibits the identification in the IFSP of 
another type of service as an

[[Page 60147]]

early intervention service provided that the service meets the criteria 
identified in paragraph (a) of this section.''
    Section 303.13(d) clearly conveys that the early intervention 
services identified in Sec.  303.13(b) are not an exhaustive list and 
may include other developmental, corrective, or supportive services 
that meet the needs of a child as determined by the IFSP Team, provided 
that the services meet the criteria identified in Sec.  303.13(a) and 
the applicable State's definition of early intervention services. We 
added the previous definitions of nursing services and nutritional 
services to these final regulations because these definitions are 
defined in the current regulations and relied upon by the field. 
However, adding new definitions of additional services identified by 
the commenters, such as music therapy and respite care, is not 
necessary.
    Changes: We have added new Sec.  303.13(b)(6) to define nursing 
services to include the assessment of health status for the purpose of 
providing nursing care, including the identification of patterns of 
human response to actual or potential health problems; the provision of 
nursing care to prevent health problems, restore or improve 
functioning, and promote optimal health and development; and the 
administration of medications, treatments, and regimens prescribed by a 
licensed physician.
    We have also added new Sec.  303.13(b)(7) to define nutrition 
services to include: (i) Conducting individual assessments in 
nutritional history and dietary intake; anthropometric, biochemical, 
and clinical variables; feeding skills and feeding problems; and food 
habits and food preferences; (ii) developing and monitoring appropriate 
plans to address the nutritional needs of children eligible under this 
part, based on the findings in paragraph (b)(7)(i) of this section; and 
(iii) making referrals to appropriate community resources to carry out 
nutrition goals. Subsequent definitions have been renumbered 
accordingly.
Types of Early Intervention Services--Assistive Technology Device and 
Service (Sec.  303.13(b)(1))
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that we modify the definition 
of assistive technology device to include the language from the 
preamble of the NPRM that, under certain circumstances, part C funds 
may be used to pay for a hearing aid.
    Another commenter requested that the Department explicitly state in 
the regulations or in a memorandum or policy letter issued to part C 
lead agencies that hearing aids and appropriate related audiological 
services may be considered, under certain circumstances, an appropriate 
early intervention service and an assistive technology device.
    Discussion: The definition of assistive technology device does not 
identify specific devices; including an exhaustive list of assistive 
technology devices in the definition would not be practical. Whether a 
hearing aid or an appropriate related audiological service is 
considered an assistive technology device or an early intervention 
service, respectively, for an infant or toddler with a disability 
depends on whether the device or service is used to increase, maintain, 
or improve the functional capabilities of the child and whether the 
IFSP Team determines that the infant or toddler needs the device or 
service in order to meet his or her specific developmental outcomes. 
Therefore, we have not revised this definition.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters requested further clarification of the 
definition of assistive technology device and service in Sec.  
303.13(b)(1). These commenters stated that the definition should be 
revised to specifically exclude prosthetic limbs because these are 
personal devices for daily use.
    Discussion: The definition of assistive technology device and 
service in Sec.  303.13(b)(1) aligns with the definitions of those 
terms in section 602(1) and (2) of the Act and 34 CFR 300.5 and 300.6 
of the part B regulations. These definitions provide sufficient clarity 
about what types of devices or technologies are included in the 
definition and, therefore, indicating that a specific device or 
technology is excluded is unnecessary. Additionally, we note that, 
while part C lead agencies are not responsible for providing personal 
devices meant for daily or personal use, such as eyeglasses, hearing 
aids, or prosthetic limbs, to an infant or toddler with a disability, 
these devices may be an early intervention service if the device is not 
surgically implanted (Sec.  303.13(b)(1)(i) specifically excludes 
medical devices that are surgically implanted), and the IFSP Team 
determines that the infant or toddler with a disability requires such a 
personal device to meet the unique developmental needs of that infant 
or toddler.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that we modify the definition of 
assistive technology device and service to be consistent with the 
Assistive Technology Act (Pub. L. 105-394).
    Discussion: The definitions of assistive technology device and 
service in Sec.  303.13(b)(1) align with section 602(1) and (2) of the 
Act. The definitions in section 602(1)(A) and (2) of the Act are 
substantially similar to the definitions of assistive technology device 
and assistive technology service in section 3(3) and (4) of the 
Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-394) (AT Act), but the 
language in section 602 of the Act is more specific to the needs of 
children with disabilities. Furthermore, unlike the AT Act, section 
602(1)(B) of the Act expressly excludes from the definition of 
assistive technology device those medical devices that are surgically 
implanted or the replacement of such devices. Thus, while the 
definitions are similar, it is not appropriate to include in these 
regulations the specific language from the AT Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters supported our clarification in the 
preamble to the NPRM that the optimization (e.g., mapping) of 
surgically implanted medical devices is not the responsibility of the 
lead agency or the EIS program.
    Many commenters, however, opposed our proposal to exclude 
optimization (e.g., mapping) of surgically implanted medical devices, 
including cochlear implants, from the definition of assistive 
technology device. Commenters stated that excluding optimization (e.g., 
mapping) of surgically implanted medical devices, including cochlear 
implants, from the types of early intervention services that could be 
provided under the Act contradicts the intent of Congress. Many of 
these commenters also stated that excluding optimization (e.g., 
mapping) services from the definition of assistive technology device 
would preclude funding of these services under this part and thus some 
infants and toddlers with cochlear implants would not receive mapping 
services, ultimately jeopardizing their ability to hear and learn. 
Another commenter suggested that setting and evaluating a surgically 
implanted medical device, particularly a cochlear implant, is the same 
as setting a listening device, which is a covered service.
    Discussion: The term ``mapping'' refers to the optimization of a 
cochlear implant, and more specifically, to adjusting the electrical 
stimulation levels provided by the cochlear implant that are necessary 
for long-term post-surgical follow-up of a cochlear implant. Although 
the cochlear implant must be mapped properly for the child to hear well 
while receiving early intervention

[[Page 60148]]

services, the mapping does not have to be done while the child is 
receiving early intervention services in order for the mapping of the 
device to be effective.
    We maintain that excluding optimization (e.g., mapping) of a 
cochlear implant from the definition of early intervention services is 
consistent with the Act. Section 632 of the Act defines early 
intervention services and specifies categories of these services. The 
categories of early intervention services that relate to optimization 
(e.g., mapping) are assistive technology devices and assistive 
technology services.
    Section 602(1)(B) of the Act excludes from the definition of an 
assistive technology device ``a medical device that is surgically 
implanted, or the replacement of such device.'' Section 602(2) of the 
Act states that assistive technology service ``means any service that 
directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, 
acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.'' A cochlear 
implant, as a surgically implanted medical device, is excluded from 
being an assistive technology device under section 602(1)(B) and, 
therefore, optimization (e.g., mapping) of a cochlear implant cannot 
directly assist an infant or toddler with a disability with regard to 
an assistive technology device that is covered under the Act. Thus, 
optimization (e.g., mapping) is not an assistive technology service and 
excluding optimization from the definition of early intervention 
service is consistent with the Act.
    We also note that the exclusion of mapping does not prevent the 
appropriate early intervention service provider from checking to ensure 
the device is working.
    We do not agree that optimization of a cochlear implant is the same 
as setting a listening device. Unlike a cochlear implant, a listening 
device is not a surgically implanted device. The Act excludes 
surgically implanted devices, such as cochlear implants, from the 
definition of assistive technology device but does not exclude 
listening devices. Therefore, we have not revised Sec.  303.13(b)(1) as 
requested by the commenters.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the definition of assistive 
technology device include the phrase ``all related and necessary 
components of the system'' to make clear that the individual components 
needed to develop a customized device (e.g., ear mold for an FM system 
or a light pointer for an augmentative and alternative communication 
device) would be considered an assistive technology device and, 
therefore, a covered early intervention service under part C of the 
Act. The commenter also recommended adding the phrase ``specially fit'' 
to the definition of assistive technology device.
    Another commenter requested that low-tech assistive technology 
devices, for example, items that can be purchased at a department 
store, be expressly included in the definition.
    Discussion: The definition of assistive technology device 
adequately addresses the commenters' concerns and is not amended. 
Section 303.13(b)(1)(i) provides that an assistive technology device 
includes equipment or product systems that may need to be modified or 
customized to meet the specific needs of a particular infant or toddler 
with a disability. A customized assistive technology device would 
include devices that are ``specially fit'' as well as all components 
needed to modify or customize that device for an infant or toddler with 
a disability.
    The definition of assistive technology device in Sec.  
303.13(b)(1)(i) states that an assistive technology device means any 
``item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired 
commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized.'' The language 
``acquired commercially off the shelf'' in the definition adequately 
addresses the commenter's request that low-tech assistive technology 
devices be included in the definition of assistive technology device.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter did not agree with the language in Sec.  
303.13(b)(1)(ii)(E), which provides that an assistive technology 
service includes training or technical assistance for an infant or 
toddler with a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family. The 
commenter specifically requested that the phrase ``if appropriate'' be 
removed because, according to the commenter, it is always appropriate 
to provide training and technical assistance to the family of an infant 
or toddler with a disability who receives assistive technology 
services.
    Discussion: The language referenced by the commenter in Sec.  
303.13(b)(1)(ii)(E) is substantively unchanged from language in current 
Sec.  303.12(d)(1)(v). We do not agree that providing training to a 
family of an infant or toddler with a disability who is receiving an 
assistive technology service will always be appropriate. For example, 
if training already has been provided to a family about an assistive 
technology device and the family is familiar with its use, the IFSP 
Team may determine that it is not necessary to train family members 
again. As part of the family-directed assessment under Sec.  303.321, 
the IFSP Team (which includes the parent) determines whether training 
is necessary. The family assessment identifies the resources, 
priorities, and concerns and the supports and services necessary to 
enhance a family's capacity to meet the developmental needs of the 
infant or toddler with a disability, including whether training of 
family members regarding assistive technology services is appropriate 
or necessary.
    Changes: None.
Types of Early Intervention Services--Family Training, Counseling, and 
Home Visits (Sec.  303.13(b)(3))
    Comment: A few commenters requested that we clarify the definition 
of family training, counseling, and home visits in Sec.  303.13(b)(3). 
One commenter recommended deleting the reference to ``home visits'' in 
the title of this paragraph because the commenter considered home 
visits to be a method of providing a service rather than a service in 
and of itself. The commenter acknowledged that the Department may not 
be able to make this change, however, because the term home visits is 
used in the Act. One commenter expressed concern that this definition 
could be misinterpreted to mean that family training must occur in the 
home and must include counseling.
    Discussion: Section 632(4)(E)(i) of the Act expressly states that 
early intervention services include family training, counseling, and 
home visits. Thus, removing the reference to home visits from Sec.  
303.13(b)(3) would be inconsistent with the Act.
    The language in Sec.  303.13(b)(3) does not mean that family 
training must occur in the home or include counseling. Section 
303.13(b)(3) merely defines three separate early intervention services 
-- family training, counseling, and home visits--that may be provided 
to assist the family of an infant or toddler with a disability in 
understanding the special needs of the child and enhancing the child's 
development.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter questioned how the family training services 
referenced in Sec.  303.13(b)(3) differ from the parent training 
referenced in the definition of psychological services in Sec.  
303.13(b)(10)(iv).
    Discussion: The term family training, as used in Sec.  
303.13(b)(3), is an example of an early intervention service identified 
in section 632(4)(E) of the Act and parent training is referenced in 
Sec.  303.13(b)(10)(iv) as an example of one

[[Page 60149]]

component of a program of psychological services for an infant or 
toddler with a disability. While there may be some overlap in these 
services, the purposes and providers of the trainings may differ. 
``Family training'' as used in Sec.  303.13(b)(3) is broader than 
``parent training'' in Sec.  303.13(b)(10)(iv). For example, family 
training in Sec.  303.13(b)(3) may include training in any area related 
to the special needs of the infant or toddler with a disability (such 
as the use of specialized equipment or feeding techniques); whereas, 
parent training as used in Sec.  303.13(b)(10)(iv) only encompasses 
training with respect to the child's psychological condition and the 
psychological services the child is receiving.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding ``support of the parent-
child relationship'' as an area that would be covered by the definition 
of family training, counseling, and home visits in Sec.  303.13(b)(3).
    Discussion: Supporting the parent-child relationship may be one of 
any number of early intervention services provided to assist a family 
of an infant or toddler with a disability in understanding the special 
needs of the child and enhancing that child's development. Including 
specific types of services in Sec.  303.13(b)(3) is not necessary 
because a wide range of services could fall under the definition of 
family training, counseling, and home visits. Indeed, including such a 
list could be interpreted to limit the types of services that would be 
considered family training, counseling, and home visits. We want to 
ensure that the regulations provide the flexibility for each IFSP Team 
to determine appropriate early intervention services based on the 
unique needs of an infant or toddler with a disability and his or her 
family. Leaving this definition more general will provide IFSP Teams 
with that flexibility.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding references to ``family 
training and home visits'' in the definitions of all other services 
that are critical components of early intervention service delivery.
    Discussion: Adding references to ``family training and home 
visits'' throughout the regulations is not necessary because Sec.  
303.13(b)(3) makes clear that family training, counseling, and home 
visits are an early intervention service that may be provided under 
part C of the Act. However, the determination of whether these 
particular services are provided to a family is made by the IFSP Team 
in accordance with the provisions in Sec. Sec.  303.340 through 
303.346. Accordingly, adding references to family training and home 
visits or other specific early intervention services in other sections 
of the regulations would not be appropriate.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding language to Sec.  
303.13(b)(3) to provide that any training must be provided to all 
family members.
    Discussion: The use of the word ``family'' in this definition is 
broad enough to encompass all family members if the IFSP Team 
determines that it is appropriate to provide training to all family 
members. Further, the decision about whether a family member receives 
training must be made by the IFSP Team in accordance with section 
636(d)(4) of the Act and Sec.  303.344(d)(1) of these regulations. We 
cannot mandate in these regulations that family training or any other 
specific early intervention service be provided to an infant or toddler 
with a disability or that child's family.
    Changes: None.
Types of Early Intervention Services--Occupational Therapy (New Sec.  
303.13(b)(8)) (Proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(6))
    Comment: Several commenters supported our proposed definition of 
occupational therapy in new Sec.  303.13(b)(8) (proposed Sec.  
303.13(b)(6)), but suggested that the Department modify the definition 
to require that such services be provided by qualified occupational 
therapists as required in 34 CFR 300.34(c)(6) of the part B 
regulations.
    One commenter requested that we clarify the definition to state 
that an occupational therapy assistant working under the direct 
supervision of an occupational therapist could provide occupational 
therapy services.
    A few commenters recommended that this definition identify the 
specific functional domains that occupational therapists facilitate and 
promote such as physical, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, 
and adaptive skills.
    Discussion: Specifying that occupational therapy must be provided 
by a qualified occupational therapist, as required in the part B 
regulations, is not necessary because occupational therapists are 
identified in Sec.  303.13(c)(4) as a type of qualified personnel who 
provide the early intervention services listed in Sec.  303.13(b). 
Additionally, Sec.  303.119(c) provides that paraprofessionals and 
assistants who are appropriately trained and supervised in accordance 
with State law, regulation, or written policy, may assist in the 
provision of early intervention services under part C of the Act. 
Repeating this language from Sec. Sec.  303.13(c) and 303.119(c) in new 
Sec.  303.13(b)(8) is not necessary.
    The functional skill domains that the commenter requested be listed 
in new Sec.  303.13(b)(8) are already listed in Sec.  303.13(a)(4). 
Thus, under these regulations, occupational therapy services could 
focus on one or more of these functional skill domains, and the 
specific occupational therapy services provided to a child would be 
based on the occupational therapy outcomes in the child's IFSP.
    Changes: None.
Types of Early Intervention Services--Special Instruction (New Sec.  
303.13(b)(14)) (Proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(11))
    Comment: One commenter recommended changing the title of the 
definition of special instruction in new Sec.  303.13(b)(14) (proposed 
Sec.  303.13(b)(11)) to ``developmental instruction'' because ``special 
instruction'' services may not be covered by public or private 
insurance.
    Discussion: Section 632(4)(E)(ii) of the Act references ``special 
instruction'' as an example of an early intervention service. The 
definition of special instruction has not changed substantively from 
the definition of special instruction in current Sec.  303.12(d)(13) 
and specifically includes developmental instruction. States may refer 
to this early intervention service as ``developmental instruction'' or 
use another term, provided that it meets the definition of special 
instruction in Sec.  303.13(b). Moreover, many States currently use the 
term ``special instruction'' and, thus, revisions to the title of this 
definition are not necessary.
    Changes: None.
Types of Early Intervention Services--Speech-Language Pathology 
Services (New Sec.  303.13(b)(15)) (Proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12))
    Comment: Some commenters recommended that sign language, cued 
language, auditory/oral language, and transliteration services be 
defined separately from, and not included in, the definition of speech-
language pathology services because they are different types of 
services. One commenter supported their inclusion in the definition. A 
few commenters suggested that separate definitions would reflect that 
speech-language pathologists and interpreters receive different 
preparatory training, are

[[Page 60150]]

licensed by different boards, and are subject to different professional 
regulations.
    Other commenters noted that sign language, cued language, auditory/
oral language, and transliteration services are provided by qualified 
professionals, such as audiologists, teachers of children who are deaf 
and hard of hearing, and interpreters, and that speech-language 
pathologists may not necessarily be qualified to provide these 
services. Finally, one commenter recommended that, at a minimum, we 
change the title of this definition to reference sign language and cued 
language services to be consistent with the list of types of early 
intervention services specified in section 632(4)(E)(iii) of the Act.
    Discussion: We agree that establishing a separate definition of 
sign language and cued language services, which includes auditory/oral 
language and transliteration services, is consistent with section 
632(4)(E)(iii) of the Act. Therefore, we have included in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(12) a definition of the term that incorporates the language 
from proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12)(iv).
    Changes: We have moved proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12)(iv) to new 
Sec.  303.13(b)(12). Due to the addition of this separate definition of 
sign language and cued language services in Sec.  303.13(b)(12), the 
definitions in Sec.  303.13(b) (types of early intervention services), 
beginning with the definition of social work services, have been 
renumbered.
    Comment: A significant number of commenters requested that the 
Department clarify that sign language and cued language services may be 
provided not only to children who are deaf or hard of hearing but also 
to an eligible child who is not deaf or hard of hearing whose IFSP Team 
has identified such services as appropriate to meet that child's 
developmental needs.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters and have not included the 
reference to infants and toddlers with a disability who are deaf or 
hard of hearing from proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12)(iv) in the new 
definition of sign language and cued language services in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(12).
    Changes: The phrase ``as used with respect to infants and toddlers 
with disabilities who are hearing impaired'' has not been included in 
the definition of sign language and cued language services in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(12).
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the description of sign 
language and cued language services, which is now in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(12) (proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12)(iv)), was confusing because 
of the use of the word ``and'' between ``cued language'' and 
``auditory/oral language services.'' The commenter recommended that 
this phrase be changed to ``cued language or auditory/oral language 
services'' because the word ``and'' implied that either all services in 
the list must be provided or none of the services can be provided.
    Discussion: In reviewing new Sec.  303.13(b)(12) (proposed Sec.  
303.13(b)(12)(iv)), we determined it was necessary to clarify and 
distinguish between services that focus on teaching and interpretation. 
Thus, we have clarified that sign language and cued language services 
include teaching sign language, cued language, and auditory/oral 
language, providing oral transliteration services (such as 
amplification), and providing sign and cued language interpretation.
    Regarding the commenter's concern about the use of the term 
``and'', this use does not mean that all of the services listed must be 
identified in the IFSP or provided. The definition of sign language and 
cued language services in new Sec.  303.12(b)(12) provides that sign 
language and cued language services ``include'' certain services and 
Sec.  303.18, in turn, defines the term include to mean ``that the 
items named are not all of the possible items that are covered, whether 
like or unlike the ones named.'' Accordingly, revising the reference to 
``and'' in the definition of sign language and cued language services 
is not necessary.
    Changes: We have revised new Sec.  303.13(b)(12) to define sign 
language and cued language services to include ``teaching sign 
language, cued language, and auditory/oral language, providing oral 
transliteration services (such as amplification), and providing sign 
and cued language interpretation.''
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department add a 
parenthetical ``such as amplification'' to the phrase ``oral 
transliteration'' in new Sec.  303.13(b)(12) (proposed Sec.  
303.13(b)(12)(iv)) and distinguish between ``translation'' and 
``transliteration.'' Another commenter recommended moving the reference 
to cued language interpreting and transliteration services from the 
definition of early intervention services in new Sec.  303.13(b)(12) 
(proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12)(iv)) to the definition of native language 
in Sec.  303.25(b) because, for children who are deaf, native language 
is defined as the mode of communication normally used by the individual 
(including sign language).
    Discussion: Transliteration, in new Sec.  303.13(b)(12) (proposed 
Sec.  303.13(b)(12)(iv)), refers to the rendering of one language or 
mode of communication into another by sound such as voicing over 
difficult-to-understand speech in order to clarify the sounds, not the 
meaning. We agree that including amplification as an example of 
transliteration is appropriate and have added amplification as an 
example in the definition. However, because the regulations do not use 
the term ``translation'' (i.e., rendering one language into another by 
its meaning), there is no need to define that term. Additionally, we 
decline to adopt the commenter's suggestion that we move the reference 
to cued language interpreting and transliteration services to the 
definition of native language in Sec.  303.25(b). These services are 
types of early intervention services that the IFSP Team may identify as 
needed by the eligible child and family and therefore including them 
under the definition of early intervention services in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(12) (proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12)(iv)) is appropriate. 
Further, including the reference recommended by the commenter in Sec.  
303.25(b) is not necessary because we believe the examples in paragraph 
(b) of that definition, regarding mode of communication that is 
normally used by an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing, blind or 
visually impaired, or for an individual with no written language, are 
appropriate and further examples are not needed to understand the 
meaning of the term native language.
    Changes: We have added the parenthetical ``(such as 
amplification)'' as an example of transliteration services in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(12).
    Comment: Several commenters recommended adding such services as 
auditory habilitation and rehabilitation, dysphagia, auditory-verbal 
therapy, oropharyngeal, or feeding and swallowing services to the 
definition of speech-language pathology services in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(15) (proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12)).
    Discussion: The services identified in the definition of speech-
language pathology services in new Sec.  303.13(b)(15) (proposed Sec.  
303.13(b)(12)) are not intended to be exhaustive. Section 303.13(b)(15) 
(proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(12)) does not preclude an IFSP Team from 
determining that an infant or toddler with a disability is in need of 
any of the services suggested by the commenters if the services are 
necessary to meet the outcomes identified for that child in the child's 
IFSP.
    Changes: None.

[[Page 60151]]

Types of Early Intervention Services--Transportation and Related Costs 
(New Sec.  303.13(b)(16)) (Proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(13))
    Comment: Many commenters opposed the proposal to remove expenses 
for travel by taxi from the costs included in the definition of 
transportation and related costs. The commenters stated that omitting 
this type of transportation cost could be problematic for families who 
do not have access to private transportation or reliable public 
transportation or who live in large urban areas and rely on taxis to 
transport their child to an EIS provider.
    Discussion: We did not include expenses for travel by taxi in the 
examples of transportation costs included in the definition of 
transportation and related costs because our understanding is that 
transportation via taxi for the purpose of traveling to an EIS provider 
is less common than the other examples we included in the proposed 
regulations such as transportation via common carriers. We did not 
intend to exclude such expenses specifically from the definition. 
Indeed, section 632(4)(E)(xiv) of the Act does not list any specific 
types of transportation and related costs. Accordingly, we have revised 
new Sec.  303.13(b)(16) (proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(13)) to remove the 
references to specific types of transportation costs.
    Changes: We have revised new Sec.  303.13(b)(16) (proposed Sec.  
303.13(b)(13)) to align more closely with the language in section 
632(4)(E)(xiv) of the Act. Specifically, we have removed the 
parenthetical examples of travel and other costs that were in the 
proposed regulation.
Types of Early Intervention Services--Vision Services (New Sec.  
303.13(b)(17)) (Proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(14))
    Comment: Some commenters requested that the Department clarify the 
definition of vision services in new Sec.  303.13(b)(17)(iii) (proposed 
Sec.  303.13(b)(14)(iii)). A few commenters noted that the definition 
focused on older children and did not include the full scope of 
instruction available to young children and their families. One 
commenter expressed concern that the definition of vision services in 
new Sec.  303.13(b)(17) (proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(14)) described an 
outdated medical model that promotes skills training, rather than 
developmental adjustments that accommodate vision loss. A few 
commenters recommended that we add to this definition training and 
services in the following areas: tactile awareness, sensory utilization 
and preferences, emergent literacy, precane skills, environmental 
orientation, environmental adaptations, and modifications and 
conceptual understanding where visual impairment (including blindness) 
precludes typical access to early intervention.
    One commenter suggested that the services listed could be included 
instead in the definition of special instruction in new Sec.  
303.13(b)(14) (proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(11)) and requested guidance 
about who is qualified to provide these services.
    Discussion: We have clarified in the definition of vision services 
in new Sec.  303.13(b)(17) that evaluations and assessments of visual 
functioning include the diagnosis and appraisal of specific visual 
disorders, delays, and abilities that affect early childhood 
development. We also agree that reference to independent living applies 
to older children and have deleted the reference, which was in proposed 
Sec.  303.13(b)(14)(iii), to ``independent living skills training.''
    Regarding commenters' concerns that vision services are limited to 
``training'' services and not skills, we note that the purpose of 
providing training to a child in specific vision areas is to improve 
the child's skills in those areas. The definition of vision services 
provides discretion and flexibility for each IFSP Team to identify 
those vision services necessary to meet the unique needs of an infant 
or toddler with a disability and the child's family. Therefore, we have 
not made the changes recommended by the commenter.
    Maintaining separate definitions for special instruction and vision 
services aligns with sections 632(4)(E)(ii) and (4)(E)(xii) of the Act, 
regarding the types of services that are included as early intervention 
services. Vision services should not be included in the definition of 
special instruction because some of the examples of vision services 
would not be appropriate as examples of special instruction. For 
example, referral for medical or other professional services necessary 
for the habilitation or rehabilitation of visual functioning disorders, 
or both, would not fall under the definition of special instruction. 
The types of qualified personnel who may provide vision services are 
listed in Sec.  303.13(c). This list includes optometrists and 
ophthalmologists and is not exhaustive. Thus, providing additional 
guidance about who is qualified to provide vision services is not 
necessary.
    Changes: We have added the words ``that affect early childhood 
development'' after the words ``specific visual disorders, delays, and 
abilities.'' We also have removed the phrase ``independent living 
skills'' from proposed Sec.  303.13(b)(14)(iii).
Qualified Personnel (Sec.  303.13(c))
    Comment: Several commenters supported our proposal to include in 
the definition of qualified personnel in Sec.  303.13(c) types of 
personnel that are not included in the current part C regulations. 
Commenters specifically supported the inclusion of ``registered 
dieticians,'' ``optometrists,'' ``teachers of children with hearing 
impairments,'' and ``teachers of children with visual impairments'' in 
the list of qualified personnel.
    A few commenters objected to the inclusion of ``registered 
dieticians'' and ``vision specialists, including ophthalmologists and 
optometrists.'' The commenters suggested that the inclusion of medical 
professionals, i.e., ophthalmologists, might cause confusion about 
whether diagnostic services provided by ophthalmologists would qualify 
as early intervention services. Other commenters requested that the 
Department provide separate guidance about the use of and distinction 
between ``ophthalmologists and optometrists.'' One commenter requested 
clarification about whether a lead agency was responsible only for 
referring families to these specialists or if they also would be 
responsible for paying for diagnostic services.
    One commenter requested that nutritionists be added to the list of 
qualified personnel because a nutritionist might be available when a 
registered dietician is not.
    Discussion: We appreciate the commenters' support for the proposed 
definition of qualified personnel in Sec.  303.13(c). We included 
registered dieticians and vision specialists, including 
ophthalmologists and optometrists, in the proposed regulations to 
conform with the language in section 632(4)(F)(viii) and (4)(F)(x) of 
the Act, which lists these specialists as qualified personnel who 
provide early intervention services. Any of the personnel listed under 
this section could perform diagnostic services as part of the ongoing 
assessment of an infant or toddler or provide direct services to an 
infant or toddler with a disability and these services would qualify as 
early intervention services.
    Concerning the comment about a lead agency's payment and referral 
responsibility, the lead agency would be responsible for referring 
families to ophthalmologists or optometrists and also would be 
responsible for paying for

[[Page 60152]]

diagnostic services, as required under Sec.  303.13(b)(5).
    We did not include the term nutritionist in the examples of 
qualified personnel in Sec.  303.13(c) because this term was not 
included in section 632(4)(F)(viii) and (4)(F)(x) of the Act. However, 
nothing precludes lead agencies from utilizing services from a 
nutritionist if a nutritionist, instead of a registered dietician, can 
provide the nutrition or other services identified in the child's IFSP.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended listing ``teachers of 
children with hearing impairments'' and ``teachers of children with 
visual impairments'' in separate paragraphs in the definition of 
qualified personnel because these teachers are from two distinct 
disciplines. Another commenter stated that classifying teachers of the 
visually impaired as special educators is not necessary and suggested 
that doing so would have no impact on the availability of qualified 
personnel.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that teachers of children 
with hearing impairments and teachers of children with visual 
impairments are two distinct professions. The list of qualified 
personnel in Sec.  303.13(c) who provide early intervention services 
under this part includes special educators. The term ``special 
educators'' consists of many distinct professions including teachers of 
children with hearing impairments and teachers of children with visual 
impairments. Therefore, including teachers of children with hearing 
impairments and teachers of children with visual impairments as 
examples of special educators in Sec.  303.13(c)(11) is appropriate and 
listing these terms separately is not necessary.
    Concerning the comment that classifying teachers of the visually 
impaired as special educators is not necessary, the Department 
recognizes that there are some special educators that receive their 
training and certification in visual impairments and hearing 
impairments. Therefore, teachers of children with hearing impairments 
and teachers of children with visual impairments remain as examples of 
special educators in the list of qualified personnel who provide early 
intervention services under this part to ensure that these teachers are 
considered qualified personnel to provide early intervention services.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that, in identifying the types 
of qualified personnel who provide early intervention services, the 
reference to ``teachers of children with hearing impairments'' be 
revised to refer to ``teachers of deaf and hard of hearing children.'' 
Another commenter stated that the appropriate reference to teachers who 
instruct children who are deaf or hard of hearing is ``teachers of the 
hearing impaired.'' Commenters who recommended using ``teachers of deaf 
and hard of hearing children'' opposed the word ``impairment'' as 
outdated, value-laden, and inconsistent with the language in the part B 
regulations.
    Discussion: The types of qualified personnel listed in Sec.  
303.13(c)(11) include ``teachers of children with hearing impairments 
(including deafness).'' This language is consistent with the part B 
regulations in 34 CFR 300.8(a)(1), which defines a child with a 
disability to mean a child as having a ``hearing impairment (including 
deafness).'' The terms hearing impairment, deafness, hearing impaired, 
and hard of hearing are all used in the field. For purposes of 
consistency among the regulations under the Act, we have continued to 
refer to these teachers as teachers of children with hearing 
impairments (including deafness).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding ``low vision specialist'' 
to the list of qualified personnel because this addition would clarify 
that not all vision specialists are qualified to work with pediatric 
populations and that low vision is a subspecialty of optometry and 
ophthalmology.
    Discussion: Section 632(4)(F)(x) of the Act identifies vision 
specialists, including ophthalmologists and optometrists, as qualified 
personnel who provide early intervention services. Usually an 
optometrist or ophthalmologist would make the referral to a low vision 
specialist if such a referral is warranted. The list of qualified 
personnel identified in the Act and Sec.  303.13(c) is not exhaustive; 
accordingly, nothing precludes the lead agency's use of a low vision 
specialist, if such a referral is made, to provide appropriate early 
intervention services to an infant or toddler with a disability.
    Changes: None.
Other Services (Sec.  303.13(d))
    Comment: One commenter supported proposed Sec.  303.13(d), which 
provides that the services and personnel identified in Sec.  303.13(b) 
and (c) do not comprise exhaustive lists of early intervention services 
and qualified personnel and that IFSP Teams and families also may 
consider other services that may be appropriate for infants and 
toddlers with disabilities.
    Another commenter requested that the Department revise the language 
in this paragraph to indicate that any other services identified in the 
IFSP of an infant or toddler with a disability be based on proven 
methods or evidence-based practices.
    Discussion: We do not agree that requiring services identified in 
an IFSP to be based on proven methods or evidence-based practices is 
appropriate. Section 636(d)(4) of the Act provides that the IFSP 
include a statement of the specific early intervention services, based 
on peer-reviewed research, to the extent practicable, that are 
necessary to meet the unique needs of the infant or toddler with a 
disability and the family. Mirroring this standard, Sec.  303.344(d)(1) 
requires that each IFSP include a statement of the specific early 
intervention services based on peer-reviewed research (to the extent 
practicable) that are necessary to meet the unique needs for the child 
and the family to achieve the measurable results or outcomes identified 
in the IFSP. Using the standard recommended by the commenter could 
limit the breadth of early intervention service options in a manner 
inconsistent with these provisions. Thus, we have not revised the 
language in Sec.  303.13(d) as requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department add language 
to Sec.  303.13(d) to provide that families have the option to identify 
in the IFSP medical and other services that the child or family needs 
or is receiving through other sources, but that are neither required 
nor funded under part C of the Act.
    Discussion: Section 303.344(e) provides for the IFSP Team to 
identify in the IFSP medical and other services that the child or 
family needs or is receiving through other sources, but that are 
neither required nor funded under part C of the Act. Thus, making the 
change requested by the commenter is not necessary.
    Changes: None.
Free Appropriate Public Education (Sec.  303.15)
    Comment: One commenter recommended clarifying that the requirement 
to provide FAPE under part C of the Act only applies when a State 
chooses to make services under part C available to children ages three 
and older under the provisions in Sec.  303.211 and is not applicable 
to the provision of part C services to children ages birth to three 
years of age.

[[Page 60153]]

    Discussion: The term FAPE is used in Sec. Sec.  303.211, 303.501, 
and 303.521 of these regulations. Section 303.211 provides that a State 
may elect to offer services under part C of the Act to a child age 
three or older; however, if a State elects to offer these services and 
a parent chooses part C services instead of part B services for a 
child, the State is not required under this part to provide FAPE for 
the child.
    Section 303.501 provides that States may use part C funds to 
provide FAPE to a child from the child's third birthday until the 
beginning of the school year following that birthday. Section 303.521 
addresses situations in which State law mandates the provision of FAPE 
for children under the age of three.
    To clarify the applicability of the FAPE requirements to these 
regulations, we have revised Sec.  303.15 to provide that the 
definition of FAPE is included for purposes of the use of this term in 
Sec. Sec.  303.211, 303.501 and 303.521.
    Changes: We have added references in Sec.  303.15 to Sec. Sec.  
303.211, 303.501 and 303.521.
Health Services (Sec.  303.16)
    Comment: The comments we received on the proposed definition of 
health services in Sec.  303.16 indicated there was some confusion 
concerning the conditions under which a child may receive health 
services under part C of the Act. Some commenters stated that the 
definition of health services was vague and could be read to mean that: 
(1) Infants and toddlers with disabilities are eligible to receive 
health services under part C of the Act even when those infants and 
toddlers are otherwise not eligible to receive early intervention 
services under part C of the Act and (2) funding of these health 
services under part C of the Act was required when no other payor was 
available.
    Discussion: The Department's position is that Sec.  303.16 clearly 
states that a lead agency is only required to fund health services that 
meet the definition of health services in Sec.  303.16 during the time 
that the child is eligible to receive early intervention services under 
part C of the Act and regardless of the availability of other payors. 
However, to avoid confusion, we have added language in Sec.  303.16 
clarifying that requirement.
    Changes: We have modified the definition of health services in 
Sec.  303.16(a) to add the words ``otherwise eligible'' before the word 
``child'' in order to clarify that a child must be eligible to receive 
early intervention services under this part in order to also receive 
health services as defined in Sec.  303.16.
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern that the definition of 
health services in Sec.  303.16 would broaden the responsibilities of 
part C lead agencies and result in an increased fiscal burden on 
States. Another commenter suggested that the definition of health 
services in Sec.  303.16 would make it difficult to differentiate 
between developmental services and medical services.
    Discussion: The only substantive difference between the definition 
of health services in current Sec.  303.13 and the proposed definition 
of health services in Sec.  303.16 is the addition of Sec.  
303.16(c)(1)(iii), which states that the definition of health services 
does not include services that are related to the implementation, 
optimization (e.g., mapping), maintenance, or replacement of a medical 
device that is surgically implanted, including cochlear implants. This 
one substantive change limits, rather than expands, the 
responsibilities of part C lead agencies.
    Therefore, the Secretary believes that the definition of health 
services does not broaden the responsibilities of lead agencies and 
thus, we do not anticipate that this definition will lead to an 
increased fiscal burden on States.
    We do not agree with the commenter that the definition of health 
services in Sec.  303.16 makes differentiating between developmental 
services and medical services difficult. Section 303.16(c) provides 
specific examples of services that are purely medical in nature and, 
therefore, not included in the definition of health services. These 
examples are sufficient to distinguish medical services from 
developmental services.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Commenters had differing views concerning the Department's 
proposal to exclude from the definition of health services those 
services related to the implementation, optimization (e.g., mapping), 
maintenance, or replacement of a medical device that is surgically 
implanted, including cochlear implants. One commenter supported 
excluding services related to the optimization (e.g., mapping) of 
surgically implanted devices. A few commenters opposed the exclusion of 
services related to the optimization (e.g., mapping) of surgically 
implanted medical devices, including cochlear implants. One commenter 
suggested that excluding this service from the definition of health 
services is not consistent with the intent of Congress and would 
effectively deny eligible infants and toddlers a service necessary for 
the child to benefit from other part C services.
    Discussion: Excluding services related to the optimization (e.g., 
mapping) of a medical device that is surgically implanted, including 
cochlear implants, from the definition of health services in Sec.  
303.16, is consistent with section 602(1)(B) of the Act, which provides 
that the term assistive technology device does not include a medical 
device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. 
Further, this exclusion is consistent with the definition of related 
services in 34 CFR 300.34(b) of the part B regulations, which provides 
that related services do not include a surgically implanted device, 
including a cochlear implant or a medical device that is surgically 
implanted, the optimization of that device's functioning (e.g., mapping 
of a cochlear implant), maintenance of that device, or the replacement 
of that device.
    The term ``mapping'' refers to the optimization of a cochlear 
implant and is not included in the definition of health services in 
Sec.  303.16. Specifically, ``mapping'' and ``optimization'' refer to 
adjusting the electrical stimulation levels provided by the cochlear 
implant that is necessary for long-term post-surgical follow-up of a 
cochlear implant. The maintenance and monitoring of surgically 
implanted devices such as cochlear implants require the expertise of a 
licensed physician or an individual with specialized expertise beyond 
that typically available from early intervention service providers. 
While the cochlear implant must be mapped properly in order for an 
infant or toddler with a disability to hear well while receiving early 
intervention services, the mapping does not have to be done as a part 
of early intervention service delivery in order for it to be effective.
    Particularly with young children, EIS providers are frequently the 
first to notice changes in an infant's or toddler's ability to perceive 
sounds. A decrease in an infant's or toddler's ability to perceive 
sounds may manifest itself as decreased attention or understanding on 
the part of the infant or toddler or increased frustration in 
communicating. Such changes may indicate a need for remapping, and we 
would expect that EIS providers would communicate with the child's 
parents about their observations. To the extent that adjustments to the 
devices are required, a specially trained professional would provide 
the remapping, but this is not the responsibility of the lead agency or 
EIS provider.
    While providing mapping as an early intervention service is neither 
required nor permitted by part C of the Act, Sec.  303.16(c)(1)(iii)(B) 
makes clear that

[[Page 60154]]

nothing in part C of the Act or these regulations prevents an early 
intervention service provider from routinely checking that the external 
components of a cochlear implant of an infant or toddler with a 
disability are functioning properly. Trained lay individuals can 
routinely check an externally worn processor connected to the cochlear 
implant to determine if the batteries are charged and the external 
processor is operating. For example, EIS providers can be trained to 
check the externally worn speech processor to ensure that it is turned 
on, the volume and sensitivity settings are correct, and the cable is 
connected.
    The exclusion of mapping as a health service is not intended to 
deny an infant or toddler with a disability access to any early 
intervention service. Each infant's or toddler's IFSP Team, which 
includes the child's parent, determines the early intervention 
services, and the level of those services, required by an eligible 
infant or toddler.
    Finally, as discussed in our response to comments received on Sec.  
303.13(b)(1), it is the Department's position that the exclusion of 
services related to the optimization (e.g., mapping) of surgically 
implanted medical devices, such as cochlear implants, from the 
definition of health services is consistent with the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify the 
difference between medical devices referenced in the definition of 
health services in Sec.  303.16(c)(2) and the medical devices 
referenced in the definition of assistive technology device in Sec.  
303.13(b)(1)(i).
    Discussion: Both Sec. Sec.  303.16(c)(2) and 303.13(b)(1)(i) 
provide examples of devices that are medical in nature and, therefore, 
not included under this part. Section 303.16(c)(2) states that devices 
necessary to control or treat a medical condition are not included 
under the definition of health services and provides examples of these 
devices. Section 303.13(b)(1) states that medical devices that are 
surgically implanted are not included in the definition of assistive 
technology devices and services or the umbrella term types of early 
intervention services and provides cochlear implants as an example of 
these medical devices.
    Changes: None.
Homeless Children (Sec.  303.17)
    Comment: Commenters generally were supportive of the proposed 
definition of homeless children in Sec.  303.17. One commenter 
supported including the definition of homeless children in the 
regulations and another appreciated the focus on a traditionally 
underserved population.
    One commenter expressed concern that the definition of homeless 
children may be broader than a State's definition. The commenter 
requested that we clarify in the regulations that a State is not 
required to serve children, even if they are homeless, who do not meet 
the State's eligibility definition.
    One commenter recommended that we clarify the definition to provide 
that homeless children also include children over the age of three if a 
State chooses to implement the provisions of Sec.  303.211, under which 
a State has the option to make services under part C of the Act 
available to children ages three and older.
    Discussion: We do not agree that the definition of homeless 
children in Sec.  303.17 is broader than any valid State definition of 
children served. The definition of homeless children in Sec.  303.17 is 
consistent with the definition in section 602(11) of the Act and 
section 725 (42 U.S.C. 11434a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless 
Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 11431 et 
seq. A State may choose to promulgate a definition of homeless children 
that is broader than the definition in the McKinney-Vento Act, as 
amended, but a State may not promulgate a definition that is narrower 
in scope than the Federal definition.
    We agree with the commenter and have clarified the definition to 
include children over the age of three, specifically in cases where 
States choose to implement Sec.  303.211 and make services under part C 
of the Act available to children ages three and older.
    Changes: We have removed the phrase ``under the age of three'' from 
the definition of homeless children to make the definition consistent 
with section 635(c) of the Act, which provides States with the 
flexibility to serve children three years of age and older until 
entrance into elementary school, and Sec.  303.211, under which a State 
may make services under part C of the Act available to children ages 
three and older.
Individualized Family Service Plan (Sec.  303.20)
    Comment: One commenter supported the provision in the definition of 
individualized family service plan that provides that the plan must be 
implemented as soon as possible after obtaining parental consent for 
early intervention services.
    One commenter recommended adding a requirement that services begin 
as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days after receiving parental 
consent for early intervention services.
    Discussion: We address these comments in our discussion of the 
comments on Sec.  303.342.
    Changes: None.
Infant or Toddler With a Disability (Sec.  303.21)
    Comment: Several commenters supported our proposed definition of 
infant or toddler with a disability.
    Commenters specifically supported the definition in Sec.  
303.21(a)(2) regarding eligibility for children with conditions that 
have a high probability of resulting in a child's developmental delay. 
One commenter supported the inclusion of ``chromosomal abnormalities'' 
in the examples of conditions in Sec.  303.21(a)(2)(ii) that have a 
high probability of resulting in a child's developmental delay.
    A few commenters requested clarification of the list of examples of 
these conditions in Sec.  303.21(a)(2)(ii). One commenter requested 
that ``severe attachment disorders'' be added as an example in Sec.  
303.21(a)(2)(ii). Another commenter requested that the qualifier 
``severe'' be deleted from the reference to ``sensory impairments'' in 
Sec.  303.21(a)(2)(ii) because mild hearing losses can result in 
developmental delays. One commenter suggested that we clarify that the 
definition of infant or toddler with a disability in Sec.  303.21(a)(2) 
does not require that the infant or toddler with a disability have a 
severe or chronic condition and that the definition includes at-risk 
infants and toddlers.
    Another commenter requested that we revise Sec.  303.21 to provide 
that a State's definition of infant or toddler with a disability can 
include, at the State's discretion, children with disabilities who are 
eligible for services under section 619 of the Act and previously were 
served under part C of the Act until such children enter, or are 
eligible to enter, kindergarten. Another commenter was concerned that 
services will be denied to children transitioning between part C of the 
Act and part B of the Act during the summer months despite the 
requirements in Sec.  303.21(c) and the definition of child in Sec.  
303.6.
    Discussion: The examples of diagnosed conditions that have a high 
probability of resulting in developmental delay listed in Sec.  
303.21(a)(2)(ii) were taken from Note 1 following current Sec.  303.16, 
which states:

    The phrase `a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a 
high probability of

[[Page 60155]]

resulting in developmental delay,' * * * applies to a condition if 
it typically results in developmental delay. Examples of these 
conditions include chromosomal abnormalities; genetic or congenital 
disorders; severe sensory impairments, including hearing and vision; 
inborn errors of metabolism; disorders reflecting disturbance of the 
development of the nervous system; congenital infections; disorders 
secondary to exposure to toxic substances, including fetal alcohol 
syndrome; and severe attachment disorders.

    The reference to ``severe attachment disorders,'' which was 
included in Note 1, was inadvertently omitted from proposed Sec.  
303.21(a)(2)(ii) and we have added it to Sec.  303.21(a)(2)(ii) as an 
example of a diagnosed condition that has a high probability of 
resulting in developmental delay.
    Concerning the commenter's request that the qualifier ``severe'' be 
deleted from the phrase ``sensory impairments,'' in Sec.  
303.21(a)(2)(ii), we agree with the commenter that even a mild sensory 
impairment may result in developmental delay and have revised the 
definition accordingly.
    Concerning the commenter's request that we clarify that the 
definition of infant or toddler with a disability does not require that 
the infant or toddler with a disability have a severe or chronic 
condition, Sec.  303.21 includes various groups of children such as an 
infant or toddler who is experiencing a developmental delay, or who has 
a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of 
resulting in developmental delay and in no way limits eligibility to 
infants or toddlers with severe or chronic conditions. Thus, the 
clarification recommended by the commenter is not necessary.
    With respect to the commenter's request that the definition of 
infant or toddler with a disability in Sec.  303.21 include at-risk 
infants and toddlers, Sec.  303.21(b) provides that the definition of 
infant or toddler with a disability may include, at a State's 
discretion, an at-risk infant or toddler, as defined in Sec.  303.5. It 
is the Department's position that each State must be provided 
discretion to develop a definition of infant or toddler with a 
disability that meets the unique needs of its population. The 
definition of infant or toddler with a disability addresses 
sufficiently and appropriately the issue of at-risk infants and 
toddlers and, therefore, we have not revised the definition as 
requested.
    Concerning the request to revise the definition of infant or 
toddler with a disability to include children who are eligible for 
services under section 619 of the Act and were previously served under 
part 303, Sec.  303.21(c) already makes clear that the definition of 
infant or toddler with a disability may include, at a State's 
discretion, a child with a disability who is eligible for services 
under section 619 of the Act and who previously received services under 
part 303 until the child enters, or is eligible under State law to 
enter, kindergarten or elementary school.
    Summer services should not be denied to a child transitioning from 
early intervention services under part C of the Act to programs under 
part B of the Act simply because that child transitions during the 
summer months. Once a child is determined eligible for part B services, 
an IEP, or if consistent with 34 CFR 300.323(b) of the part B 
regulations, an IFSP, must be developed. If a child's IEP Team 
determines that extended school year services are necessary for the 
child to receive FAPE, the child must receive those services in 
accordance with the IEP (or IFSP under 34 CFR 300.323(b) of the part B 
regulations). Issues relating to transition of infants and toddlers 
from part C to part B services are discussed in more detail in the 
Analysis of Comments and Changes for subpart C in response to comments 
received on Sec.  303.209.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.21(a)(2)(ii) to add ``severe 
attachment disorders'' to the list of diagnosed conditions that have a 
high probability of resulting in developmental delay. Additionally, we 
have removed the word ``severe'' as a qualifier to the term ``sensory 
impairments'' in Sec.  303.21(a)(2)(ii).
Lead Agency (Sec.  303.22)
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department provide its 
opinion on whether a State statute that designates the State agency 
that will serve as the lead agency in that State is consistent with the 
Act and these regulations.
    Discussion: Section 303.22, regarding the designation of the lead 
agency by the State's Governor, incorporates the requirement in section 
635(a)(10) of the Act that the Governor designate the lead agency that 
is responsible for administering part C of the Act in the State. If a 
State statute signed into law by the Governor designates the lead 
agency, such designation would be consistent with this requirement.
    Changes: None.
Local Educational Agency (Sec.  303.23(c))
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: The proposed definition of local educational agency 
included a definition for BIA-funded schools, which referred to an 
elementary or secondary school funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs 
(BIA). The Bureau of Indian Affairs is now called the Bureau of Indian 
Education or BIE and we have updated our references in Sec.  303.23(c) 
accordingly.
    Changes: We have replaced, in Sec.  303.23(c), references to the 
Bureau of Indian Affairs with the Bureau of Indian Education.
Multidisciplinary (Sec.  303.24)
    Comment: We received a significant number of comments concerning 
the definition of multidisciplinary. Multidisciplinary was defined in 
proposed Sec.  303.24, with respect to evaluation and assessment of a 
child, an IFSP Team, and IFSP development under subpart D of this part, 
as the involvement of two or more individuals from separate disciplines 
or professions or one individual who is qualified in more than one 
discipline or profession. Some commenters supported this definition 
because it would help States allocate personnel and resources and may 
be less overwhelming for some families.
    However, the vast majority of commenters opposed this proposed 
definition with respect to its reference to the IFSP Team. 
Specifically, these commenters stated that permitting one individual, 
even if that individual is qualified in more than one discipline or 
profession, to serve as the sole member of the IFSP Team (other than 
the parent), does not reflect best practice. One commenter suggested 
that the definition of multidisciplinary reflect the language in the 
definition of IEP Team in 34 CFR 300.23 of the part B regulations, 
which defines the IEP Team as a ``group'' of individuals. Additional 
commenters interpreted the definition of multidisciplinary to mean that 
one person could represent the entire IFSP Team and expressed concern 
that the definition, as written, would remove necessary checks and 
balances and may lead to potential conflicts of interest or decisions 
based on biased opinions. Additionally, commenters noted that changing 
this long-standing definition might create confusion for both families 
and service providers. Commenters requested that the definition be 
modified to ensure that multiple perspectives are included on each IFSP 
Team and adequate representation is not hampered or constrained on any 
given IFSP Team by an individual who is qualified in more than one 
discipline or profession. A few other commenters requested that the 
definition of multidisciplinary in current Sec.  303.17 be retained.
    Some commenters were concerned that multidisciplinary teams are the

[[Page 60156]]

only types of teams referenced in the regulations and that the 
regulations do not acknowledge that other types of teams, including but 
not limited to transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams, are 
routinely used in determining services under part C of the Act. The 
commenters suggested that all of these models should be included in the 
final regulatory definition to give teams the flexibility to choose the 
type of team model that best meets the needs of the individual 
situation.
    Discussion: We agree with commenters' concerns about the definition 
of multidisciplinary in relation to the IFSP Team as it is important to 
ensure the involvement of the parent and two or more individuals, one 
of whom must be the service coordinator (consistent with Sec.  
303.343(a)(1)(iv)), from separate disciplines or professions on the 
IFSP Team and have made this change. With respect to IFSP Team 
meetings, we believe it is important for the parent to be able to meet 
not only with the service coordinator (who may have conducted the 
evaluation and assessments), but also with another individual (whether 
that person is the service provider or another evaluator) to obtain 
input from two or more individuals representing at least two 
disciplines and have revised Sec.  303.24 accordingly. We also have 
added a reference to multidisciplinary in Sec.  303.340, regarding the 
general provisions that apply to IFSP development, review, and 
implementation. Thus, with these changes in Sec. Sec.  303.24 and 
303.340, the term multidisciplinary IFSP Team requires the involvement 
of two or more individuals from separate disciplines or professions, 
one of whom must be the service coordinator (consistent with Sec.  
303.343(a)(1)(iv)).
    With respect to evaluation of the child and assessments of the 
child and family, Sec.  303.321(a) requires that all evaluations and 
assessments be conducted by qualified personnel. Qualified personnel, 
as defined in Sec.  303.31, means personnel who have met State approved 
or recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other 
comparable requirements that apply to the areas in which the 
individuals are conducting evaluations or assessments or providing 
early intervention services. Therefore, if one individual completes an 
evaluation while representing two or more separate disciplines or 
professions, that individual would have to meet the definition of 
qualified personnel in each area in which the individual is conducting 
the evaluation or assessment. Given these standards and requirements, 
we have retained the proposed definition to indicate that 
multidisciplinary means the involvement of two or more separate 
disciplines or professions and may include one individual who is 
qualified in more than one discipline or profession.
    Finally, for clarity, we have added cross-references to the use of 
the term multidisciplinary, where appropriate, in Sec. Sec.  303.113, 
303.321, and 303.340 regarding multidisciplinary evaluations, 
assessments, and IFSP Teams.
    Concerning adding a reference to transdisciplinary or 
interdisciplinary, the term multidisciplinary is consistent with 
section 635(a)(3) of the Act, regarding the requirement that the part C 
statewide system must include a timely, comprehensive, 
multidisciplinary evaluation of the functioning of each infant or 
toddler with a disability in the State. Transdisciplinary and 
interdisciplinary are specific team models. Multidisciplinary teams 
could be based on these models as long as the team meets the State's 
definition of multidisciplinary and the State's definition meets both 
statutory and regulatory requirements in this part. Thus, referencing 
specific team models in the regulatory definition of multidisciplinary 
is not necessary.
    Changes: We have revised the definition of multidisciplinary in 
Sec.  303.24 to add paragraphs (a) and (b) and clarified in paragraph 
(b) that the IFSP Team in Sec.  303.340, must include the involvement 
of the parent and two or more individuals from separate disciplines or 
professions and one of these individuals must be the service 
coordinator (consistent with Sec.  303.343(a)(1)(iv)). We also have 
added cross-references in Sec.  303.24(a) and (b) to Sec. Sec.  
303.113, 303.321, and 303.340 regarding multidisciplinary evaluations, 
assessments, and the IFSP Team.
Native Language (Sec.  303.25)
    Comment: We received a number of comments on proposed Sec.  
303.25(a)(2). Most commenters opposed the proposed requirement that the 
native language be used in all direct contact with the child. The 
commenters stated that such a requirement would be nearly impossible to 
implement in States where many different languages are spoken and would 
impose undue fiscal and personnel burdens on States where 
implementation is feasible.
    Additionally, these commenters indicated that the proposed 
requirement would be inconsistent with section 602(20) of the Act, 
regarding the definition of native language, and section 607 of the 
Act, regarding requirements for prescribing regulations. One commenter 
expressed concern that proposed Sec.  303.25(a)(2) would prohibit the 
delivery of services in English in situations where the child is in 
either a multilingual living or learning environment, even if the 
parent wanted the services delivered in English, or would prohibit the 
parent from serving as a translator for the EIS provider.
    Several other commenters requested clarification regarding the 
applicability of proposed Sec.  303.25(a)(2) in rural areas or areas 
that suffer from shortages of EIS providers. Other commenters asked 
what language should be used when conducting evaluations of newborns or 
young infants. Commenters also requested clarification as to whether 
and in what manner interpreters could be used when providing services.
    A number of commenters supported proposed Sec.  303.25(a)(2) 
stating that the provision would allow EIS providers to better 
communicate with families and infants and toddlers with disabilities, 
and would be consistent with 34 CFR 300.29 of the part B regulations, 
regarding the definition of native language, and section 607(a) of the 
Act.
    Discussion: We agree with commenters that requiring the native 
language to be used in all direct contact with a child, especially in 
providing early intervention services to an infant or toddler with a 
disability, may not be necessary or feasible in all circumstances. For 
example, a child may not require the use of native language when part C 
services are directly provided to the child when the child's receptive 
or expressive language has not yet developed to indicate a clear spoken 
language preference. Thus, we have not included in these final 
regulations the requirement in proposed Sec.  303.25(a)(2) that native 
language be used in all direct contact with the child. However, as 
recipients of Federal financial assistance, part C lead agencies must 
comply with the requirements in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 
1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national 
origin in programs or activities receiving Federal financial 
assistance.
    Changes: We have removed proposed Sec.  303.25(a)(2).
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To better align the definition of native language in 
these part C regulations with the definition of this term in section 
602(2) of the Act and in 34 CFR 300.29 of the part B regulations and to 
ensure internal consistency between the native language definition in 
Sec.  303.25(b) and the requirement in Sec.  303.321 to use

[[Page 60157]]

native language when conducting evaluations and assessments, we have 
made the following changes.
    First, we added to Sec.  303.25(a) the definition of native 
language for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) that is 
in 34 CFR 300.29(a) of the part B regulations and we cross-referenced 
the statutory definition of LEP that is in section 602(18) of the Act. 
With this revision, Sec.  303.25(a)(1) provides that the native 
language of an individual with limited English proficiency is the 
language normally used by that individual, or in the case of a child, 
the language normally used by the parents of the child, except as 
provided in Sec.  303.25(a)(2). We added new Sec.  303.25(a)(2) to 
provide that, for evaluations and assessments of a child, the native 
language of a child with limited English proficiency is the language 
normally used by the child if qualified personnel conducting the 
evaluation or assessment determine that this language is 
developmentally appropriate for the child given the child's age and 
communication skills.
    These changes do not change the long-standing native language 
requirements in Sec.  303.342, concerning IFSP meetings, Sec.  303.420, 
concerning obtaining parental consent, and Sec.  303.421, concerning 
prior written notice and procedural safeguards. As discussed in the 
Analysis of Comments and Changes for subpart E of this part, we have 
added a native language requirement in Sec.  303.404, concerning the 
general notice of confidentiality procedures provided to parents.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.25(a)(1) to state that, when 
used with respect to an individual who is limited English proficient 
(LEP) as that term is defined in section 602(18) of IDEA, the term 
native language means--(1) The language normally used by that 
individual, or, in the case of a child, the language normally used by 
the parents of the child, except as provided in Sec.  303.25(a)(2). We 
also added a new paragraph (a)(2) to this section to provide that the 
native language for an individual who is limited English proficient 
means, for evaluations and assessments conducted pursuant to Sec.  
303.321(a)(5) and (a)(6), the language normally used by the child if 
determined developmentally appropriate for the child by qualified 
personnel conducting the evaluation or assessment.
Natural Environments (Sec.  303.26)
    Comment: Many commenters suggested changes to the proposed 
definition of natural environments in Sec.  303.26. A few commenters 
recommended adding the phrase ``community settings where children 
without disabilities participate'' to make the definition consistent 
with section 632(4)(G) of the Act. Other commenters recommended 
retaining the reference to the ``child's age peers'' in current Sec.  
303.18. Some commenters recommended replacing the word ``normal'' with 
``typical'' because the term ``normal'' is value-laden, vague, and open 
to interpretation.
    One commenter recommended providing a list of natural environments 
in which an infant or toddler with a disability may receive services. 
Several commenters, some in response to Sec.  303.26 and others in 
response to Sec.  303.126, recommended adding specific examples of 
settings to Sec.  303.26, including Early Head Start or child care 
programs, day care, play groups, churches, grocery stores, parks, 
public libraries, community settings, and settings where parents with 
infants and toddlers with similar disabilities gather.
    Two other commenters recommended the definition indicate that a 
clinical setting could be the natural environment, particularly when 
the service requires the use of specialized equipment that cannot be 
transported to the child's home. One commenter expressed concern that 
mandating services to be provided in settings where non-disabled 
children are present may suggest that the alternative is less than 
acceptable. Another commenter recommended that the definition of 
natural environments require that services be provided within family 
routines and activities and opposed identifying specific settings. 
Discussion: Three sections of these regulations describe natural 
environments requirements that apply to States receiving funds under 
part C of the Act: Sec. Sec.  303.26, 303.126, and 303.344(d)(1). We 
address comments that relate to Sec.  303.26, regarding the definition 
of natural environments, in this discussion section. We address 
comments that relate to Sec.  303.126, regarding the requirements 
related to natural environments in State applications, in the Analysis 
of Comments and Changes for subpart B. Finally, we address comments 
that relate to Sec.  303.344(d)(1), regarding the requirements related 
to natural environments for IFSPs and IFSP Team decision-making 
processes concerning appropriate service settings, in the Analysis of 
Comments and Changes for subpart D.
    The definition of natural environments in Sec.  303.26 remains 
substantively unchanged from current Sec.  303.18 and is consistent 
with the language in section 632(4)(G) of the Act, as well as the 
following statutory sections:
    Section 635(a)(16) of the Act, which is reflected in Sec.  303.126 
and requires that the part C statewide system include policies and 
procedures to ensure that, consistent with section 636(d)(5) of the 
Act, to the maximum extent appropriate, early intervention services are 
provided in natural environments and the provision of early 
intervention services for any infant or toddler with a disability 
occurs in a setting other than the natural environment that is most 
appropriate, as determined by the parent and IFSP Team, only when early 
intervention cannot be achieved satisfactorily for the infant or 
toddler in the natural environment.
    Section 636(d)(5) of the Act, which is reflected in Sec.  
303.344(d)(1)(ii) and which requires that an IFSP contain a statement 
of the natural environments in which early intervention services will 
be provided appropriately, including a justification of the extent, if 
any, to which the services will not be provided in the natural 
environment. Section 632(4)(G) of the Act provides that natural 
environments may include home and community settings. However, the 
reference to community settings was not included in the proposed 
regulations. We have added a reference to ``community settings'' in 
Sec.  303.26 to ensure greater conformity with the statutory language, 
to address commenters' concerns, and to clarify that the term natural 
environments includes not only the home but community settings in which 
one finds same-aged children who do not have disabilities (diagnosed 
conditions, developmental delays, or, at the State's option, at-risk 
children).
    The term ``normal'' was introduced into the regulations 
implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments 
of 1991 and at that time, ``normal'' was commonly used and accepted. 
However, we agree with commenters that ``normal'' is less commonly used 
today and have replaced the word ``normal'' with the word ``typical'' 
in the definition of natural environments in Sec.  303.26.
    Concerning commenters' requests to add a list of settings or 
examples of community settings, it would not be appropriate or 
practicable to include a list of every setting that may be the natural 
environment for a particular child or those settings that may not be 
natural environments in these

[[Page 60158]]

regulations.\1\ In some circumstances, a setting that is natural for 
one eligible child based on that child's outcomes, family routines, or 
the nature of the service may not be natural for another child. As 
further discussed in Sec.  303.344(d)(1) of the Analysis of Comments 
and Changes for subpart D, the decision about whether an environment is 
the natural environment is an individualized decision made by an 
infant's or toddler's IFSP Team, which includes the parent. 
Additionally, a variety of community settings exist that may be natural 
environments, and we do not wish to limit the types of service settings 
that the IFSP Team may consider appropriate. Thus, we have not added a 
list of settings or specific community-based settings as requested by 
commenters.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Lead agencies currently provide data on service settings 
under Information Collection 1820-0578. Examples of community 
settings identified in response to this information collection 
include: child care centers (including family day care), preschools, 
regular nursery schools, early childhood centers, libraries, grocery 
stores, parks, restaurants, and community centers (e.g., YMCA, Boys 
and Girls Clubs).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We appreciate the commenters' requests for clarification as to 
whether clinics, hospitals, or a service provider's office may be 
considered the natural environment in cases when specialized 
instrumentation or equipment that cannot be transported to the home is 
needed. Natural environments mean settings that are natural or typical 
for an infant or toddler without a disability. Section 635(a)(16) of 
the Act and Sec.  303.126 require services be provided, to the maximum 
extent appropriate, to infants and toddlers with disabilities in 
natural environments (including the home and community settings). We do 
not believe that a clinic, hospital or service provider's office is a 
natural environment for an infant or toddler without a disability; 
therefore, such a setting would not be natural for an infant or toddler 
with a disability.
    However, Sec.  303.344(d)(1) requires that the identification of 
the early intervention service needed, as well as the appropriate 
setting for providing each service to an infant or toddler with a 
disability, be individualized decisions made by the IFSP Team based on 
that child's unique needs, family routines, and developmental outcomes. 
If a determination is made by the IFSP Team that, based on a review of 
all relevant information regarding the unique needs of the child, the 
child cannot satisfactorily achieve the identified early intervention 
outcomes in natural environments, then services could be provided in 
another environment (e.g. clinic, hospital, service provider's office). 
In such cases, a justification must be included in the IFSP, pursuant 
to Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(ii)(A).
    Concerning the comment to add a reference to family routines and 
activities to the definition of natural environments, Sec.  303.26 
allows for and supports providing services within family routines and 
activities.
    Changes: We have added in the definition of natural environments in 
Sec.  303.26 the phrase ``or community settings'' after ``home'' and 
the phrase ``same-aged'' before the phrase ``infant or toddler without 
a disability.'' We also have replaced the reference to ``normal'' with 
``typical.''
Parent (Sec.  303.27)
    Comment: While a few commenters supported the changes to the 
definition of parent, a majority of commenters did not support the 
proposed changes and recommended that the definition of parent in Sec.  
303.27 be amended. One commenter requested that ``non-relative 
caregivers'' be included in the definition of parent.
    Discussion: The definition of parent in Sec.  303.27 reflects 
section 602(23) of the Act and is consistent with the definition of 
parent in 34 CFR 300.30 of the part B regulations. Adding ``non-
relative caregivers'' to these regulations is not necessary because 
when the child lives with a non-relative caregiver, that individual is 
considered a parent under the provisions in Sec.  303.27(a)(4). 
Further, including non-relative caregivers with whom the child does not 
reside in the definition of parent would not be consistent with section 
602(23)(c) of the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters suggested that the definition of parent 
include a specific reference to foster child, in addition to the 
current reference to ward of the State.
    Discussion: The definition of ward of the State in Sec.  303.37 
includes foster children. Therefore, adding ``foster child'' to ``ward 
of the State'' in the definition of parent would be redundant.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the Department clarify the 
definition of parent to provide that foster parents, absent custody or 
other legal right, do not have the right to consent to or deny early 
intervention services. Another commenter requested clarification 
concerning the role of the foster parent when the biological parent is 
available, as well as when the whereabouts of the biological parent are 
unknown or when the biological parent is incarcerated. The commenter 
also requested guidance on how assertively the State should seek out 
the biological parent to obtain consent.
    Discussion: Section 602(23) of the Act provides that a foster 
parent may act as the parent for the purposes of part C of the Act, 
unless the foster parent is prohibited from acting as the parent by 
State law. Thus, it would be inconsistent with the Act to require that 
a foster parent have custody of the child, or other legal right, to act 
on the child's behalf in matters of early intervention services if, 
under State law, the foster parent is not precluded from serving as the 
parent for that child.
    When more than one individual seeks to act as the parent, Sec.  
303.27 provides that the biological parent attempting to act as the 
parent is presumed to be the parent unless that person does not have 
legal authority to make decisions for the infant or toddler concerning 
early intervention service matters, or there is a judicial order or 
decree specifying another individual to act as the parent under part C 
of the Act. Thus, when the whereabouts of the biological parent are 
unknown (e.g., cases in which the parent is concerned about revealing 
his or her location due to safety concerns) or the biological parent is 
incarcerated, but the parent is attempting to act as the parent, the 
biological parent would be presumed to be the parent. However, when the 
whereabouts of the biological parent are unknown or the parent is 
incarcerated, and the biological parent is not attempting to act as the 
parent, an individual identified in Sec.  303.27, including the foster 
parent would be presumed to be the parent unless State law, 
regulations, or contractual obligations with a State or local entity 
prohibit a foster parent from acting as a parent.
    The Act and the regulations are silent on how assertively a State, 
for purposes of obtaining consent, should seek out the biological 
parent of an infant or toddler who is undergoing an eligibility 
determination or who has been determined eligible to receive early 
intervention services under part C of the Act. It is the Department's 
position that these regulations should not prescribe the efforts, 
including specific procedures or timelines, that a State must make in 
its attempts to contact the biological parent(s). The procedures and 
timelines will vary depending on numerous factors, including how 
judicial orders or decrees are routinely handled in a State or 
locality, and are best left to the State and local officials

[[Page 60159]]

to determine in light of State law and policy.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters asked that we clarify the phrase ``when 
attempting to act as the parent'' as used in Sec.  303.27(b)(1) to 
describe the situation when a biological or adoptive parent attempts to 
act as the parent and more than one party is qualified under the 
regulations to act as a parent. One commenter noted that keeping the 
biological parent involved in decisions concerning the child is always 
important because the child may return to the care of the biological 
parent.
    A few commenters suggested that the determination of whether a 
parent is ``attempting to act'' as the parent must be based on a 
comprehensive assessment of whether the parent is attempting to perform 
her or his role as a participant and decision-maker in the early 
intervention process and not on whether a parent misses a meeting. One 
commenter requested that the phrase ``attempting to act as a parent'' 
be deleted if specific clarification is not offered. Another commenter 
raised concerns that lead agencies will misinterpret this paragraph to 
mean that biological or adoptive parents must affirmatively assert 
their rights or take action in order to be presumed to be the parent 
for the purposes of this section. Another commenter requested that the 
regulations reinforce the affirmative obligation under these 
regulations to provide notice to, and accommodate the schedules of, 
biological and adoptive parents when scheduling IFSP meetings.
    Discussion: Section 303.27(b) was added to assist lead agencies and 
EIS providers in determining the appropriate individuals who may act as 
a ``parent'' under part C of the Act in those difficult situations when 
more than one individual is attempting to act as a parent under these 
regulations. This definition recognizes that the biological or adoptive 
parent is presumed to be the parent for purposes of making decisions 
for a child unless those rights have been legally terminated or 
modified.
    The phrase ``attempting to act as a parent'' refers to situations 
when an individual attempts to assume the rights and responsibilities 
of a parent under the Act and these regulations. An individual may 
``attempt to act as a parent'' under the Act in many situations, such 
as providing consent for an evaluation and assessment, attending an 
IFSP Team meeting, and filing a complaint. Identifying all of the 
circumstances under which an individual may ``attempt to act as a 
parent'' would be difficult and is unnecessary.
    The biological or adoptive parent would be presumed to be the 
parent under these regulations, unless a question is raised about their 
legal authority. There is nothing in the Act that requires the 
biological or adoptive parent to affirmatively assert their rights to 
be presumed to be the parent.
    Pursuant to Sec.  303.27(b), unless a judicial order or decree 
identifies a specific person or persons to act as the parent of an 
infant or toddler, the biological or adoptive parent, when attempting 
to act as a parent, must be determined to be the ``parent'' for 
purposes of part C of the Act and thus retains all the rights and 
responsibilities of a parent under the Act, including the right to 
receive written notice and attend meetings.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department remove the 
reference to ``health'' decisions in proposed Sec.  303.27(b)(1) and 
(b)(2), regarding individuals that may act as the parent of an infant 
or toddler with a disability for purposes of making health, 
educational, or early intervention services decisions for the child. 
The commenter stated that decisions concerning a child's health could 
cover a broad range of issues and a judicial decision to appoint a 
decision-maker to make health decisions for an eligible infant or 
toddler in place of the child's biological or adoptive parent should 
not necessarily have an impact on a biological or adoptive parent's 
authority to make early intervention and educational decisions.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that a judge may appoint a 
person to make health-related decisions for an eligible infant or 
toddler without intending to limit the biological parent's or adoptive 
parent's role in early intervention decision-making. Therefore, we have 
revised paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) to remove the reference to 
``health'' decisions.
    Changes: We have removed the word ``health'' from Sec.  
303.27(b)(1) and (b)(2).
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the Department clarify that 
a judicial appointment of a parent for the purposes of part C of the 
Act may be a temporary or permanent appointment.
    Discussion: The length of a judicial appointment of a parent for 
the purposes of part C of the Act is at the discretion of the judge 
issuing the appointment, is subject to State law, and is often decided 
on a case-by-case basis. State law or the judge issuing the appointment 
would determine whether an appointment is temporary or permanent and 
the length of any appointment. Therefore, we have not revised the 
definition as requested.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: For clarity and to eliminate redundancy, we have 
revised the definition of parent in Sec.  303.27(b)(2) to state that if 
an EIS provider or a public agency provides any services to a child or 
any family member of that child, that EIS provider or public agency may 
not act as the parent for that child. We have replaced ``early 
intervention services or other services'' in proposed Sec.  
303.27(b)(2) with ``any services'' in new Sec.  303.27(b)(2). This 
change is necessary to make clear that if a public agency provides 
services other than early intervention services to a family member of 
the child, that public agency may not serve as the parent for that 
child.
    This change strengthens protections against potential conflicts of 
interest by providing that a public agency that provides services to a 
child or any family member of that child cannot act as the parent under 
these regulations.
    Changes: We have replaced in Sec.  303.27(b)(2) the phrase ``an EIS 
provider or public agency that provides early intervention or other 
services to a child or any family member of that child may not act as 
the parent'' with ``if an EIS provider or a public agency provides any 
services to a child or any family member of that child, that EIS 
provider or public agency may not act as the parent for that child.''
    Comment: Some commenters requested that the phrase ``other 
services'' as used in proposed Sec.  303.27(b)(2) be replaced with 
``child welfare services.'' Another commenter asked if law guardians 
and child welfare case managers appointed by a judge would meet the 
definition of parent because neither ``law guardian'' nor ``child 
welfare case manager'' meets the definition of public agency in Sec.  
303.30. One commenter requested that private agencies be added to the 
list of entities that are excluded from acting as a parent in Sec.  
303.27(b)(2) because private agencies should not have the option to 
serve in the place of a parent.
    Discussion: As discussed previously, we have revised the definition 
of parent to state that if an EIS provider or a public agency provides 
any services to a child or any family member of that child, that EIS 
provider or public agency may not act as the parent for that child, 
which would preclude a public agency that provides child welfare 
services (including a child welfare case manager) to the child or any 
family member of the

[[Page 60160]]

child from acting as the parent for that child.
    The meaning of the term ``law guardians'' referred to in the 
comments is unclear. However, a guardian with a limited appointment 
that does not authorize the guardian to act as a parent of the child 
generally, or does not authorize the guardian to make early 
intervention services decisions for the child, is not a parent within 
the meaning of these regulations. The legal authority that the judicial 
order grants to the individual is the controlling factor, not the term 
used to identify that individual. Whether a person appointed as a 
financial guardian, guardian ad litem, or other guardian (e.g., a law 
guardian) has the requisite authority to be considered a parent under 
this section depends on State law and the nature of the person's 
appointment.
    Adding a reference to private agencies in Sec.  303.27(b)(2), 
regarding entities that are prohibited from acting as a parent, is 
unnecessary because the language in Sec.  303.27(b)(2) expressly 
references an EIS provider and the definition of EIS provider in Sec.  
303.12 includes any entity, whether public, private, or non-profit, or 
an individual that provides early intervention services under part C of 
the Act, whether or not that entity receives Federal funds under part C 
of the Act. Therefore, a private agency that provides early 
intervention services to a child cannot serve as the parent for that 
child.
    Changes: None.
Parent Training and Information Center (Sec.  303.28)
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding language to this 
definition to require that the parent training and information centers 
provide training that is targeted to all family members.
    Discussion: Making the change suggested by the commenter is not 
appropriate because Sec.  303.28 defines parent training and 
information centers solely by reference to sections 671 and 672 of the 
Act, which provide the substantive definitions of parent training and 
information centers and community parent resource centers and identify 
the responsibilities and activities of these centers. We cannot include 
in these regulations changes that would alter the statutory 
requirements for these centers under the Act.
    Changes: None.
Personally Identifiable Information (Sec.  303.29)
    Comment: Some commenters requested clarification of the 
confidentiality provisions. One commenter requested that the 
information protected under the part C confidentiality provisions align 
with the information that is protected under FERPA.
    Discussion: We agree it is important to align the definition of 
personally identifiable information in these regulations with the 
definition of that same term in 34 CFR 99.3 under the Family 
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (in section 444 of the 
General Education Provisions Act). Examples of data that would be 
considered personally identifiable information under both the FERPA 
regulations in 34 CFR 99.3, as well as under part C of the Act, include 
the child's or parent's name and social security number, date and place 
of birth, race, ethnicity, gender, physical description, and disability 
or level of developmental delay, because some of this information can 
also indirectly identify an individual depending on the combination of 
factors and level of detail released.
    The definition of personally identifiable information in 34 CFR 
99.3 was the subject of the Department's December 9, 2008 Final 
Regulations under FERPA in the Federal Register (73 FR 74805). Given 
that the confidentiality provisions in Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 
303.417 reference other specific FERPA provisions, we believe it is 
appropriate to add in Sec.  303.29 a cross-reference to the FERPA 
definition, as amended, rather than separately revising the definition 
in these regulations. Thus, we adopt by reference in Sec.  303.29, with 
appropriate modifications, the FERPA definition in Sec.  99.3, as 
amended.
    Changes: We have revised the definition of personally identifiable 
information in Sec.  303.29 to cross-reference the definition in 34 CFR 
99.3, as amended, except that the terms ``student'' and ``school'' mean 
``child'' and ``EIS providers'' respectively as used in this part.
Public Agency (Sec.  303.30)
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We use the term public agency in this part to refer to 
public agencies that provide early intervention services as well as 
public agencies that provide other services or are sources of funding 
for early intervention services. Therefore, we have revised the 
definition of public agency in Sec.  303.30 to make clear that the term 
includes the lead agency and any other agency or political subdivision 
of the State. We also have clarified, in Sec.  303.12, that a public 
agency that is responsible for providing early intervention services to 
infants and toddlers with disabilities under this part and their 
families is an EIS provider under Sec.  303.12.
    Changes: We have removed the phrase ``that is responsible for 
providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers with 
disabilities under this part and their families'' from Sec.  303.30.
Qualified Personnel (Sec.  303.31)
    Comment: One commenter requested that the word ``area'' in the 
definition of qualified personnel in Sec.  303.31 be changed to ``type 
of early intervention services.'' The commenter expressed concern that 
an individual could provide services in the ``area'' of occupational 
therapy, but not be a licensed or qualified occupational therapist. 
Another commenter requested clarification of the role of qualified 
personnel in conducting evaluations.
    Discussion: States have the authority to establish standards for 
licensure or certification and to determine on a case-by-case basis 
personnel who meet those standards. Therefore, an individual could only 
provide services in the area of occupational therapy if that individual 
meets State approved or recognized certification, licensing, 
registration or other comparable requirements that apply to the area in 
which the individual is providing early intervention services. 
Paraprofessionals or assistants could assist in the provision of 
occupational therapy if they are appropriately trained and supervised 
in accordance with State law, regulation, or written policy to assist 
in the provision of early intervention services under part C of the Act 
to infants and toddlers with disabilities pursuant to Sec.  303.119(c).
    The term ``area'' as used in Sec.  303.31 refers to the specific 
domain in which the individual has qualified through State 
certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable 
requirements to provide early intervention services. Thus, revising 
Sec.  303.31 as suggested by this commenter is not necessary.
    We agree with the commenter's request to clarify the role of 
qualified personnel in conducting evaluations. Thus, we have added in 
Sec.  303.31 a reference to conducting evaluations or assessments to 
reflect the long-standing requirement in current Sec.  303.322 and new 
Sec.  303.321 (proposed Sec.  303.320) that evaluations and assessments 
must be conducted by qualified personnel.
    Changes: We have added ``conducting evaluations or assessments or'' 
before ``providing early intervention services.''

[[Page 60161]]

Scientifically Based Research (Sec.  303.32)
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We determined that adding a definition for 
scientifically based research to subpart A would be helpful because the 
definition will provide clarity and understanding when the term 
scientifically based research is used in this part. Thus, we have added 
the defined term scientifically based research and provided that the 
term has the same meaning as in section 9101(37) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). When applying this 
definition to the regulations under part C of the Act, any reference to 
``education activities and programs'' refers to ``early intervention 
services.''
    Change: A cross-reference to the definition of scientifically based 
research in section 9101(37) of the ESEA has been added as new Sec.  
303.32. Subsequent definitions have been renumbered accordingly.
Service Coordination Services (Case Management) (Proposed Sec.  303.33) 
(New Sec.  303.34)
    Comment: Numerous commenters expressed a need for clarification of 
this section. A substantial number of commenters stated that the 
regulations should have included the language from the definition of 
service coordination (case management) in current Sec.  
303.23(a)(2)(ii), which provides that the service coordinator is 
responsible for ``serving as the single point of contact in helping 
parents to obtain the services and assistance they need.'' The 
commenters suggested that only requiring the service coordinator to 
assist parents in ``gaining access to * * * services,'' in proposed 
Sec.  303.33(a)(2), would decrease the level of assistance and limit 
the types of services that families will receive.
    Discussion: We agree that the proposed language and structure of 
this section may cause confusion and, therefore, we have made several 
structural and organizational revisions to improve clarity and 
readability. Additionally, while the proposed language in this section 
was not meant to limit or decrease the level of assistance that a 
service coordinator would provide to an infant or toddler with a 
disability and his or her family, we recognize that removing the phrase 
``serving as the single point of contact in helping parents to obtain 
the services and assistance they need'' from the regulations has caused 
concern and confusion. Therefore, we have clarified in these final 
regulations that the service coordinator is responsible for assisting 
parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities in obtaining access 
to needed early intervention services and other services identified in 
the IFSP. Additionally, for clarity, we have provided examples of 
activities that the service coordinator may engage in when assisting 
parents in obtaining access to needed early intervention services and 
other services identified in the IFSP.
    We have further clarified that service coordination services assist 
and enable an infant or toddler with a disability and the child's 
family to receive the services and rights, including procedural 
safeguards, required under part C of the Act. Such activities include: 
(1) The coordination of early intervention services and other services 
that the child needs or is being provided; (2) conducting referral and 
other activities; (3) ensuring the timely provision of services; and 
(4) conducting follow-up activities to determine that appropriate part 
C services are being provided.
    Changes: We have reorganized paragraph (a) of new Sec.  303.34 
(proposed Sec.  303.33(a)) as follows: Paragraph (a)(1) defines service 
coordination services; paragraph (a)(2) provides that each infant or 
toddler with a disability and the child's family must be provided a 
service coordinator and describes the responsibilities of the service 
coordinator; and paragraph (a)(3) describes the activities involved in 
service coordination. Section 303.34(b) (proposed Sec.  303.33(b)) has 
been revised to indicate in Sec.  303.34(b)(1) that service 
coordination services include assisting parents of infants and toddlers 
with disabilities in obtaining access to needed early intervention 
services and other services identified in the IFSP. Section 
303.34(b)(2) has been added to indicate that service coordination 
services include coordinating the provision of early intervention 
services and other services (such as educational, social, and medical 
services that are not provided for diagnostic or evaluative purposes) 
that the child needs or is being provided. We have modified Sec.  
303.34(b)(5) (proposed Sec.  303.33(b)(3)) to add the phrase 
``conducting referral and other activities'' as an example of 
activities that may assist families in identifying available EIS 
providers. We also have revised Sec.  303.34(b)(6) (proposed Sec.  
303.33(b)(4)) to add the phrase ``to ensure that the services are 
provided in a timely manner.'' Finally, we have added Sec.  
303.34(b)(7) to clarify that service coordination services also include 
conducting follow-up activities to determine that appropriate part C 
services are being provided.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concern that the proposed 
regulation was unclear about who could serve in the capacity of a 
service coordinator, and some commenters requested that the regulations 
specify exactly who may serve as a service coordinator. Other 
commenters expressed concern that the qualifications for service 
coordinators may have been eliminated. One commenter recommended 
modifying the definition to require that a service coordinator be 
selected from the profession most immediately relevant to the needs of 
the child or family.
    Discussion: Section 303.13(a)(7) requires that service coordination 
services must be provided by qualified personnel as defined in Sec.  
303.31. The definition of qualified personnel in Sec.  303.31 states 
that personnel are qualified if they meet State-approved or State-
recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable 
requirements that apply to the area in which the individuals are 
providing early intervention services. Additionally, Sec.  303.344(g), 
which provides that an IFSP contain information about the service 
coordinator, requires that the service coordinator be selected from the 
profession most immediately relevant to the child's or family's needs 
or be a person who is otherwise qualified to carry out all applicable 
responsibilities under part C of the Act. Thus, repeating these 
criteria in new Sec.  303.34 (proposed Sec.  303.33) is not necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters suggested that the regulations could be 
read to require parents to coordinate early intervention services. Two 
commenters expressed concern that, as proposed, the regulation could be 
read to mean that more than one person may fill the role of a service 
coordinator for a particular infant or toddler and, thereby compromise 
consistency and quality of services.
    Discussion: Nothing in these regulations requires a parent to 
coordinate early intervention services. Section 303.34(a)(2)(i) 
(proposed Sec.  303.33(a)(3)) specifies that the service coordinator, 
or case manager, is responsible for coordinating all services required 
under part 303 across agency lines. Section 303.34(a)(2)(ii) (proposed 
Sec.  303.33(a)(3)) stipulates that a service coordinator, or case 
manager, serves as the single point of contact for the family. This 
provision means that only one person may serve as the service 
coordinator or case manager for a particular family at a given time. 
However, the regulations do not

[[Page 60162]]

prohibit more than one person from serving as the service coordinator 
or case manager over the entire period that the eligible infant or 
toddler is receiving early intervention services under part C of the 
Act, provided that only one service coordinator or case manager is 
assigned to an infant or toddler at a given time to ensure that parents 
and EIS providers for a particular child have a single point of 
contact.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify the 
statement in proposed Sec.  303.33(c) that the lead agency's or an EIS 
provider's use of the term service coordination or service coordination 
services does not preclude characterization of the services as case 
management or any other service that is covered by another payor of 
last resort.
    Discussion: The legislative history of the 1991 amendments to the 
Act indicates that use of the term ``service coordination'' is not 
intended to affect authority to seek reimbursement for services 
provided under Medicaid or any other legislation that makes reference 
to ``case management'' services. See H.R. Rep. No. 198, 102d Cong., 1st 
Sess. 12 (1991); S. Rep. No. 84, 102d Cong., 1st Sess. 20 (1991). 
Accordingly, this paragraph is intended to reflect the intent of 
Congress. For the same reason, we added the parenthetical reference to 
case management in the title of this section.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the definition of service 
coordination services (case management) be amended to include those 
services that are not directly early intervention services, but that 
are essential to the well-being of the child and the family, in 
accordance with Sec.  303.344(e). Section 303.344(e) provides that a 
child's IFSP must identify medical and other services that the child or 
family member needs or is receiving through other sources, but that are 
neither required nor funded under part C of the Act.
    Discussion: The commenters' concern is addressed sufficiently by 
the requirements in new Sec.  303.34(a)(3)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.33(a)(2)), which provides that service coordination involves 
coordinating the other services identified in the IFSP under Sec.  
303.344(e) that are needed or are being provided to the infant or 
toddler with a disability and that child's family.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that proposed Sec.  
303.33(a)(2), which provides that a service coordinator or case manager 
must assist parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities to 
coordinate early intervention services and other services identified in 
the IFSP that are needed or are being provided to the infant or toddler 
with a disability, be revised to state that a service coordinator or 
case manager must coordinate early intervention and other services 
identified in the IFSP for ``other family members'' in addition to 
``parents.''
    Discussion: Including a reference to ``other family members'' in 
this section would be inconsistent with sections 636(e) and 639(a)(3) 
of the Act, which provide that a parent, and not ``other family 
members,'' has the authority to consent to the eligible child and 
family member's receipt of any early intervention services identified 
in the IFSP by the IFSP Team.
    Changes: None.

Subpart B--State Eligibility for a Grant and Requirements for a 
Statewide System

State Eligibility--Requirements for a Grant Under This Part (Sec.  
303.101)

    Comment: A few commenters recommended adding the phrase ``Native 
American'' before the words ``Indian infants and toddler'' in Sec.  
303.101(a)(1)(i). A few commenters suggested that in addition to 
referencing ``wards of the State,'' the regulations, including Sec.  
303.101(a)(1)(iii), should also refer to ``children in foster care.''
    Discussion: Section 303.101(a)(1)(i) provides that, as a grant 
condition, a State must assure that it has adopted a policy that 
appropriate early intervention services are available to all infants 
and toddlers with disabilities in the State and their families, 
including Indian infants and toddlers with disabilities and their 
families residing on a reservation geographically located in the State. 
Adding the phrase ``Native American'' before the words ``Indian infants 
and toddlers'' in Sec.  303.101(a)(1)(i) is not appropriate because the 
language in Sec.  303.101(a)(1)(i) reflects the language in section 
634(1) of the Act, which does not use the term ``Native American'' in 
referring to Indian infants and toddlers. Additionally, it is not 
appropriate to add the phrase ``Native American'' before the words 
``Indian infants and toddlers'' in Sec.  303.101(a)(1)(i) because the 
term Indian is specifically defined in section 602(12) of the Act and 
Sec.  303.19(a) of these regulations. Given that Indian is a defined 
term in these regulations, it could cause confusion to refer to 
``Native American'' Indian infants and toddlers in this section.
    Similarly, adding the phrase ``children in foster care'' each time 
the regulations refer to ``wards of the State'' is unnecessary because 
the definition of wards of the State in Sec.  303.37 makes clear that a 
foster child is a ward of the State unless that child has a foster 
parent who meets the definition of parent in Sec.  303.27. Therefore, 
adding the phrase ``children in foster care'' to Sec.  
303.101(a)(1)(iii) would be redundant.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To incorporate the long-standing requirement that 
States have in place policies and procedures that address each of the 
components of the part C statewide system, we have clarified in Sec.  
303.101(a)(2) that the State's application must include an assurance 
that the State has in effect policies and procedures that address each 
of the components required in Sec. Sec.  303.111 through 303.126.
    Changes: We have added to Sec.  303.101(a)(2) the words ``policies 
and procedures that address'' after the word ``including'' and before 
the words ``at a minimum.''
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Based on further review, we have determined that it is 
more appropriate to describe in subpart B--rather than subpart C--of 
these regulations the State's obligation to obtain prior Secretarial 
approval of those policies and procedures that are required to be 
submitted with the State's application. For this reason, we have moved 
proposed Sec.  303.208(b) to new Sec.  303.101(c), and further 
specified in Sec.  303.101(c), those policies and procedures that are 
required to be submitted as part of the State's application.
    Changes: We have added a new Sec.  303.101(c), based on proposed 
Sec.  303.208(b), to describe the State's obligation to obtain approval 
by the Secretary before implementing any policy or procedure that is 
required to be submitted as part of its application under Sec. Sec.  
303.203, 303.204, 303.206, 303.207, 303.208, 303.209, and 303.211.

Acquisition of Equipment and Construction or Alteration of Facilities 
(Sec.  303.104)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: The word ``Act'' was inadvertently omitted from the 
title ``Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines for 
Buildings and Facilities'' in Sec.  303.104(b)(1). We have revised this 
section to reflect the correct title of the guidelines.
    Changes: We have added the word ``Act'' following the words 
``Americans with Disabilities.''

[[Page 60163]]

Positive Efforts To Employ and Advance Qualified Individuals With 
Disabilities (Sec.  303.105)

    Comment: Some commenters requested that this section be amended to 
include positive efforts to employ and advance parents of individuals 
with disabilities because such efforts would benefit the part C system 
by encouraging parent leadership at all levels. A few commenters 
indicated general support for the language in this section, but 
requested that the regulations require States to report to the Office 
of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on their plan and efforts to 
employ qualified individuals with disabilities.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that positive efforts to 
employ and advance parents of individuals with disabilities would 
encourage parent participation in State part C programs. However, the 
language in Sec.  303.105 reflects the requirement in section 606 of 
the Act, concerning the employment and advancement of qualified 
individuals with disabilities themselves, and, therefore, we do not 
believe that it is appropriate to expand this requirement to include 
the parents of individuals with disabilities, as suggested by the 
commenters. Nothing in the Act precludes a State from making positive 
efforts to employ and advance in employment parents of individuals with 
disabilities if such a policy is consistent with State statute, 
regulation, and policy. Additionally, section 606 of the Act does not 
require that States report to OSEP on their efforts to employ and 
advance qualified individuals with disabilities. In carrying out its 
monitoring function, OSEP may review, as appropriate, State plans and 
efforts to employ and advance qualified individuals with disabilities, 
but the Department's position is that it would not be useful to require 
States to report this information to OSEP because State hiring and 
retention plans and efforts vary based on the individual employment 
needs of each State as do the State laws, regulations, or written 
policies that govern the certification, licensing, and registration of 
qualified personnel providing early intervention services in each State 
part C program.
    Changes: None.

State Definition of Developmental Delay (Sec.  303.111)

    Comment: Some commenters strongly supported the flexibility 
afforded States through the regulatory language in Sec.  303.111, 
regarding a State's definition of developmental delay. Other commenters 
requested that the Department define the term ``rigorous'' in Sec.  
303.111. One commenter requested that the regulations clarify that a 
``rigorous'' definition of developmental delay does not necessarily 
mean that States must change their definitions to make them more 
rigorous than they were before the enactment of the 2004 amendments to 
the Act. The same commenter expressed concern that any definition of 
developmental delay under Sec.  303.111 would exclude certain children 
who are eligible under the State's existing definition of developmental 
delay.
    Another commenter suggested that Sec.  303.111 be amended to 
include ``children'' with delays, and not only ``infants and 
toddlers,'' because of a State's option to make part C services 
available to children ages three and older pursuant to Sec.  303.211.
    Discussion: The definition of developmental delay in Sec.  303.111, 
which is aligned with section 635(a)(1) of the Act, replaces the 
definition of developmental delay in current Sec. Sec.  303.161 and 
303.300. Consistent with Sec.  303.203(c), a State's definition of 
developmental delay is considered to be rigorous under part C of the 
Act if the definition meets the requirements in Sec.  303.111(a) and 
(b), and, was established in accordance with the public participation 
requirements in new Sec.  303.208(b).
    As required in Sec.  303.111, a State's definition of developmental 
delay must include: (1) Consistent with Sec.  303.321, a description of 
the evaluation and assessment procedures that will be used to measure a 
child's development; and (2) a description of the specific level of 
developmental delay in functioning or other comparable criteria that 
constitute a developmental delay in one or more of the developmental 
areas identified in Sec.  303.21(a)(1). Additionally, in order to be 
``rigorous'', each State's definition of developmental delay must be 
established in accordance with the public participation requirements in 
new Sec.  303.208(b) to enable parents, EIS providers, Council members 
and other stakeholders and members of the public to comment on the 
State's definition. Section 303.111 does not require a State to revise, 
or preclude a State from using, its existing definition of 
developmental delay as long as the definition meets the requirements in 
Sec.  303.111 and was established in accordance with the public 
participation requirements that are set forth in new Sec.  303.208(b) 
after December 2004.
    We decline to replace the phrase ``infants and toddlers,'' as used 
in Sec.  303.111, with the term ``child,'' as one commenter requested, 
because this change is unnecessary. The definition of ``infant or 
toddler with a disability'' in Sec.  303.21(c) includes any child to 
whom the State elects to offer part C services under section 635(c) of 
the Act and Sec.  303.211.
    Changes: None.

Availability of Early Intervention Services (Sec.  303.112)

    Comment: Several commenters requested that specific terms in this 
section be defined or clarified. Many commenters requested that these 
regulations define the term ``scientifically based'' and that the 
definition of the term be aligned, similar to part B of the Act, with 
the definition in Title I of ESEA. A few commenters recommended 
replacing the phrase ``scientifically based'' with ``peer-reviewed'' 
(or vice versa) to provide for consistency throughout the regulations. 
One commenter requested that the Department clarify that 
``scientifically based research'' and ``peer-reviewed research'' are 
two distinct terms, that they cannot be used interchangeably, and that 
the terms apply to both lead agencies and IFSP Teams. Finally, one 
commenter requested that the regulations define the term 
``practicable.''
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters that the definitions of 
``scientifically based research'' under parts B and C of the Act should 
be aligned with and explicitly cross-reference the definition of 
``scientifically based research'' from section 9101(37) of the ESEA. We 
have added a cross-reference to this definition in new Sec.  303.32.
    We also agree that the term ``scientifically based research'' is 
not interchangeable with ``peer-reviewed research.'' The definition of 
scientifically based research is broader and includes the concept of 
peer-reviewed research. Peer-reviewed research generally refers to 
research that is reviewed by qualified and independent reviewers to 
ensure that the quality of the information meets the standards of the 
field before the research is published. However, there is no single 
definition of ``peer-reviewed research'' because the review process 
varies depending on the type of information being reviewed.
    We do not agree with the commenter, however, that the terms 
``scientifically based research'' and ``peer-reviewed research'' apply 
to both lead agencies and IFSP Teams because these terms are used in 
different sections of the regulations for different purposes.
    Use of the term ``scientifically based research'' in Sec.  303.112 
reflects the requirement in section 635(a)(2) of the

[[Page 60164]]

Act that a lead agency must include as a part of its part C statewide 
system a policy that ensures that appropriate early intervention 
services based on scientifically based research, to the extent 
practicable, are available to all infants and toddlers with 
disabilities and their families. The use of the term peer-reviewed 
research, on the other hand, reflects the requirement in section 
636(d)(4) of the Act, which provides that an IFSP must include a 
statement of the specific early intervention services, based on peer-
reviewed research (to the extent practicable), that are necessary to 
meet the unique needs of the child and the family to achieve the 
results or outcomes as required by these regulations. Finally, with 
regard to the comment requesting that the Department define the term 
``practicable'' in both Sec. Sec.  303.112 and 303.344(d)(1), it is the 
Department's position that this change is not necessary. In the context 
of these regulations, the term has its plain meaning (i.e., feasible 
and possible). As used in Sec.  303.112, ensuring that ``appropriate 
early intervention services are based on scientifically based research, 
to the extent practicable'' means that services and supports should be 
based on scientifically based research to the extent that it is 
feasible or possible, given the availability of scientifically based 
research concerning a particular early intervention service.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters suggested revising Sec.  303.112 to 
require States to ensure that early intervention services are not only 
available, but also accessible, to all infants and toddlers with 
disabilities and their families, including families in rural areas.
    Discussion: Section 303.112 reflects the language of, and 
requirements in, section 635(a)(2) of the Act that each part C 
statewide system must have in effect a State policy that ensures that 
appropriate early intervention services, based on scientifically based 
research, to the extent practicable, are available to all infants and 
toddlers with disabilities and their families, including Indian infants 
and toddlers with disabilities and their families residing on a 
reservation geographically located in the State, and infants and 
toddlers with disabilities who are homeless children and their 
families. Children living in rural areas are a historically 
underrepresented population and as stated in Sec.  303.1(d), one of the 
purposes of this program is to enhance the capacity of State and local 
agencies and service providers to identify, evaluate, and meet the 
needs of rural children. Additionally, under Sec.  303.227(a), States 
must ensure that policies and practices have been adopted to ensure 
that traditionally underserved groups, including minority, low-income, 
homeless, and rural families and children with disabilities who are 
wards of the State, are meaningfully involved in the planning and 
implementation of all the requirements of this part. Given these 
requirements, we expect that accessibility issues, such as 
transportation, that may be specific to these groups will be addressed 
by the lead agency.
    Lead agencies must comply with the requirements in Title II of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which apply to public 
entities (i.e., State and local governments), and the requirements in 
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), which 
apply to recipients of Federal financial assistance. Both Title II of 
the ADA and Section 504 prohibit discrimination on the basis of 
disability, including exclusion from participation in, and the denial 
of the benefits of, any program or activity of a lead agency. Both of 
these laws and their implementing regulations generally require 
appropriate auxiliary aids and services be made available where 
necessary to afford a qualified individual with a disability an equal 
opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, any program 
or activity conducted by a lead agency that receives a grant under part 
C of the Act. Thus, lead agencies are required to ensure that early 
intervention services are accessible under Title II of the ADA and 
Section 504, as appropriate. It would be redundant for the part C 
regulations to include these accessibility requirements.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that we specifically reference, 
in Sec.  303.112, children who have experienced or have been exposed to 
abuse, neglect, or family violence.
    Discussion: Section 303.112 of these regulations reflects the 
requirement in section 635(a)(2) of the Act that a State's system 
include a policy that ensures that early intervention services are 
available to all infants and toddlers with disabilities and their 
families, including Indian children with disabilities and their 
families residing on a reservation geographically located in the State 
and homeless children with disabilities and their families. We define 
the word including in Sec.  303.18 of subpart A of these regulations to 
mean that the items named are not all the possible items that are 
covered, whether like or unlike the ones named. The use of the term 
``including'' in Sec.  303.112 is meant to make clear that the list of 
groups (i.e., Indian children and homeless children) is not exhaustive. 
We also note that provisions regarding the identification of infants 
and toddlers with disabilities who have experienced or have been 
exposed to abuse, neglect, or family violence (and other subpopulations 
that were specifically added in the 2004 Amendments to the Act) are 
reflected in Sec.  303.302(c) of these regulations, which address the 
scope and coordination of the State's child find system. Thus, revising 
Sec.  303.112 to specifically identify additional subgroups of infants 
and toddlers with disabilities and their families is not necessary.
    Changes: None.

Evaluation, Assessment, and Nondiscriminatory Procedures (Sec.  
303.113)

    Comment: Two commenters recommended adding the word ``voluntary'' 
before ``family-directed identification of the needs of the family'' in 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section to clarify that the part C program is 
voluntary and that the assessment cannot take place unless and until 
parents agree to the assessment.
    Discussion: We agree that the family-directed identification of the 
needs of the family referenced in Sec.  303.113(a)(2) is voluntary on 
the part of the family. However, it is not necessary to revise Sec.  
303.113 because, in Sec.  303.113(b), we make clear that the family 
assessment must meet the requirements in Sec.  303.321. Section 
303.321(c)(2), in turn, provides that the family assessment must be 
voluntary on the part of the family. We decline to make the requested 
change because it would be redundant to repeat the family assessment 
requirements in Sec.  303.113.
    Changes: None.

Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) (Sec.  303.114)

    Comment: One commenter recommended adding the words ``and his/her 
family'' after the term ``disability'' in this section.
    Discussion: We agree that the IFSP is designed to address the needs 
of both the infant and toddler with a disability and the child's 
family. Accordingly, we have revised Sec.  303.114 to make clear that 
the State's system must provide an IFSP for each infant or toddler with 
a disability and the child's family in the State. Additionally, we have 
reworded Sec.  303.114, without changing the substantive meaning.
    Changes: We have (a) added the words ``and his or her family'' 
following the phrase ``each infant or toddler with a disability'' in 
Sec.  303.114, (b) replaced

[[Page 60165]]

the word ``include'' with the word ``ensure,'' and (c) clarified that 
the IFSP developed and implemented for a child must meet the 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.340 through 303.346 and include service 
coordination services.

Comprehensive Child Find System (Sec.  303.115)

    Comment: One commenter recommended that language be included in 
this section to explicitly require States to seek out and serve all 
infants and toddlers under the age of three, regardless of when they 
were referred to the lead agency for early intervention services. The 
commenter expressed the belief that many children referred to the part 
C program after age two are not served.
    Discussion: We do not believe that the requested change is 
appropriate or necessary because Sec.  303.115 provides that the 
State's comprehensive child find system must meet the requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  303.301 through 303.303. Section 303.302(b)(1) expressly 
requires a lead agency to ensure that all infants and toddlers with 
disabilities in the State who are eligible for services under part C of 
the Act are identified, located, and evaluated. Additionally, the 
definition of an infant or toddler with a disability in Sec.  303.21 
expressly includes any eligible child until that child reaches the age 
of three.
    Thus, even if a child is referred to the part C program after the 
age of two, the lead agency, with parental consent, must conduct an 
evaluation under Sec.  303.321 or provide the parent with notice (under 
Sec.  303.421(b)) explaining why an evaluation is not being conducted 
(i.e., the child is not suspected of having a disability). 
Additionally, if the parent consents to an evaluation, new Sec.  
303.310(b) requires that the initial evaluation and the initial 
assessment of the child and the initial IFSP meeting must be conducted 
within 45 days of the child's referral to the part C program. (However, 
as provided under Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(iii), if a child is referred less 
than 45 days prior to his or her third birthday, the lead agency is not 
required to evaluate the child; instead, if the child may be eligible 
for services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, with parental 
consent, is required to refer the child to the part B program.)
    Section 303.342(e) requires that when a child is determined 
eligible for part C services and the parent consents to the provision 
of part C services identified on the child's IFSP, the lead agency must 
ensure that those early intervention services are available and 
provided to the child.
    Changes: None.

Central Directory (Sec.  303.117)

    Comment: Some commenters objected to proposed Sec.  303.117, 
regarding the central directory being published on the lead agency's 
Web site because many families may not have access to a computer. The 
commenters recommended that we require lead agencies to disseminate 
printed central directories. Two of these commenters requested that we 
specify the means, other than through a Web site, by which lead 
agencies may disseminate the central directory. Another commenter 
stated that a Web-only directory could be easily updated and could 
provide greater access to all parents.
    A few commenters requested that the regulations require that 
material placed on the Web site be accessible to and usable by 
individuals with disabilities and for non-English speaking families. 
One commenter requested that the Department require that the central 
directory be made available in the main languages spoken in the State.
    Discussion: Section 303.117 specifies that each system's central 
directory must be accessible to the general public through publication 
on the lead agency's Web site and ``other appropriate means.'' This 
section does not permit the lead agency to make the central directory 
accessible and available only through its Web site. The lead agency 
must make the central directory available through other appropriate 
means.
    ``Other appropriate means'' may include providing printed copies of 
the central directory at locations, such as libraries, and offices of 
key primary referral sources. Given that needs vary from State to 
State, each State is in the best position to determine the additional, 
appropriate means that the lead agency will use to make its central 
directory accessible. Thus, it would not be constructive to include in 
Sec.  303.117 an exhaustive list of the methods a lead agency could use 
to make its central directory accessible to the general public.
    In response to commenters' concerns about the ability of 
individuals with disabilities to access the central directory, 
accessibility to the central directory requires not only the ability of 
the general public to obtain a copy of the directory, but also the 
ability to access the contents in the directory. Lead agencies must 
comply with the requirements in the ADA, which apply to public entities 
(i.e., State and local governments), and the requirements in Section 
504, which apply to recipients of Federal financial assistance. Both of 
these statutes and their implementing regulations generally require 
that communications with individuals with disabilities be as effective 
as communications with individuals without disabilities, and that 
appropriate auxiliary aids and services be made available where 
necessary to afford a qualified individual with a disability an equal 
opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, any program 
or activity conducted by a lead agency that receives a grant under part 
C of the Act. Further clarification in Sec.  303.117 is not necessary 
because the lead agency is already responsible in Sec.  303.117 for 
ensuring that the central directory is accessible and is also subject 
to the requirements of these other Federal laws.
    Regarding access to the central directory by non-English speaking 
families, recipients of Federal funds, including lead agencies, must 
take reasonable steps to ensure that persons of limited English 
proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to programs and activities 
funded by the Federal government under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 
of 1964 and implementing regulations (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq. and 34 
CFR 100.1 et seq.). Because the lead agency is responsible for ensuring 
that the central directory is accessible in Sec.  303.117 and such 
accessibility includes providing LEP persons with meaningful access 
under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, we decline to make the 
changes requested by the commenters.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department revise Sec.  
303.117 to include more guidance on the actual contents of the central 
directory. A few commenters recommended that lead agencies be required 
to update the central directory at least annually.
    Discussion: Section 635(a)(7) of the Act requires that the central 
directory include information on early intervention services, 
resources, and experts available in the State and research and 
demonstration projects being conducted in the State. To the extent 
consistent with this statutory requirement, Sec.  303.117 provides more 
detail on the information that must be included in the directory. 
Section 303.117 requires the central directory to include information 
about: public and private early intervention services, resources, and 
experts available in the State; professional and other groups that 
provide assistance to infants and toddlers with disabilities eligible 
under part C of the Act and their families; and research and 
demonstration projects being conducted in the State relating to

[[Page 60166]]

infants and toddlers with disabilities. Section 303.117 identifies the 
minimal information that the directory must include for the directory 
to be useful to the general public. Nothing in the Act or these 
regulations prohibits a State from including other relevant information 
that it deems appropriate.
    Section 303.117 requires that the central directory contain 
accurate and up-to-date information. To comply with the requirement 
that the information be accurate and up-to-date, States likely may 
update their central directories more often than annually. Thus, 
including a requirement that the directory be updated at least annually 
might be interpreted as setting a lower standard than the requirement 
in Sec.  303.117 that States maintain an accurate and up-to-date 
directory.
    Changes: None.

Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) (Sec.  303.118)

    Comment: Some commenters requested that this section require a 
State's CSPD to include training that is targeted to particular groups 
of service providers or training on techniques and services that 
address the specific needs of particular groups of infants and 
toddlers. For example, one commenter requested that the CSPD provide 
training specific to serving children who are homeless and children who 
have been exposed to, or have experienced, violence or trauma. Another 
commenter requested that training for occupational therapists be 
explicitly included. Other commenters requested that the regulations 
require that all training available under the CSPD be mandatory.
    Discussion: The requirements for a CSPD in Sec.  303.118 
incorporate the requirements in section 635(a)(8) of the Act. With 
respect to the request that a State's CSPD specifically require 
training that is targeted to address the early intervention service 
needs of infants and toddlers with disabilities who are homeless or who 
have been exposed to or experienced violence or trauma, we do not 
believe that it is appropriate for the Department to require that a 
State's CSPD mandate particular types of training or training targeted 
to specific populations. Each State is in the best position to evaluate 
the training needs of personnel providing early intervention services 
in that State and to design the CSPD to meet those needs. Similarly, it 
is the Department's position that it is not necessary to list in the 
regulations occupational therapy or other specific fields in which 
training must be provided, particularly given that Sec.  303.13(a)(7) 
requires that qualified personnel provide all early intervention 
services, including occupational therapy. Moreover, Sec.  303.119(a), 
which requires that a State's system include policies and procedures 
relating to the establishment and maintenance of qualification 
standards to ensure that personnel are appropriately and adequately 
prepared and trained, is sufficiently broad to ensure that each State 
will address, as appropriate, the needs of its specific subpopulations 
and identify any providers or personnel that may need more specific 
training.
    We disagree that the regulations should require a State's CSPD to 
mandate all training, including the training described in Sec.  
303.118(b). As noted in the preceding paragraph, we want to provide 
each State with flexibility to create a CSPD with the appropriate 
components to meet that State's unique training and personnel 
development needs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that lead agencies do not have 
authority over higher education systems and curriculum and recommended 
that Sec.  303.118 be revised to only require that the lead agency make 
efforts to work with higher education systems and other training 
providers, including national associations, to ensure that training 
programs have adequate space and an updated curriculum to train the 
necessary early intervention services personnel.
    Discussion: Section 303.118 does not imply that lead agencies have 
authority over institutions of higher education (IHEs) and IHE 
curricula. Nothing in Sec.  303.118 prescribes IHE curricula; rather, 
Sec.  303.118(a)(2) requires only that a CSPD promote the preparation 
of EIS providers who are fully and appropriately qualified to provide 
early intervention services under part C of the Act. For this reason, 
we do not believe that the requested change is necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters suggested that the Department retain the 
language from current Sec.  303.360(b)(4)(iii), which requires the CSPD 
to include training related to assisting families in enhancing the 
development of their children, and in participating fully in the 
development and implementation of IFSPs. The commenters stated that, if 
such training is included in the regulations, it should be required and 
not optional. One commenter recommended that this section include 
training for parents concerning their rights, identifying functional 
outcomes, and IFSP processes.
    Discussion: The 2004 amendments of the Act revised section 
635(a)(8) of the Act to mandate that each State's CSPD include three 
specific personnel training components. In the NPRM, we added as an 
optional training component in Sec.  303.118(b)(3) the training of 
personnel to support families in participating fully in the development 
and implementation of the child's IFSP because it was important to 
retain this component from current Sec.  303.360(b)(4)(iii). However, 
we recognize that the Act identifies only three mandatory components 
and believe that States should have the flexibility to identify 
appropriate personnel training components of their CSPD. In reviewing 
the introduction and paragraph (a) of this section, we have made 
additional edits for clarification that are not substantive.
    Changes: We have made technical edits to the introductory paragraph 
and paragraph (a)(1) of this section to clarify the subject of the 
training in the CSPD and to clarify that the items listed in this 
paragraph are training requirements.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: In the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 
2007 (Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq.), Congress authorized the 
Governor of each State to designate or establish a State Advisory 
Council on Early Childhood Education and Care for children from birth 
to school entry (referred to as the State Advisory Council). The 
overall responsibility of each State Advisory Council on Early 
Childhood Education and Care is to lead the development or enhancement 
of a high-quality, comprehensive system of early childhood development 
and care that ensures statewide coordination and collaboration among 
the wide range of early childhood programs and services in the State, 
including child care, Head Start, the IDEA programs (including the IDEA 
program under part C of the Act, and the preschool program under 
section 619 of part B of the Act), and pre-kindergarten programs and 
services. Under the Head Start Act, the State Advisory Council is 
required to conduct periodic statewide needs assessments on the quality 
and availability of programs and services for children from birth to 
school entry, identify opportunities for and barriers to coordination 
and collaboration among existing Federal and State-funded early 
childhood programs, and develop recommendations for a statewide 
professional development system and career ladder for early childhood 
educators and high-quality State early learning standards.

[[Page 60167]]

    Another activity of the State Advisory Council under the Head Start 
Act is to assess the capacity and effectiveness of institutions of 
higher education in the State to support the development of early 
childhood educators. The Department strongly encourages lead agencies 
to assist the State Advisory Council in strengthening State-level 
coordination and collaboration among the various sectors and settings 
of early childhood programs in the State to support professional 
development, recruitment, and retention initiatives for early childhood 
educators. Regarding personnel standards, nothing would prevent a State 
from adopting or recommending more rigorous personnel standards under 
part C than those developed or recommended by the State Advisory 
Council.
    Because this requirement regarding State Advisory Councils on Early 
Childhood Education and Care was established after the proposed part C 
regulations were published, in final Sec.  303.118 we have added 
coordination with these State Advisory Councils as an authorized 
activity of the CSPD. This change will not impose an additional burden 
on the CSPD because it is an optional duty under Sec.  303.118(b) and 
not a required duty under Sec.  303.118(a).
    Changes: New Sec.  303.118(b)(4) has been added to allow the CSPD 
to include training personnel who provide services under this part, 
using standards that are consistent with early learning personnel 
development standards funded under the State Advisory Council on Early 
Childhood Education and Care established under the Head Start Act, if 
applicable.

Personnel Standards (Sec.  303.119)

    Comment: Some commenters disagreed with our proposal to remove the 
provision in current Sec.  303.361(a)(2), which requires State 
education personnel standards to meet the highest requirement for a 
profession or discipline. The commenters asserted that the removal of 
this provision, while perhaps deemed necessary to alleviate an 
immediate personnel shortage crisis and serve children who are 
currently eligible, could undermine the quality of early intervention 
programs. The commenters expressed concern that not requiring State 
education personnel standards to meet the highest requirement for a 
profession or discipline will promote a two-tiered system in which 
infants and toddlers with disabilities served in natural settings 
receive services provided by personnel who are less qualified than 
personnel providing services in other settings, such as hospitals and 
private clinics. One commenter recommended that the Department revise 
this section to require lead agencies to ensure that early intervention 
services providers who deliver services in their discipline or 
profession have not had certification or licensure requirements waived 
on an emergency, temporary, or provisional basis.
    Discussion: Section 303.119, which is consistent with section 
635(a)(9) of the Act, does not contain the provision in current Sec.  
303.361(a)(2), requiring State EIS personnel standards to be based on 
the highest State requirement for a profession or discipline, because 
this requirement was removed from section 635(a)(9) in the 2004 
amendments to the Act.
    Section 303.119(b) requires that all qualification standards for 
EIS providers under part C of the Act must meet State-approved or 
State-recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other 
comparable requirements that apply to the profession, discipline, or 
area those personnel are providing early intervention services. This 
requirement applies equally to EIS providers regardless of the setting 
in which they provide part C services.
    Concerning the comment requesting that the Department prohibit EIS 
providers from providing services if their certification or licensure 
requirements are waived on an emergency, temporary, or provisional 
basis, nothing in the Act prohibits early intervention service 
providers from receiving a waiver or other type of emergency credential 
to provide early intervention services so long as the provision of 
early intervention services by such providers is consistent with State 
law, regulation, or other policy governing certification and licensure. 
Under section 635(b) of the Act, a State may adopt a policy that 
includes making ongoing good-faith efforts to recruit and hire 
appropriately and adequately trained personnel to provide early 
intervention services to infants and toddlers, including, in a 
geographic area of the State where there is a shortage of such 
personnel, the most qualified individuals available who are making 
satisfactory progress toward completing applicable course work 
necessary to meet the standards previously described.
    Changes: None.

Qualification Standards (Sec.  303.119(b))

    Comment: One commenter recommended that the Department revise this 
section to require that qualification standards be consistent with 
professional scope of practice provisions in State practice laws (i.e., 
State statutes that govern the practices of specific professions).
    Discussion: Section 303.119 requires the State to establish and 
maintain qualification standards that are consistent with State-
approved professional standards. To maintain State flexibility in 
updating State qualification standards for part C personnel, we will 
continue to require that these standards be consistent with the 
requirements of any State-approved or State-recognized certification, 
licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to 
the profession, discipline, or area that personnel are providing early 
intervention services.
    Changes: None.

Use of Paraprofessionals and Assistants (Sec.  303.119(c))

    Comment: Two commenters requested that paraprofessionals and 
assistants be required to meet the same State licensure requirements as 
early intervention service providers and that, in the absence of such a 
policy, States not be allowed to create ``State-certified 
paraprofessionals'' or ``State-certified'' assistants who might 
encroach upon the practice of certified early intervention service 
providers. Two other commenters requested that this section clarify 
that States must comply with State laws governing the practices of 
specific professions and the appropriate supervision of assistants as 
well as the professional codes of ethics for the different disciplines. 
One commenter requested that this section be revised to require the 
supervision of paraprofessionals and assistants. A few commenters 
recommended that additional guidance be provided on the definitions of 
the terms ``paraprofessional,'' ``assistant,'' and ``supervision,'' and 
that the regulations require States to file with the Department their 
regulations regarding the scope of work performed by paraprofessionals 
and assistants and the supervision provided them.
    Discussion: Nothing in the Act requires paraprofessionals and 
assistants who assist in the provision of early intervention services 
under part C of the Act to meet State licensure requirements for early 
intervention service providers. However, consistent with section 
635(a)(9) of the Act, Sec.  303.119(c) requires that paraprofessionals 
and assistants who assist in the provision of early intervention 
services be appropriately trained and supervised in accordance with 
State law, regulation, or written policy. We decline to require, in 
these regulations, that paraprofessionals and

[[Page 60168]]

assistants providing early intervention services meet State licensure 
requirements for EIS providers. We believe that section 635(a)(9) of 
the Act and Sec.  303.119(c) are, in conjunction with State law or 
policy, sufficiently adequate to ensure that paraprofessionals and 
assistants are appropriately trained to assist in the provision of 
early intervention services made available under part C of the Act.
    Neither the Act nor the regulations prohibit a State from 
establishing a State certification for paraprofessionals or assistants 
who assist in the provision of early intervention services, so long as 
the requirements in Sec.  303.119(c) are met. The Department's position 
is that it would not be appropriate to preclude a State from 
establishing a State certification for paraprofessionals or assistants 
who assist in the provision of early intervention services because 
specific certification and licensure requirements are best left to a 
State to determine.
    For the purposes of part C of the Act, paraprofessionals and 
assistants are individuals who assist in the provision of early 
intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities. We do 
not believe it is necessary to define these terms with greater 
specificity because defining these terms is best left to individual 
States based on their laws, regulations, and written policies. Further, 
it is most appropriate for States to develop, if needed, a definition 
of supervision. Concerning commenters' requests that States file with 
the Department their regulations on paraprofessionals and assistants, 
section 634 of the Act requires States to assure but not necessarily 
demonstrate their compliance with the requirements in section 635 of 
the Act, including section 635(a)(9). Therefore, we decline to include 
definitions of these terms or a filing requirement in these 
regulations.
    Changes: None.

Policy To Address Shortage of Personnel (Sec.  303.119(d))

    Comment: One commenter requested that we include definitions of the 
terms ``geographic area of the State,'' ``geographic area where there 
is a shortage,'' ``good-faith effort,'' and ``most qualified 
individuals available'' in this section of the regulations.
    Discussion: Section 303.119(d) provides that a State may adopt a 
policy to address a shortage of personnel, including efforts to recruit 
and hire appropriately and adequately trained personnel in a geographic 
area of the State where there is a shortage of personnel. The 
Department's position is that the phrases ``geographic area of the 
State'' and ``geographic area where there is a shortage,'' as used, in 
this section are best left to the State to define.
    The Department's position is that the term ``good faith effort'' 
reflects the common understanding of the term and that States will make 
the reasonable efforts necessary to enable the State to recruit, hire, 
and retain appropriately and adequately prepared and trained personnel 
to provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers with 
disabilities. Thus, defining the term in these regulations is not 
necessary.
    Finally, States can best determine how to define the term ``most 
qualified individual available,'' provided that the State's definition 
is consistent with the provisions in Sec.  303.119(a) and (b). This 
approach gives States the flexibility they need to determine which 
individuals would be considered the ``most qualified individual 
available'' in light of unique State personnel needs.
    Changes: None.

Lead Agency Role in Supervision, Monitoring, Funding, Interagency 
Coordination, and Other Responsibilities (Sec.  303.120)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Based on further review of Sec.  303.120, we have 
determined it is appropriate to add references to EIS providers in 
paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (d) of this section to clarify that a lead 
agency's responsibilities include monitoring EIS providers as well as 
agencies, institutions, and organizations used by the State to carry 
out part C of the Act and to ensure the timely provision of early 
intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and 
their families under part C of the Act, pending reimbursement disputes 
between public agencies and EIS providers. We also have made Sec.  
303.120(a) internally consistent by adding references where needed in 
paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(2)(i) to make clear that the lead 
agency's monitoring responsibility extends to ``agencies, institutions, 
organizations, and EIS providers'' that are receiving financial 
assistance under part C of the Act.
    Changes: We have added references to EIS providers in Sec.  
303.120(a)(2)(i) and (d) and appropriate references to ``agencies, 
institutions, organizations, and EIS providers'' in paragraphs (a)(1), 
(a)(2), and (a)(2)(i) of this section.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.120(a)(2)(iv), 
regarding the lead agency's monitoring of part C programs, include an 
additional provision requiring States to demonstrate ``improvements 
that will result in the delivery of quality services to reach 
compliance within one year of identification.''
    Discussion: To ensure compliance with the requirements in Sec.  
303.120(a)(2)(iv), States must demonstrate improvement in the 
implementation of their part C programs; under Sec. Sec.  303.700 
through 303.702, each lead agency reports in its APR on its improvement 
efforts under the SPP. For example, by correcting noncompliance in 
accordance with Sec.  303.120(a)(2)(iv) a State might require an EIS 
program or EIS provider to revise any noncompliant policies, 
procedures, and practices to be consistent with the requirements of 
part C of the Act. Additionally, in order to comply with Sec.  
303.120(a)(2)(iv), a State might demonstrate improvement through, for 
example, follow-up review of data, other appropriate documentation, or 
through interviews showing that the noncompliant policies, procedures, 
and practices were corrected and are consistent with part C 
requirements. Demonstration of improvement is an integral part of Sec.  
303.120(a)(2)(iv) and the State's SPP/APR reporting; for this reason, 
we decline to make the requested change to Sec.  303.120(a)(2)(iv).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the regulations expressly 
require all EIS providers, including those who do not receive Federal 
part C funds from the lead agency, to comply with the requirements of 
the Act and these regulations.
    Discussion: The changes recommended by the commenter are not 
necessary because the Act and the regulations already require, under 
section 635(a)(10)(A) of the Act and Sec.  303.120(a)(2), that the lead 
agency monitor EIS providers as defined in Sec.  303.12(a), regardless 
of whether such EIS providers receive Federal part C funds. Under the 
definition of EIS provider in Sec.  303.12(a), the EIS provider must 
provide services in compliance with part C of the Act, even if the EIS 
provider does not receive Federal part C funds. Therefore, no further 
changes are required.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters disagreed with the one-year timeline to 
correct noncompliance in Sec.  303.120(a)(2)(iv) because, according to 
these commenters, one year is too long and not in the best interests of 
children and families. Another commenter recommended, instead, that we 
revise Sec.  303.120(a)(2)(iv) to provide that a lead agency have three 
years to demonstrate correction of noncompliance.

[[Page 60169]]

    One commenter recommended that the Department require in Sec.  
303.120(a)(2)(iv) that lead agencies report to the public the 
correction of noncompliance in order to ensure that parents and others 
are informed of the correction of the noncompliance.
    Discussion: Correcting noncompliance as soon as possible but not 
later than one year from identification is a critical responsibility of 
lead agencies and it is the Department's position that one year, and 
not three years--as one commenter suggested--is a reasonable timeframe 
for an EIS provider to correct noncompliance identified by the lead 
agency and for the lead agency to verify that the EIS provider is 
complying with part C of the Act and its implementing regulations.
    The Department's position is that a shorter timeframe (e.g., 90 
days from identification) is not appropriate because, in many cases, it 
would not provide sufficient time to correct noncompliance. For 
example, a lead agency may determine that an EIS provider is not in 
compliance with requirements relating to making decisions about the 
settings where infants or toddlers with disabilities receive early 
intervention services. To take corrective action and verify the 
correction in a case such as this would likely take more than 90 days. 
Therefore, we continue to believe that an outside timeframe of one year 
will provide lead agencies adequate time to correct noncompliance 
identified through monitoring while at the same time ensuring that lead 
agencies timely correct noncompliance.
    Concerning commenters' requests to have lead agencies publicly 
report on timely correction, subpart H of these regulations identifies 
the specific reporting requirements, including timelines for reporting 
the correction of noncompliance. Pursuant to Sec.  303.702(b)(1)(i)(A), 
a lead agency is required to report annually to the public on the 
performance of each EIS program on the targets in the SPP. 
Additionally, every State is required to report on the timely 
correction of noncompliance in its APR. We decline to add a reporting 
requirement to Sec.  303.120(a)(2)(iv) because the SPP/APR reporting 
requirements regarding timely correction of noncompliance are adequate 
to ensure that the public and the Department are informed about a lead 
agency's performance in correcting noncompliance under Sec.  
303.120(a)(2).
    Changes: None.

Data Collection (Sec.  303.124)

    Comment: One commenter opposed the requirement in Sec.  303.124(b) 
that statewide data systems include a description of the State's 
sampling methods, if sampling is used, for reporting certain data 
required by the Secretary. The commenter opposed this requirement 
stating that sampling is not supported by the Act.
    Discussion: We disagree with the commenter that sampling is not 
supported by the Act. Section 635(a)(14) of the Act provides that the 
part C statewide system include a system for compiling data requested 
by the Secretary under section 618 of the Act that relates to part C of 
the Act, and section 618(b)(2) of the Act specifically states that the 
Secretary may permit States and the Secretary of the Interior to obtain 
data through sampling.
    Changes: None.

State Interagency Coordinating Council (Sec.  303.125)

    Comment: One commenter recommended that this section require the 
establishment and maintenance of a Federal interagency coordinating 
council that also meets the requirements of subpart G of these 
regulations.
    Discussion: The 2004 amendments to the Act eliminated the authority 
for a Federal interagency coordinating council. Therefore, it would be 
inconsistent with the Act and the intent of Congress to require the 
establishment and maintenance of a Federal interagency coordinating 
council. Changes: None.

Early Intervention Services in Natural Environments (Sec.  303.126)

    Comment: A few commenters requested that Sec.  303.126, regarding 
the provision of early intervention services in the natural 
environment, include the phrase ``necessary to meet the unique needs of 
the infant or toddler with a disability and the family'' when referring 
to early intervention services.
    Discussion: Section 303.126 cross-references Sec.  303.344(d)(1), 
which requires the child's IFSP to include a statement of the specific 
early intervention services that are necessary to meet the unique needs 
of the child and the family to achieve the measurable results or 
outcomes identified in the IFSP. Section 303.344(d)(1) requires that 
early intervention services be individualized according to the child's 
needs. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat this requirement in 
Sec.  303.126 in connection with a statewide system that includes 
policies and procedures to ensure that early intervention service 
settings, to the maximum extent appropriate, are provided in natural 
environments.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Many commenters stated that the language in Sec.  
303.126(b) should incorporate the language in section 635(a)(16) of the 
Act and requested that the phrase ``provided satisfactorily'' be 
replaced with the statutory phrase ``achieved satisfactorily.''
    Discussion: Our use of the phrase ``provided satisfactorily'' in 
proposed Sec.  303.126(b) was not intended to be a substantive change 
from section 635(a)(16) of the Act or current practice. We agree that 
the language in this section should incorporate the language in section 
635(a)(16) of the Act.
    Changes: We have replaced the word ``provided'' in Sec.  303.126(b) 
with the word ``achieved.''
    Comment: Several commenters requested that Sec.  303.126(b) be 
reworded to clarify that parents are members of the IFSP Team.
    Discussion: It is certainly true that, under section 636(a)(3) of 
the Act and Sec.  303.343(a)(1)(i) of these regulations, parents are 
required members of a child's IFSP Team. However, we decline to make 
the requested change because Sec.  303.126(b), which is taken directly 
from section 635(a)(16)(b) of the Act, underscores the important role 
parents have in deciding, together with the rest of the members of the 
IFSP Team, whether early intervention services will be provided in 
settings other than the child's natural environment. Given that other 
provisions in the regulations and the Act make clear that the child's 
parents are required members of a child's IFSP Team, we do not believe 
it is necessary to revise Sec.  303.126(b) as requested by the 
commenters.
    Changes: None.

Subpart C--State Application and Assurances

General

    Comment: A few commenters requested clarification about State 
application requirements regarding how States ensure the coordination 
of all available resources and whether interagency agreements, State 
laws or regulations, or other methods were required.
    Discussion: Each State must have policies and procedures to ensure 
the coordination of all available resources in the State and to 
implement the payor of last resort requirements in Sec.  303.511. 
Section 303.511(b) requires the State to use one or more of the 
following methods to implement part C's payor of

[[Page 60170]]

last resort requirements: State law or regulation, interagency 
agreements, or other appropriate written methods that are approved by 
the Secretary.
    We have added a new Sec.  303.203(b)(2) to clarify that the State 
must include in its application, those methods used by the State to 
implement the payor of last resort requirements in Sec.  303.511(b)(2) 
and (b)(3), such as interagency agreements and other appropriate 
written methods. We require submission of the methods referenced in 
Sec.  303.511(b)(2) and (b)(3) in the State's application because these 
methods must be approved by the Secretary before implementation.
    Changes: We added in new Sec.  303.203(b)(2), regarding State 
application requirements, that States must submit ``methods used by the 
State to implement the requirements in Sec.  303.511(b)(2) and 
(b)(3).''
    Comment: Some commenters requested that the Department define 
``rigorous'' as that term is used in the phrase ``rigorous definition 
of developmental delay'' in Sec.  303.203(c). One commenter expressed 
concern that some State definitions of developmental delay exclude 
infants and toddlers with mild developmental delays from part C 
eligibility. The commenter requested that the Department clarify that a 
State's definition of developmental delay should include mild 
developmental delays.
    Discussion: Within each State, eligibility for part C services 
turns, in part, on how the State defines developmental delay. We 
interpret the term ``rigorous'' in the phrase ``rigorous definition of 
developmental delay'' in Sec.  303.203(c) to mean that the State has 
obtained public input on its definition pursuant to Sec.  303.208 
(because the definition constitutes a State policy), and that its 
definition meets the requirements in Sec.  303.111(a) and (b).
    Under Sec.  303.111(a) and (b), the State's definition of 
developmental delay must include: (1) A description of the evaluation 
and assessment procedures that will be used, consistent with Sec.  
303.321, to measure a child's development; and (2) a description of the 
specific level of developmental functioning or other comparable 
criteria that constitute a developmental delay in one or more of the 
developmental areas identified in Sec.  303.21(a)(1). Under Sec.  
303.208, the State must receive, and respond to, public comments 
(including comments from parents, EIS providers, members of the Council 
and other stakeholders) and conduct public hearings on its definition 
of developmental delay.
    Requiring public scrutiny of the definition of developmental delay 
in each State before the State adopts it helps ensure that the 
definition ultimately adopted by the State is appropriate for that 
State. As noted in the preamble discussion for Sec.  303.111 of subpart 
B of these regulations, a State is not required to change its 
definition of developmental delay in order for it to be ``rigorous'' 
provided that the definition (regardless of the level of developmental 
delay it covers) meets the requirements in Sec.  303.111(a) and (b) and 
met the public participation requirements in Sec.  303.208(b) since the 
Act was amended in December 2004.
    Given that section 635(a)(1) of the Act provides each State with 
the flexibility to define the term developmental delay, as it is used 
in the State's part C program, the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.111 
and 303.208 address the public's desire to ensure appropriate 
identification of all infants and toddlers with disabilities while 
providing each State the continued flexibility to develop its 
definition.
    Changes: None.

Application's Definition of At-Risk Infants and Toddlers and 
Description of Services (Sec.  303.204)

    Comment: One commenter supported the requirements of this section 
and the definition of the term at-risk infant or toddler in Sec.  
303.5, but expressed concern that serving at-risk infants and toddlers 
would be an additional fiscal burden on States.
    Discussion: Serving at-risk infants or toddlers is a State option 
under section 632(5)(B)(i) of the Act. Section 303.204 incorporates the 
requirement from section 637(a)(4) of the Act that the State describe 
the services to be provided to at-risk infants and toddlers through the 
part C statewide system only if the State chooses to make ``at-risk 
infants and toddlers'' eligible for part C services in the State.
    If a State elects to provide services to at-risk infants and 
toddlers with disabilities, the State must include the definition of 
at-risk infants and toddlers with disabilities in its application. A 
State also must include in its application a description of the early 
intervention services to be provided to at-risk infants and toddlers 
with disabilities. Section 303.204 does not require a State to provide 
services to at-risk infants and toddlers; therefore, these requirements 
and the financial responsibilities associated with their implementation 
are applicable only to those States that choose to include ``at-risk 
infants and toddlers'' in their definition of infant or toddler with a 
disability under Sec.  303.21(b).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding language in Sec.  
303.204(a) to encourage States to examine closely the percentage of 
premature infants who eventually receive part C services and to use 
this information to develop presumptive eligibility criteria for at-
risk infants and toddlers to receive part C services.
    Discussion: The Act does not require States to develop presumptive 
eligibility criteria for at-risk infants and toddlers. Sections 632(1), 
632(5)(B)(i), and 637(a)(4) of the Act provide States with the option 
to make at-risk infants and toddlers eligible under part C of the Act, 
and further to determine the part C services that will be made 
available to these children. This flexibility enables each State to 
determine the eligibility criteria for at-risk infants and toddlers 
that are most appropriate in the State. Examining data on premature 
infants who eventually receive part C services is one method a State 
could use to help determine its eligibility criteria for at-risk 
infants or toddlers, but there are other methods that might be more 
appropriate for other States. For example, a State with a large number 
of homeless infants and toddlers who have high rates of developmental 
delay could determine that such children should be presumptively 
included in its definition of at-risk infants and toddlers.
    Therefore, while a State could certainly use data on premature 
infants who eventually receive part C services to inform its decision 
on the eligibility criteria the State will use for at-risk infants or 
toddlers, it is not appropriate to require all States to do so.
    Changes: None.

Availability of Resources (Sec.  303.207)

    Comment: A few commenters recommended replacing the word 
``resources'' in Sec.  303.207 with the term ``services'' because the 
term ``resources'' is not defined in the regulations or the Act.
    Discussion: Section 303.207 incorporates the language (including 
the term ``resources'') from section 637(a)(7) of the Act. We decline 
to make the requested change because we interpret the term 
``resources,'' as used in section 637(a)(7) of the Act and Sec.  
303.207, to be broader than the term ``services.'' We interpret 
``resources'' to include not only services but also funding, personnel, 
and other materials. This regulatory provision ensures that resources--
not just services--are available in all geographic areas within a 
State.

[[Page 60171]]

    Changes: None.

Public Participation Policies and Procedures (Sec.  303.208)

    Comment: Commenters requested that the Department clarify when the 
public participation requirements in Sec.  303.208 apply. Some 
commenters requested that the public participation requirements in 
current Sec.  303.110(a)(1), including a 30-day comment period, be 
retained. A number of commenters, including parents of infants and 
toddlers with disabilities, service providers, and national disability 
rights organizations, requested that the 30-day timeline for notice of 
public hearings from current Sec.  303.110(a)(3) be retained in Sec.  
303.208 to ensure meaningful public participation at public hearings. 
These commenters stated that the phrase ``adequate notice'' as used in 
proposed Sec.  303.208(a)(1) is too vague.
    A few commenters opposed the public participation requirements in 
proposed Sec.  303.208. One commenter suggested that States use their 
State Administrative Procedure Act (APA) procedures instead of the 
procedures in Sec.  303.208. Another commenter stated that the State's 
part C application should not be subject to any public participation 
requirements if the application does not include policies or procedures 
that affect direct services to eligible infants and toddlers and their 
families. Another commenter stated that it would be too burdensome to 
require public hearings when States amend their policies and 
procedures.
    Finally, a few other commenters recommended that the public 
participation requirements expressly identify foster parents and other 
caregivers of infants and toddlers with disabilities as stakeholders in 
the public participation process.
    Discussion: The purpose of Sec.  303.208 is to require each State 
to engage the public in the development of its part C application and 
to include, in its application, information on its public participation 
policies and procedures. Section 303.208 is based, in part, on section 
637(a)(8) of the Act, which requires each State's application to 
include a description of State policies and procedures that ensure 
that, prior to the adoption by the State of any other policy or 
procedure necessary to meet the requirements of part C of the Act, 
there are public hearings, adequate notice of the hearings, and an 
opportunity for comment available to the general public, including 
individuals with disabilities and parents of infants and toddlers with 
disabilities.
    We have restructured this section in response to comments 
requesting clarification on the applicability of the public 
participation requirements. As restructured, paragraph (a) of this 
section describes the applicability of the public participation 
requirements to the part C application itself. Section 303.208(b) 
describes the applicability of the public participation requirements to 
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 requirements in Sec.  303.208(a) that States publish their part 
C applications for 60 days and obtain public comments during a 30-day 
period within that 60-day period are consistent with the requirements 
in current Sec.  303.110(a)(1) and section 441 of the General Education 
Provisions Act (GEPA) (20 U.S.C. 1232d(b)(7)(B)). Under Sec.  
303.208(b), a State is required to conduct public hearings when the 
State is adopting or revising a policy or procedure that is necessary 
to meet the requirements of part C of the Act and these regulations. 
This public hearing requirement is intended to ensure that States 
obtain, consistent with section 637(a)(8) and (b)(7) of the Act, 
meaningful involvement from the public (including underrepresented 
populations) on the State's policies and procedures necessary to carry 
out the requirements of part C of the Act prior to implementing those 
policies and procedures.
    Restructuring Sec.  303.208 in this manner addresses requests by 
commenters to retain language from current Sec. Sec.  303.110(a)(1) and 
(a)(3). Specifically, Sec.  303.208(a) ensures that the public has at 
least 30 days to comment on a State's part C application before the 
State submits the application to the Department. Additionally, we agree 
with commenters that specifying a minimum timeline for notice of public 
hearings is preferable to simply requiring that States provide 
``adequate notice'' of the hearings. It is the Department's position 
that 30 days prior notice is the minimum notice needed to ensure 
meaningful public participation at public hearings. For this reason, in 
Sec.  303.208(b)(2), we have added the requirement from current Sec.  
303.110(a) that States must provide notice of public hearings at least 
30 days prior to the hearing. Regarding the comments opposing the 
public participation requirements in Sec.  303.208, we appreciate the 
concern about the potential burden these requirements place on States 
and lead agencies; however, we strongly believe that the benefits of 
public input outweigh any potential burden because States have 
flexibility under part C of the Act in many areas (e.g., developing 
their definition of developmental delay, serving at-risk infants and 
toddlers, serving children beyond age three, using part B or C due 
process procedures, and system of payments), and the part C policies 
and procedures in these and other areas affect the fundamental rights 
of infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. For this 
reason, it is critical that the public have an opportunity to weigh in 
on a State's policies and procedures, regardless of whether they are 
new or revised or if they involve direct part C services.
    In response to the comment recommending that States be permitted to 
use their State APA procedures to ensure public participation in 
connection with part C policies and procedures, we decline to make any 
changes to Sec.  303.208. State APA procedures vary from State to 
State, and because the Department views meaningful public participation 
as critical for the part C program, it is appropriate to establish in 
Sec.  303.208 the minimum steps States must take to ensure meaningful 
public participation. This will ensure that all States participating in 
the part C program have procedures that are consistent at least with 
the requirements in Sec.  303.208.
    Finally, when referring to the ``general public,'' Sec.  303.208 
specifically lists ``parents of infants and toddlers with 
disabilities.'' The definition of the term parent, as used in these 
regulations, includes foster parents, guardians authorized to act as a 
child's parent, caregivers who are individuals acting in the place of a 
biological parent with whom the child is living, or surrogate parents 
who have been appointed in accordance with Sec.  303.422. Therefore, 
adding a reference to foster parents and caregivers in this section is 
not necessary.
    Changes: We have restructured Sec.  303.208 to clarify the 
applicability of the public participation requirements to (a) the 
State's part C application, and (b) the State's policies and procedures 
(including any revision to an existing policy or procedure) that are 
necessary to comply with part C of the Act.
    Finally, as described in the discussion of new Sec.  303.101(c) 
earlier in this preamble, we have moved the requirement that States 
obtain approval by the Secretary before implementing any policy, 
procedure, method, or budget information that is required in Sec. Sec.  
303.200 through 303.212 to be submitted as part of the States' 
application. This requirement was reflected in proposed Sec.  
303.208(b). We did deviate from the language in proposed Sec.  
303.208(b) by referring to

[[Page 60172]]

policies, procedures, methods and budget information required in 
Sec. Sec.  303.203, 303.204, 303.206, 303.207, 303.208, 303.209, and 
303.211--rather than those required in Sec. Sec.  303.200 through 
303.212, more generally.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that the Department add the 
word ``shall'' to the end of Sec.  303.208(a)(2).
    Discussion: As noted elsewhere in this discussion, we have 
restructured Sec.  303.208 to clarify the entire section. Given the 
revisions made to this section, the commenters' requested change is no 
longer applicable.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that requiring States to 
seek approval of the Secretary before implementing policies, 
procedures, and methods that are subject to the public participation 
requirements in proposed Sec.  303.208(b) (new Sec.  303.101(c)) will 
impede a State's ability to respond in a timely way to the local needs 
of eligible children, families, and early intervention programs.
    Discussion: Section 637(a) of the Act requires each State that 
seeks part C funding to submit an application to the Secretary for 
approval. This section of the Act also describes the information that 
must be included in the State application. Pursuant to section 
637(a)(3)(A) of the Act, each State must submit as part of its 
application ``information demonstrating to the Secretary's satisfaction 
that the State has in effect the statewide system required by section 
633'' of the Act.
    Pursuant to section 637(a)(3)(A) of the Act, we continue to require 
each State to submit in its application the policies, procedures, 
methods and budgetary and other information required in Sec. Sec.  
303.201 through 303.212, though, for the sake of clarity, we list the 
specific regulatory sections (i.e., Sec. Sec.  303.203, 303.204, 
303.206, 303.207, 303.208, 303.209, and 303.211). This requirement 
ensures that a State's application includes, for example, its policies 
regarding its system of payments (i.e., financial sources such as 
insurance or family fees to pay for part C services) and its definition 
of developmental delay. These policies and procedures, among others 
required in Sec. Sec.  303.203, 303.204, 303.206, 303.207, 303.208, 
303.209, and 303.211, are critical to understanding a State's 
implementation of part C of the Act, such as the individuals whom the 
State is serving and the funding sources used to pay for the provision 
of early intervention services.
    We have retained in Sec.  303.101(c) the long-standing Departmental 
policy of requiring a State to obtain approval of policies and 
procedures that must be submitted to the Secretary prior to 
implementation. The purpose of the Secretary's review is to ensure that 
State policies and procedures are consistent with the Act, thereby 
ensuring that the rights of infants and toddlers with disabilities and 
their families are protected and the responsibilities of lead agencies, 
EIS providers, and parents are explicitly defined.
    Changes: None.

Transition to Preschool and Other Programs (Sec.  303.209)

Application Requirements (Sec.  303.209(a))
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Upon further review of Sec.  303.209, we determined 
that it would be helpful to clarify that the transition requirements in 
Sec.  303.209 apply to all toddlers with disabilities before those 
toddlers turn three years old, including those toddlers with 
disabilities served by States that elect to provide services pursuant 
to Sec.  303.211.
    To distinguish the transition requirements in Sec.  303.211(b)(6), 
which apply to toddlers receiving services under the part C extension 
option in Sec.  303.211, who by definition are age three or older, we 
have revised Sec.  303.209(a) to state that the transition policies and 
procedures it must describe relate to the transition of infants and 
toddlers with disabilities under the age of three and their families. 
As further discussed elsewhere in this Analysis of Comments and Changes 
section, we have made corresponding changes to Sec.  303.211 to clarify 
that the transition requirements in Sec.  303.209 apply to all infants 
and toddlers under the age of three who are transitioning from the part 
C program (as described in Sec.  303.211(b)(6)(i)) and that the 
transition requirements described in Sec.  303.211(b)(6)(ii) apply to 
children age three and older who are transitioning from services 
provided pursuant to Sec.  303.211.
    Changes: We have deleted in new Sec.  303.209(a)(1) (proposed Sec.  
303.209(a)(1)(i)) the parenthetical ``(including toddlers receiving 
services under Sec.  303.211).'' We also have revised Sec.  
303.209(a)(1) to clarify that each State must describe in its 
application, 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 to 
(i) preschool or other appropriate services (for toddlers with 
disabilities) or (ii) exiting the program (for infants and toddlers 
with disabilities). We have addressed separately in new Sec.  
303.211(b)(6)(ii) the substance of proposed Sec.  303.209(b)(2)(i) and 
(b)(2)(ii) regarding transition from services under Sec.  303.211.
    Comment: Some commenters opposed Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(i)(B), which 
requires a State whose lead agency is the SEA to include in its 
application an intra-agency agreement between the program within the 
SEA that administers part C of the Act and the program within the SEA 
that administers section 619 of the Act. These commenters stated that 
requiring two programs within one SEA to have an agreement with each 
other is unnecessary and would create an undue paperwork burden. A few 
other commenters expressed concern that the requirement would be 
particularly burdensome for States with seamless ``Birth to Five'' 
programs.
    Discussion: Section 303.209(a)(3)(i) requires all States, including 
those in which the SEA is the lead agency, to establish an interagency 
or an intra-agency agreement between the early intervention program 
under part C of the Act and the preschool program under section 619 of 
part B of the Act. We included the requirement for intra-agency 
agreements because, through the Continuous Improvement Focused 
Monitoring System (CIFMS) process and State reporting under the SPP/
APRs, the Department has identified noncompliance with transition 
requirements under both part C of the Act (e.g., noncompliance with 
section 637(a)(9) of the Act, regarding notification of the LEA and 
conducting transition conferences, and, with sections 636(a)(3) and 
(d)(8) and 637(a)(9) of the Act, regarding the transition steps and 
services in the IFSP) and part B of the Act (e.g., noncompliance with 
section 612(a)(9) of the Act, regarding development and implementation 
of an IEP by a child's third birthday). Given this noncompliance and 
the need for States to have clearly defined transition coordination 
policies and procedures between the early intervention program under 
part C of the Act and the preschool program under part B of the Act, 
requiring an intra-agency agreement will be a useful tool to enhance 
coordination and communication between the part C and part B preschool 
programs.
    Developing interagency or intra-agency agreements should not be a 
significant burden for States because approximately two-thirds of lead 
agencies already have interagency agreements and the remaining third, 
where the lead agency is also the SEA, currently are required to have 
transition policies and procedures that address the

[[Page 60173]]

transition of toddlers from early intervention to preschool services 
under parts B and C of the Act. For lead agencies that are also SEAs, 
the Department's position is that the benefits associated with 
requiring intra-agency agreements pursuant to Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(i)(B) 
outweigh the minimal burden associated with this requirement. An intra-
agency agreement serves the useful purpose of ensuring that there is an 
appropriate level of coordination and communication across the early 
intervention and preschool programs in a lead agency that is also an 
SEA. The burden of developing this agreement is minimal because the 
requirement does not involve the development of new transition policies 
and procedures--these policies and procedures are already required 
pursuant to Sec.  303.209(a). Moreover, the Council often serves to 
advise the lead agency when it develops these agreements; in fact, the 
Council is specifically required under section 641(e)(1)(C) of the Act 
to advise and assist the SEA (which in this case would be the lead 
agency) regarding the transition of toddlers with disabilities to 
preschool and other appropriate services.
    There are only a few States that have adopted ``Birth to Five'' 
programs (i.e., programs in which the SEA and LEA provide both 
preschool services under part B of the Act and early intervention 
services under part C of the Act to children from ages birth to five). 
In these States, the same State and local agencies administer part C of 
the Act and section 619 of the Act. Therefore, States with these 
programs must include one or more intra-agency agreements to satisfy 
the requirement in Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(i)(B). As stated in the 
preceding two paragraphs, the benefits associated with intra-agency 
agreements pursuant to Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(i)(B) outweigh the minimal 
burden associated with the requirement.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Based on further review of Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(ii), we 
have determined that additional clarification is needed with regard to 
the required transition-related content of the interagency and intra-
agency agreements under Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(i). To clarify that these 
agreements must address how the lead agency and the SEA will meet the 
confidentiality requirements in Sec.  303.401(d) and (e), we have added 
specific references to those provisions in Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(ii). 
Additionally, we have specified that the agreements required pursuant 
to Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(i) must address how the agency and the SEA will 
meet, for all children transitioning from part C services to part B 
services, the requirements in 34 CFR 300.101(b)--that is, how the lead 
agency and the SEA will ensure that FAPE is made available to each 
eligible child residing in the State no later than the child's third 
birthday.
    Changes: We have added the words ``including any policies adopted 
by the lead agency under Sec.  303.401(d) and (e)'' as well as a 
reference to 34 CFR 300.101(b) to Sec.  303.209(a)(3)(ii).
Notification to the SEA and Appropriate LEA (Sec.  303.209(b))
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Upon further consideration of this section of the 
regulations, we have determined that the requirement in proposed Sec.  
303.209(b)(1) that each family member of a toddler with a disability 
receiving part C services be included in the development of the 
transition plan is better addressed under the transition plan 
requirements in Sec.  303.209(d) and not with the SEA and LEA 
notification requirements in Sec.  303.209(b). This change does not 
reflect a substantive change to the regulations.
    Changes: We moved the text from proposed Sec.  303.209(b)(1) to new 
Sec.  303.209(d)(1)(ii).
    Comment: Some commenters supported the requirement, reflected in 
new Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) (proposed Sec.  303.209(b)(2)), that the 
lead agency notify the LEA, at least nine months before the third 
birthday of a toddler who resides in the area served by the LEA, that 
the toddler will reach the age of eligibility for preschool services 
under part B of the Act. Other commenters opposed this nine-month 
timeline stating that it would be an undue burden and inconsistent with 
the Act. Several of these commenters recommended alternative timelines 
(i.e., timelines ranging from 10 days to 3 or 6 months before a child's 
third birthday). One commenter recommended aligning the timeline 
requirement for LEA notification in new Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) 
(proposed Sec.  303.209(b)(2)(i)) with the 90-day timeline for 
transition plans in Sec.  303.209(d)(2).
    Discussion: Establishing a timeline within which a lead agency must 
notify the appropriate LEA that a child is about to transition from 
part C services and may be eligible for services under part B of the 
Act is challenging. The timeline must allow sufficient time for both 
the lead agency to fulfill its transition responsibilities under 
sections 636(a)(3) and (d)(8) and 637(a)(9) of the Act and the SEA and 
LEA to meet their respective child find and early childhood transition 
responsibilities under sections 612(a)(3), 612(a)(9), 
612(a)(10)(A)(ii), and 614(d)(2)(B) of the Act and 34 CFR 300.124.
    For the reasons outlined in the following paragraphs, we agree with 
the commenter who recommended aligning the LEA notification requirement 
with the 90-day timeline for transition plans in Sec.  303.209(d)(2).
    We have revised new Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) (proposed Sec.  
303.209(b)(2)(i)) to require that LEA notification occur no fewer than 
90 days prior to the toddler with a disability's third birthday. This 
``not fewer than 90 days'' timeline for LEA notification aligns with 
the date by which: (1) A transition conference must be conducted for a 
toddler with a disability who may be eligible for services under part B 
of the Act (as required in section 637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(II) of the Act and 
Sec.  303.209(c)(1)); and (2) a transition plan must be in place for 
all toddlers with disabilities (as required in Sec.  303.209(d)(2)).
    We also are making this change in order to provide SEAs and LEAs 
with enough time to carry out their responsibilities in implementing 
part B of the Act. These responsibilities include, under section 
612(a)(9) of the Act and 34 CFR 300.124(c) of the part B regulations, 
participation by a representative from the LEA where the toddler with a 
disability resides in the transition conference that the lead agency is 
required to conduct under section 637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(II) of the Act and 
Sec.  303.209(c)(1). In addition, when the LEA receives notice from the 
lead agency or an EIS provider that a specific toddler with a 
disability who has been receiving services under part C of the Act is 
potentially eligible for services under part B of the Act, the LEA must 
treat this as a referral and provide parents with the procedural 
safeguards notice under 34 CFR 300.504(a)(1) and determine if an 
evaluation for eligibility must be conducted under part B of the Act.
    Further, if the parent consents to the initial evaluation under 
part B of the Act, the LEA must conduct the evaluation within 60 days 
of receiving parental consent or pursuant to a State-established 
timeline as required in section 614(a)(1)(C) of the Act and 34 CFR 
300.301(c)(1) of the part B regulations. If the child is determined 
eligible under part B of the Act, the LEA must conduct, pursuant to 34 
CFR 300.323(c)(1) of the part B regulations, a meeting to develop an 
IEP for the child with a disability within 30 days of

[[Page 60174]]

the eligibility determination. For toddlers with disabilities who are 
referred from the part C program to the part B program, this 60-day 
evaluation timeline (reflected in 34 CFR 300.301(c)(1) of the part B 
regulations) and the 30-day IEP meeting timeline (reflected in 34 CFR 
300.323(c)(1) of the part B regulations) are subject to the requirement 
in section 612(a)(9) and 34 CFR 300.101(b) and 300.124(b) of the part B 
regulations that the SEA and LEA ensure that, for a child who 
transitions from services under part C of the Act to part B of the Act, 
an IEP is developed and implemented for the child by the time the child 
reaches age three. Thus, the 90-day period prior to the toddler's third 
birthday is the minimal time period necessary for an LEA to meet its 
responsibilities to ensure that an IEP is developed and implemented by 
the child's third birthday.
    We recognize that some States may have a State-established timeline 
for conducting an evaluation under part B of the Act that is different 
than the 60-day timeline in 34 CFR 300.301(c)(1). Even if a State 
adopts a longer part B evaluation timeline under 34 CFR 300.301(c)(1) 
of the part B regulations, each SEA and LEA must ensure that an IEP is 
developed and implemented for a toddler with a disability transitioning 
from part C to part B of the Act by the time the toddler reaches age 
three. This requirement is reflected in section 612(a)(9) of the Act 
and 34 CFR 300.101(b) and 300.124(b) of the part B regulations. Thus, 
it is the Department's position that the 90-day notification timeline 
provides the minimum amount of time necessary for an SEA and LEA to 
meet their respective early childhood transition responsibilities under 
part B of the Act.
    Finally, in reviewing Sec.  303.209, we have determined that it is 
not appropriate to refer to ``other services'' under part B of the Act 
because this section addresses only the transition that must occur 
before an infant or toddler with a disability turns three years old. 
References to other services, such as elementary school, are now more 
appropriately addressed in Sec.  303.211(b)(6) regarding the transition 
requirements of children who are three and older and receiving services 
under Sec.  303.211.
    Changes: We have revised new Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) (proposed Sec.  
303.209(b)(2)(i)) to require the lead agency to notify the SEA and the 
LEA for the area in which the toddler resides ``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.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that we clarify that the lead 
agency must notify the LEA under Sec.  303.209(b) only for those 
children who are potentially eligible for services under part B of the 
Act.
    Discussion: We agree and have revised Sec.  303.209(b) to clarify 
that the LEA notification requirement applies only to toddlers with 
disabilities who may be eligible for preschool services under part B of 
the Act and not to all toddlers with disabilities.
    The part C lead agency establishes the State's policy regarding 
which children may be eligible for preschool services under part B of 
the Act. In establishing this policy, the lead agency should review 
carefully, ideally in collaboration with the SEA, the eligibility 
definitions under parts B and C of the Act, including the State's 
definitions of developmental delay under both parts B and C of the Act.
    The determination of whether a toddler with a disability is 
``potentially eligible'' for services under part B of the Act is 
critical under both parts C and B of the Act. It is the first step in 
ensuring a smooth transition for that toddler and family to services 
under part B of the Act. When the LEA receives notice from the lead 
agency or an EIS provider that a specific toddler with a disability who 
has been receiving services under part C of the Act may be eligible for 
services under part B of the Act, the LEA must treat this as a referral 
and provide parents with the procedural safeguards notice under 34 CFR 
300.504(a)(1) and determine if an evaluation for eligibility must be 
conducted under part B of the Act.
    There are several reasons for limiting LEA notification to children 
who may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act. 
First, the limitation is consistent with section 637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(II) 
of the Act, which requires that, with the approval of the family of the 
child, the lead agency convene a transition conference among the lead 
agency, the family, and the LEA representative only for those children 
potentially eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act.
    Second, limiting LEA notification to cover only toddlers 
potentially eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act is 
critical to ensuring that the SEA and LEA where the toddler resides 
have adequate time to meet their respective child find and early 
childhood transition responsibilities under sections 612(a)(3), 
612(a)(9), 612(a)(10)(A)(ii), and 614(d)(2)(B) of part B of the Act, 
and in particular to develop and implement an IEP by the child's third 
birthday as required by section 612(a)(9) of the Act and 34 CFR 
300.124(b). These provisions require that children who participate in 
the early intervention programs under part C of the Act and children 
who will participate in the preschool services under part B of the Act 
experience a smooth and effective transition to those preschool 
programs in a manner consistent with section 637(a)(9) of the Act.
    Third, LEA notification should not be required for toddlers with 
disabilities who are not potentially eligible for part B services under 
the Act given that the lead agency has other responsibilities for these 
children, which we believe are sufficient to meet their transition 
needs. For these children, the lead agency must: (1) Ensure that a 
transition plan is developed pursuant to section 637(a)(9)(C) of the 
Act and Sec.  303.209(d); and (2) make reasonable efforts, pursuant to 
section 637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(III) of the Act and Sec.  303.209(c)(2), to 
convene a transition conference with the family of the toddler and 
providers of other appropriate services. The transition plan for 
toddlers with disabilities who are not potentially eligible for part B 
services under the Act must identify the appropriate steps for the 
toddler with disabilities and his or her family to exit from the part C 
program, include services, such as Head Start, that the IFSP team 
identifies as needed by that toddler and his or her family.
    Finally, we are clarifying that the LEA notification requirement in 
Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) only applies to toddlers who may be eligible for 
part B services because, if the requirement applied to all toddlers who 
are nearing age three, it would result in the unnecessary disclosure of 
personally identifiable information and place an undue burden on lead 
agencies, without any significant benefit. Ordinarily, to meet the LEA 
notification requirement, the lead agency must inform the LEA where the 
child resides and provide the LEA with the information referenced in 
Sec.  303.401(d)(1) (i.e., the child's name, date of birth, and parent 
contact information, including the parents' names, addresses, and 
telephone numbers), unless the State has adopted an opt-out policy 
under Sec.  303.401(e). Requiring the lead agency to disclose this 
personally identifiable information for limited child find purposes to 
the LEA or even the SEA for children who are not potentially eligible 
for part B would be unnecessary and burdensome.
    Changes: We have revised new Sec.  303.209(b) (proposed Sec.  
303.209(b)(2)(i)

[[Page 60175]]

and (b)(2)(ii)) to clarify that a lead agency must notify the LEA under 
Sec.  303.209(b) only for those children who may be eligible for 
services under part B of the Act.
    Comment: Some commenters recommended that the LEA notification 
requirement in new Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) (proposed Sec.  
303.209(b)(2)) apply to both the SEA and the LEA where the child 
resides.
    Discussion: We have revised the LEA notification requirement in 
Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) to require that the lead agency notify the SEA 
in addition to the LEA where the child resides. This change is intended 
to help lead agencies and SEAs coordinate to ensure a smooth and 
effective early childhood transition pursuant to sections 612(a)(9) and 
637(a)(9)(A) of the Act. Moreover, this change will assist SEAs in 
carrying out their responsibilities under part B of the Act. For 
example, under section 612(a)(9) of the Act and 34 CFR 300.101(b) and 
300.124(b) of the part B regulations, an SEA must ensure that FAPE is 
made available to an eligible child with a disability no later than 
that child's third birthday for all toddlers with disabilities who were 
referred for part B services by the lead agency and are eligible for 
services under part B of the Act. Also, an SEA must report annually in 
its SPP/APR on the percent of children referred by the part C program 
prior to the age of three who are found eligible for part B services 
and have an IEP developed and implemented by the third birthday. 
Requiring lead agencies to notify SEAs when a child may be eligible for 
part C services will help SEAs fulfill this obligation. Providing this 
information to SEAs will add very little burden to lead agencies 
because they are already required to provide the information to LEAs.
    Changes: We have revised new Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) through 
(b)(1)(iii) (proposed Sec.  303.209(b)(1) and (b)(2)) to specify that 
the lead agency must notify the SEA and the LEA where the child resides 
in the case of a toddler who may be eligible for preschool services 
under part B of the Act.
    Comment: A few commenters requested clarification in Sec.  303.209 
of the lead agency's transition responsibilities when a child is 
referred ``late'' to the part C program (i.e., less than 45 or 90 days 
prior to the child's third birthday). A few commenters expressed 
concern that the reference to a child's ``third birthday'' in the LEA 
notification provision in proposed Sec.  303.209(b)(2)(i) may interfere 
with State-established transition policies and may disrupt many 
existing options that have been carefully crafted by States and local 
communities to ensure seamless transitions from the part C program to 
the part B program.
    Discussion: We agree that it is important to clarify the transition 
requirements that apply when a child is referred to or determined 
eligible for the part C program fewer than 90 days before the child's 
third birthday. Given the 45-day timeline requirement in new Sec.  
303.310, we have added paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) to new Sec.  
303.209 to address the commenters' concerns.
    Specifically, new Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(ii) clarifies that if a child 
is referred and determined eligible for services under part C of the 
Act between 90 and 45 days before the child's third birthday, LEA 
notification must occur as soon as possible after the child is 
determined eligible for early intervention services under part C of the 
Act. For these children, although the lead agency is not able to 
conduct a transition conference and develop a transition plan within 
the timelines in Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) and (d)(2), we encourage States 
to discuss transition at the child's initial IFSP meeting.
    New Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(iii) clarifies that if a child is referred 
to the lead agency fewer than 45 days before that child's third 
birthday, the lead agency is not required to conduct an evaluation, 
assessment or an initial IFSP meeting. We believe that the referral of 
a child fewer than 45 days before a child's third birthday would not 
allow a lead agency sufficient time to conduct the evaluation, 
assessment and initial IFSP meeting. Additionally, a lead agency would 
not have sufficient time to conduct a transition conference to discuss 
steps and services. Thus, we have clarified in new Sec.  
303.209(b)(1)(iii) that, for a child who is referred to the lead agency 
fewer than 45 days before the child's third birthday, if the lead 
agency has received information in its referral that the child may be 
eligible for preschool services or other services under part B of the 
Act, the lead agency, with the parental consent required under Sec.  
303.414, must refer the toddler to the SEA and the LEA for the area in 
which the toddler resides.
    Concerning commenters' requests not to use the child's ``third 
birthday'' in calculating timelines for LEA notification, the third 
birthday is significant under part C of the Act because eligibility for 
services for the toddler with a disability ends once that toddler turns 
three, with two exceptions. A lead agency may provide services to a 
child who has turned three years old if a State elects either to (a) 
offer services under the option to make part C services available 
beyond age three pursuant to Sec.  303.211 and the parent consents to 
services under that section, or (b) provide services to a child who is 
eligible under part B of the Act from that child's third birthday to 
the beginning of the following school year under section 638(3) of the 
Act and Sec.  303.501(c)(1), provided that those services constitute 
FAPE for that child. In both circumstances, the child, upon turning age 
three, must be eligible as a child with a disability under section 619 
of the Act. With the exception of these two circumstances, part C 
services end at the child's third birthday; therefore, the Department's 
position is that the use of the phrase ``third birthday'' with regard 
to the LEA notification provision is appropriate.
    Changes: We have added new Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(ii) to clarify that 
if the lead agency determines, between 90 and 45 days prior to a 
child's third birthday that the child is eligible for early 
intervention services under part C of the Act, the lead agency must 
notify the SEA and the LEA for the area in which the toddler resides as 
soon as possible after the eligibility determination, 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. Additionally, we have added paragraph (b)(3) to Sec.  
303.209 to provide that if a toddler is referred to the lead agency 
fewer than 45 days before that toddler's third birthday, the lead 
agency is not required to conduct an evaluation, assessment or an 
initial IFSP meeting, and if that toddler may be eligible for preschool 
services or other services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, 
with parental consent required under Sec.  303.414, must refer the 
toddler to the SEA and the LEA for the area in which the toddler 
resides.
Conference To Discuss Services (Sec.  303.209(c))
    Comment: A few commenters recommended clarifying the required 
attendees, timelines, and procedures for the transition conference 
required in Sec.  303.209(c). One commenter asked why a child's service 
coordinator is not included in the list of required attendees for the 
transition conference. Other commenters requested that the regulations 
specifically require an LEA or SEA representative to participate in the 
transition conference; these commenters argued that this requirement 
would make the part C regulations consistent with 34 CFR 300.124(c) of 
the part B regulations.
    Discussion: We agree that it would be helpful to clarify the 
required attendees

[[Page 60176]]

for a transition conference. For this reason, we have added a new 
paragraph (e) to Sec.  303.209, which references Sec.  303.343(a) and 
the required members of the IFSP Team, to ensure that the attendees 
required for periodic IFSP review meetings under Sec.  303.343(b), 
including the service coordinator, also are required to attend the 
transition conference required under Sec.  303.209(c) and the meeting 
to develop the transition plan pursuant to Sec.  303.209(d).
    It is the Department's position that requiring participation by an 
LEA representative under this part is not appropriate but we note that, 
as part of its responsibilities under section 637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(II) of 
the Act and Sec.  303.209(c)(1) of these regulations, the lead agency 
must invite the LEA representative to the transition conference. Under 
34 CFR 300.124(c) of the part B regulations, each LEA must participate 
in the transition conference arranged by the lead agency under section 
637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(II) of the Act and Sec.  303.209(c). Thus, the 
requirements under parts B and C of the Act provide adequately for the 
participation of the LEA in the transition conference.
    Changes: We have added a new Sec.  303.209(e) to require that the 
transition conference conducted under paragraph (c) of this section or 
the 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 IFSP meeting and participant requirements in Sec. Sec.  
303.342(d) and (e) and 303.343(a).
Program Options and Transition Plan (Sec.  303.209(d))
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the regulations clarify 
that a child transitioning from part C services to part B services must 
not have a gap in services during the summer months.
    Discussion: Once a toddler with a disability who received services 
under part C of the Act turns three and is eligible for part B 
preschool services under section 619 of the Act, that toddler may 
receive services that are provided as either: (1) Part C services by 
the lead agency under Sec.  303.211 (if the State has elected to offer 
early intervention services to children after age three, and the 
toddler's parent consents to receipt of services under this option), or 
(2) services that constitute FAPE either under section 619 of the Act 
(if the IEP Team determines such services are needed) or under section 
638(3) of the Act (if the lead agency elects to offer such services). A 
State may provide services under sections 619, 635(c) or 638(3) of the 
Act regardless of whether the child turns age three during the summer 
months. However, if the child with a disability receives services under 
section 619 of the Act, any summer services (i.e., extended school year 
(ESY) services pursuant to 34 CFR 300.106 of the part B regulations) 
must be provided, through an appropriate IEP, if the child's IEP Team 
determines that those ESY services are necessary for FAPE to be 
provided to that child.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that limiting transition 
planning to no more than nine months prior to the child's third 
birthday does not offer enough time to ensure a seamless transition for 
all children. The commenter recommended that the standard ``not fewer 
than 90 days'' be adopted if a timeline must be established at all.
    Discussion: Section 303.209(d) requires that a transition plan be 
established in a child's IFSP not fewer than 90 days (and at the 
discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months) before a toddler's 
third birthday. The ``not fewer than 90 days'' component of this 
requirement aligns the timeline for transition planning with the 
timeline for the SEA and LEA notification requirements in Sec.  
303.209(b) and with the timeline for the transition conference for 
toddlers with disabilities potentially eligible for part B services in 
Sec.  303.209(c), pursuant to section 637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(II) of the Act.
    The outer limit of this timeline (i.e., ``not more than 9 months'' 
before the toddler's third birthday) is intended to protect toddlers, 
whose needs change frequently at this age. The Department's position is 
that if transition planning occurs more than nine months prior to a 
toddler's third birthday, this planning may not accurately reflect the 
needs of the child at the time of transition. For this reason, the 
regulations only allow the parties to establish a transition plan for a 
child not earlier than nine months prior to the child's third birthday.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended deleting ``as appropriate'' from 
Sec.  303.209(d)(3), which requires, consistent with Sec.  303.344(h), 
that the transition plan in the IFSP include, as appropriate, steps for 
the toddler with a disability and his or her family to exit from the 
program. The commenter stated that IFSP Teams should not have the 
discretion to determine which elements of a transition plan are 
appropriate.
    Discussion: The phrase ``as appropriate'' is included in section 
637(a)(9)(C) of the Act, the statutory authority for Sec.  
303.209(d)(3). Section 303.209(d)(3)(i) requires the transition plan to 
include certain steps for the toddler with a disability and his or her 
family to exit from the part C program. Section 636(a)(3) of the Act, 
regarding IFSP content requirements, was modified in 2004 to require 
that the IFSP identify the appropriate transition services for an 
infant or toddler. Section 303.209(d)(3) clarifies that the 
requirements in that section must be read in conjunction with Sec.  
303.344(h), which requires the IFSP to include steps to support the 
transition to one of the following: Preschool services under part B of 
the Act; elementary school or preschool services for children 
participating under a State's option in Sec.  303.211 to provide early 
intervention services to children ages three and older; early 
education, Head Start, and Early Head Start or child care programs; or 
other appropriate services. The transition steps appropriate for a 
toddler with a disability will differ depending upon which program 
listed in Sec.  303.344(h) the IFSP Team selects. The transition plan 
is part of the IFSP and must meet the content requirements in Sec.  
303.344. The IFSP Team must identify in the IFSP appropriate steps for 
the toddler and his or her family to exit the program and any 
transition services. Therefore, the phrase ``as appropriate'' gives the 
IFSP Team the flexibility to make an individualized determination as to 
what (not whether) transition steps and services are appropriate for 
each toddler with a disability.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Based on further review of Sec.  303.209(d)(2), we have 
determined that it is appropriate to clarify that a transition plan 
referred to in this section is actually a part of an IFSP and not a 
separate document. Consistent with section 636(a) of the Act, the IFSP 
must include a description of the appropriate transition services for 
the infant or toddler.
    Changes: We have added the phrase ``in the IFSP'' following the 
words ``transition plan'' in Sec.  303.209(d)(2). We also have added 
section 636(a)(3) of the Act (20 U.S.C. 1436(a)(3)) to the authority 
citation for this section.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that the term ``transition 
services,'' as used in Sec.  303.209(d)(3)(ii), be defined in the 
regulations.
    Discussion: Transition services are those services that assist a 
toddler with a disability and his or her family to experience a smooth 
and effective transition from an early intervention program under part 
C of the Act to the

[[Page 60177]]

child's next program or other appropriate services, including services 
that may be identified for a child who is no longer eligible to receive 
part C or part B services. The IFSP Team, which includes the parent, 
determines the appropriate transition services for each toddler exiting 
the part C program. Given that transition services are based on the 
unique needs of the child and the family, States require flexibility to 
provide appropriate and individualized transition services for each 
child. Therefore, it is the Department's position that to further 
define the term transition services is not appropriate.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters requested that a rule of construction be 
added to Sec.  303.209 to indicate that part C programs would not be 
held responsible for ensuring that required transition timelines are 
met if referral for part C services occurs less than 45 days prior to 
the date that the transition conference must occur.
    Discussion: It is the Department's position that adding a rule of 
construction to the regulations is not necessary because a State can 
use its inter or intra-agency agreements, or other methods, to clarify 
transition procedures and develop a process for unique circumstances, 
such as the referral of a child less than 45 days prior to the date 
that the transition conference must occur. The lead agency may not be 
able to meet the transition conference and transition plan timelines in 
Sec.  303.209(c)(1) and (d) if the lead agency receives a referral for 
that child less than 45 days prior to the date that the transition 
conference must occur (i.e., more than 90 days but less than 135 days 
(that is, 45 days plus 90 days) prior to the child's third birthday). 
However, we encourage States in these instances to discuss transition 
at the initial IFSP meeting for a toddler with a disability who is 
referred within 135 days of that toddler's third birthday.
    Additionally, the lead agency remains responsible under Sec.  
303.310 for meeting the 45-day timeline for conducting the initial 
evaluation, assessments and IFSP meeting and, under Sec. Sec.  
303.342(e) and 303.344(f)(1), for implementing the IFSP services that 
are consented to by the parent as soon as possible. While we recognize 
that the lead agency may not be able to meet the transition conference 
and transition plan timelines in Sec.  303.209(c) and (d) for children 
referred 135 days prior to their third birthday, pursuant to Sec.  
303.209(b)(1)(ii), the lead agency must still refer the toddler with a 
disability, as soon as possible, to the SEA and the LEA where the 
toddler resides if that toddler is potentially eligible for preschool 
services under part B of the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification as to whether the 
IFSP meeting requirements, including accessibility of meetings, apply 
to transition conferences in Sec.  303.209.
    Discussion: In response to this comment, we have added new Sec.  
303.209(e) to clarify that transition conferences conducted under Sec.  
303.209(c) must meet the accessibility and parental consent 
requirements in Sec.  303.342(d) and (e) and the meeting participant 
requirements in Sec.  303.343(a). Additionally, because the meeting to 
develop the transition plan under Sec.  303.209(d) can, but may not, 
occur at the time of the annual or periodic IFSP review, we also have 
clarified that the meeting to develop the transition plan under Sec.  
303.209(d) must meet the accessibility and parental consent 
requirements in Sec.  303.342(d) and (e) and the meeting participant 
requirements in Sec.  303.343(a).
    States may choose, but are not required, to combine the transition 
conference with the meeting to develop the transition plan. It may make 
sense in many States to combine the transition conference and IFSP 
transition plan meeting, particularly for children potentially eligible 
for services under part B of the Act, given that: (1) The LEA 
representative must attend the transition conference (under section 
612(a)(9) of the Act and 34 CFR 300.124(c) of the part B regulations); 
and (2) the SEA and LEA must ensure that an IEP is developed and 
implemented by age three for children with disabilities transitioning 
from part C to part B of the Act (under section 612(a)(9) of the Act 
and 34 CFR 300.101(b) and 300.124(b) of the part B regulations). We do 
not require that the transition conference and meeting to develop the 
transition plan be combined because transition practices vary both 
between States and within States and it may not be appropriate for 
children not potentially eligible for services under part B of the Act.
    Changes: We have added new Sec.  303.209(e) to clarify that any 
conference conducted under paragraph (c) of this section or the meeting 
to develop the transition plan under paragraph (d) of this section must 
meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.342(d) and (e) and 303.343(a). 
We also have included a parenthetical in this new section confirming 
that this conference and meeting may be combined into one meeting.
    Comment: A few commenters sought guidance on how the transition 
requirements in Sec.  303.209 apply, including how to implement the 
transition timeline requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.209(c)(1) and 
303.209(d)(2) for children served under Sec.  303.211.
    Discussion: We have added new Sec.  303.209(f) to clarify that the 
transition requirements under Sec.  303.209 apply to all toddlers with 
disabilities before they turn three years old and to identify the 
separate, additional transition requirements that apply to toddlers 
with disabilities in a State that offers services under Sec.  303.211. 
Thus, new Sec.  303.209(f)(1) sets forth the requirement that the lead 
agency must ensure the transition requirements in Sec.  303.209 apply 
to all toddlers with disabilities (including toddlers with disabilities 
in a State that offers services under Sec.  303.211) before they turn 
three years old.
    For toddlers with disabilities in a State that offers services 
under Sec.  303.211, we also have clarified in new Sec.  303.209(f)(2) 
the additional requirements that apply at the transition conference. 
Under new Sec.  303.209(f)(2), at the transition conference, the 
parents of a toddler with a disability must receive: (1) An 
explanation, consistent with Sec.  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; and (2) the 
initial annual notice referenced in Sec.  303.211(b)(1). We have added 
these requirements in Sec.  303.209(f)(2) to ensure that the initial 
annual notice required in Sec.  303.211(b)(1) is provided at the 
transition conference when the IFSP Team, which includes the parent of 
a toddler with a disability, is required to consider transition 
options, steps and services. The annual notice requirement in Sec.  
303.209(f)(2) is not new as it is required under Sec.  303.211(b)(1). 
Requiring the initial annual notice to be provided at the transition 
conference is critical because the annual notice must contain an 
explanation of the differences between services provided under Sec.  
303.211 and preschool services under section 619 of the Act.
    In new Sec.  303.209(f)(3), we clarify that the transition 
requirements in new Sec.  303.211(b)(6)(ii), which relate to transition 
from services under Sec.  303.211 to preschool, kindergarten or 
elementary school, apply to children age three and older when those 
children are receiving services under Sec.  303.211. We also discuss 
these transition requirements further in the discussion relating to new 
Sec.  303.211(b)(6) later in this Analysis of Comments and Changes 
section of the preamble.

[[Page 60178]]

    Changes: We removed from new Sec.  303.209(a)(1) (proposed Sec.  
303.209(a)(1)(i)) references to children receiving services under Sec.  
303.211. We have added new paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) to 
Sec.  303.209 to clarify the applicability of transition requirements 
under Sec.  303.209. New Sec.  303.209(f)(1) provides that the 
transition requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2), (c)(1), and 
(d) of this section apply to all toddlers with disabilities receiving 
services under this part before those toddlers turn age three. New 
Sec.  303.209(f)(2) states that ``In a State that offers services under 
Sec.  303.211, for toddlers with disabilities identified in paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section, the parent must be provided at the transition 
conference conducted under paragraph (c)(1) of this section: (i) An 
explanation, consistent with Sec.  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 and (ii) The 
initial annual notice referenced in Sec.  303.211(b)(1).'' Finally, in 
new Sec.  303.209(f)(3), we clarify that the transition requirements 
for children with disabilities age three and older receiving services 
under Sec.  303.211 are set forth in Sec.  303.211(b)(6)(ii).

Coordination With Head Start and Early Head Start, Early Education, and 
Child Care Programs (Sec.  303.210)

    Comment: One commenter stated that Sec.  303.210 is redundant 
because Head Start and Early Head Start are required members of the 
State Interagency Coordinating Council (Council) under Sec.  
303.601(a)(8).
    Discussion: We do not agree that the inclusion of Head Start and 
Early Head Start in Sec.  303.210 repeats the requirement in Sec.  
303.601(a)(8), which requires at least one member of the Council to be 
from a Head Start or Early Head Start agency or program in the State. 
Section 303.210 implements section 637(a)(10) of the Act, which 
requires each State application to contain a description of State 
efforts to promote collaboration among Early Head Start programs under 
section 645A of the Head Start Act, early education and child care 
programs, and services under part C of the Act. This is different from 
the requirement in section 641(b)(1)(H) of the Act, and implemented 
through Sec.  303.601(a)(8), which specifies that at least one member 
of the Council must be from a Head Start or Early Head Start agency or 
program in the State.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: As discussed under Sec.  303.118, section 642B of the 
Head Start Act of 2007 now requires the Governor of each State to 
designate or establish a council to serve as the State Advisory Council 
on Early Childhood Education and Care (referred to as State Advisory 
Councils). 42 U.S.C. 9837b(b)(1)(A)(i). Section 642B(b)(1)(C)(viii) of 
the Head Start Act states that the members of the State Advisory 
Council shall include, to the maximum extent possible a representative 
of the State agency responsible for programs under section 619 or part 
C of the IDEA. Because this requirement regarding State Advisory 
Councils was established after the proposed part C regulations were 
published, in final Sec.  303.210 we have added that the State lead 
agency must participate as a representative on the State Advisory 
Council, if applicable. This provision mirrors the provision in the 
Head Start Act and will increase coordination among early childhood 
programs in the State.
    Changes: Proposed Sec.  303.210 has been redesignated as Sec.  
303.210(a) and we have added new Sec.  303.210(b) to require that the 
State lead agency participate as a representative, under 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, if applicable.

State Option To Make Services Under This Part Available to Children 
Ages Three and Older (Sec.  303.211)

    Comment: A significant number of commenters opposed including a 
State option to make services under this part available to children 
ages three and older. Several commenters reported that States will not 
make part C services available to children ages three and older 
pursuant to this section. Most commenters stated that States do not 
have adequate funding to implement this option. Another commenter 
expressed concern that this option creates an additional program with 
its own regulations, but no additional funding.
    Discussion: Section 303.211 reflects the language from section 
635(c) of the Act, which provides States with the option to make early 
intervention services available to children beginning at three years of 
age until the children enter, or are eligible under State law to enter, 
kindergarten or elementary school. If a State elects to offer this 
option, children who are eligible for services under part B of the Act 
and who previously received early intervention services under part C of 
the Act would continue to receive early intervention services if their 
parents choose to continue the services under this option. The 
Department has no authority to eliminate this provision because it is 
statutory.
    Providing part C services to children who (a) are three years of 
age and older, (b) are eligible for services under section 619 of the 
Act, and (c) previously received early intervention services is an 
option each State can consider. If a State chooses to offer part C 
services to this group of children, it is ultimately the parent's 
decision as to whether his or her eligible child, upon turning three 
years of age, will continue to receive early intervention services 
rather than part B services. Nothing in Sec.  303.211 or in section 
635(c) of the Act requires a State to provide this option or parents to 
elect to receive part C services for their child if their State makes 
this option available.
    Concerning the comments about funding for this option, it is the 
Congress that decides whether to appropriate funds for this program.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters stated that implementing the provisions 
in Sec.  303.211 would be confusing for parents and LEAs given that 
early intervention services are an entitlement while services under 
part B of the Act are a mandate. These same commenters stated that 
simply extending an entitlement via flexibility provisions could 
jeopardize services to children with disabilities at a critical time in 
their development.
    Discussion: The Department recognizes the difference between parts 
B and C of the Act; part B of the Act authorizes a program that 
requires States to provide FAPE, defined as special education and 
related services designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a 
disability, and part C of the Act authorizes States to offer early 
intervention services that are designed to meet the developmental needs 
of infants and toddlers with disabilities at no cost to parents, except 
where Federal or State law provides for a system of payments, including 
a schedule of sliding fees. We do not agree with the commenters that 
the implementation of the provisions in Sec.  303.211 would jeopardize 
services to children with disabilities. Section 303.211 incorporates 
the language from section 635(c) of the Act, regarding the flexibility 
to serve children three years of age until entrance, or eligibility for 
entrance, into kindergarten or elementary school. States that choose to 
implement the option in Sec.  303.211 to provide part C services to 
children three

[[Page 60179]]

years of age and older must provide, pursuant to Sec.  303.211(b)(2), 
the parents of children with disabilities who are eligible for services 
under section 619 of the Act and previously received early intervention 
services with an annual notice that includes the following: a 
description of the rights of the parents to elect to receive early 
intervention services under part C of the Act or preschool services 
under part B of the Act; an explanation of the differences between 
early intervention services provided under part C of the Act and 
preschool services provided under part B of the Act, including the 
types of services and the locations that the services are provided; the 
procedural safeguards that apply; and possible costs, if any, to 
parents of infants or toddlers with disabilities receiving early 
intervention services. This annual notice will help to ensure that 
parents of a child eligible for services under Sec.  303.211 understand 
that they have the right to choose between early intervention services 
under part C of the Act and preschool services under part B of the Act 
and that they are fully informed of the differences between these two 
options.
    Moreover, with regard to the commenter's concern that the 
provisions in Sec.  303.211 could jeopardize services to children with 
disabilities at a critical time in their development, Sec.  
303.211(b)(3) requires that States offering this option have a policy 
in place that ensures that any child served pursuant to Sec.  303.211 
has the right to receive, at any time, FAPE under part B of the Act 
instead of early intervention services under part C of the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that each State have the 
flexibility to provide the Sec.  303.211 option to a subset of eligible 
children based on age range and consistent with State-established 
policies and procedures.
    Discussion: Section 303.211, consistent with section 635(c) of the 
Act, allows each State to develop and implement a policy under which 
parents of children who are receiving early intervention services and 
who are eligible to receive services under section 619 of the Act can 
choose for these children to continue receiving early intervention 
services under part C of the Act. Section 635(c) of the Act expressly 
identifies (and limits) the age range through which these services may 
be provided; that is, early intervention services could be available to 
these children until they enter, or are eligible under State law to 
enter, kindergarten. Section 303.211(a)(2) is specifically intended to 
provide flexibility to a State that chooses to allow for the 
continuation of early intervention services pursuant to Sec.  303.211 
to provide services under the option to one of three subsets of 
eligible children within this age range (i.e., eligible children from 
age three until the beginning of the school year following the child's 
third birthday, eligible children from age three until the beginning of 
the school year following the child's fourth birthday and eligible 
children from age three until the beginning of the school year 
following the child's fifth birthday).
    Changes: We have revised paragraph (a)(2) of Sec.  303.211 to 
clarify the subsets of age ranges States can select to provide services 
under the option in Sec.  303.211. We also have added new (a)(3) to 
highlight the statutory requirement from section 635(c)(1) of the Act 
that a State may provide services under Sec.  303.211 only until the 
child enters, or is eligible under State law to enter, kindergarten or 
elementary school in the State.
Requirements (Sec.  303.211(b))
Annual Notice Requirements (Sec.  303.211(b)(1))
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that the Department clarify 
what it means to give parents adequate information concerning the 
differences between the part C and part B procedural safeguards as 
required in Sec.  303.211(b)(1)(ii)(B).
    Discussion: We agree clarification is needed regarding when, under 
Sec.  303.211(b)(1), parents whose children are receiving services 
under Sec.  303.211 must be provided an annual notice of procedural 
safeguards. As discussed in the Analysis of Comments and Changes 
section for new Sec.  303.209(f)(2), we have clarified that the first 
annual notice must be provided at the transition conference when the 
parent is presented the initial option for the child to receive 
services under Sec.  303.211 or under section 619 of the Act.
    Additionally, for consistency, we have revised reference to 
children being served under Sec.  303.211 to children who are eligible 
for services under section 619 of the Act and who previously received 
early intervention services because when the first annual notice is 
provided, children generally would not yet be served under Sec.  
303.211.
    Regarding what information must be included in the annual notice, 
States choosing to offer early intervention services under Sec.  
303.211 must provide parents of these children with disabilities with 
an annual notice that includes, among other things, an explanation of 
the differences between early intervention services provided under part 
C of the Act and preschool services provided under part B of the Act. 
Section 303.211(b)(1)(ii)(B) requires the explanation to include a 
description of the differences in procedural safeguards that apply to 
parents who decide to continue receiving early intervention services 
under part C of the Act compared with the procedural safeguards that 
apply to parents who decide their child should receive preschool 
services under part B of the Act. The notice required under Sec.  
303.211(b)(1) must identify procedural safeguards that apply, which 
identification requirement can be met by including the content 
requirements from Sec.  303.421(b)(3) and 34 CFR 300.504(c) and an 
explanation of the major differences between the procedural safeguards 
available under the separate programs.
    Changes: We have deleted in Sec.  303.211(b)(1) ``served pursuant 
to this section'' and added the phrase ``eligible for services under 
section 619 of the Act and who previously received early intervention 
services under this part will be'' before ``provided annual notice.''
Educational Component (Sec.  303.211(b)(2))
    Comment: One commenter recommended including the words ``social and 
health'' in Sec.  303.211(b)(2) to reinforce that the part C program 
promotes education, social, and health therapies.
    Discussion: It is not necessary to include the words ``social and 
health'' in Sec.  303.211(b)(2) because the part C requirements apply 
to children receiving services under Sec.  303.211 in the same manner 
as they do to all other children receiving services under part C of the 
Act, which may require, depending on an individual child's needs, 
providing health services and social or emotional services under Sec.  
303.13.
    Changes: None.
FAPE (Sec.  303.211(b)(3))
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern regarding the potential 
loss of FAPE for children age three and older who continue to receive 
early intervention services pursuant to Sec.  303.211. One commenter 
recommended amending Sec.  303.211(b)(3) to clarify that parents whose 
child is receiving services under part C of the Act past the age of 
three pursuant to Sec.  303.211 have the right, at any time, to opt out 
of these early intervention services and, instead, to obtain FAPE,

[[Page 60180]]

which includes preschool services, under part B of the Act.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that parents must retain 
the right to opt out at any time after choosing part C services past 
the age of three. Therefore, we have added the phrase ``at any time'' 
to Sec.  303.211(b)(3) to clarify that parents whose child is receiving 
services under part C of the Act past the age of three pursuant to 
Sec.  303.211 retain the right, at any time, to opt out of these early 
intervention services pursuant to Sec.  303.211 and, instead, to obtain 
FAPE under part B of the Act for their child.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.211(b)(3) to require that the 
part C statewide system ensures that any child served under Sec.  
303.211 has the right, at any time, to receive FAPE under part B of the 
Act instead of early intervention services under part C of the Act.
Services During Eligibility Determination (Sec.  303.211(b)(4))
    Comment: Some commenters stated that the language in proposed Sec.  
303.430(e)(3) relates not to pendency, but to the requirement in 
section 635(c)(2)(D) of the Act and Sec.  303.211(b)(4), that IFSP 
services continue to be provided to a toddler with a disability until a 
part B eligibility determination is made for that child in a State that 
elects to make part C services available beyond age three under Sec.  
303.211. A few commenters suggested clarifying that this requirement 
only applies in a State that has opted to make early intervention 
services available to children ages three and older.
    Another commenter opposed the requirement in Sec.  303.211(b)(4) 
and proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3) stating that it could create 
disincentives for LEAs to make timely part B eligibility 
determinations, impede a child's timely access to FAPE, and require a 
lead agency to provide part C services to a child who is not eligible 
under part B of the Act for a significant period beyond the child's 
third birthday.
    A few commenters indicated that proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3) 
conflicts with sections 607(a) and (b) and 615(j) of the Act and the 
Third Circuit decision in Pardini v. Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 420 
F.3d 181 (3d Cir. 2005), cert. denied, 126 S.Ct. 1646 (2006). One 
commenter recommended referencing part B eligibility as well as 
ineligibility in proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3)(ii).
    Discussion: We agree with commenters who noted that the requirement 
in proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3) applies only to States that elect to 
offer services under Sec.  303.211 and is not a pendency provision and, 
thus, we have moved the substance of proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3) to 
Sec.  303.211(b)(4). For clarification, we have added that it is the 
lead agency that must continue to provide all early intervention 
services identified in the toddler with a disability's IFSP under Sec.  
303.344 (and consented to by the parent under Sec.  303.342(e)) beyond 
age three until that toddler's initial eligibility under part B of the 
Act is determined under 34 CFR 300.306.
    Regarding commenters' concerns about delaying part B eligibility 
determinations and potentially requiring a lead agency to provide 
services for an unlimited time period, we have clarified that 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.
    We disagree with commenters' suggestion that this requirement in 
Sec.  303.211(b)(4) creates disincentives for LEAs to make a timely 
part B eligibility determination for a toddler with a disability who is 
not yet age three and is transitioning from the part C program at age 
three to either the part B preschool program under section 619 of the 
Act or to the part C extension option under section 635(c) of the Act 
and Sec.  303.211. In order for the toddler with a disability to be 
eligible either for part B preschool services or for services under 
Sec.  303.211, the child must be determined to be eligible under 
section 619 of the Act and the LEA is required to make this eligibility 
determination.
    Under Sec.  303.209(c) and 34 CFR 300.124(c), a lead agency 
representative and an LEA representative must attend the transition 
conference under part C of the Act for a child potentially eligible for 
part B services (with approval of the family) and this conference must 
occur at least 90 days (and at the discretion of all parties not more 
than 9 months) prior to the child's third birthday. It is at this 
conference that the LEA and lead agency must coordinate the 
determination of eligibility of a child for services under section 619 
of the Act and offering the parent any services under the part C 
extension option under Sec.  303.211.
    The parent must consent to an evaluation to determine eligibility 
under section 619 of the Act. Once a parent consents to the initial 
evaluation under part B of the Act, the LEA must conduct the evaluation 
under 34 CFR 300.301(b) of the part B regulations within 60 days or a 
State-determined timeline. Additionally, under section 612(a)(9) of the 
Act and 34 CFR 300.124(b) of the part B regulations, the SEA and LEA 
must ensure that an IEP has been developed and is being implemented by 
age three for a toddler with a disability who transitions from part C 
of the Act to part B of the Act regardless of whether the State has 
established a timeline different from the 60-day evaluation timeline in 
34 CFR 300.301(c)(1) of the part B regulations.
    Thus, the eligibility determination must be made by the LEA in 
sufficient time to enable the LEA to offer FAPE to that child who is 
transitioning from the part C program by age three (if that child is 
eligible as a child with a disability under part B of the Act), as 
required by section 612(a)(9) of the Act and 34 CFR 300.124(b) of the 
part B regulations.
    In response to commenters' reference to section 615(j) of the Act 
and the Third Circuit decision in Pardini, the part B pendency 
provisions in section 615 of the Act and 34 CFR 300.518(c) do not 
otherwise require public agencies under part B of the Act to provide 
part B services when a child transitions from part C to part B of the 
Act. Additionally, unless the State elects to offer services under 
Sec.  303.211, the lead agency or EIS provider under part C of the Act 
is not required to provide part C services once the child turns three.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.211(b)(4) to clarify that the 
lead agency must continue to provide all early intervention services 
identified in the toddler with a disability's IFSP under Sec.  303.344 
(and consented to by the parent under Sec.  303.342(e)) beyond age 
three until that toddler's initial eligibility determination under part 
B of the Act is made under 34 CFR Sec.  300.306. This requirement does 
not apply if the LEA has requested parental consent for the initial 
evaluation under Sec.  300.300(a) and the parent has not provided that 
consent.
Informed Consent (Sec.  303.211(b)(5))
    Comment: One commenter recommended deleting the words ``where 
practicable'' in Sec.  303.211(b)(5), which relates to the requirement 
that the lead agency obtain informed consent from parents before the 
child reaches three years of age. The commenter also recommended adding 
language to Sec.  303.211(b)(5) to require lead agencies to obtain 
verification from parents that they fully understand the benefits of 
both the program implemented under part B of the Act and the program 
implemented under part C of the Act before allowing the parents to 
decide whether to place their child in a part B or part C program at 
age three pursuant to Sec.  303.211.

[[Page 60181]]

    Discussion: Section 303.211(b)(5) requires States to ensure that 
informed consent is obtained from the parent of any child to be served 
under Sec.  303.211. The phrase ``where practicable'' was not intended 
to mean that parental consent was optional. To be clear, the lead 
agency must obtain informed consent for all children served under Sec.  
303.211. The ``where practicable'' language was intended to modify the 
requirement that lead agencies obtain consent before--rather than 
after--the child turns three years of age. We included the ``where 
practicable'' language because we recognize that it may not always be 
possible or practicable for lead agencies to obtain consent before the 
child's third birthday, for example, when a child is ill or there is a 
family emergency. We have revised Sec.  303.211(b)(5) to clarify our 
intended meaning for this provision.
    Requiring in Sec.  303.211(b)(5) that lead agencies verify that 
parents fully understand the benefits of both the part B and part C 
programs is not necessary for two reasons. First, Sec.  303.211(b)(1) 
requires that States provide an annual notice that includes an 
explanation of the differences between early intervention services 
provided under part C of the Act and preschool services provided under 
part B of the Act to parents of children with disabilities who are 
eligible under section 619 of the Act and who previously received early 
intervention services. Second, Sec.  303.211(b)(5) further provides 
that informed consent must be obtained from parents for the 
continuation of early intervention services pursuant to Sec.  303.211 
for their child.
    Consent, as defined in Sec.  303.7, means the parent has been fully 
informed of all information relevant to the activity for which consent 
is sought in the parent's native language or other mode of 
communication. This definition of consent in Sec.  303.7 also requires 
that the parent understand and agree in writing to the activity for 
which the parent's consent is sought.
    Thus, Sec. Sec.  303.211(b)(1) and 303.211(b)(5), when read 
together, make clear that States are required to obtain written consent 
from parents of children with disabilities eligible under section 619 
of the Act who previously received early intervention services and that 
this written consent must state that the parents fully understand the 
differences between early intervention services provided under part C 
of the Act and preschool services provided under part B of the Act. 
Repeating this requirement, as recommended by the commenter, is not 
necessary.
    Changes: We have modified Sec.  303.211(b)(5) by separating the 
language into two sentences. The first sentence clarifies that a 
statewide system of a State offering the option under Sec.  303.211 
must ensure that the lead agency obtain informed consent from the 
parents of any child to be served under this section for the 
continuation of early intervention services pursuant to Sec.  303.211. 
We have moved the phrase ``where practicable'' to the end of a new 
second sentence to clarify that it modifies the requirement that 
consent be obtained before the child reaches three years of age.
Applicability of Transition Timelines (Sec.  303.211(b)(6))
    Comment: One commenter recommended revising Sec.  303.211(b)(6) to 
provide States with explicit guidance on how to implement the 
transition timeline requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.209(c)(1) and 
303.209(d)(2).
    Discussion: We agree that the transition timelines for children 
served under Sec.  303.211 were not clear in proposed Sec. Sec.  
303.209 and 303.211. Thus, we have revised Sec.  303.211(b)(6) to 
identify the transition requirements (i.e., requirements relating to 
the transition from receiving services under Sec.  303.211 to 
preschool, kindergarten or elementary school) that apply to children 
age three and older who are receiving services under Sec.  303.211. 
Specifically, we have added new Sec.  303.211(b)(6)(i), (b)(6)(ii), and 
(b)(6)(iii) to clarify that the lead agency must notify the SEA and 
appropriate LEA, conduct a transition conference, and develop a 
transition plan in the IFSP not fewer than 90 days before the child 
will no longer be eligible under Sec.  303.211(a)(2) to receive or will 
no longer receive early intervention services under Sec.  303.211. 
These transition requirements, which parallel the requirements in Sec.  
303.209(b)(1)(i), (c)(1), and (d), are intended to occur after the 
child is receiving, but soon to exit from, services under Sec.  
303.211. These transition requirements do not affect the transition 
requirements under Sec.  303.209, which apply to all infants and 
toddlers under the age of three, including those in a State that elects 
to provide services under Sec.  303.211.
    As noted earlier under new Sec.  303.209(f) of this Analysis of 
Comments and Changes section of the preamble, we have clarified in new 
Sec.  303.211(b)(6) that the transition requirements concerning SEA and 
LEA notification, transition conference, and transition plan in 
Sec. Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii), (c)(1), and (d), 
respectively, apply to toddlers with disabilities under the age of 
three in a State that elects to offer services under Sec.  303.211. We 
have clarified these requirements because ensuring a seamless 
transition for children receiving services under Sec.  303.211 is 
important and the lead agency and LEA must coordinate transition 
planning (including part B eligibility determination and timely IEP 
development) for toddlers who may continue to receive part C services 
under Sec.  303.211.
    Finally, we have identified the appropriate timeline as ``not fewer 
than 90 days before the child will no longer be eligible to receive, or 
will no longer receive, early intervention services under Sec.  
303.211.'' We recognize that, in limited instances, parents may not 
notify the lead agency more than 90 days prior to requesting that their 
child no longer receive services under Sec.  303.211 and, in those 
instances, it would not be possible for the lead agency to meet the 
requirements in Sec.  303.211(b)(6). In these instances, we encourage 
lead agencies and SEAs and LEAs to coordinate, to the extent feasible, 
the transition of these children from early intervention services under 
Sec.  303.211.
    Changes: We have revised new Sec.  303.211(b)(6) to clarify that 
toddlers with disabilities in a State that offers services under this 
section are subject to the transition requirements in Sec.  
303.209(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii), (c)(1), and (d). We also have revised 
Sec.  303.211(b)(6) to describe the lead agency's obligations to ensure 
a smooth transition for children age three and older who are receiving 
services under Sec.  303.211 (i.e., transition from Sec.  303.211 
services to preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school). Under new 
Sec.  303.211(b)(6)(ii)(A), the lead agency must notify the SEA and the 
LEA where the child resides not fewer than 90 days before the child 
will no longer be eligible to receive, or will no longer receive, early 
intervention services under Sec.  303.211. In new Sec.  
303.211(b)(6)(ii)(B), the lead agency must, with the approval of the 
parents of the child, convene a transition conference, among the lead 
agency, the parents, and the LEA, not fewer than 90 days--and, at the 
discretion of all of the parties, not more than 9 months--before the 
child will no longer be eligible to receive, or will no longer receive, 
Sec.  303.211 services, to discuss any services that child may receive 
under part B of the Act. Finally, we have added Sec.  
303.211(b)(6)(i)(C) to require lead agencies to establish a transition 
plan in the IFSP not fewer than 90 days--and, at the discretion of all 
of the parties, not more than 9 months--before the child will no longer 
be eligible to

[[Page 60182]]

receive, or no longer will receive, Sec.  303.211 services.
Referral Based on Trauma Due to Exposure to Family Violence (Sec.  
303.211(b)(7))
    Comment: Some commenters recommended amending Sec.  303.211(b)(7) 
to specifically reference infants and toddlers, not just children over 
the age of three, who experience trauma because the regulatory language 
in this section is not consistent with the explanation for the 
regulation provided by the Department in the preamble of the NPRM. 
Another commenter stated that there is no principled reason for 
restricting the required referral under this section to children over 
the age of three in States where these children remain eligible for 
early intervention services, while another commenter questioned whether 
the requirement to refer children under the age of three based on 
trauma due to exposure to family violence only applies to children in 
States implementing the birth to kindergarten option.
    Discussion: It appears that the commenters may have misunderstood 
Sec.  303.211(b)(7). Section 303.211(b)(7), consistent with section 
635(c)(2)(G) of the Act, requires, for States that adopt policies under 
Sec.  303.211, a referral for evaluation for early intervention 
services of a child under the age of three who 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. This requirement only applies to children under the age of three 
because children age three and older are not eligible to be referred 
for early intervention services under any provision in part C of the 
Act. Children age three and older will either continue to receive early 
intervention services for which they were already referred or would be 
referred to the part B system. Referrals to the part B system are 
addressed under part B of the Act; it would not be appropriate to 
address them under this part.
    Section 303.211(b)(7) clarifies that a referral for evaluation for 
early intervention services applies only to children under the age of 
three who experience a substantiated case of trauma due to exposure to 
family violence, and only in States implementing the State option in 
Sec.  303.211 to make part C services available to children ages three 
and older. An example of a child who may be referred under Sec.  
303.211(b)(7) would be a child under the age of three who has 
experienced a substantiated case of trauma due to exposure to family 
violence and who is a sibling of a child already receiving early 
intervention services under the option described in Sec.  303.211.
    We have not amended Sec.  303.211(b)(7) as requested by the 
commenters; however, we have removed the parenthetical in new Sec.  
303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A) (proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)(A)) and new 
Sec.  303.303(c)(11) (proposed Sec.  303.302(c)(11)). The parenthetical 
in Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A) (proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)(A)) 
limits coordination of the child find system with programs that provide 
services under the Family Violence and Prevention Act to States that 
elect to make services available under this part to children after the 
age of three. The parenthetical in new Sec.  303.303(c)(11) (proposed 
Sec.  303.302(c)(11)) limits the scope of domestic violence shelters 
and agencies as primary referral sources to ``domestic violence 
shelters and agencies in States that elect to make services available 
under this part to children after the age of three.''
    The Department's position is that domestic violence shelters and 
agencies should be considered primary referral sources regardless of 
whether the State that they are located in elects to make services 
available under this part to children after the age of three. It is the 
Department's position that it is not appropriate to limit either 
coordination or referrals in this manner and, thus, we have removed 
each parenthetical in new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A) (proposed Sec.  
303.301(c)(1)(ii)(A)) and new Sec.  303.303(c)(11) (proposed Sec.  
303.302(c)(11)).
    Changes: We have removed the parenthetical ``(for States electing 
to make available services under this part to children with 
disabilities after the age of three in accordance with section 
635(c)(2)(G) of the Act and Sec.  303.211)'' from Sec.  
303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A) (proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)(A)) and new 
Sec.  303.303(c)(11) (proposed Sec.  303.302(c)(11)).
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify in 
Sec.  303.211(b)(7), or elsewhere in Sec.  303.211, the parental 
consent requirements for children receiving services under Sec.  
303.211. Specifically, the commenter questioned whether the definition 
of parent in Sec.  303.27 and general consent for evaluation 
requirements in Sec.  303.420(a)(2) apply to this section. The 
commenter also expressed concern that parental consent may be difficult 
to obtain for the children referenced in Sec.  303.211(b)(7), 
especially for children who are under the jurisdiction of a child 
protective services agency.
    Discussion: If a State elects to offer services under Sec.  
303.211, the lead agency must obtain parental consent as required under 
Sec.  303.211(b)(5) before making those services available. The 
Department's position is that Sec.  303.211(b)(5) is sufficiently clear 
with regard to parental consent and, thus, we have not revised Sec.  
303.211(b)(5) as requested by the commenter. The definition of parent 
under part C of the Act in Sec.  303.27 applies to the parental consent 
requirement in Sec.  303.211(b)(7). A parent, as defined in Sec.  
303.27, can be a biological or adoptive parent, foster parent (unless 
State law, regulation, or contractual obligation prohibits the foster 
parent from acting as a parent), a guardian generally authorized to act 
as the child's parent (or authorized to make early intervention, 
educational, health, or developmental decisions for the child, but not 
the State if the child is a ward of the State), an individual acting in 
the place of a biological or adoptive parent (including a grandparent, 
stepparent or other relative with whom the child lives), an individual 
legally responsible for the child's welfare, or a surrogate parent 
appointed in accordance with Sec.  303.422 or section 639(a)(5) of the 
Act.
    The lead agency's process for obtaining parental consent under 
Sec.  303.211 is the same as its process for obtaining parental consent 
under Sec.  303.420(a), whether parental consent is needed to conduct 
an evaluation under part C of the Act or to provide part C services.
    While we appreciate the commenter's concern about obtaining 
parental consent when a child is placed with a child protective 
services agency, the Department's position is that the regulations in 
this part provide sufficient clarity and information about how to 
proceed in this situation. First, Sec.  303.27 identifies who can serve 
as the parent under part C of the Act and whether a surrogate parent 
needs to be appointed. Further, Sec.  303.27(b)(1) explains that if 
more than one individual meets the definition of a parent, the 
biological or adoptive parent must be presumed to be the parent unless 
that parent's authority is circumscribed as set forth in that section. 
Second, Sec.  303.420 specifies when the lead agency must obtain 
consent from a parent. Parental consent must be obtained before early 
intervention services are provided to the child. Third, Sec.  303.421 
provides information about important aspects of the consent process, 
prior written notice, and procedural safeguards.

[[Page 60183]]

Fourth, Sec.  303.420 sets forth the requirements and options if 
parental consent is not obtained. Given these other regulatory 
requirements, the Department's position is that the issue of obtaining 
parental consent for the children referenced in Sec.  303.211(b)(7) is 
addressed appropriately and sufficiently.
    Changes: None.
Rules of Construction (Sec.  303.211(e))
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern about the rules of 
construction provision in Sec.  303.211(e). One commenter stated that 
these provisions may contradict a parent's option to select part B 
services if a State offers a ``Birth to Five'' program. Another 
commenter requested that the Department expand the rules of 
construction to include a provision that a lead agency will not be held 
responsible for meeting transition timelines when a child is referred 
for part C services less than 45 days prior to the time that the 
transition conference is due to be held.
    Discussion: States are not required to implement the provisions in 
Sec.  303.211. This section simply provides States with an option to 
make services under part C of the Act available to children ages three 
and older. If a State decides to offer this option, parents may choose 
for their children to receive early intervention services, rather than 
part B services, beyond the age of three. Nothing in Sec.  303.211 or 
section 635(c) of the Act affects a parent's right to choose services 
under part B of the Act at any time once the child is eligible to 
receive part B services. Additionally, nothing in Sec.  303.211 or 
section 635(c) of the Act requires a State to use the option described 
in Sec.  303.211 in order to implement policies and procedures for 
transition to preschool and other programs included in Sec.  303.209.
    Finally, the commenter requested that we amend the rules of 
construction to state that a lead agency will not be held responsible 
for meeting transition timelines when a child is referred for part C 
services less than 45 days prior to the time that the transition 
conference is required to be held under Sec.  303.209. The rules of 
construction in Sec.  303.211(e) only apply to Sec.  303.211 and thus 
only apply to children over the age of three who were previously 
eligible for and received early intervention services under part C of 
the Act. A child over the age of three who was previously eligible for 
and already received early intervention services under part C of the 
Act would never need to be referred for part C services and, therefore, 
the transition timeline requirements in Sec.  303.209 do not apply to 
these children. For this reason, we decline to make the change 
requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.

Additional Information and Assurances (Sec.  303.212)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To create a freestanding document in these regulations, 
we have added as new Sec.  303.212(a), regarding additional information 
and assurances that must be included in each State's part C 
application, a provision that incorporates the application content 
requirements under section 427(b) of GEPA. This provision of GEPA 
requires a State application to include a description of the steps that 
the State is taking to ensure equitable access to, and equitable 
participation in, the programs that will be conducted by the State 
using Federal funds (in this case, Federal funds for the part C 
program). This provision also requires the State to develop and 
describe in its application the steps the State is taking to address 
the special needs of program beneficiaries (in this case, infants and 
toddlers with disabilities and their families) in order to overcome 
barriers to equitable participation, including barriers based on 
gender, race, color, national origin, disability, and age.
    Changes: We have added a new paragraph (a) to Sec.  303.212 to 
clarify that a State's part C application must include: ``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.''

Reports and Records (Sec.  303.224)

    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern with the requirements 
in Sec.  303.224. One commenter stated that this section grants the 
Secretary broad authority over State recordkeeping without providing 
appropriate notice to States about the content they are required to 
maintain in the records. Another commenter expressed concern that 
States may not have the data to respond to requests from the Secretary 
and recommended that, if adopted, the requirement should be modified to 
indicate that data requests from the Secretary cannot be unreasonable 
or place an undue burden on States. One commenter requested that the 
Department include in Sec.  303.224 a reference to the Single Audit 
Act.
    Discussion: This section tracks the language from section 637(b)(4) 
of the Act, which requires States both to ensure that reports are in 
the form and contain the information that the Secretary may require to 
carry out the functions under part C of the Act and to keep such 
reports and afford such access to the reports as the Secretary may find 
necessary to ensure the correctness and verification of those reports 
and proper disbursement of Federal funds under part C of the Act. The 
purpose of this section is for the Secretary to have access to the 
proper records to ensure compliance with the part C requirements. The 
requirements in this section do not reflect any new requirements or an 
additional burden on States.
    Regarding the request to add a reference to the Single Audit Act in 
this section, it would be redundant to identify all of the provisions 
in other authorities such as GEPA, Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), and the Single Audit Act that 
require the lead agency to maintain fiscal accounting records. Thus, we 
decline to add this reference as requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.

Prohibition Against Supplanting; Indirect Costs (Sec.  303.225)

    Comment: The Department received several comments on proposed Sec.  
303.225 in the following areas: the Single Audit Act, the phrase ``and 
increase'' in proposed Sec.  303.225(b)(1)(i), and whether States must 
certify and verify that they have maintained fiscal effort from year to 
year.
    Discussion: Since the publication of the NPRM in May 2007, the 
Department has received many informal inquiries requesting guidance on 
MOE requirements (which implement the supplement not supplant 
requirements under part C of the Act). States also have expressed 
concern about their ability to meet the MOE requirements and their 
continued participation in the part C program. So that we can seek 
further input on the MOE requirements, the Department intends to issue 
an NPRM on the MOE requirements. Therefore, we are not finalizing 
proposed Sec.  303.225 and instead are incorporating into Sec.  
303.225(a) the provisions in section 637(b)(5) of the Act, which 
prohibit the commingling of Federal funds with State funds and 
supplanting State and local funds with Federal funds. We also are 
incorporating into Sec.  303.225(b) the MOE requirements in current 
Sec.  303.124 and are retaining the indirect cost provisions in 
proposed Sec.  303.225(c).
    Changes: We have revised proposed Sec.  303.225(a) to include 
language from section 637(b)(5) of the Act and replaced

[[Page 60184]]

proposed Sec.  303.225(b) with current Sec.  303.124.

Traditionally Underserved Groups (Sec.  303.227)

    Comment: A few commenters supported the requirement in Sec.  
303.227 that ensures policies and practices be adopted so that 
traditionally underserved groups, including minority low-income, 
homeless, rural families, and children with disabilities who are wards 
of the State are meaningfully involved in the planning and 
implementation of services. However, the commenters suggested that all 
families, not just those identified in this section, should have access 
to culturally competent services. Another commenter recommended 
including explicit language requiring a State to ensure that its 
service providers have an understanding of the communication norms and 
family customs of traditionally underserved groups as a part of the 
cultural competence mentioned in Sec.  303.227(b).
    Discussion: Early intervention services, as defined in Sec.  
303.13, must be designed to meet the needs of an infant or toddler with 
a disability, and as requested by the family, the needs of the family 
to assist appropriately in the infant's or toddler's development. Thus, 
all families of an infant or toddler with a disability must be provided 
with access to culturally competent services when those services are 
necessary to meet the needs of their child. Section 303.227(b) does not 
limit this requirement in any way; it simply focuses on the access of 
traditionally underserved groups to culturally competent services, 
consistent with the provisions in current Sec.  303.128 and section 
637(b)(7) of the Act, which require a State to provide, in its 
application, policies and procedures that ensure meaningful involvement 
of underserved groups in the planning and implementation of all the 
requirements of this part. Thus, the Department's position is that the 
regulations in this part adequately address the commenter's concern 
about families' access to culturally competent services.
    We do not define the term cultural competence in these regulations 
because it is the Department's position that States are in the best 
position to determine the parameters of ``culturally competent 
services'' to meet the unique needs of their populations.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that Sec.  303.227 require 
States to identify and address barriers faced by homeless children and 
other traditionally underserved populations when attempting to 
participate in part C programs.
    Discussion: We appreciate the commenter's concerns regarding 
barriers faced by homeless children and other traditionally underserved 
populations when attempting to participate in part C programs, but it 
is the Department's position that it is unnecessary and inappropriate 
to add language to these regulations to require States to identify and 
address those barriers. This subject is more appropriately addressed 
through technical assistance and guidance so that the Department can 
work collaboratively with States to assist each State to identify the 
traditionally underserved populations that are specific to the State, 
meet the needs of homeless children and the infants and toddlers with 
disabilities in the identified populations, and address the barriers to 
service for homeless children and infants and toddlers with 
disabilities in the identified populations. Additionally, the McKinney-
Vento Act offers a number of protections to homeless children, 
including homeless infants and toddlers with disabilities, and it is 
the Department's position that it is not necessary to duplicate the 
requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act in these regulations. The 
Department is committed to providing technical assistance to States in 
order to assist States in their ability to ensure access to early 
intervention services by homeless children and other traditionally 
underserved populations.
    Changes: None.
    Notice and hearing before determining that a State is not eligible 
(Sec.  303.231(a)(1)(i)).
    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.231(a)(1)(i) be 
amended to ensure that a State receive at least 90 days notice--not 
just ``reasonable notice''--prior to the Secretary making a final 
determination that the State is ineligible to receive its part C grant 
award.
    Discussion: Section 637(c) of the Act provides that the Secretary 
may not disapprove an application for a part C grant award unless the 
Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that 
the application fails to comply with the requirements under part C of 
the Act. Both parts B and C of the Act in current Sec.  303.101 (which 
references 34 CFR 300.581 through 300.586 of the part B regulations in 
effect prior to October 13, 2006) and 34 CFR 300.179 of the current 
part B regulations require the Secretary to provide a State with 
reasonable notice before making a final determination that the State is 
ineligible to receive a grant award. Section 303.231(a)(1)(i) 
incorporates this long-standing reasonable notice requirement and thus 
provides both the Department and States with the flexibility to address 
circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, it is the 
Department's position that it is not necessary to add a 90-day timeline 
as requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.

Subpart D--Child Find, Evaluations and Assessments, and Individualized 
Family Service Plans

General (New Sec.  303.300)

    Comment: We received a number of comments concerning subpart D of 
these regulations; many of these comments suggested that there is some 
confusion in the field about the implementation of the child find, 
screening, evaluation, assessment, and IFSP provisions in the proposed 
regulations.
    Discussion: Given the number of comments we received on this 
subpart, we have provided an overview of how subpart D is organized and 
how the components described in this subpart relate to one another. We 
have added a new Sec.  303.300 to identify and distinguish the 
following required components of the part C statewide early 
intervention system: (a) Pre-referral (public awareness and child find) 
policies and procedures, (b) referral policies and procedures, and (c) 
post-referral policies and procedures. Accordingly, we have renumbered 
the public awareness program provisions as new Sec.  303.301 and the 
child find provisions as new Sec.  303.302.
    In order for the part C statewide system to identify, locate, 
evaluate, and serve all infants and toddlers with disabilities 
effectively, the system must be both comprehensive and coordinated. As 
clarified in this subpart, this means establishing policies and 
procedures for (a) pre-referral activities (i.e., to make the public 
aware of the availability of early intervention services and to 
coordinate with other programs to identify and locate infants and 
toddlers with disabilities), (b) the referral of children under the age 
of three to the part C program, and (c) post-referral activities (i.e., 
the screening, if applicable, of children under the age of three who 
have been referred to the part C program under new Sec.  303.320 
(proposed Sec.  303.303); the evaluation and assessment of the child 
and the child's family under new Sec.  303.321 (proposed Sec.  
303.320); and the development, review, and implementation of the IFSP, 
under Sec. Sec.  303.342 through 303.346).

[[Page 60185]]

    Subpart D follows the general chronological order of the pre-
referral, referral, and post-referral components of the part C 
statewide system. Specifically, this subpart begins by describing the 
required public awareness program (part of the pre-referral process) 
and ends with a requirement that public agencies and EIS providers that 
are directly responsible for providing early intervention services to a 
child make good faith efforts to assist that child in achieving the 
outcomes in the child's IFSP (part of the post-referral process). In 
this way, we intend subpart D of these regulations to provide the 
framework for effectively identifying, locating, and providing early 
intervention services to all eligible infants and toddlers with 
disabilities.
    Changes: We have added new Sec.  303.300 to identify and 
distinguish between the pre-referral, referral, and post-referral 
components of a statewide early intervention system. Section 303.300 
states that the statewide comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary 
interagency system to provide early intervention services for infants 
and toddlers with disabilities and their families required in Sec.  
303.1 must include the following components: (a) Pre-referral policies 
and procedures that include a public awareness program as described in 
new Sec.  303.301 (proposed Sec.  303.300) and a comprehensive child 
find system as described in new Sec.  303.302 (proposed Sec.  303.301); 
(b) Referral policies and procedures as described in new Sec.  303.303 
(proposed Sec.  303.302); and (c) Post-referral policies and procedures 
to ensure compliance with the timeline requirements in new Sec.  
303.310 and that include screening, if applicable, as described in new 
Sec.  303.320 (proposed Sec.  303.303); evaluations and assessments as 
described in new Sec.  303.321 (proposed Sec.  303.320); and 
development, review, and implementation of IFSPs as described in 
Sec. Sec.  303.342 through 303.346.

Public Awareness Program--Information for Parents (New Sec.  303.301) 
(Proposed Sec.  303.300)

    Comment: A few commenters supported proposed Sec.  
303.300(a)(1)(ii), which specifically included parents with premature 
infants or infants with other physical risk factors associated with 
learning or developmental complications among those parents to whom 
information about early intervention services must be disseminated. 
These commenters requested that we add a requirement that child find 
activities be conducted in collaboration with parent advocacy groups or 
other community agencies that are available to answer questions and 
provide support to these families as they access services.
    Discussion: The regulations track the language in section 635(a)(6) 
of the Act, which describes the required public awareness program. 
Although collaboration with parent advocacy groups or other community 
agencies regarding public awareness is not specifically mentioned in 
the Act or these regulations, there is nothing in the Act or these 
regulations that prevents a State from collaborating with other 
community resources to disseminate public awareness materials beyond 
primary referral sources. We do not mandate that public awareness 
materials be distributed to all parent advocacy groups or community 
agencies in these regulations because each State needs the flexibility 
to tailor its public awareness programs to the population of infants 
and toddlers with disabilities who may be eligible in that State (e.g., 
a State that serves at-risk infants and toddlers may target specific 
agencies). This approach will allow States to create and implement a 
public awareness program that includes the appropriate and necessary 
components to effectively meet State-specific needs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters recommended including the notes from 
current Sec.  303.320, regarding a system's public awareness program, 
in new Sec.  303.301 (proposed Sec.  303.300) because these notes 
provided clarity to lead agencies.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.301 (proposed Sec.  303.300) is 
consistent with section 635(a)(6) of the Act, which describes the 
requirements of a public awareness program. Notes 1 and 2 following 
current Sec.  303.320 describe the components of an effective public 
awareness program and provide examples of methods for informing the 
general public about the provisions of this part. We do not wish to 
make the substance of these notes regulatory requirements because we do 
not want to limit State flexibility to create a public awareness 
program that meets State-specific needs.
    While we have not incorporated the notes as requirements in the 
regulations, we continue to believe that an effective public awareness 
system is one that involves an ongoing effort that is in effect 
throughout a State, including rural areas; provides for the involvement 
of, and communication with, major organizations throughout a State that 
have a direct interest in this part, including public agencies at the 
State and local level, private providers, professional associations, 
parent groups, advocate associations, and other organizations; has 
coverage broad enough to reach the general public, including those who 
have disabilities; and includes a variety of methods for informing the 
public about the provisions of this part. Methods for informing the 
public continue to include the use of printed materials, television, 
radio, and the Internet, but may also include other appropriate methods 
in a particular State. For these reasons, we decline to revise new 
Sec.  303.301 (proposed Sec.  303.300) as requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding a reference to other 
family members after each mention of parents in this section.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.301 (proposed Sec.  303.300) tracks the 
language in section 635(a)(6) of the Act, regarding disseminating 
information about available early intervention services to parents of 
infants and toddlers with disabilities. While family members--other 
than parents--may voluntarily participate in a family assessment, may 
be invited by a parent to participate in IFSP meetings, and may be 
included when early intervention services are provided, the parent of 
an infant or toddler is ultimately responsible for making decisions 
under these regulations. The term parent is broad enough to encompass 
not just the biological or adoptive parent but other individuals who 
meet the definition in Sec.  303.27. Additionally, nothing in these 
regulations prevents the lead agency from disseminating its public 
awareness materials through primary referral sources to other family 
members. Therefore, it is the Department's position that not extending 
this requirement to other family members of infants and toddlers with 
disabilities is appropriate.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters requested clarification of new Sec.  
303.301(c) (proposed Sec.  303.300(b)(4)), which required the lead 
agency to provide parents of toddlers who are nearing transition age 
with a description of the availability of services under section 619 of 
the Act. These commenters questioned when this description must be 
provided and whether providing it when a toddler is two years and four 
months of age would meet the requirement to provide information at 
least nine months prior to a child's third birthday in new Sec.  
303.301(c) (proposed Sec.  303.300(b)(4)).

[[Page 60186]]

    One commenter stated that the public awareness requirement in new 
Sec.  303.301(c) (proposed Sec.  303.300(b)(4)) should be the 
responsibility of public agencies responsible for implementing part B 
of the Act and should be a collaborative effort between the State part 
B and C agencies and local part B programs to ensure that all parents 
and families are fully informed of the availability of services under 
section 619 of the Act.
    Discussion: We agree that, as written, proposed Sec.  303.300(b)(4) 
did not provide sufficient clarification regarding when, and to whom, a 
description of the availability of services under section 619 of the 
Act must be provided. Accordingly, we have revised new Sec.  303.301(c) 
(proposed Sec.  303.300(b)(4)) to specify that each public awareness 
program must include a requirement that the lead agency provide for 
informing parents of toddlers with disabilities of the availability of 
preschool services under section 619 of the Act not fewer than 90 days 
prior to the child's third birthday. We have removed the reference to 
``toddlers with disabilities nearing transition age'' and instead 
clarified the timeline by which the information must be provided. We 
have revised this timeline so that it is consistent with the timelines 
for LEA notification and other transition requirements in Sec.  
303.209.
    In response to the specific comment asking whether providing public 
awareness under new Sec.  303.301(c) (proposed Sec.  303.300(b)(4)) to 
parents when their toddler reaches two years and four months of age 
would be in compliance with this requirement, it would be in compliance 
under the revised requirement because each lead agency must ensure that 
information about preschool services under section 619 of the Act is 
provided to parents of toddlers with disabilities not fewer than 90 
days prior to the toddler's third birthday.
    Concerning the comment that the public awareness requirement should 
be the responsibility of the part B State or local public agencies, 
section 635(a)(6) of the Act was revised in 2004 to require that the 
lead agency prepare and disseminate information about preschool 
services under section 619 of the Act. SEAs and LEAs have child find 
responsibilities as defined in sections 612 and 619 under part B of the 
Act. The requirement in new Sec.  303.301(c) (proposed Sec.  
303.300(b)(4)) reflects the lead agency's responsibilities under 
sections 635(a)(6) and 637(a)(9) of the Act to ensure that information 
about part B preschool services is available to parents of all toddlers 
with disabilities exiting the part C program, not just those toddlers 
who have been determined by the lead agency to be potentially eligible 
under part B of the Act.
    Concerning the commenter's request to require collaboration between 
the State and local part B and part C agencies, adding this requirement 
is unnecessary because, under new Sec.  303.302(c) (proposed Sec.  
303.301(c)), the lead agency, with the assistance of the Council, must 
ensure that its child find system under part C of the Act is 
coordinated with the State's child find efforts under part B of the 
Act.
    Changes: We have revised new Sec.  303.301(c) (proposed Sec.  
303.300(b)(4)) to specify that each public awareness program must 
include a requirement that the lead agency provide for informing 
parents of toddlers with disabilities of the availability of preschool 
services under section 619 of the Act not fewer than 90 days prior to 
the child's third birthday. Additionally, because we have clarified 
that parents must be provided with this information not fewer than 90 
days prior to their toddler's third birthday, we have deleted the 
parenthetical ``starting at least nine months prior to the child's 
third birthday.''

Comprehensive Child Find System (New Sec.  303.302) (Proposed Sec.  
303.301)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To reflect the varied administrative structures of 
different part C child find systems and the revised definitions of 
public agency and EIS provider in Sec. Sec.  303.30 and 303.12, 
respectively, we have replaced the reference to ``public agencies'' 
with ``lead agencies or EIS providers'' in new Sec.  303.302(a)(2) 
(proposed Sec.  303.301(a)(2)), regarding the child find system 
including a system for making referrals to lead agencies and EIS 
providers.
    Changes: We have replaced the reference to ``public agencies,'' in 
new Sec.  303.302(a)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.301(a)(2)), with a 
reference to ``lead agencies or EIS providers''.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that the Department define the 
term ``rigorous,'' as that term is used to modify ``standards for 
appropriately identifying infants and toddlers with disabilities under 
this part that will reduce the need for future services'' in new Sec.  
303.302(a)(3) (proposed Sec.  303.301(a)(3)). These commenters asked 
the Department to provide specific guidance on how to define this term 
to avoid arbitrary and conflicting applications of the standards.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.302(a)(3) (proposed Sec.  303.301(a)(3)), 
consistent with section 635(a)(5) of the Act, requires that each 
State's part C child find system include rigorous standards for 
appropriately identifying infants and toddlers with disabilities for 
early intervention services that reduce the need for future services. 
We interpret the term ``rigorous'' in this section to mean that the 
State has obtained public (including stakeholder) input on its child 
find system policies and procedures that are required in Sec. Sec.  
303.101(a)(2), 303.115, and 303.116. Requiring public input ensures 
that stakeholders who have an interest in the development of a State's 
child find system, including parents of infants and toddlers with 
disabilities, EIS providers, Council members, and other stakeholders, 
have adequate opportunity to comment on, and inform, the decision-
making process regarding a State's child find policies and procedures.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended removing the phrase ``that 
will reduce the need for future services'' from new Sec.  303.302(a)(3) 
(proposed Sec.  303.301(a)(3)), which requires each State's child find 
system to include rigorous standards for appropriately identifying 
infants and toddlers with disabilities for early intervention services 
that will reduce the need for future services. These commenters stated 
that eligible infants and toddlers should have access to necessary 
early intervention services regardless of whether the lead agency or 
EIS provider expects the early intervention services to reduce a 
child's need for future services.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.302(a)(3) (proposed Sec.  303.301(a)(3)) 
incorporates statutory language from section 635(a)(5) of the Act and 
reflects the finding in section 631(a)(2) that there is an urgent and 
substantial need to reduce the educational costs to our society, 
including our nation's schools, by minimizing the need for special 
education and related services after infants and toddlers with 
disabilities reach school age. Thus, new Sec.  303.302(a)(3) (proposed 
Sec.  303.301(a)(3)) does not require a determination as to whether a 
specific infant or toddler with a disability will or will not require 
future services, but rather reflects one of the critical findings 
underlying part C of the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We have made a minor change to new Sec.  
303.302(b)(1)(i) (proposed Sec.  303.301(b)(1)(i)) to clarify

[[Page 60187]]

that the coordination with tribes, tribal organizations, and consortia 
is for the purpose of identifying infants and toddlers with 
disabilities in the State based, in part, on the information provided 
by these entities to the lead agency under Sec.  303.731(e)(1).
    Changes: We have revised the parenthetical in new Sec.  
303.302(b)(1)(i) (proposed Sec.  303.301(b)(1)(i)) by adding the words 
``to identify infants and toddlers with disabilities in the State 
based, in part, on'' before the words ``the information provided.''
    Comment: Many commenters supported retaining the requirement from 
current Sec.  303.321(b)(2), which requires that an effective method be 
developed and implemented to determine which children are receiving 
needed early intervention services. However, these commenters strongly 
opposed the requirement in proposed Sec.  303.301(b)(2) to have an 
effective method to determine which children are not in need of early 
intervention services. The commenters argued that this is not a 
statutory requirement and would add significant burden to lead 
agencies.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters that child find efforts 
under part C of the Act should focus on identifying infants and 
toddlers with disabilities who are potentially eligible for, or in need 
of, early intervention services and not those who are not potentially 
eligible for such services. Therefore, we have removed the requirement 
that lead agencies must determine which children are not in need of 
services in new Sec.  303.302(b)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.301(b)(2)).
    Changes: We removed the phrase ``and which children are not in need 
of those services'' in new Sec.  303.302(b)(2) (proposed Sec.  
303.301(b)(2)).
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)(G) identified ``child 
protection programs, including programs administered by, and services 
provided through, the foster care agency * * *'' as one of the programs 
that the lead agency must ensure that it coordinates with when 
implementing its child find responsibilities. However, child welfare 
programs, such as the foster care system, and child protection programs 
are two different programs and in some States are not in the same 
system. Therefore, we have clarified in new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(G) 
(proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)(G)) that lead agencies must 
coordinate child find activities with both child protection and child 
welfare programs.
    Changes: We have added the words ``and child welfare'' after the 
words ``child protection'' in new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(G) (proposed 
Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)(G)).
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: As previously stated in the Analysis of Comments and 
Changes section for subpart C of these regulations, upon further 
review, the Department has determined that it is not appropriate to 
limit either coordination with, or referrals from, the programs that 
provide services under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act 
in new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A) (proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)(I)) 
and Sec.  303.303(c)(11) (proposed Sec.  303.302(c)(11)). Therefore, we 
have removed the following language ``(for States electing to make 
available services under this part to children with disabilities after 
the age of three in accordance with section 635(c)(2)(G) of the Act and 
Sec.  303.211.)'' from new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A) (proposed Sec.  
303.301(c)(1)(ii)(I)) and Sec.  303.303(c)(11) (proposed Sec.  
303.302(c)(11)).
    Changes: We have removed the parenthetical referencing section 
635(c)(2)(G) of the Act and Sec.  303.211 from new Sec.  
303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A) and Sec.  303.303(c)(11).
    Comment: Several commenters recommended adding the Children's 
Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the list of programs with which the 
lead agency must coordinate its child find activities in new Sec.  
303.302(c)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)) because many 
children with disabilities participate in CHIP. A few commenters 
requested adding State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) 
systems to this list as well.
    Discussion: We agree with commenters that coordinating with the 
CHIP programs and State Early Hearing Detection Intervention (EHDI) 
systems can assist the lead agency in its child find responsibilities 
to identify infants and toddlers with disabilities. The addition of 
these two programs in the child find coordination provision in new 
Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii) does not mean that these entities are 
``participating agencies'' under Sec.  303.403 if they function as 
primary referral sources or funding sources, but do not otherwise meet 
the definition of participating agency in Sec.  303.403.
    CHIP is authorized under Title XXI of the Social Security Act and 
each State determines the level of income eligibility and available 
health benefits for children. In many States, CHIP benefits are 
combined with benefits under Medicaid (Title XIX of the Social Security 
Act). Requiring the lead agency to coordinate its child find efforts 
with the CHIP program ensures nonduplication of Federal and State funds 
and efforts to provide needed health services to eligible children.
    Each State has a State EHDI program, which is responsible for 
creating a system of newborn hearing screening, follow-up, audiological 
diagnosis (for those who do not pass screening), and intervention (for 
those who are identified with hearing loss). Recent data indicate that 
55 percent of State EHDI programs never or rarely notify the part C 
statewide system about infants who have failed their final hearing 
screening. (National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, The 
Impact of Privacy Regulations, May 2008, available at http://www.infanthearing.org) By adding the State EHDI program in Sec.  
303.302(c)(1)(ii), we acknowledge that coordination between the State 
EHDI program and the statewide child find system can play a critical 
role in the referral of children from the EHDI program to the part C 
program to identify children potentially eligible for part C early 
intervention services, including infants and toddlers who are deaf or 
hard of hearing. Therefore, we have added CHIP and EHDI to the programs 
listed in new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.301(c)(1)(ii)).
    Nothing precludes the State lead agency from coordinating with 
additional appropriate entities in the State, such as Grant-Supported 
Federally Qualified Health Centers (``FQHCs''), which include Community 
Health Centers and Healthcare for the Homeless Programs, see 42 U.S.C. 
Sec. Sec.  254b(a), 1396a(a)(10)(A), 1396d(a)(2)(C); the Temporary 
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, see 42 U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  
601 et seq.; the supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and 
Children (WIC), see 42 U.S.C. Sec. Sec.  1786 et seq.; and the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (``SNAP'') (formerly the 
Federal Food Stamp program), see 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. Some of these 
programs may serve as primary referral sources. We note that some 
States have adopted a centralized intake center for families for many 
State health, social welfare, public assistance, and other programs 
that target the health and welfare of children and families and that 
the part C early intervention program may be included in such an intake 
center.
    Changes: We have added new paragraphs (J) and (K) to new Sec.  
303.302(c)(1)(ii) to include EHDI and CHIP among the programs with 
which the lead agency must coordinate its child find activities.

[[Page 60188]]

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To provide consistency between the lead agency's 
responsibilities to ensure non-duplication of child find efforts in new 
Sec.  303.302(c)(2)(i) (proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(2)(i)) and child find 
coordination in new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.301(c)(1)(ii)), we have replaced, in new Sec.  303.302(c)(2)(i) 
(proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(2)(i)), the broad reference to various 
agencies with a reference to the specific programs identified in new 
Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(1)(ii)), with which 
the lead agency must coordinate its child find efforts.
    Changes: We have replaced in new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii) (proposed 
Sec.  303.301(c)(2)(i)) the phrase ``various agencies involved in the 
State's child find system under this part'' with ``programs identified 
in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section.''
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification on why the reference 
to public agency was deleted from new Sec.  303.302(c)(1)(ii) (proposed 
Sec.  303.301(c)(2)(ii)), concerning the requirement that the State 
make use of each EIS provider in implementing child find in an 
effective manner. Another commenter disagreed with the language in 
proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(2)(ii) because public agencies that provide 
services to young children are critical to the child find system and 
these public agencies should be expressly referenced and continue to be 
an active part of the child find system. Both commenters recommended 
that current Sec.  303.321(c)(2)(ii) be retained.
    Discussion: Current Sec.  303.321(c)(2)(ii), regarding coordination 
efforts, provides that the lead agency make use of the resources 
available through each public agency in the State to implement child 
find in an effective manner. We added in new Sec.  303.302(c)(2)(ii) 
(proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(2)(ii)) a reference to EIS providers because 
of the revised definitions of EIS providers and public agencies. We 
agree with the commenters that the reference to public agencies should 
be reinstated and also have added that reference.
    Changes: We have added the words ``each public agency'' to the 
reference to ``EIS provider in the State'' to new Sec.  
303.302(c)(2)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.301(c)(2)(ii)).

Referral Procedures (New Sec.  303.303) (Proposed Sec.  303.302)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We have made a technical edit to new Sec.  
303.303(a)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.302(a)(1)) to clarify that the 
referral procedures that lead agencies must provide to primary referral 
sources are the State's procedures for referring a child under the age 
of three to the part C program.
    Changes: We have added the word ``State's'' before the word 
``procedures'' in Sec.  303.303(a)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.302(a)(1)).
    Comment: Many commenters supported removing current Sec.  
303.321(d)(2)(ii), which required primary referral sources to refer a 
child to the part C program within two working days of the child's 
identification. The commenters stated that because the two-day timeline 
was not enforceable by lead agencies, they supported the language in 
proposed Sec.  303.302(a)(2)(i) that requires referrals be made as soon 
as possible. These commenters stated that requiring primary referral 
sources to refer identified children as soon as possible would provide 
States with the flexibility to establish or maintain more stringent 
reporting requirements on primary referral sources, while acknowledging 
the difficulties associated with monitoring the adherence of thousands 
of primary referral sources to a Federal standard.
    A significant number of commenters, however, opposed the language 
in proposed Sec.  303.302(a)(2)(i) and recommended retaining the two-
day timeline for referrals in current Sec.  303.321(d)(2)(ii). These 
commenters expressed concern that the proposed timeline, i.e., as soon 
as possible, threatens to introduce long delays into part C referral, 
evaluation, and program implementation processes. Other commenters 
proposed that the regulations retain the phrase ``as soon as 
possible,'' but qualify it with a maximum timeline. Commenters proposed 
a variety of maximum timelines, ranging from three business days to ten 
business days.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters who expressed concern that 
requiring primary referral sources to refer an identified child to the 
part C program ``as soon as possible'' could introduce undue delays 
into the part C referral process. Although enforcement of the timeline 
in current Sec.  303.321(d)(2)(ii), which requires primary referral 
sources to refer a child to the part C system within two working days 
of the child's identification, has been a challenge for lead agencies, 
requiring referrals to be made ``as soon as possible'' may be more 
difficult to enforce than the two-day timeline. We believe it is 
appropriate to retain the phrase ``as soon as possible'' because it 
conveys a sense of urgency that referrals be made to the part C program 
in a timely manner. Therefore, we have retained the ``as soon as 
possible'' language and added a maximum timeline to new Sec.  
303.303(a)(2)(i) (proposed Sec.  303.302(a)(2)(i)) to require that a 
child be referred as soon as possible, but in no case more than seven 
days, after the child has been identified. We realize that in some 
cases an earlier referral may be reasonable, but establishing a maximum 
timeline of seven days provides more flexibility to primary referral 
sources for making referrals than the timeline under current Sec.  
303.321(d)(2)(ii). Moreover, the new timeline requires primary referral 
sources to refer children as soon as possible.
    Changes: We have revised new Sec.  303.303(a)(2)(i) (proposed Sec.  
303.302(a)(2)(i)) to require primary referral sources to refer a child 
to the part C program as soon as possible, but in no case more than 
seven calendar days after the child has been identified.
    Comment: One commenter opposed the requirement in proposed Sec.  
303.302(b) that the lead agency adopt procedures requiring the referral 
of specific at-risk children. The commenter stated that this provision 
does not reflect congressional intent to ensure that these children are 
screened, either by a designated primary referral source or EIS 
provider, to determine whether a referral for an evaluation for early 
intervention services under part C of the Act is warranted.
    Discussion: The language in new Sec.  303.303(b) (proposed Sec.  
303.302(b)) is based on the statutory language in section 637(a)(6) of 
the Act, regarding the referral of a child under the age of 3 who is 
involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect; or is 
identified as affected by illegal substance abuse, or withdrawal 
symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure.
    As noted by the commenter, lead agencies may use a variety of 
methods to ensure the identification of specific at-risk infants and 
toddlers who may be infants and toddlers with disabilities eligible for 
services under part C of the Act. Under new Sec.  303.320 (proposed 
Sec.  303.303), the lead agency may establish screening procedures for 
children under the age of three, including at-risk infants and 
toddlers, who have been referred to the part C program. Primary 
referral sources also may choose to conduct screenings of at-risk 
infants and toddlers prior to referring a child to the part C program 
under new Sec.  303.303 (proposed Sec.  303.302). If a primary referral 
source conducts a screening under the supervision of the lead agency in 
order

[[Page 60189]]

to determine if a child is suspected of having a disability, such 
screening procedures must meet the requirements in new Sec.  303.320 
(proposed Sec.  303.303).
    The lead agency may use interagency agreements or other methods to 
coordinate with primary referral sources, such as the State agency that 
administers the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), to 
conduct child find and ensure identification of at-risk infants and 
toddlers who may be eligible for services under part C of the Act. The 
screening procedures in new Sec.  303.320 (proposed Sec.  303.303) are 
consistent with section 637(a)(6) of the Act and the policy, reflected 
in the legislative history cited by the commenter, that not every child 
referred to the part C program must be evaluated. Therefore, we decline 
to revise the regulations as requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification of the scope of the 
phrase ``affected by illegal substance abuse'' in new Sec.  303.303(b) 
(proposed Sec.  303.302(b)). Specifically, the commenter asked who must 
be referred for early intervention services under this provision.
    Discussion: The language ``affected by illegal substance abuse'' in 
new Sec.  303.303(b) (proposed Sec.  303.302(b)) is from section 
637(a)(6)(B) of the Act, which requires children who are ``affected by 
illegal substance abuse'' to be referred to the part C program. The 
policy for requiring the referral of children under the age of three 
who have been directly affected by illegal substance abuse is that 
there is a likelihood that these children may experience developmental 
delays and thus be eligible for early intervention services under part 
C of the Act. We have clarified the phrase ``affected by illegal 
substance abuse'' by adding the term ``directly'' because we agree that 
the statutory language is vague. This change is consistent with our 
addition of the term ``directly'' in Sec.  303.211(b)(7) regarding 
referral of a child under the age of three who directly experiences a 
substantiated case of trauma due to exposure to family violence.
    Changes: We have added the term ``directly'' before the words 
``affected by illegal substance abuse'' in new Sec.  303.303(b)(2) 
(proposed Sec.  303.302(b)(2)).
    Comment: Some commenters requested that the Department mandate that 
child find systems provide for the referrals of children under the age 
of three who have been abandoned; affected by alcohol abuse, including 
prenatal alcohol exposure; or exposed to family violence or dangerous 
levels of lead paint. At a minimum, these commenters recommended that 
these regulations include these children as examples of children who 
should be referred to the part C program.
    Discussion: Section 637(a) of the Act only requires the referral 
for early intervention services of a child under the age of three who 
is involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect or is 
identified as affected by illegal substance abuse, or withdrawal 
symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure. While not required 
under the Act, a State may choose to require the referral for 
evaluation of the children identified by the commenter (i.e., those who 
have been abandoned, affected by alcohol abuse, including prenatal 
alcohol exposure; or exposed to family violence or dangerous levels of 
lead paint). However, we do not wish to limit a State's flexibility to 
assess the unique needs in the State, and identify accordingly, other 
subgroups that may be determined to be at-risk and require a referral 
for evaluation. Thus, we decline to revise the regulations as requested 
by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters opposed new Sec.  303.303(b)(1) (proposed 
Sec.  303.302(b)(1)), which requires the referral of a child under the 
age of three who is involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or 
neglect. One commenter stated that this requirement is vague and 
inconsistent with the explanation provided in the preamble to the NPRM 
that, under this section and consistent with CAPTA requirements, a 
referral to the part C program would only be for the child who is the 
subject of the substantiated proceeding. The commenters requested that 
new Sec.  303.303(b)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.302(b)(1)) clarify that the 
referral requirements in that section would not apply, for example, to 
a sibling (under the age of three) of a child who had been the subject 
of a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect unless that sibling 
also had been the subject of a substantiated case of child abuse or 
neglect. Another commenter expressed concern that Federal funding is 
insufficient to address the potential increase in referrals of children 
under CAPTA.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters that the language 
``involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect'' in 
section 637(a)(6)(A) and new Sec.  303.303(b) (proposed Sec.  
303.302(b)(1)) is vague. This provision is consistent with 42 U.S.C. 
5106a of CAPTA, which was amended in June 2003 to require States 
receiving CAPTA funds to have policies regarding the referral to the 
part C program of children under the age of three who were the subject 
of a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect. The Department 
consulted with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 
which administers CAPTA, and determined that our interpretation of this 
provision in section 637(a)(6)(A) of the Act is consistent with HHS's 
view that neither part C of the Act nor CAPTA requires the referral of 
a child other than a child who is the subject of a proceeding resulting 
in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect. For this reason, we 
have revised the regulatory language in new Sec.  303.303(b)(1) 
(proposed Sec.  303.302(b)(1)) to refer to a child under the age of 
three who ``is the subject'' of a substantiated case of child abuse or 
neglect. Additionally, we do not interpret the statutory language or 
new Sec.  303.303(b)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.302(b)(1)) to require a 
sibling (under the age of three) to be referred or screened unless that 
sibling is a child under the age of three who also has been the subject 
of a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect. Given that we have 
narrowed the scope of children to be referred to the part C program 
under new Sec.  303.303(b)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.302(b)), the 
potential burden is decreased to States, which may currently receive 
referrals of all children (such as a sibling or step-sibling) who are 
involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect.
    Changes: The phrase ``involved in'' in new Sec.  303.303(b)(1) 
(proposed Sec.  303.302(b)(1)) has been changed to ``the subject of.''
    Comment: One commenter noted, with respect to new Sec.  
303.303(b)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.302(b)(2)), that section 
106(b)(2)(A)(xxii) of CAPTA does not require referral to part C 
services of children under the age of three who are affected by illegal 
substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug 
exposure. This commenter requested that the Department clarify this 
fact in the preamble to these regulations.
    Discussion: Section 303.303(b)(2) reflects the requirement in 
section 637(a)(6)(B) of the Act that each State's part C application 
include policies and procedures requiring the referral for early 
intervention services of a child under the age of three who is 
identified as affected by illegal substance abuse or withdrawal 
symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure. Section 
106(b)(2)(A)(xxii) of CAPTA, however, requires that each State that 
receives CAPTA funds assure that it has policies and procedures 
(including appropriate

[[Page 60190]]

referrals to child protection service systems and for other appropriate 
services) to address the needs of infants born and identified as being 
affected by illegal substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms resulting 
from prenatal drug exposure. Thus, while the language of CAPTA differs 
from the language of section 637(a)(6)(B) of the Act, Sec.  
303.303(b)(2) reflects the appropriate requirement under the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended clarifying that the list of 
primary referral sources in new Sec.  303.303(c) (proposed Sec.  
303.302(c)) is not an inclusive list and that a lead agency may include 
other primary referral sources in its child find system. Additionally, 
two commenters recommended adding McKinney-Vento ``local educational 
agency liaisons,'' as defined in 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(6), as primary 
referral sources along with LEAs and schools in new Sec.  303.303(c)(5) 
(proposed Sec.  303.302(c)(5)).
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that new Sec.  303.303(c) 
(proposed Sec.  303.302(c)) is intended to be a non-exhaustive list of 
primary referral sources and that a lead agency may include other 
primary referral sources in its child find system. The term include, as 
defined in Sec.  303.18 and used in the introductory text in new Sec.  
303.303(c) (proposed Sec.  303.302(c)), means that the items named are 
not all of the possible items that are covered, whether like or unlike 
the ones named.
    We decline to add McKinney-Vento local educational agency liaisons, 
as defined in 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(6), to new Sec.  303.303(c)(5) 
(proposed Sec.  303.302(c)(5)), as requested, because these liaisons 
work with LEAs and school-age children--not children under the age of 
three--and, therefore, coordination with these liaisons is not required 
for programs under part C of the Act. Nothing in the Act or these 
regulations would preclude a lead agency from coordinating with the 
McKinney-Vento local educational agency liaisons, as defined in 42 
U.S.C. 11432(g)(6), if it determines such coordination is appropriate.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended changing the reference to day 
care programs in new Sec.  303.303(c)(4) (proposed Sec.  303.302(c)(4)) 
to child care and early learning programs.
    Discussion: We agree that day care should be changed to child care 
because this term reflects the current terminology of the field. We 
also agree that early learning programs should be included in the list 
of primary referral sources. While the list in new Sec.  303.303(c) 
(proposed Sec.  303.302(c)) includes schools, some early learning 
programs, such as Early Head Start, may not always be included in this 
category. To ensure all early learning programs are included as 
referral sources we have added early learning programs to new Sec.  
303.303(c) (proposed Sec.  303.302(c)).
    Changes: We have changed the term ``day care programs'' to ``child 
care programs'' and added ``early learning programs'' in new Sec.  
303.303(c)(4) (proposed Sec.  303.302(c)(4)).
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To clarify that primary referral sources may include 
not only public health facilities and other social service agencies, 
but also public health agencies that are neither public health 
facilities nor social service agencies, we have added a reference to 
public health agencies in new Sec.  303.303(c)(7) (proposed Sec.  
303.302(c)(7)). For example, other public health or social service 
agencies may include the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home 
Visiting Program, under Title V of the Social Security Act, as amended, 
or the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) systems 
administered by the Centers for Disease Control.
    Changes: We have added the phrase ``public health or'' before the 
words ``social service agencies'' in new Sec.  303.303(c)(7) (proposed 
Sec.  303.302(c)(7)).

Forty-Five Day Timelines (New Sec.  303.310) (Proposed Sec.  
303.320(e))

    Comment: We received a large number of comments, questions, and 
recommendations regarding the 45-day timeline requirement in proposed 
Sec.  303.320(e) that lead agencies complete the initial evaluation, 
the initial assessments, and the initial IFSP meeting within 45 days 
from parental consent for the initial evaluation.
    Many commenters supported proposed Sec.  303.320(e), which stated 
that the evaluation, assessment, and initial IFSP meeting must be 
completed within 45 days from the date the lead agency obtains parental 
consent for the child's evaluation. These commenters preferred this 
timeline to the 45-day timeline in current Sec.  303.322(e), which 
commences not on the date the lead agency obtains parental consent, but 
rather on the date it receives the referral of the child. These 
commenters argued that, given the complexity of the post-referral 
process, adding more time to the period between referral and the 
initial IFSP meeting was appropriate.
    A few commenters recommended that, if the Department adopted 
proposed Sec.  303.320(e), the Department should add a separate 
timeline for the time period between referral and when the lead agency 
must obtain parental consent and suggested timelines for this period 
ranging from 2 to 30 days or ``as soon as possible.''
    Many other commenters opposed the 45-day timeline in proposed Sec.  
303.320(e). These commenters expressed concern that having the 45-day 
timeline triggered by the date the lead agency obtains parental 
consent, rather than the date the lead agency receives the child's 
referral, could result in significant delays in getting infants and 
toddlers with disabilities the early intervention services they need. 
These commenters argued that proposed Sec.  303.320(e)(ii), which 
stated that lead agencies must obtain parental consent as soon as 
possible once a child is referred to a lead agency, would be an 
inadequate protection if adopted because it would allow an undetermined 
and unregulated period of time between the child's referral and 
parental consent, and could delay the completion of initial 
evaluations, initial assessments, and initial IFSP meetings. These 
commenters expressed concern that proposed Sec.  303.320(e) would 
result in less accountability for lead agencies because, under that 
provision, the lead agencies could control--to a large extent--when 
they obtained parental consent for evaluation and thus when the 45-day 
timeline would commence.
    These commenters further argued that the Department should not 
adopt the timeline in proposed Sec.  303.320(e) and that it should 
instead retain the timeline reflected in current Sec.  303.322(e), 
which requires the public agency to complete the evaluation and 
assessment activities and hold an IFSP meeting within 45 days from the 
date the public agency receives the child's referral. For these 
commenters, beginning the 45-day timeline from the date the public 
agency receives the child's referral is preferable because it promotes 
accountability for lead agencies; the triggering event for the timeline 
is something outside of a lead agency's control. Moreover, commenters 
argued that beginning the 45-day timeline from the date of referral 
will help ensure that children receive services within a shorter 
timeframe. Some of the commenters that supported triggering the 
required timeline from the date of referral recommended that the length 
of the timeline be changed; they suggested alternative timelines, 
ranging from 30 days from referral to 75 days from referral.
    Finally, a few commenters recommended that these regulations not 
include any timeline. These

[[Page 60191]]

commenters argued that each State should have the flexibility to 
establish its own timeline to complete the post-referral activities 
through the initial IFSP meeting; they argued that this flexibility 
would be similar to the flexibility offered in the evaluation timeline 
under 34 CFR 300.301(c)(1)(ii) to conduct an evaluation to determine 
eligibility for the part B program.
    Discussion: After much review and careful consideration of the many 
and divergent opinions on the 45-day timeline, we have determined that 
it is appropriate to retain in new Sec.  303.310(a) the 45-day timeline 
from the date of the child's referral as reflected in current Sec.  
303.321(e), but to provide for limited exceptions when the 45-day 
timeline will not apply. Data from Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2006 State 
part C SPP/APRs indicate that many States have made significant 
progress toward meeting the current 45-day timeline requirement. The 
Department's position is that maintaining this standard in new Sec.  
303.310(a)--combined with the flexibility offered by the two exceptions 
incorporated in new Sec.  303.310(b)--will help States continue to 
ensure timely initial evaluations, initial assessments, and initial 
IFSP meetings when children are referred to the part C program without 
unduly burdening lead agencies and EIS providers.
    We believe that having the 45-day timeline in new Sec.  303.310(a) 
commence on the date of referral, rather than on the date the lead 
agency or EIS provider obtains parental consent for the initial 
evaluation, ensures accountability, consistency, and predictability, 
and it is easier for States and parents to implement and track. More 
importantly, we are persuaded that this timeline will result in fewer 
delays in infants and toddlers with disabilities receiving early 
intervention services as quickly as possible after being referred. For 
these reasons, we have incorporated the 45-day timeline, commencing 
from referral, in new Sec.  303.310. For clarity, we have revised the 
language in this section to ensure that the timeline applies to both 
lead agencies and EIS providers because EIS providers as well as lead 
agencies implement these requirements and conduct initial evaluations, 
initial assessments, and initial IFSP meetings.
    As we noted in the NPRM, however, we fully appreciate that a lead 
agency or EIS provider may not be able to comply with the 45-day 
timeline because of exceptional family circumstances that are beyond 
its control. For example, as we noted in the NPRM, a lead agency or EIS 
provider cannot meet the 45-day timeline from the date of referral 
without parental consent for initial evaluations and initial 
assessments. Moreover, delays in obtaining parental consent may 
drastically reduce the time available for the lead agency or EIS 
provider to perform the initial evaluation and initial assessments and 
prepare for the initial IFSP meeting. Rather than attempting to address 
these concerns by commencing the 45-day timeline from the date the lead 
agency or EIS provider obtains parental consent, it is more appropriate 
to address these concerns by providing for limited exceptions in new 
Sec.  303.310(b) to clarify when the 45-day timeline in new Sec.  
303.310(a) would not apply.
    We have described in new Sec.  303.310(b) two specific 
circumstances when the 45-day timeline would not apply. First, as noted 
in new Sec.  303.310(b)(1), there may be periods of time when the child 
or parent is unavailable to complete the screening, if applicable; the 
initial evaluation; the initial assessment of the child; the initial 
assessment of the family; or the initial IFSP meeting due to 
exceptional family circumstances that are documented in the child's 
early intervention records. To clarify that it is only the 
unavailability of the child or parent (and not other family members) 
that determines the availability of this exception, we have added new 
Sec.  303.310(d) to ensure that the family assessment is completed 
within the 45-day timeline, if the parent concurs, as long as the 
parent is available.
    The second exception to the 45-day timeline is set forth in new 
Sec.  303.310(b)(2), which provides that if the parent has not provided 
consent for the screening (if the State has adopted a policy to conduct 
screenings and elects to conduct a screening of that child), initial 
evaluation, or initial assessment of the child despite documented, 
repeated attempts by the lead agency or EIS provider to obtain parental 
consent, then the 45-day timeline would not apply. We have not included 
the family assessment or the initial IFSP meeting in this second 
exception because, while the family assessment is voluntary on the part 
of any family member who participates in it and the initial IFSP 
meeting must be scheduled at a time convenient to the family, there are 
no express written consent requirements for conducting the family 
assessment and initial IFSP meeting.
    To ensure that these exceptions are not absolute, we have added a 
new requirement in Sec.  303.310(c) to clarify that the lead agency or 
EIS provider must complete the screening, if applicable; initial 
evaluation; initial assessments; and initial IFSP meeting as soon as 
possible after the circumstances described in new Sec.  303.310(b) no 
longer exist or parental consent is obtained. We believe that the 
availability of the two limited exceptions to the 45-day timeline in 
new Sec.  303.310(b) creates flexibility and reduces burdens for lead 
agencies and EIS providers. Coupling these exceptions with a 45-day 
timeline commencing on the date of the child's referral to the part C 
program in new Sec.  303.310(a) creates a clear and enforceable 
timeline that ensures accountability for timely identification, 
evaluations, assessments, and IFSP meetings for infants and toddlers 
with disabilities.
    Additionally, to further protect children affected by circumstances 
described in new Sec.  303.310(b)(1) and (b)(2), we have added new 
Sec.  303.310(c)(3) to clarify that the lead agency must have 
procedures to ensure that the lead agency or EIS provider develop and 
implement an interim IFSP to the extent appropriate and consistent with 
Sec.  303.345 in the event of the circumstances described in Sec.  
303.310(b).
    With regard to the comments recommending that we lengthen or remove 
the 45-day timeline in new Sec.  303.310(a) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(e)), we decline to do so because lengthening or removing the 
timeline would not create the same level of accountability for ensuring 
timely evaluations and assessments and IFSP development for infants and 
toddlers with disabilities. Given the rapid developmental changes in 
this age group of children, it is essential that lead agencies and EIS 
providers evaluate, assess, and provide early intervention services to 
those in need as soon as possible. We also decline to shorten the 45-
day timeline, as requested by some commenters, because we are not 
convinced that a shortened timeline would be feasible for lead agencies 
and EIS providers to carry out their obligations under subpart D of 
these regulations.
    Finally, regarding the request to incorporate in these regulations 
a timeline within which a lead agency or EIS provider must obtain 
parental consent following a child's referral to the part C program, 
establishing this separate timeline is unnecessary because the 
Department has adopted a 45-day timeline that runs from the date of 
referral, not the date parental consent is obtained.
    Changes: We have redesignated proposed Sec.  303.320(e) as new 
Sec.  303.310(a) and revised it to require that, within 45 days after 
the lead agency or EIS provider receives a referral, the screening (if 
the State has adopted a policy and elects, and the

[[Page 60192]]

parent consents, to conduct a screening of a child), initial 
evaluation, initial assessments, and initial IFSP meeting must be 
conducted. We have deleted the language from proposed Sec.  
303.320(e)(1)(ii) regarding the lead agency obtaining parental consent 
as soon as possible after receiving the child's referral.
    We have clarified in Sec.  303.310(a) that the 45-day timeline 
applies to the screening conducted under new Sec.  303.320, if 
applicable; initial evaluation (described in new Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(i) 
as the child's evaluation to determine his or her initial eligibility 
under this part), initial assessments of the child and family under 
Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(ii); and initial IFSP meeting under Sec.  303.342.
    We also have added new Sec.  303.310(b) to identify two limited 
exceptions to the 45-day timeline. These exceptions cover periods of 
time when (i) the child or parent is unavailable to complete the 
screening, if applicable; the initial evaluation; the initial 
assessments of the child and family; or the initial IFSP meeting due to 
exceptional family circumstances that are documented in the child's 
early intervention records; or (ii) the parent has not provided consent 
for the screening, if applicable, the initial evaluation, or the 
initial assessment of the child, despite documented, repeated attempts 
by the lead agency or EIS provider to obtain parental consent.
    We have added new Sec.  303.310(c) to clarify that the lead agency 
must have procedures to ensure that the lead agency or EIS provider: 
(1) Documents the exceptional circumstances or repeated attempts by the 
lead agency or EIS provider to obtain parental consent, (2) completes 
the screening, if applicable, the initial evaluation, the initial 
assessments of the child and family, and the initial IFSP meeting as 
soon as possible after the documented exceptional family circumstances 
no longer exist or parental consent is obtained for the screening, if 
applicable, initial evaluation, and initial assessment of the child, 
and (3) develop and implement an interim IFSP to the extent appropriate 
and consistent with Sec.  303.345.
    Finally, we have added new Sec.  303.310(d) to ensure that the 
family assessment is completed within the 45-day timeline, if the 
parent concurs, as long as the parent is available.
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that, rather than changing the 
triggering event for the 45-day timeline from referral to parental 
consent, the Department should use its authority under section 618 of 
the Act to collect information related to the reasons for, and the 
scope of problems related to, a lead agency's failure to meet the 45-
day timeline requirement. A few commenters recommended that new Sec.  
303.310 (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)) require States to report on the 
timelines in new Sec.  303.310 (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)) as part of 
the State's application.
    Discussion: As previously discussed, we have retained the current 
45-day timeline from the date of a child's referral to the part C 
program for lead agencies and EIS providers to complete the child's 
initial evaluation, initial assessment, and initial IFSP meeting. 
Concerning commenters' requests that this timeline be reported in each 
State's application, States already report to the Department data on 
implementing the 45-day timeline and reasons for any delay in meeting 
this timeline. One of the indicators that each State is required to 
report on in its SPP/APR is compliance with this 45-day timeline. Each 
State reports these data annually to the Department. Pursuant to 
sections 616(d) and 642 of the Act, the Department uses these and other 
data to determine whether the State is meeting the requirements of part 
C of the Act and these regulations. Given that the Department already 
collects these data, it is not necessary to incorporate an additional 
data collection requirement in the application or elsewhere in these 
regulations.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters recommended that a specific provision be 
added to new Sec.  303.310(b) (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)) to permit a 
lead agency to waive the 45-day timeline requirement if the lead agency 
or EIS provider made good faith efforts to conduct the initial 
evaluation, initial assessments, and initial IFSP meeting but the child 
or family member was unavailable (e.g., due to child or parent illness, 
work or family vacation scheduling conflicts, or other parent-requested 
considerations) or the lead agency or EIS provider made good faith 
efforts to obtain parental consent for the initial evaluation and 
initial assessment but was unable to do so within the 45-day timeline.
    Discussion: As discussed earlier in this preamble, we agree that 
exceptional family circumstances may make it difficult or impossible 
for the lead agency or EIS provider to meet the 45-day timeline in new 
Sec.  303.310 (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)). However, we do not believe 
an absolute waiver of the timeline is appropriate. Instead, to provide 
flexibility and ensure accountability, we have adopted, in new Sec.  
303.310(b), two limited exceptions to the 45-day timeline, one of which 
directly addresses the commenters' concern about exceptional family 
circumstances.
    Specifically, new Sec.  303.310(b) states that the 45-day timeline 
does not apply when: (1) The child or parent is unavailable to complete 
the screening, if applicable; the initial evaluation; the initial 
assessments of the child and family; or the initial IFSP meeting due to 
exceptional family circumstances that are documented in the child's 
early intervention records; or (2) the parent has not provided consent 
for the screening, if the State has adopted a policy to conduct 
screenings and elects to conduct a screening of that child; initial 
evaluation; or initial assessment of the child despite documented, 
repeated attempts by the lead agency or EIS provider to obtain parental 
consent.
    To ensure that these exceptions are used appropriately, new Sec.  
303.310(c) requires the lead agency to develop procedures to ensure 
that exceptional family circumstances or repeated attempts by the lead 
agency or EIS provider to obtain parental consent are documented in the 
child's early intervention records.
    Moreover, to ensure that these exceptions do not result in absolute 
waivers of the 45-day timeline, new Sec.  303.310(c)(2) and (c)(3) 
require that the lead agency or EIS provider complete the activities as 
soon as possible after the basis for the exceptions cease to exist, and 
develop and implement an interim IFSP to the extent appropriate and 
consistent with Sec.  303.345.
    These two limited exceptions provide States needed flexibility 
while ensuring that, once parental consent is provided for the 
screening, if applicable; initial evaluation; and initial assessment of 
the child; or the exceptional family circumstances no longer exist, the 
lead agency or EIS provider conduct the screening, if applicable; 
initial evaluation; initial assessments; and initial IFSP meeting as 
soon as possible to ensure the timely identification and evaluation of 
infants and toddlers with disabilities.
    Changes: As noted earlier in this preamble, we have added new Sec.  
303.310(b) to identify two exceptions to the 45-day timeline and added 
Sec.  303.310(c) to clarify that the lead agency must have procedures 
to ensure that the lead agency or EIS provider: (i) Documents 
exceptional circumstances or repeated attempts by the lead agency or 
EIS provider to obtain parental consent, (ii) completes the screening, 
if applicable; the initial evaluation; initial assessments; and the 
initial IFSP

[[Page 60193]]

meeting as soon as possible after the documented exceptional family 
circumstances no longer exist or parental consent is obtained, and 
(iii) develop and implement an interim IFSP if appropriate, consistent 
with Sec.  303.345.

Screening Procedures (Optional) New Sec.  303.320 (Proposed Sec.  
303.303)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Based on further review of Sec.  303.320(a)(1) 
(proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(1)), regarding screening procedures, we have 
determined that the words ``when appropriate'' are unnecessary and 
potentially confusing. Lead agencies always can adopt policies for 
screening. If a State elects to adopt screening policies and 
procedures, those policies and procedures must specify when screening 
of a particular child is appropriate.
    Changes: We have removed the words ``when appropriate'' from Sec.  
303.320(a)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(1)).
    Comment: A significant number of commenters requested additional 
clarification regarding the screening procedures in proposed Sec.  
303.303. Some commenters opposed including screening in these 
regulations stating that they were concerned that children for whom 
part C eligibility is not readily or easily apparent may be denied an 
evaluation and services if screening is conducted.
    Other commenters recommended that proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(3) be 
amended to require that if the lead agency determines, based on 
screening and other available information, that the child is not 
suspected of having a disability, the lead agency must ensure that 
notice is provided to the parent under Sec.  303.421, including notice 
of the right to request and receive an evaluation at any time. 
Additionally, the commenters requested that this notice include a 
description of the difference between a ``screening,'' conducted 
pursuant to proposed Sec.  303.303, and an ``evaluation,'' as required 
in proposed Sec.  303.320.
    Other commenters suggested that if the lead agency decides the 
child is not suspected of having a disability, the lead agency should 
be required to present this decision and the reasons for the decision 
to a parent in writing, but should not be required to provide this 
information through prior written notice under Sec.  303.421. These 
commenters further recommended that the lead agency be required to 
offer an evaluation only after that decision is conveyed to the parent, 
and the parent disagrees with that determination and requests an 
evaluation.
    One commenter stated that if a parent disagrees with a decision 
regarding a referral for evaluation, the parent should be entitled to 
appeal that decision using the due process procedures in subpart E of 
these regulations, but the lead agency should not be required to 
evaluate the child.
    A few commenters requested that parents be informed verbally and in 
writing, in their native language or preferred method of communication, 
of their right to request a full evaluation of their child, including 
their right to bypass screening and go straight to an evaluation.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.320 (proposed Sec.  303.303) has been 
restructured, and a few provisions have been added, to address the 
commenters' concerns regarding screenings and a parent's right to 
request an evaluation. We have added new Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(i) and 
(a)(1)(ii), stating that if the lead agency or EIS provider proposes to 
screen a child, it must provide the parent notice under Sec.  303.421 
of its intent to screen the child to determine whether the child is 
suspected of having a disability and obtain parental consent as 
required in Sec.  303.420(a)(1) before administering the screening. 
That notice must explain the parent's right to request an evaluation 
under new Sec.  303.321 (proposed Sec.  303.320) at any time during the 
screening process.
    We also have revised new Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.303(a)(3)) to specify that when the lead agency provides notice to 
a parent under Sec.  303.421 that, based on the screening or other 
available information, a child is not suspected of having a disability, 
the notice must describe the parent's right to request an evaluation.
    Additionally, in new Sec.  303.320(a)(3), we have retained the 
provision in proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(4) to allow parents to request 
and consent to an evaluation when the lead agency or EIS provider 
determines that the child is not suspected of having a disability. We 
have revised this section to specify that parents may request, and 
consent to, an evaluation at any time during the screening process. 
This ensures that an evaluation may still be requested by the parent of 
a child for whom part C eligibility is not readily or easily apparent.
    With regard to the comment that the notice provided to parents when 
the child is not suspected of having a disability should include an 
explanation of the differences between screening and evaluation, it is 
not necessary to add that language to new Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(ii) 
(proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(3)) because this section requires that prior 
written notice pursuant to Sec.  303.421 be provided to a parent when a 
child is not suspected of having a disability, and Sec.  303.421(b) 
mandates that prior written notice be in sufficient detail to inform 
the parents about the action that is being proposed or refused. 
Therefore, we expect that the procedures involved in screening and 
evaluation will be explained to the parents through the prior written 
notice.
    It is the Department's position that presenting a parent with a 
written decision that the child is not suspected of having a disability 
and the reasons for the decision in a manner that meets the prior 
written notice requirements in Sec.  303.421(b) would ensure that 
parents are fully informed of their rights. We believe fully informing 
parents of their rights is a critical aspect of enhancing the capacity 
of families to meet the special needs of their infants and toddlers 
with disabilities, pursuant to section 631 of the Act and, thus, we 
have required lead agencies to ensure that parents are provided with 
prior written notice of any determination that their child is not 
suspected of having a disability.
    A parent has the right to request an evaluation if the screening or 
other available information indicates that the child is not suspected 
of having a disability, instead of having to utilize the due process 
procedures in subpart E of these regulations to appeal that decision. 
The Department's experience indicates that parents often can identify 
or suspect developmental delays in their children that may not be 
identified through a screening. For this reason, parents should be able 
to request and receive an evaluation without the potential delay and 
expense of a due process hearing. We believe this approach facilitates 
a comprehensive child find system tasked with identifying all infants 
and toddlers with disabilities. Additionally, because a child is only 
eligible for part C services for a short period of time and providing 
services earlier rather than later can enhance the development of 
infants and toddlers with disabilities, time is of the essence with 
regard to identifying a child as an infant or toddler with a 
disability. Thus, it is important that parents retain the right to 
request an evaluation at any time during the screening process.
    With regard to the comment that notice of the right to request an 
evaluation should be provided to the parent verbally and in writing, in 
the parent's native language or preferred method of communication, 
parental

[[Page 60194]]

notice of the right to request an evaluation must meet all of the 
requirements in Sec.  303.421, including the native language 
requirement. The requirements in Sec.  303.421 are discussed further in 
the Analysis of Comments and Changes section for subpart E of these 
regulations. We believe that the requirements in Sec.  303.421 are 
comprehensive and sufficient to provide parents with an understanding 
of their rights, specifically with regard to their right to request an 
evaluation.
    Changes: We have restructured this section and added language to 
new Sec.  303.320(a) (proposed Sec.  303.303(a)) to clarify that 
parents have an ongoing right to request an evaluation before, during, 
or after their child is screened. Specifically, we have added a new 
Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii), stating that if the lead agency 
or EIS provider proposes to screen a child, it must (i) provide the 
parent notice under Sec.  303.421 of its intent to screen the child to 
identify whether the child is suspected of having a disability (and 
include in the notice a description of the parent's right to request an 
evaluation under Sec.  303.321 at any time during the screening 
process) and (ii) obtain parental consent as required in Sec.  
303.420(a)(1) before administering the screening. We also have revised 
new Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(3)) to specify 
that when the lead agency provides notice to a parent under Sec.  
303.421 that, based on the screening or other available information, a 
child is not suspected of having a disability, the notice must describe 
the parent's right to request an evaluation.
    We have added to new Sec.  303.320(a)(3) (proposed Sec.  
303.303(a)(4)) a provision clarifying that parents may request an 
evaluation at any time during the screening process.
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern that the amount of time 
used for screening could increase the time between referral and the 
initiation of services. The commenters requested that a timeline be 
imposed so that eligibility determinations would not be delayed. Some 
commenters requested clarifying that the 45-day timeline in new Sec.  
303.310 (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)) starts prior to the screening, not 
after. Additional commenters expressed concern that while comprehensive 
statewide screening efforts could enhance the early identification of 
eligible children, the regulations do not adequately emphasize that 
screening efforts should not be used to deny or delay an eligibility 
determination from the lead agency.
    Discussion: The timeline outlined in new Sec.  303.310(a) (proposed 
Sec.  303.320(e)) requires that any screening under Sec.  303.320, if 
applicable, be completed within 45 days from the date the lead agency 
or EIS provider receives the referral of the child. Because screening 
by the lead agency is optional and is included in the 45-day timeline, 
the use of screening is not expected to cause a delay in determining a 
child's eligibility for services under part C of the Act, but rather to 
assist the lead agency and parent in determining whether a child is 
suspected of having a disability. With regard to the commenters' 
concern that the regulations in this part do not adequately emphasize 
that screening efforts should not be used to deny an eligibility 
determination, a parent has the right, under new Sec.  303.320(a)(3) 
(proposed Sec.  303.303), to request and receive an evaluation at any 
time during the screening process and must be notified of this right, 
under new Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(i), at the beginning of the screening 
process. Therefore, the regulations protect parents with regard to 
eligibility determinations and sufficiently address the commenters' 
concern.
    Changes: As previously discussed in response to comments on new 
Sec.  303.310 (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)), we have added a reference to 
screening as an activity that is subject to the 45-day timeline in 
Sec.  303.310 (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)).
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern that, under new Sec.  
303.320 (proposed Sec.  303.303), lead agencies may use the results of 
screening procedures to determine eligibility for early intervention 
services and requested that these regulations explicitly require a full 
evaluation be conducted in order to determine eligibility for services 
under part C of the Act.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.320 makes clear that the purpose of 
screening is to determine if a child is suspected of having a 
disability. If eligibility is to be determined, new Sec.  303.321 
requires that an evaluation (not screening) be used to determine 
eligibility. We believe these regulations are clear in their scope and 
purpose and decline to make the change requested by the commenters.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A significant number of commenters requested additional 
clarification regarding the procedures that should be used to screen 
infants and toddlers. These commenters recommended that States should 
be required to ensure that professionals conducting the screening meet 
the requirements that apply to EIS providers. Some commenters requested 
that the regulations set a standard for personnel conducting the 
screening. Other commenters requested that States be required to use 
one standardized screening tool across the State in order to eliminate 
differences in screening procedures across jurisdictions.
    Discussion: Proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(2) provided that screening 
procedures include the administration of appropriate instruments by 
qualified personnel, who can assist in making the identification 
outlined in new Sec.  303.320(a). We have revised that language, in new 
Sec.  303.320(b)(2), to indicate that personnel who conduct screening 
of a child must be trained to administer appropriate screening 
instruments. We made this revision to ensure that personnel, such as 
paraprofessionals or other individuals who are trained to administer a 
specific screening instrument, may conduct screenings.
    Concerning the request that we require a State to use one 
standardized screening tool across the State, it is the Department's 
position that requiring or recommending the use of specific measurement 
tools, including requiring that a State use only one measurement tool 
throughout the State, is not appropriate because individual child 
differences should be taken into account when selecting appropriate 
instruments.
    Changes: We have deleted the reference to ``qualified personnel'' 
in new Sec.  303.320(b)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(2)), and added a 
reference to ``personnel trained to administer those instruments.''
    Comment: A few commenters requested that language be included in 
proposed Sec.  303.303 to stipulate that screening is not required for 
infants and toddlers with established physical or mental conditions.
    Discussion: Screening is intended to be a tool to assist the lead 
agency and EIS providers determine whether an infant or toddler is 
suspected of having a disability and is in need of an evaluation. If a 
child has a diagnosed physical or mental condition, an evaluation or 
screening may not be needed to determine eligibility. We specifically 
provide in new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(i) that a child's medical and other 
records may be used to establish eligibility (without conducting an 
evaluation of the child) under this part if those records indicate that 
the child is an infant or toddler with a disability in Sec.  303.21, 
which includes children with diagnosed conditions, developmental 
delays, and, at the State's option, at-risk children. For children with 
established diagnosed

[[Page 60195]]

conditions, screening is not needed because records establish that the 
child is not only suspected of having a disability, but in fact has a 
disability.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that proposed Sec.  
303.303(a)(2) be amended to provide that parents be offered the option 
of an evaluation in cases where the results of their child's screening 
indicate that the child is suspected of having a disability as opposed 
to requiring the lead agency to evaluate the child.
    Discussion: We understand the commenters' concerns and did not 
intend this provision to require evaluations in all cases where the 
results of a screening indicate that a child may have a disability. To 
clarify our intent, we have added language to new Sec.  303.320(a)(2) 
(proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(2)) stating that if a parent consents to 
screening and the screening or other available information indicates 
that the child is suspected of having a disability, after notice is 
provided under Sec.  303.421 and once parental consent is obtained as 
required in Sec.  303.420, an evaluation and assessment of the child 
must be conducted under new Sec.  303.321 (proposed Sec.  303.320).
    Changes: New Sec.  303.320(a)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(2)) has 
been restructured to clarify that, after screening, notice under Sec.  
303.421 and parental consent are required before an infant or toddler 
can be evaluated.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended adding language to new Sec.  
303.320(a)(2)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(3)) to require 
notification by the lead agency to the caregivers of infants and 
toddlers and the agencies assigned to care for them when the lead 
agency knows that the infant or toddler is in foster care or is a ward 
of the State. The commenters noted that, in these situations, it is to 
the child's advantage to have relevant information given to the 
caregiver and the agency responsible for the child.
    Discussion: The definition of parent in Sec.  303.27 includes a 
biological or adoptive parent of a child; a foster parent, unless State 
law, regulations, or contractual obligations with a State or local 
entity prohibit a foster parent from acting as a parent; a guardian 
generally authorized to act as the child's parent, or authorized to 
make early intervention, educational, health, or developmental 
decisions for the child (but not the State if the child is a ward of 
the State); an individual acting in the place of a biological or 
adoptive parent (including a grandparent, stepparent, or other 
relative) with whom the child lives, or an individual who is legally 
responsible for the child's welfare; or a surrogate parent who has been 
appointed in accordance with Sec.  303.422 or section 639(a)(5) of the 
Act.
    For a child in foster care who has a foster parent that meets the 
definition of a parent in Sec.  303.27, the child's foster parent must 
be notified, pursuant to Sec.  303.421 and new Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(ii) 
(proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(3)), if the child is screened and not 
suspected of having a disability.
    For a child who is a ward of the State (which includes a foster 
child who does not have a foster parent that meets the definition of a 
parent in Sec.  303.27), protections under Sec.  303.422, regarding 
surrogate parents, apply. Specifically, each lead agency must ensure 
that the rights of a child are protected when the child is a ward of 
the State. The lead agency must determine whether a child needs a 
surrogate parent and if so, assign a surrogate parent to the child. If 
a ward of the State has a surrogate parent, this parent must be 
notified, pursuant to Sec.  303.421 and new Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(ii) 
(proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(3)), if the child is screened and not 
suspected of having a disability. Therefore, it is the Department's 
position that further clarification is unnecessary because the 
commenters' concerns about notification for infants and toddlers who 
are in foster care or wards of the State are adequately provided for 
under this part.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters stated that the requirements in new Sec.  
303.320(a)(3) (proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(4)), which allow a parent to 
request an evaluation even after the lead agency determines, using its 
screening procedures, that the child is not suspected of having a 
disability, would diminish the cost effectiveness of screening.
    Discussion: Screening under new Sec.  303.320 (proposed Sec.  
303.303) is not required under the Act; rather, it is an option that a 
State may choose to include as a part of its comprehensive child find 
system. An evaluation under new Sec.  303.321 (proposed Sec.  303.320) 
entails more extensive requirements than the screening under Sec.  
303.320 (proposed Sec.  303.303) and, thus, could yield more 
information about whether a child is an infant or toddler with a 
disability than a screening may. In light of this and the fact that 
section 635(a)(5) of the Act requires that each State's child find 
system ensures rigorous standards for appropriately identifying infants 
and toddlers with disabilities, it is important that parents have the 
right to request an evaluation if screening does not result in their 
child being suspected of having a disability.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters recommended that the regulations 
require re-screening every six months until the age of three if, 
through the screening process under new Sec.  303.320 (proposed Sec.  
303.303), a child is not suspected of having a disability. The 
commenters noted that children grow and change dramatically in their 
first three years of life and that developmental delays are often 
difficult to recognize at a specific point in time.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.302 (proposed Sec.  303.301) provides 
that each State must have a comprehensive child find system that 
ensures that all infants and toddlers with disabilities in the State 
who are eligible for early intervention services under this part 
(including children who have been screened in the past and those who 
have never been screened) are identified, located, and evaluated. This 
section includes specific requirements to facilitate identification, 
location, and evaluation of all of these children.
    For children who are screened and not suspected of having a 
disability, all of the general child find requirements in new Sec.  
303.302 (proposed Sec.  303.301) apply and, in addition, the lead 
agency or EIS provider must ensure that the parent is provided notice 
under Sec.  303.421, and that, pursuant to new Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(ii) 
(proposed Sec.  303.303(a)(3)), the notice describes the parent's right 
to request an evaluation. These provisions provide sufficient 
protection for children who are screened and not suspected of having a 
disability.
    Further, a lead agency may adopt specific screening procedures, 
consistent with the requirements in new Sec.  303.320 (proposed Sec.  
303.303). As part of these procedures, a State could mandate re-
screening or other protections for children who have been screened but 
are not suspected of having a disability. It is important for a lead 
agency to have some flexibility in determining how best to implement 
screening in its State and, therefore, it is the Department's position 
that mandating re-screening is not appropriate.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters requested clarification as to why the 
phrase ``except for parents'' was included in new Sec.  303.320(b)(1) 
(proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(1)), given that parents are a vital source 
of information in identifying whether a child is suspected of having a 
disability.

[[Page 60196]]

    Discussion: We agree that parents are a valuable source of 
information in determining whether a child is suspected of having a 
disability. Therefore, we have removed the parenthetical in new Sec.  
303.320(b)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(1)).
    Changes: The phrase ``except for parents'' has been removed from 
new Sec.  303.320(b)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(1)).
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To clarify that screening may be conducted by the lead 
agency or EIS provider, we have decided to use the terms ``lead 
agency'' or ``EIS provider'' in lieu of the reference to ``public 
agency, early intervention service provider, and designated primary 
source'' in new Sec.  303.320(b)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(1)).
    Changes: We have removed the words ``public agency, early 
intervention service provider, or designated primary source'' from new 
Sec.  303.320(b)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(1)) and replaced them 
with the words ``lead agency or EIS provider.''
    Comment: A commenter recommended strengthening the language under 
new Sec.  303.320(b)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(2)) to clarify the 
meaning of ``appropriate instruments.'' The commenter recommended that 
the screening instruments administered must have established validity 
and reliability to use with children under the age of three. A few 
commenters requested that new Sec.  303.320(b) (proposed Sec.  
303.303(b)) require screening instruments to be peer-reviewed and 
research-based. One commenter recommended including reliable and valid 
parent-report instruments as examples of screening instruments in new 
Sec.  303.320(b)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(2)).
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.320(b)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.303(b)(2)) 
requires the administration of appropriate instruments by personnel 
trained to administer those instruments. Given that screening 
instruments vary by State--and often even within a State--and the 
selection of screening instruments is based on a variety of factors, it 
is the Department's position that it is inappropriate for these 
regulations to further specify the screening instruments to be used. 
States need the flexibility to identify which screening instruments are 
used. Screening instruments for children under the age of three rely 
heavily on parent reports. Thus, we do not believe that it is necessary 
to clarify, or appropriate to limit, the types of screening instruments 
a lead agency may use.
    Changes: None.

Evaluation of the Child and Assessment of the Child and Family (New 
Sec.  303.321) (Proposed Sec.  303.320)

    Comment: Several commenters noted that there were significant 
changes in proposed Sec.  303.320 that did not appear to have a basis 
in the Act. Commenters stated that changing the definitions of 
evaluation and assessment procedures at this point would have major 
implications for State rules, policies, procedures, professional 
development, parent training, data systems, and State monitoring 
systems.
    Discussion: The definitions of evaluation and assessment in 
proposed Sec.  303.320(a), (b), and (c) were not substantively 
different from current Sec.  303.322(b)(1) through (b)(2); instead, the 
changes made in proposed Sec.  303.320 were intended to clarify the 
current requirements. However, because of the concerns raised by some 
of the commenters, we have revised the definitions in new Sec.  
303.321(a)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a), (b), and (c)) to provide 
further clarification. Specifically, we have clarified that evaluation 
means the procedures used by qualified personnel to determine a child's 
initial and continuing eligibility under this part, consistent with the 
definition of infant or toddler with a disability in Sec.  303.21. 
Also, we have clarified that assessment means the ongoing procedures 
used by qualified personnel to identify a child's unique strengths and 
needs and the early intervention services appropriate to meet those 
needs throughout the period of a child's eligibility under this part 
and includes the assessment of the child, consistent with new Sec.  
303.321(c)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.320(b)) and the assessment of the 
child's family, consistent with new Sec.  303.321(c)(2) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(c)).
    We have further clarified the definition of assessments in new 
Sec.  303.321(a)(1)(ii) to incorporate the language from section 
636(a)(1) and (a)(2) of the Act, which requires each statewide system 
to provide for each eligible child: (1) A multidisciplinary assessment 
of the unique strengths and needs of the infant or toddler and the 
identification of services appropriate to meet those needs; and (2) A 
family-directed assessment of the resources, priorities, and concerns 
of the family and the identification of the supports and services 
necessary to enhance the family's capacity to meet the developmental 
needs of the infant or toddler.
    In making these revisions to the definitions of evaluation and 
assessment, we determined it was also appropriate to clarify what is 
meant by the terms ``initial evaluation'' and ``initial assessment.'' 
Other sections of these regulations, particularly in the context of the 
45-day timeline reflected in new Sec.  303.310 (proposed Sec.  
303.320(e)), often refer to the initial evaluation and the initial 
assessment. For this reason, we have clarified in new Sec.  
303.321(a)(2)(i) that the term ``initial evaluation'' refers to the 
child's evaluation to determine his or her initial eligibility under 
this part. We have clarified in new Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(ii) that the 
term ``initial assessment'' refers to assessments of the child and the 
family conducted prior to the child's initial IFSP meeting, both of 
which must be conducted within the 45-day timeline described in new 
Sec.  303.310 (proposed Sec.  303.320(e)), even if family members other 
than the parent agree to participate but are unavailable to complete 
the family assessment. We do not believe that these definitions are new 
concepts under the part C program; rather, we view them as clarifying 
the terminology used so that the field can more easily distinguish 
between evaluations and assessments that occur throughout a child's 
time in the part C program and the initial evaluation and initial 
assessment that must be completed, along with the initial IFSP meeting, 
within 45 days after the child is referred to the part C program.
    Changes: The definitions of evaluation and assessment in new Sec.  
303.321(a)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a), (b), and (c)) have been 
clarified to reflect the language in section 636(a)(1) and (a)(2) of 
the Act. We also have added definitions of the terms initial evaluation 
and initial assessment to this section.
    Comment: A few commenters requested clarification on the 
distinction between an assessment and an evaluation, as used in new 
Sec.  303.321(a) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a), (b), and (c)).
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters regarding the need for 
clarification and, therefore, have revised new Sec.  303.321 (proposed 
Sec.  303.320). An evaluation, as defined in new Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(i) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(i)), means the procedures used by 
qualified personnel to determine a child's initial and continuing 
eligibility under this part, and can include, pursuant to new Sec.  
303.321(b) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(2)), activities such as 
administering an evaluation instrument; taking the child's history 
(including interviewing the parent); identifying the child's level of 
functioning in each of the

[[Page 60197]]

developmental areas in Sec.  303.21(a)(1); gathering information from 
other sources such as family members, other care-givers, medical 
providers, social workers, and educators, if necessary, to understand 
the full scope of the child's unique strengths and needs; and reviewing 
medical, educational, or other records.
    We recognize that the three separate references to assessments in 
proposed Sec.  303.320(a) (assessment of the child, assessment of the 
family, and assessment of service needs) may have caused confusion. To 
facilitate understanding, we have defined the term assessment, in new 
Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(ii), to mean the ongoing procedures used by 
qualified personnel to identify the child's unique strengths and needs 
and the early intervention services appropriate to meet those needs 
throughout the period of a child's eligibility under this part and to 
include the assessment of the child and the assessment of the child's 
family.
    We also have removed all general references to assessment of 
service needs as used in the proposed regulations. These changes are 
further discussed in the Analysis of Comments and Changes section 
addressing comments received on proposed Sec.  303.320(d).
    Changes: We have reorganized and revised new Sec.  303.321(a) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(a), (b), and (c)) to set out clear definitions 
of the terms evaluation and assessment.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the final regulations clarify 
that the assessment in new Sec.  303.321(a)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(a)(1)(ii)) is a ``developmental'' assessment of the child.
    Discussion: The assessment of the child includes the identification 
of the child's needs in each of the developmental areas in Sec.  
303.21(a)(1), the definition of an infant or toddler with a disability; 
however, the assessment also includes identifying the unique strengths 
and needs of the child and the early intervention services appropriate 
to meet those needs; reviewing the results of an evaluation; and 
conducting personal observations of the child. Therefore, it is the 
Department's position that limiting the assessment of the child to a 
developmental assessment is not appropriate.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters expressed concern about the language in 
new Sec.  303.321(a)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(iii)), 
regarding the assessment of the family. One commenter stated that the 
requirement to conduct a family assessment before determining an infant 
or toddler's eligibility presents an undue and unnecessary burden on 
State part C programs. The commenter recommended that language be added 
to the regulations to ensure that family assessments do not have to be 
conducted unless an infant or toddler is determined to be eligible for 
early intervention services. Two commenters requested that we revise 
this section to clarify the assessments that must be conducted as part 
of an initial evaluation of a child referred under this part.
    Discussion: An assessment of a child and family as defined in new 
Sec.  303.321(a)(1), (a)(2)(ii), (a)(3), (a)(4), and (c) (proposed 
Sec.  303.320(a)(1), (a)(2)(iii), (a)(3)(b), and (c)) is only required 
if the child is determined to be eligible to receive services under 
this part. We have added language to new Sec.  303.321(a)(1)(ii) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii)) to make this clear.
    Changes: We have revised the introduction to new Sec.  
303.321(a)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii)) to 
read ``If the child is determined eligible as an infant or toddler with 
a disability as defined in Sec.  303.21.''
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concern that proposed Sec.  
303.320(a)(1)(iv) may be inconsistent with section 636(a) and (d)(4) of 
the Act with regard to when service needs are identified. These 
commenters were concerned that determining service needs prior to the 
IFSP meeting could preempt important decisions that need to be made as 
part of the IFSP process. One commenter recommended that the language 
in current Sec.  303.322(c)(3)(iii), which requires the ``assessment of 
the unique needs of the child * * * including the identification of 
services appropriate to meet those needs'' be retained instead. Several 
commenters recommended that we replace the term ``service needs'' in 
proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(iv) with the phrase ``unique needs in each 
of the developmental areas,'' which is used in current Sec.  
303.322(c)(3)(iii). Other commenters did not support the assessment of 
service needs as part of the evaluation process, because this 
assessment typically is part of the IFSP process, completed after the 
IFSP Team has determined child and family outcomes.
    Discussion: Based on commenters' requests for clarification 
regarding what must be included in an assessment, we have revised new 
Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(ii) and (c)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.320(b), (c), and 
(d)) to provide that an assessment means the ongoing procedures used by 
qualified personnel to identify the child's unique strengths and needs 
and the early intervention services appropriate to meet those needs. We 
also have clarified that an assessment of the child must include a 
review of the results of the evaluation conducted under new Sec.  
303.321(b) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(2)), personal observations of the 
child, and the identification of the child's needs in each of the 
developmental areas in Sec.  303.21(a)(1). Because we have revised new 
Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(ii) and (c)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.320(b), (c), and 
(d)) to state that the assessment of the child must include 
identification of the child's unique strengths and needs and the early 
intervention services appropriate to meet those needs, we have removed 
the language requiring an assessment of service needs from new Sec.  
303.321(a)(1) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(iv)) and have removed proposed 
Sec.  303.320(d) from the final regulations. The results of the 
assessment of the child, together with the results of the assessment of 
the family, are the basis for the IFSP Team's determination of which 
early intervention services would be appropriate to meet the needs of 
the infant or toddler with a disability and his or her family.
    Regarding commenters' concern that using assessments to identify 
the early intervention services appropriate for a child prior to an 
IFSP meeting is inconsistent with the Act, section 636(a) of the Act, 
provides that a statewide system must include a multidisciplinary 
assessment of the unique strengths and needs of the infant or toddler 
and the identification of services appropriate to meet such needs. 
Section 636 of the Act states that the IFSP shall contain a statement 
of specific early intervention services and Sec. Sec.  303.343 and 
303.344 require the IFSP Team (which includes the parent) to identify 
the early intervention services appropriate to meet the child's needs 
at the IFSP Team meeting. This requirement is not replaced by the 
assessment; rather, the assessment serves to inform the IFSP Team 
process by identifying the developmental strengths and needs of the 
child. We believe that this facilitates rather than preempts important 
decisions that need to be made through the IFSP process.
    Changes: The procedures for assessment of the child have been 
changed in new Sec.  303.321(a)(1)(ii) and (c)(1) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(b), (c), and (d)) to include the identification of the child's 
unique strengths and needs and the early intervention services

[[Page 60198]]

appropriate to meet those needs. Further, new Sec.  303.321(c)(1) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(b), (c), and (d)) has been revised to clarify 
that an assessment of the child must include a review of the results of 
the evaluation conducted under new Sec.  303.321(b) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(a)(2)), personal observations of the child, and the 
identification of the child's needs in each of the developmental areas 
in Sec.  303.21(a)(1).
    Comment: A few commenters requested that new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(i) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(iii)) be clarified to require that a 
child, prior to the IFSP meeting, receive an assessment in accordance 
with new Sec.  303.321(c) (proposed Sec.  303.320(b) and (c)) even when 
medical records and other information are adequate to determine 
eligibility without an evaluation in order to inform IFSP members of 
the child's unique strengths and needs.
    Discussion: We agree that clarification is needed because we 
inadvertently referred in the proposed section to ``assessment'' 
instead of ``evaluation'' in the parenthetical ``(without conducting an 
assessment of the child and the family).'' Additionally, regardless of 
whether a child's eligibility is determined through medical records or 
an evaluation, once a child is determined to be eligible to receive 
services under part C of the Act, initial assessments of the child and 
family must be completed.
    Activities that are the basis of the initial assessment of the 
child may occur with the initial evaluation of the child. We have added 
the phrase ``if the child is determined eligible as an infant or 
toddler with a disability as defined in Sec.  303.21'' to new Sec.  
303.321(a)(1)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii)) to 
clarify that an assessment is required once a child is determined 
eligible, regardless of how eligibility is determined. We also have 
added a sentence to new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(i) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(a)(2)(iii)) to further explain that, if a child's part C 
eligibility is established through a review of his or her medical or 
other records, the lead agency or EIS provider must conduct 
assessments, including the family assessment, pursuant to new Sec.  
303.321(c) (proposed Sec.  303.320).
    Changes: As noted elsewhere, we have added the phrase ``if the 
child is determined eligible as an infant or toddler with a disability 
as defined in Sec.  303.21'' to new Sec.  303.321(a)(1)(ii) (proposed 
Sec.  303.320(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii)). We also have added a sentence 
to new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(i) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(iii)) to 
further explain that, if a child's part C eligibility is established 
under that paragraph, the lead agency or EIS provider must conduct 
assessments, including the family assessment, pursuant to new Sec.  
303.321(c) (proposed Sec.  303.320).
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern about proposed Sec.  
303.320(a)(3), which required that evaluations and assessments of the 
child and family be conducted in the child's or family's native 
language, as appropriate. The commenter stated that the phrase ``as 
appropriate'' weakens the requirement. Another commenter requested that 
the regulations restore the phrase ``unless it is clearly not feasible 
to do so'' from current Sec.  303.323(a) and, further, that these 
regulations use the phrase consistently when referencing native 
language. Two commenters requested that we add ``or other mode of 
communication'' after ``native language'' in proposed Sec.  
303.320(a)(3) to ensure that the native language requirement is not 
narrowly interpreted to exclude sign language.
    One commenter requested that, because of the family-centered nature 
of the part C program, the assessment should be conducted in the 
family's native language, regardless of whether the child has or uses a 
different native language.
    Discussion: For clarity and in response to the comments about 
removing the phrase ``as appropriate'' and adding the phrases ``unless 
clearly not feasible to do so'' and ``other mode of communication'' to 
proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(3), regarding conducting evaluations and 
assessments of the child, we have deleted the phrase ``in the child's 
or family's native language (as appropriate)'' from new Sec.  
303.321(a)(4) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(3)), and added new provisions 
in Sec. Sec.  303.321(a)(5) and (a)(6).
    We specify in new Sec.  303.321(a)(5) that, unless clearly not 
feasible to do so, all evaluations and assessments of a child must be 
conducted in the native language of the child, in accordance with the 
definition of native language in Sec.  303.25. We also specify in new 
Sec.  303.321(a)(6) that, unless clearly not feasible to do so, family 
assessments must be conducted in the native language of the family 
members being assessed, in accordance with the definition of native 
language in Sec.  303.25. The ``unless clearly not feasible to do so'' 
standard acknowledges that there may be instances when conducting 
evaluations or assessments in the native language of the child, parent, 
or family member is not possible because, for example, interpreters for 
a particular language cannot be located, despite best efforts. If on-
site interpreters cannot be located for a particular language despite 
best efforts, other methods of communication in the native language, 
such as using telephonic interpreters, should also be explored when an 
interpreter is needed and appropriate, for the evaluation and 
assessment.
    We do not agree with the commenter that evaluations and assessments 
of the child should only be conducted in the parent's or family's 
native language, regardless of whether the child has or uses a 
different language. Section 303.321(a)(5), together with Sec.  
303.25(a)(2), recognize that while it sometimes may be appropriate to 
conduct an evaluation or assessment of an infant or toddler in the 
language normally used by the child's parents, in other cases it may be 
determined to be developmentally appropriate to evaluate or assess the 
child in the language normally used by the child if that language 
differs from his or her parents. For example, evaluations or 
assessments of infants are often conducted in the native language of 
the parent because the parents are present and infants are pre-verbal 
both in their expressive and receptive language abilities. In contrast, 
many evaluations and assessments of toddlers (i.e., children who are 
between the ages of one and three) are conducted in the toddler's 
native language, rather than the native language of the parent. We 
believe that ultimately the qualified personnel conducting the 
evaluation or assessment is in the best position to determine which 
language is developmentally appropriate---that of the child or the 
parent.
    Changes: We have removed the phrase ``in the child's or family's 
native language (as appropriate)'' from new Sec.  303.321(a)(4) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(3)), and added new provisions in Sec. Sec.  
303.321(a)(5) and (a)(6). We specify in new Sec.  303.321(a)(5) that, 
unless clearly not feasible to do so, all evaluations and assessments 
of a child must be conducted in the native language of the child, in 
accordance with the definition of native language in Sec.  303.25.
    We also specify in new Sec.  303.321(a)(6) that, unless clearly not 
feasible to do so, family assessments must be conducted in the native 
language of the family members being assessed, in accordance with the 
definition of native language in Sec.  303.25.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that subpart D include 
provisions that clearly specify that multidisciplinary evaluations 
include the participation of qualified personnel with knowledge of the 
disability that may be indicated, particularly given the inclusion of 
informed clinical opinion

[[Page 60199]]

in new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.320(b)(1) and 
(b)(2)). The commenters stated that for clinical opinion to be valid, 
personnel must have knowledge and experience in the disability 
presented by the child. For infants and toddlers with a known 
disability (e.g., visual impairment), the inclusion of personnel with 
knowledge and training in that area of disability increases the 
accurate interpretation of results and is consistent both with the Act 
and the part B regulations.
    Discussion: The term evaluation is defined in new Sec.  
303.321(a)(2)(i) as procedures used by qualified personnel to determine 
a child's initial and continuing eligibility under part C of the Act, 
consistent with the definition of infant or toddler with a disability 
in Sec.  303.21. The definition of qualified personnel in Sec.  303.31 
requires that personnel meet State-approved or State-recognized 
certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable 
requirements that apply to the area in which the individuals are 
conducting evaluations or assessments or providing early intervention 
services. We believe that new Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(i), in conjunction 
with the definition of qualified personnel in subpart A of these 
regulations, adequately address the commenters' concerns and, 
therefore, repeating the definition in this section is not necessary.
    Please note, regarding the commenters' concern about clinical 
opinion, for an infant or toddler with a diagnosed physical or mental 
condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental 
delay (i.e., known disability), clinical opinion may not be necessary 
to determine eligibility because, under new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(i) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(iii)), the child's medical or other 
records may be sufficient to establish eligibility. For a child without 
a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of 
resulting in a developmental delay, clinical opinion may be used in 
evaluating a child to establish eligibility but it may not be used to 
negate eligibility established through the use of other appropriate 
evaluation instruments.
    Changes: None.
Procedures for Assessment of the Child and Family (New Sec.  
303.321(c)) (Proposed Sec.  303.320(b) and (c))
    Comment: Two commenters recommended adding language to new Sec.  
303.321(c) (proposed Sec.  303.320(b) and (c)) to require the qualified 
personnel who perform the assessment of a child to be from disciplines 
that relate to the concerns and needs for which the child was referred 
for part C services.
    Discussion: As defined in Sec.  303.321(a)(2)(ii), the term 
assessment means the ongoing procedures used by qualified personnel to 
identify the child's unique strengths and needs and the early 
intervention services appropriate to meet these needs throughout the 
period of the child's eligibility under this part. These qualified 
personnel must review the results of the evaluation conducted under new 
Sec.  303.321(b) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(2)); observe the child; and 
identify the child's needs in each of the developmental areas in Sec.  
303.21(a)(1). Qualified personnel, as defined in Sec.  303.31, means 
personnel who have met State-approved or State-recognized 
certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable 
requirements that apply to the area in which the individuals are 
conducting evaluations or assessments, or providing early intervention 
services. Given that the term assessment encompasses the assessment of 
the areas of concern and need for which a child was referred to part C 
services, and that personnel must be qualified, under Sec.  303.31, in 
the areas in which they are providing an assessment, the regulations 
sufficiently address the commenters' concern. For this reason, we have 
not made the requested change.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification as to whether 
informed clinical opinion in new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii) (proposed 
Sec.  303.320(b)(2)) was an objective criterion or an assessment 
strategy separate from other objective criteria. Some commenters 
suggested that a more detailed description of informed clinical opinion 
than the one used in new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(b)(2)) is needed. These commenters recommended that the 
Department adopt the definition of informed clinical opinion used by 
the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC). 
NECTAC describes informed clinical opinion as the fusion of the 
assessment team's knowledge and experience with all the information 
collected during an assessment, including informal measures, such as 
interviews with parents or observation of the child, and standardized 
measures such as test scores. Another commenter recommended that States 
be allowed to define informed clinical opinion based on the definition 
of developmental delay for the State.
    Lastly, a few commenters requested clarification of the last phrase 
of new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.320(b)(2)), which 
states that informed clinical opinion may not negate the results of 
assessment instruments used to establish eligibility.
    Discussion: As set forth in new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii), qualified 
personnel must use their informed clinical opinion when conducting an 
evaluation or an assessment of a child. The use of informed clinical 
opinion by qualified personnel is neither an objective criterion nor a 
separate assessment strategy. Rather, informed clinical opinion is the 
way in which qualified personnel utilize their cumulative knowledge and 
experience in evaluating and assessing a child and in interpreting the 
results of evaluation and assessment instruments.
    With regard to allowing States to define informed clinical opinion 
based on that State's definition of developmental delay, we note that 
all States must allow qualified personnel, when conducting evaluations, 
to use their informed clinical opinion to determine whether the child 
meets the State's definition of developmental delay. Given the 
Department's monitoring experience in States where qualified personnel 
are not permitted to use their informed clinical opinion as a separate 
basis to establish eligibility, we have set forth in new Sec.  
303.321(a)(3)(ii) that such personnel must be able to use informed 
clinical opinion as an alternate basis for establishing eligibility. 
Permitting informed clinical opinion to serve as a separate basis to 
establish a child's eligibility under part C of the Act is important 
given that standardized instruments may not capture the extent of a 
child's delay. The purpose of new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii) is to 
alleviate the confusion and to expressly permit qualified personnel to 
use their informed clinical opinion to establish a child's eligibility 
for early intervention services under part C of the Act, even when 
other instruments fail to identify or confirm the level of 
developmental delay to establish part C eligibility.
    Finally, we agree with the commenter that clarification is needed 
regarding the last phrase of new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii) (proposed 
Sec.  303.320(b)(2)), which states that informed clinical opinion may 
not negate the results of assessment instruments used to establish 
eligibility. We inadvertently referred to ``assessment'' instruments 
instead of ``evaluation'' instruments in proposed Sec.  303.320(b)(2)). 
We have corrected this in new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii) to state that in 
no case may informed clinical opinion be used to negate the results of

[[Page 60200]]

evaluation instruments used to establish eligibility.
    Changes: We have clarified in new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(ii) (proposed 
Sec.  303.320(b)(2)) that qualified personnel must use their informed 
clinical opinion when conducting an evaluation or assessment of the 
child and replaced the phrase ``assessment instruments'' with the 
phrase ``evaluation instruments.''
    Comment: One commenter recommended that it should remain a State 
option to determine when a low test score for a child, in a domain such 
as adaptive behavior, is due to cultural preferences rather than a true 
delay.
    Discussion: All evaluations and assessments of a child and family 
under new Sec.  303.321(a)(4) must be selected and administered so as 
not to be racially or culturally discriminatory. In conducting an 
evaluation and assessment, the lead agency must ensure that they are 
not culturally discriminatory and must permit qualified personnel to 
use informed clinical opinion in interpreting the results of evaluation 
and assessment instruments.
    Changes: None.
Procedures for Assessment of the Family (New Sec.  303.321(c)) 
(Proposed Sec.  303.320(c))
    Comment: A number of commenters stated that the language in 
proposed Sec.  303.320(c) regarding voluntary family assessments 
appeared to be something that is done ``to'' families and not ``with'' 
families. The commenters encouraged the Department to consider the term 
``family-directed assessment'' in the regulations when referring to a 
family assessment in order to make it clear that the family is a 
primary partner in the process.
    One commenter suggested that the family assessment in new Sec.  
303.321(c)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.320(c)) be based on information 
obtained through the use of assessment tools, voluntary personal 
interviews, or other appropriate methods. Another commenter recommended 
that language be added to new Sec.  303.321(c)(2)) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(c)) to ensure culturally competent services, including an 
awareness and respect of cultural differences in family values and 
child rearing practices.
    Discussion: We have restructured new Sec.  303.321(c)(2) (proposed 
Sec.  303.320(c)) to identify both the purpose and the requirements of 
the family assessment, which requirements are set forth in new Sec.  
303.321(c)(2)(i) through (c)(2)(iii). We agree with commenters and have 
added the term ``family-directed assessment'' from section 636(a)(2) of 
the Act to new Sec.  303.321(c)(2) to ensure that the identification of 
a family's resources, priorities, and concerns are family-directed.
    Concerning the commenter's request to add ``other appropriate 
methods,'' new Sec.  303.321(c)(2)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.320(c)) 
requires family assessments to be based on information obtained through 
an assessment tool and also on information provided by the family 
through a personal interview. Nothing in this provision would preclude 
the use of additional appropriate methods provided that the family 
assessment includes the use of an assessment tool and personal 
interview pursuant to new Sec.  303.321(c)(2)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(c)). We do not believe it is appropriate to require all family 
assessments to use ``other appropriate methods.''
    Concerning the comment on culturally competent services, the 
requirements in Sec.  303.321(c)(2)(i) through (c)(2)(iii) ensure that 
each family is involved and has the opportunity to meet with a lead 
agency or EIS provider to identify their priorities and concerns 
regarding the development of the child (i.e., by participating in the 
assessment, by providing information in response to the assessment tool 
and personal interview, and by providing a description of its 
resources, priorities, and concerns related to enhancing the child's 
development). We believe family involvement can help ensure that 
services that are identified in the IFSP are relevant and culturally 
competent.
    Changes: We have restructured new Sec.  303.321(c)(2)(i) through 
(c)(2)(iii) (proposed Sec.  303.320(c)) to list the requirements of a 
family assessment as follows: (1) Be voluntary on the part of each 
family member participating in the assessment; (2) Be based on 
information obtained through an assessment tool and also through an 
interview with those family members who elect to participate in the 
assessment; and (3) Include the family's description of its resources, 
priorities, and concerns related to enhancing the child's development.
    Comment: Two commenters requested that we emphasize the important 
role of siblings by including them in new Sec.  303.321(c)(2) (proposed 
Sec.  303.320(c)). Other commenters agreed and, in addition to 
siblings, requested that new Sec.  303.321(c)(2) (proposed Sec.  
303.320(c)) include a reference to grandparents, other family members, 
and others who take on roles, responsibilities, or functions 
traditionally taken on by family members.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.321(c)(2) (proposed Sec.  303.320(c)) is 
based on section 636(a)(2) of the Act, which requires a family-directed 
assessment of the resources, priorities, and concerns of the family. 
Including a reference to siblings or other individuals who take on the 
roles, responsibilities, or functions traditionally performed by family 
members is not necessary. The term ``family'' is not exclusive and, 
therefore, this term, as it is used in new Sec.  303.321(c)(2) 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(c)), would cover any of the individuals 
mentioned by the commenters, such as siblings. Not defining this term 
will allow individual families to define the term in a manner that best 
meets the unique needs of the child involved.
    Changes: None.

Determination That a Child Is Not Eligible (New Sec.  303.322)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: New Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(ii) (proposed Sec.  
303.303(a)(3)) outlines the process a lead agency must follow if, 
through screening, the lead agency determines that a child is not 
suspected of having a disability under this part. The proposed 
regulations did not specify the procedures a lead agency must follow if 
it determines, through an evaluation, that a child is not a child with 
a disability. We have added a new Sec.  303.322 to clarify the 
procedures a lead agency must follow if, after an evaluation is 
conducted under new Sec.  303.321 (proposed Sec.  303.320), it 
determines that a child is not eligible for services under this part. 
Specifically, a lead agency must provide the parent with prior written 
notice required by Sec.  303.421, and include in the notice information 
about the parent's right to dispute the eligibility determination 
through dispute resolution mechanisms, such as requesting a due process 
hearing or mediation or filing a State complaint.
    Changes: New Sec.  303.322 has been added to identify the 
procedures the lead agency must follow if, after conducting an 
evaluation, it determines that a child is not eligible for services 
under this part.

Individualized Family Service Plans--General (Sec.  303.340)

    Comment: Many commenters expressed concern about the definition of 
multidisciplinary in proposed Sec.  303.24 because they believed this 
definition, used in the context of multidisciplinary IFSP Teams, could 
result in an IFSP Team being comprised of only one member other than 
the parent. These commenters argued that such a result is neither 
consistent with best practices nor the requirements in

[[Page 60201]]

section 636(a)(3) of the Act regarding a multidisciplinary team 
developing the IFSP.
    Discussion: As noted in the Analysis of Comments and Changes 
section for Sec.  303.24, we agree with commenters regarding the 
definition of multidisciplinary as it applies to IFSP Teams and have 
added in Sec.  303.340, concerning the development, review, and 
implementation of an IFSP, a reference to the ``multidisciplinary team, 
which includes the parents'' to reflect the requirements in section 
636(a)(3) of the Act. The IFSP participant requirements in Sec.  
303.343, together with Sec. Sec.  303.24(b) and 303.340, clarify that 
the multidisciplinary IFSP Team requires the involvement of the parent 
and two or more individuals from separate disciplines or professions, 
one of whom must be the service coordinator.
    Changes: We have added after the reference to ``IFSP'' in Sec.  
303.340 the following phrase ``developed by a multidisciplinary team, 
which includes the parents'' from section 636(a)(3) of the Act.

Procedures for IFSP Development, Review, and Evaluation (Sec.  303.342)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Based upon further review of Sec.  303.342(a), we have 
determined that it is not entirely accurate to refer to children who 
have ``been evaluated for the first time and determined to be eligible 
under this part'' in the lead-in to this section because, as stated in 
new Sec.  303.321(a)(3)(i) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(2)(iii)), a 
child's part C eligibility can be established through a review of his 
or her medical or other records, without the child being evaluated.
    Changes: We have deleted the phrase ``for a child who has been 
evaluated for the first time and determined to be eligible under this 
part'' from Sec.  303.342(a) and have inserted, in its place, ``for a 
child referred to the part C program and determined to be eligible 
under this part as an infant or toddler with a disability.''
    Comment: Some commenters recommended that Sec.  303.342 be revised 
to require IFSP Teams, in developing the IFSP of an infant or toddler 
with a disability, to consider the same special factors that IEP Teams 
must consider under 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2) of the part B regulations. 
These commenters suggested requiring every IFSP Team to consider 
strategies to address the following: (1) Specific behaviors of an 
infant or toddler with a disability whose behavior impedes his or her 
development or the development of other infants or toddlers with 
disabilities; (2) the language needs of an infant or toddler with a 
disability who has limited English proficiency; (3) the need for 
instruction in braille for an infant or toddler who is blind or 
visually impaired; (4) the communication needs of an infant or toddler 
who is deaf or hard of hearing, including instruction in his or her 
language and communication mode; and (5) whether the infant or toddler 
with a disability needs assistive technology devices and services to 
ensure that infants and toddlers with disabilities in these groups 
receive appropriate services to meet their language, literacy, and 
other needs.
    Discussion: The commenters referenced the special factors in 34 CFR 
300.324(a)(2) of the part B regulations, which are from 614(d)(3)(B) of 
the Act. Part C of the Act does not contain similar specific language 
regarding special factors that must be considered by the IFSP Team. 
However, it is the Department's position that the regulations, as 
written, adequately address the commenters' concerns. Section 
303.344(d)(1) requires that each IFSP include a statement of the 
specific early intervention services that are necessary to meet the 
unique needs of the child and the family to achieve the results or 
outcomes identified in the IFSP. Therefore, each IFSP Team must explore 
any factor (including, as applicable and appropriate, the factors 
included in 34 CFR 300.342(a)(2)) that are relevant to an infant or 
toddler with a disability achieving the results or outcomes identified 
in his or her IFSP.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: For clarification, we have added the words ``results 
or'' before ``outcomes'' and added ``identified in the IFSP'' after the 
reference to ``outcomes'' and ``services'' in Sec.  303.342(b)(1)(i) 
and (b)(1)(ii).
    Changes: We have added the words ``identified in the IFSP'' after 
the word ``outcomes'' and the word ``services,'' in Sec.  
303.342(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii), respectively.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the regulations retain Note 
2 following current Sec.  303.344. This note recognizes the importance 
of the variety of roles that family members play in enhancing a child's 
development throughout the IFSP process, the importance of addressing 
the needs of the family in the IFSP process in a collaborative manner, 
and the parents' retention of the ultimate decision in determining 
whether they, their child, or other family members will accept or 
decline services under this part.
    Discussion: Including Note 2 from current Sec.  303.344 is not 
necessary because part of the note (regarding a parent's right to 
accept or decline services) is reflected in Sec.  303.342(e) and the 
remainder of the note does not reflect regulatory requirements but, 
instead, is explanatory. As reflected in Sec.  303.342(e), parents make 
the ultimate decision as to whether they, their child, or other family 
members will accept or decline services under this part.
    Removal of the note does not in any way change the policy of the 
Department. We continue to believe that best practice dictates that 
throughout the process of developing and implementing IFSPs for an 
infant or toddler with a disability, the lead agency, service 
coordinators, and EIS providers need to recognize the variety of roles 
that family members play in enhancing a child's development. 
Additionally, addressing the needs of the family in the IFSP process is 
crucial and should be determined in a collaborative manner with the 
full agreement and participation of the parent of the infant or 
toddler.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed opposition to replacing the 
term ``ongoing assessment of child and family'' in current Sec.  
303.342(c) with the term ``assessment of service needs'' in proposed 
Sec.  303.342(c) and requested clarification of the meaning of the term 
``service needs'' in this section.
    Discussion: The term ``service needs'' was included in the proposed 
regulations to be consistent with the use of that term in new Sec.  
303.321 (proposed Sec.  303.320). However, as discussed earlier in this 
preamble in the Analysis of Comments and Changes section in response to 
comments on the use of the term ``service needs'' in proposed Sec.  
303.320, we no longer use the term in new Sec.  303.321 (proposed Sec.  
303.320) or any other section of these regulations. We, therefore, have 
removed the phrase from Sec.  303.342(c) and replaced it with the 
phrase ``the child and family'' to be consistent with new Sec.  303.321 
(proposed Sec.  303.320).
    Changes: The phrase ``service needs'' has been removed from Sec.  
303.342(c) and replaced with the words ``the child and family.''
    Comment: One commenter recommended amending Sec.  303.342(d)(1)(ii) 
to require a lead agency to exhaust all possible options for conducting 
IFSP meetings in the native language of the family because part C of 
the Act makes clear that involvement of the family in the IFSP

[[Page 60202]]

process is critical. The commenter was concerned that the current 
regulatory language allows too much room for a lead agency to claim 
that it is ``not feasible'' to conduct the IFSP meeting in a family's 
native language. The commenter stated that, given the availability of 
resources such as bilingual staff, interpreters, and telephonic 
interpreter service, it should be feasible to ensure that IFSP meetings 
are conducted in the family's native language.
    Discussion: Section 303.342(d)(1)(ii) requires that IFSP meetings 
be conducted in the native language of the family or other mode of 
communication used by the family unless it is clearly not feasible to 
do so. Thus, lead agencies should consider the availability of native 
language resources, such as those listed by the commenter, when 
determining whether it is feasible to conduct the IFSP meeting in the 
native language of the family. However, given that the U.S. Census 
Bureau recognizes over 300 languages used in the United States (not 
including dialects), it may not be feasible, in every instance, to 
provide interpreter services with respect to a particular native 
language because an interpreter of that language may not be available.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the lead agency should be 
allowed to provide notice to the child's family and other participants 
of the IFSP Team meeting under Sec.  303.342(d)(2) by electronic mail 
(e-mail) or documentation of a phone call arranging the meeting, and 
not only by providing written notice. The commenter further stated that 
parents should be given the option to waive receiving written 
notification of the meeting in favor of another method of notification.
    Discussion: The IFSP written notice requirement in Sec.  
303.342(d)(2) is substantively unchanged from current Sec.  
303.342(d)(2). Nothing in the regulations prohibits States from 
providing additional notice of the IFSP meeting by, for example, 
electronic mail or phone call, but, at a minimum, it must provide 
written notice to the family and other participants to ensure that they 
can attend the IFSP meetings.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested that the requirements in Sec.  
303.342(e), regarding informed parental consent for services, are 
similar to those in Sec.  303.420(d), regarding parental consent and 
the ability to decline services, and stated that the two sections 
should be merged or cross-referenced. Another commenter requested that 
the term ``parental consent'' as used in Sec.  303.342(e) should be 
further defined. Specifically, the commenter expressed concern that 
Sec.  303.342(e) requires the lead agency only to obtain informed 
consent prior to the provision of early intervention services, and not 
informed written consent as required by the Act.
    Discussion: Section 303.342(e) is consistent with Sec.  
303.420(a)(3) and (d) regarding parental consent. The term ``parental 
consent'' in Sec.  303.342(e) is consistent with the statutory language 
in section 636(e) of the Act (which refers both to ``parental consent'' 
and ``informed written consent from the parents'') and the definition 
of consent in Sec.  303.7. The term parental consent, as used in Sec.  
303.342(e), must meet the definition of consent in Sec.  303.7. (In 
this case, the word ``parental'' modifies the term ``consent,'' which 
has a specific definition in these regulations under Sec.  303.7.) To 
further clarify, we have added cross-references to Sec.  303.7, which 
requires that the parent understand and agree in writing when giving 
consent, and Sec.  303.420(a)(3), which requires the lead agency to 
ensure that parental consent is obtained prior to providing early 
intervention services to a child. Also, in the interest of clarity and 
tracking statutory language, we have added the word ``written'' to the 
phrase ``informed consent.''
    Changes: We have added in Sec.  303.342(e) cross-references to 
Sec. Sec.  303.7 and 303.420(a)(3) and revised the phrase ``informed 
consent'' to include the word ``written.''
    Comment: In response to the 45-day timeline in new Sec.  303.310 
(proposed Sec.  303.320(e)) and the language in Sec.  303.344(f)(1), 
regarding the timeline by which services identified in a child's IFSP 
must be initiated, a few commenters requested that the regulations 
identify a timeline for the provision of services.
    Discussion: We have clarified in Sec. Sec.  303.342(e) and 
303.344(f)(1) that early intervention services must be provided as soon 
as possible after obtaining parental consent. We believe that it is 
important for the timeline to run from the date of parental consent and 
not from the initiation date identified at the IFSP meeting, as is 
provided for in current Sec.  303.344(f)(1). A State may only provide a 
service identified in the IFSP if a parent provides consent under Sec.  
303.420. In some instances, even if the IFSP is developed with a 
service initiation date, a parent may not have provided consent to the 
service and, therefore, the service may not be provided. Thus, we have 
revised the time period to commence from the date of parental consent.
    Currently, most States have adopted a 30-day timeline that 
commences from the date of parental consent to the date the services in 
the IFSP are provided with some States adopting a shorter timeline and 
only a few States adopting a slightly longer timeline (e.g., 45 days), 
which timeline also commences from the date of parental consent to the 
date the services in the IFSP are provided. We do not believe it is 
appropriate to adopt a time period more specific than ``as soon as 
possible'' for the provision of all early intervention services 
identified in an IFSP. While each State must ensure that services in an 
IFSP are provided as soon as possible after receiving parental consent, 
we believe that ``as soon as possible'' may vary depending on a number 
of factors, such as the availability of qualified personnel in a State, 
the number of children to be served, and the location of those 
children. While we give States some flexibility in implementing this 
provision, we also monitor, through the SPP/APR, data on when each 
State initiates services for each child. Thus, we decline to adopt in 
Sec. Sec.  303.342(e) and 303.344(f)(1) a timeline more specific than 
``as soon as possible.''
    Changes: We have clarified in Sec. Sec.  303.342(e) and 
303.344(f)(1) that early intervention services must be provided as soon 
as possible after parental consent is obtained.

IFSP Team Meetings and Periodic Reviews (Sec.  303.343)

    Comment: A few commenters recommended amending Sec.  
303.343(a)(1)(v) to require that the individual or individuals directly 
involved in conducting the evaluations and assessments in new Sec.  
303.321 (proposed Sec.  303.320) must have knowledge and training 
related to the infant's or toddler's disability.
    Discussion: The requested change is not necessary because, as we 
explained in the Analysis of Comments and Changes in response to 
comments received on new Sec.  303.321(a), the individuals responsible 
for conducting evaluations and assessments under new Sec.  
303.321(a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) (proposed Sec.  303.320(a)(3)) must be 
qualified personnel.
    Qualified personnel, under Sec.  303.31, are individuals who meet 
State-approved or State-recognized certification, licensing, 
registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the 
developmental area in which the individuals are conducting an 
evaluation or assessments or providing early intervention services. 
Given the definition of qualified personnel in Sec.  303.31, it is 
unnecessary to amend

[[Page 60203]]

Sec.  303.343(a)(1)(v) as requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters expressed concern that the required 
participants for the periodic review of the IFSP in Sec.  303.343(b) do 
not include the individuals (such as the individuals who conducted the 
evaluations and assessments, unless conditions warrant) who are 
required to participate in the initial and annual IFSP review under 
Sec.  303.343(a). Specifically, the commenters stated that the 
regulations limit the ability of parents under Sec.  303.343(a)(1)(i) 
and (ii) to include participants of their choosing in the periodic 
review of the IFSP.
    Discussion: Section 303.343(b) makes clear that individuals: (1) 
Who are directly involved in conducting evaluations and assessments or 
(2) who provide early intervention services are not required to be 
invited or attend the IFSP periodic review meeting unless ``conditions 
warrant.'' An example of a condition under Sec.  303.342(b) that may 
warrant the attendance of the qualified personnel who conducted an 
evaluation at the IFSP periodic review meeting is if that individual 
conducted a reevaluation of an infant or toddler with a disability and 
the results of that evaluation will be discussed at the periodic 
review. Additionally, reviewing the child's progress in a particular 
developmental area may require the participation of the EIS provider(s) 
in those areas. In such instances, the lead agency must ensure the 
participation of those individuals.
    However, while the issues at an IFSP periodic review meeting vary, 
the periodic reviews are usually limited to reviewing the child's 
progress towards the measurable results or outcomes. The periodic 
review is less formal than the initial or annual IFSP meeting and may 
be done through a teleconference, a face-to-face meeting or other means 
acceptable to the parents and other participants. Requiring the 
attendance of individuals referenced in Sec.  303.343(a)(1)(v) and 
(a)(1)(vi) at every IFSP periodic review meeting would be burdensome 
and unnecessary and thus we refrain from making the change requested by 
the commenter.
    The commenter correctly notes that a parent may invite advocates or 
individuals outside of the family to periodic reviews under Sec.  
303.343(a)(1)(ii). However, that provision may not be used to override 
the lead agency's determination of when conditions warrant the 
attendance of individuals directly involved in conducting evaluations 
and assessments or who are EIS providers.
    Changes: None.

Content of an IFSP (Sec.  303.344)

Results or Outcomes (Sec.  303.344(c))
    Comment: A few commenters requested that the parenthetical phrase 
referencing the inclusion of pre-literacy and language skills as 
developmentally appropriate for the child be deleted from Sec.  
303.344(c). One commenter stated that adding this parenthetical phrase 
to this section, which requires that a child's IFSP include a statement 
of the measurable results or measurable outcomes expected to be 
achieved by the child, creates confusion between part C and part B 
responsibilities. The commenter recommended replacing the proposed 
language in the parenthetical with ``communication or social and 
emotional developmental goals.''
    Discussion: Under Sec.  303.344(c), the IFSP must include, among 
other things, a statement of the measurable results or measurable 
outcomes expected to be achieved for the child (including pre-literacy 
and language skills, as developmentally appropriate for the child) and 
family. The phrase ``including pre-literacy and language skills as 
developmentally appropriate for the child'' is from section 636(d)(3) 
of the Act. Thus, it would not be appropriate to delete this language 
and replace it with other language. Concerning the confusion between 
part C and part B responsibility, pre-literacy and language skills 
emerge during infancy and, therefore, should be a measurable result or 
measurable outcome that is developmentally appropriate for a child 
served under the part C program.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that we provide definitions for 
the terms ``measurable results'' and ``measurable outcomes,'' as those 
terms are used in Sec.  303.344(c). These commenters also questioned 
whether it was necessary for this section to include both terms.
    Discussion: Section 303.344(c) incorporates language from section 
636(d)(3) of the Act, which requires that the IFSP contain a statement 
of the ``measurable results or outcomes expected to be achieved for the 
infant or toddler and the family.'' The Department interprets the word 
``measurable'' in this section of the Act to modify both the words 
``results'' and ``outcomes.'' For this reason, it is appropriate to 
clarify, in Sec.  303.344(c), that the IFSP must contain measurable 
results or measurable outcomes. Further clarification is not necessary 
given that there is little material difference, for IFSP content 
purposes, between the meaning of the terms ``results'' and ``outcomes'' 
and we use these terms in the regulation because they are both 
referenced in the section 636 of the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that the word ``functional'' be 
inserted before every use of the word ``outcomes'' in these 
regulations. Two other commenters requested that, for clarity, the word 
``expected'' be inserted before the words ``results, outcomes, or early 
intervention services'' in Sec.  303.344(c)(2).
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters who recommended we add the 
term ``expected'' before the words ``results, outcomes, or early 
intervention services are necessary'' in Sec.  303.344(c)(2). 
Therefore, we have made the requested change.
    We decline to add the adjective ``functional'' every time the word 
``outcomes'' is used in these regulations because not all outcomes are 
functional; for example, for children receiving services under Sec.  
303.211, outcomes may be educational.
    Changes: We have added the term ``expected'' before the words 
``results, outcomes, or early intervention services are necessary'' in 
Sec.  303.344(c)(2).
Early Intervention Services (Sec.  303.344(d))
    Comment: Some commenters requested that the term ``peer-reviewed 
research'' in Sec.  303.344(d)(1) be defined or removed. Most of the 
commenters recommended that we use a definition that is consistent with 
the National Research Council's use of the term. Two commenters were 
concerned about a potential conflict between the use of the term 
``peer-reviewed research'' in this section and the use of 
``scientifically based research'' in Sec.  303.112, regarding the 
availability of early intervention services. Another commenter stated 
that the term ``peer-reviewed'' is not used in the Act, and argued that 
because the term ``scientifically based research'' is used in the Act 
it should be used in this section, rather than the term ``peer-
reviewed.''
    Discussion: In the Analysis of Comments and Changes section for 
Sec.  303.112, we discuss the definition of the term ``peer-reviewed 
research.'' We also address in that section the differences in meaning 
between the term ``scientifically based research,'' as used in section 
635(a)(2) of the Act and Sec.  303.112 of these regulations, and ``peer 
reviewed research,'' as used in section 636(d)(4) of the Act and Sec.  
303.344(d) of these regulations. We disagree with the commenter who 
stated that the term

[[Page 60204]]

``peer-reviewed research'' is not used in the Act; as noted elsewhere 
in this discussion, section 636(d)(4) of the Act, which is the 
statutory basis for Sec.  303.344(d), refers to peer-reviewed research, 
not scientifically based research.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the regulations define the 
phrase ``to the extent practicable'' as used in Sec.  303.344(d)(1).
    Discussion: As noted in Sec.  303.112 of the Analysis of Comments 
and Change, defining the phrase ``to the extent practicable'' is not 
needed. In the context of these regulations, the term has its plain 
meaning (i.e., feasible or possible). As it is used to modify the 
extent to which early intervention services in a child's IFSP are based 
on peer-reviewed research in Sec.  303.344(d)(1), we note that this 
phrase is from section 636(d)(4) of the Act. As used in this context, 
the phrase generally means that specific early intervention services 
should be based on peer-reviewed research to the extent that it is 
feasible or possible, given the availability of peer-reviewed research 
on the early intervention services determined to be most appropriate to 
respond to the child's needs and strengths identified pursuant to 
information from the child's evaluations and assessments under Sec.  
303.321.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that Sec.  303.344(d)(1) be 
amended to require IFSP Teams to consider the same special factors that 
IEP Teams must consider under 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2) of the part B 
regulations.
    Discussion: These comments are addressed in the Analysis of 
Comments and Changes for subpart D in response to the comments on Sec.  
303.342.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters expressed concern that the terms 
``frequency,'' ``intensity,'' ``method,'' ``length,'' and ``duration'' 
in Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(i) do not reflect the language in the Act and 
would require significant revisions to forms and training for staff. 
The commenters requested that the terms and their definitions be 
removed from the regulations.
    Discussion: All of the terms mentioned by the commenters are taken 
directly from the Act. Section 636(d)(4) of the Act requires the IFSP 
to include a statement of the specific early intervention services 
based on peer-reviewed research, to the extent practicable, necessary 
to meet the unique needs of the infant or toddler and the family, 
including the frequency, intensity, and method of delivering those 
services. Additionally, section 636(d)(6) of the Act requires the IFSP 
to include the anticipated length, duration, and frequency of the early 
intervention services identified in the IFSP.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended expanding the requirements in 
Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(ii)(B) to require that, in the case of an infant or 
toddler who is deaf or hard of hearing, the IFSP Team must: (a) 
Consider home, community, and program settings that provide full 
support for language and communication development for the child and 
family; (b) base recommendations for the appropriate setting for 
providing services on a comprehensive assessment of the child and the 
family's priorities, resources, and concerns; (c) provide families with 
comprehensive information about all programs and providers; (d) 
encourage families to visit all programs providing services to young 
children; (e) support families in selecting the programs, providers, 
settings, and services that best meet the needs of the child and 
family; and (f) recommend programs and services that employ qualified 
providers who are fluent users of the language(s) and modes of 
communication of the child.
    Discussion: An IFSP Team may conclude that it is appropriate to 
address the factors presented by the commenter, as well as any other 
factors that the IFSP Team, which includes the child's parent, 
considers relevant to a determination concerning the appropriate 
setting for the provision of an early intervention service that meets 
the child's unique strengths and needs, including those of infants or 
toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Thus, it would be 
impracticable to identify all potential factors concerning service 
settings because such factors are guided by the measurable outcomes or 
measurable results expected to be achieved for the infant or toddler 
with a disability.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters requested clarification of the phrase ``if 
applicable'' in Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(ii)(A) regarding the justification 
needed if a service is not provided in the natural environment. The 
commenters expressed concern that some individuals may interpret the 
language to mean that a justification is not always required for 
services that are not provided in the natural environment and may 
prompt lead agencies and EIS programs to provide services in settings 
other than the natural environment even though that setting may not 
necessarily be appropriate.
    Discussion: Pursuant to section 636(d)(5) of the Act, justification 
is required when the IFSP Team (not the lead agency or EIS program) 
determines that early intervention services will be provided in a 
setting other than the natural environment. We did not intend for the 
phrase ``if applicable'' to modify this requirement. Thus, we have 
removed the phrase ``if applicable'' to alleviate potential confusion.
    Additionally, we have revised Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(ii)(A) to require 
that the IFSP include a statement that each early intervention service 
is provided in the natural environment to the maximum extent 
appropriate or, a justification as to why an early intervention service 
will not be provided in the natural environment. We believe that these 
changes make clear that a justification is always required when early 
intervention services are not provided in the natural environment for 
the child or service.
    Changes: We have removed the phrase ``if applicable'' from Sec.  
303.344(d)(1)(ii)(A). Additionally, we have revised Sec.  
303.344(d)(1)(ii)(A) to require the IFSP to include (i) a statement 
that each early intervention service is provided in the natural 
environment for that child or service to the maximum extent 
appropriate, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.13(a)(8), 303.26 and 
303.126, or, subject to Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(ii)(B), and (ii) a 
justification as to why an early intervention service will not be 
provided in the natural environment.
    Comment: Many commenters requested clarification on when early 
intervention services may be provided in the natural environment and 
when it is appropriate to provide a service in a setting that is not 
considered the natural environment. A few commenters recommended that 
Sec.  303.126 be amended to allow parents to unilaterally decide where 
their infant or toddler with a disability will receive early 
intervention services. Another commenter recommended that Sec.  303.126 
allow other family members to be involved in determining the natural 
environments in which early intervention services will be provided. Two 
commenters recommended clarifying that an infant or toddler with a 
disability may receive services in a setting that is not the natural 
environment when the IFSP Team, which includes the parent, agrees that 
services should not be delivered in the natural environment. One 
commenter requested that the Department emphasize that selection of the 
natural environment for a particular infant or

[[Page 60205]]

toddler with a disability must be an individualized decision and that 
the State must monitor EIS providers to ensure that all natural 
environment decisions are individualized for each child by the child's 
IFSP Team.
    Discussion: Section 303.344(d)(1)(ii), when read together with 
Sec.  303.126, regarding early intervention services in natural 
environments, clarifies that the selection of the early intervention 
service setting for an infant or toddler with a disability is an 
individualized decision. Additionally, Sec.  303.700(a)(1), regarding 
State monitoring and enforcement, clarifies that the lead agency must 
monitor the implementation of this part. Early intervention in the 
natural environment has been the subject of the Department's focused 
monitoring. We do not believe that any additional emphasis is 
necessary.
    Nevertheless, we recognize that it may not always be practicable or 
appropriate for an infant or toddler with a disability to receive an 
early intervention service in the natural environment based either on 
the nature of the service or the child's specific outcomes. For 
example, the IFSP Team may determine that an eligible child needs to 
receive speech services in a clinical setting that serves only children 
with disabilities in order to meet a specific IFSP outcome. When the 
natural environment is not chosen with regard to an early intervention 
service, the IFSP Team must provide, in the IFSP, an appropriate 
justification for that decision.
    Consistent with section 635(a)(16)(B) of the Act and under Sec.  
303.344(d)(ii)(B), the setting for the provision of early intervention 
services under part C of the Act is made by the IFSP Team. It is the 
responsibility of the IFSP Team (which includes the parent and may 
include other family members who are invited by the parent under Sec.  
303.343) to determine the most appropriate setting where each early 
intervention service will be provided for an infant or toddler with a 
disability based on the child's unique needs and outcomes.
    Under Sec.  303.343(a), family members may attend an IFSP meeting 
if requested by the parent, and if feasible to do so. Thus, we decline 
to revise Sec.  303.126 to include family members, as suggested by one 
of the commenters, because a parent--not the lead agency--determines 
whether to invite additional family members to IFSP meetings.
    Concerning the commenter who suggested that early intervention 
services could not be provided in a setting other than the natural 
environment and the commenters who conversely requested that the 
regulations clarify that early intervention services may be provided in 
a setting other than the natural environment, sections 635(a)(16)(B) 
and 636(d)(5) of the Act recognize that there may be situations in 
which an early intervention service cannot be provided in the natural 
environment. Section 303.344(d)(1)(ii), consistent with section 
636(d)(5) of the Act, requires that the IFSP include a justification of 
the extent, if any, that an early intervention service will not be 
provided in the natural environment. In these instances, the IFSP Team 
(which includes the child's parents and other family members, at the 
parent's request) must identify whether the service can be provided in 
the natural environment and if it cannot, then the IFSP Team must 
document in the IFSP the justification for why that service is not 
provided in the natural environment (i.e., why the alternative service 
setting is needed for the child to meet the developmental outcomes 
identified for the child in his or her IFSP).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the word ``functional'' be 
included to define outcomes as used in Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(ii)(B)(3).
    Discussion: We address this comment in the Analysis of Comments and 
Changes section on Sec.  303.344(c).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters recommended that natural environment 
settings be determined based on a child's needs rather than on 
outcomes, as required by Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(ii)(B)(3).
    Discussion: We believe that the commenters' concerns are addressed 
because when developing outcomes for the IFSP, the IFSP Team must 
consider the needs of the child based on the results of the evaluation 
and assessments of the child and the family pursuant to Sec.  
303.344(a) and (b). Once the outcomes are developed, the IFSP Team, 
including the parent, determines which early intervention services are 
necessary to achieve the expected outcomes and the setting(s) in which 
those services will be provided.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters expressed concern that Sec.  
303.344(d)(2)(iv) would require an IFSP Team to project when a given 
service will no longer be provided. The commenters stated that some 
infants and toddlers with disabilities may require a particular early 
intervention service for the duration of their participation in the 
part C program and it would be inappropriate for an IFSP Team to 
project that far into the future.
    Discussion: The purpose of the language in Sec.  303.344(d)(2)(iv) 
is to help ensure accountability by requiring IFSP Teams to consider 
and periodically review the duration of a given service during the 
period in which a child is eligible to receive early intervention 
services and to anticipate when the child is expected to achieve 
certain results or outcomes associated with the receipt of the service. 
The duration of a service must be discussed and, if necessary, amended 
annually at the IFSP meeting.
    We appreciate that the IFSP Team will not always know how long a 
particular service will be needed to achieve the measurable outcomes or 
results in the child's IFSP. What is critical is that the IFSP Team 
evaluates and re-evaluates whether the expected outcomes are being 
achieved at the appropriate pace. If the IFSP Team miscalculates how 
long a particular service will be provided, it can amend the IFSP 
during a periodic review. Due to the rapidly changing needs of infants 
and toddlers and the need for accountability in making sure the 
appropriate services are provided, it is important for families to 
participate in periodic and annual reviews in order to help make 
decisions about modifications to the IFSP based on the child's present 
level of development.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern about the requirement 
in Sec.  303.344(d)(4) that the IFSP include an educational component 
that promotes school readiness and incorporates pre-literacy, language, 
and numeracy skills for children who are at least three years of age. 
The commenters stated that this requirement seemed to apply to any 
preschooler that has an IFSP and stated that the requirement was 
inconsistent with several provisions in the part B regulations in 34 
CFR part 300. Specifically, the commenters stated that Sec.  
303.344(d)(4) was inconsistent with 34 CFR 300.323(b), regarding when 
an IFSP may serve as the IEP for children with disabilities aged three 
through five. Additionally, the commenters stated that Sec.  300.320 
does not explicitly require that the IEPs of children with disabilities 
in preschool include these IFSP content components. Another commenter 
stated that requiring an educational component in every IFSP of a child 
aged three through five is inappropriate because IFSP Teams must 
determine the individual needs of a child with a disability. One 
commenter requested that the Department clarify that the requirements 
in Sec.  303.344(d)(4) only

[[Page 60206]]

apply to States that elect to serve children past age three.
    Discussion: The requirement in Sec.  303.344(d)(4) that IFSPs 
include, for children who are at least three years of age, an 
educational component that promotes school readiness and incorporates 
pre-literacy, language, and numeracy skills is directly from section 
632(5)(B)(ii) of the Act. Section 303.344(d)(4) is consistent with 34 
CFR 300.323(b) of the part B regulations. It is not necessary under 
part B of the Act to require an educational component for children with 
disabilities who receive preschool services under IEPs because the 
definition of an IEP in 34 CFR 300.112 of the part B regulations 
identifies by cross-reference the many educational components of the 
IEP.
    Section 303.344(d)(4) and 34 CFR 300.323(b) of the part B 
regulations both require all IFSPs for children age three and older to 
include an educational component that promotes school readiness, and to 
incorporate pre-literacy, language, and numeracy skills. Children age 
three and older who have IFSPs under part C of the Act would be those 
children receiving services in States that have elected to serve 
children under the option in Sec. Sec.  303.211 and 303.501(d) or under 
the option to provide services to children beyond age three until the 
beginning of the school year in Sec.  303.501(c)(1). Both the Act and 
these regulations are clear and need no further clarification.
    Changes: None.
Other Services (Sec.  303.344(e))
    Comment: Some commenters requested that this paragraph be amended 
to explicitly include childcare as an ``other service.''
    Discussion: Section 303.344(e) states that the IFSP must, to the 
extent appropriate, identify medical and other services that the child 
or family needs or is receiving through other sources, but that are 
neither required nor funded under this part. While childcare is not 
specifically included in paragraph (e) of this section, an IFSP Team 
may decide, when appropriate, to identify childcare as an ``other 
service'' that is not required under part C of the Act. We decline to 
revise the regulations as requested by the commenter because listing 
every service that may be considered as an ``other service'' would be 
impractical.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters agreed with removing the requirement in 
current Sec.  303.344(e)(1)(ii) that the IFSP identify funding sources 
for the medical and other services not required by part C of the Act, 
stating that the requirement was both beyond the scope of part C 
services and an additional burden on lead agencies. However, other 
commenters disagreed, arguing that, absent such information in the 
IFSP, children might not receive the additional services that they 
need, which would defeat the purposes of the Act to ensure that early 
intervention services are provided in order to reduce the need for 
services as the child matures.
    Discussion: Section 303.344(e)(2) requires that, if a child or 
family needs medical and other services and these services are not 
currently being provided, the IFSP must include a description of the 
steps the service coordinator or family may take to assist the child 
and family in securing those services. The regulations no longer 
require the IFSP Team to identify, and service coordinators to 
coordinate, funding sources for these services (those not required 
under part C). We believe that Sec.  303.344(e)(2), with this change, 
will help families receive additional services, without unduly 
burdening IFSP Teams and service coordinators who may have limited 
knowledge about funding for services provided by other programs.
    Changes: None.
Dates and Duration of Service (Sec.  303.344(f))
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We have made technical edits to Sec.  303.344(f)(1) to 
cross-reference the consent provisions applicable to this section--that 
is, paragraph (e) of Sec.  303.342 (parental consent) and Sec.  
303.420(a)(3) (consent for early intervention services). For clarity 
and consistency with these regulations, we also have inserted the words 
``early intervention'' before the word ``service.'' As noted in the 
Analysis of Comments and Changes section discussing Sec.  303.342(e), 
we have revised, in Sec.  303.344(f)(1), the timeline that services 
begin ``as soon as possible'' after parental consent (instead of ``as 
soon as possible'' after the initiation date identified in the IFSP in 
current Sec.  303.344(f)(1)).
    Changes: We have replaced, in Sec.  303.344(f)(1), after the words 
``as soon as possible'' the phrase ``after the IFSP meetings described 
in Sec.  303.342'' with the words ``after the parent consents to the 
service, as required.'' We also have added references to Sec.  
303.342(e) and Sec.  303.420(a)(3). Additionally, we have inserted the 
words ``early intervention'' before the word ``service.''
Service Coordinator (Sec.  303.344(g))
    Comment: One commenter requested that the regulations require 
service coordinators to be responsible for facilitating the full 
implementation of the IFSP. The commenter also requested that the 
regulations stipulate that the service coordinator for a particular 
infant or toddler with a disability may not be an EIS provider 
providing early intervention services to that particular infant or 
toddler with a disability.
    Discussion: Section 303.344(g), when read together with Sec.  
303.33, the definition of service coordination services (case 
management), clarifies that the service coordinator is responsible for 
implementing the early intervention services identified in a child's 
IFSP. We do not agree with the commenter that the service coordinator 
for a particular infant or toddler with a disability cannot be an EIS 
provider for that particular infant or toddler with a disability, 
because the model of service coordination can vary from one State to 
another as well as among local communities because of such 
distinguishing factors as population size and economic, social, or 
cultural differences. Regardless of the model chosen by a State, we 
expect service coordination services to remain family centered.
    Changes: None.
Transition From Part C Services (Sec.  303.344(h))
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: For consistency with section 636(a)(3) of the Act and 
Sec.  303.344(h)(2)(iv), we have clarified that the IFSP must include 
not only transition steps but transition services needed to support the 
smooth transition of a child who is exiting the part C program.
    Changes: We have added the phrase ``and services'' after the word 
``steps'' to Sec.  303.344(h)(1).
    Comment: One commenter supported the requirement in Sec.  
303.344(h)(2)(iii) to obtain parental consent before transmitting 
additional information about a child to the LEA and requested 
clarification of the basic information that must be provided to the LEA 
representative at the transition conference or IFSP meeting to develop 
the transition plan. Another commenter noted that careful documentation 
will be needed to ensure that parental consent is obtained.
    Discussion: To clarify the relationship between Sec. Sec.  
303.344(h) and 303.209 regarding transition, we have added the words 
``smooth'' and ``from part C services'' in Sec.  303.344(h)(1). We also 
have revised Sec.  303.344(h)(2)(iii) to clarify that the transition 
steps and services in the IFSP must include confirmation that child 
find information

[[Page 60207]]

was transmitted to the LEA or other relevant agency.
    With regard to the comments regarding parental consent in Sec.  
303.344(h)(2)(iii), we have clarified that parental consent must be 
obtained if personally identifiable information is disclosed as 
required under Sec.  303.414. Given that personally identifiable 
information is discussed at the IFSP meeting to develop a transition 
plan, if the LEA representative is from an LEA that is not a 
participating agency under Sec.  303.403(c) or if attendance is 
required of other individuals who are not employees or representatives 
of participating agencies, parental consent is required under Sec.  
303.414 for the lead agency to be able to disclose personally 
identifiable information to these individuals at the meeting.
    We also have clarified that the additional information to be 
provided to the LEA to ensure continuity of services includes a copy of 
the most recent evaluation and assessments of the child and family and 
the most recent IFSP.
    Changes: We have added the words ``smooth'' and ``from part C 
services'' in Sec.  303.344(h)(1). We also have added the words 
``confirmation that'' to precede the words ``child find information'' 
and ``if required under Sec.  303.414'' to follow the phrase ``parental 
consent'' in Sec.  303.344(h)(2)(iii). We also have clarified that the 
additional information in Sec.  303.344(h)(2)(iii) includes a copy of 
the most recent evaluation and assessments of the child and family and 
the most recent IFSP.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the requirement in proposed 
Sec.  303.344(h)(1)(iii) that an IFSP include the steps that must be 
taken to support the transition of the child to early education, Head 
Start and Early Head Start, or child care programs is inappropriate 
because it is not required in the Act. This commenter requested that 
the requirement be removed from the regulations.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that requiring transition 
to specific educational or child care programs may not be appropriate 
for every child and the phrase ``other appropriate services'' covers 
such programs. The programs identified in proposed Sec.  
303.344(h)(1)(iii) were intended to be examples of programs into which 
children may transition from part C services. However, early education, 
Head Start, Early Head Start, or child care programs are covered 
through the reference to other appropriate services in proposed Sec.  
303.344(h)(1)(iv), which stated that the IFSP must include the steps to 
be taken to support the transition of the child, in accordance with 
Sec.  303.209, from part C services to other appropriate services. 
Therefore, to eliminate duplication, we have removed proposed Sec.  
303.344(h)(1)(iii). We also note that the reference in Sec.  
303.344(h)(1)(i) to elementary school or preschool was incorrect and 
are revising Sec.  303.344(h)(1)(ii) to refer to ``part C services 
under Sec.  303.211.''
    Changes: We have removed proposed Sec.  303.344(h)(1)(iii) and 
redesignated proposed Sec.  303.344(h)(1)(iv) as Sec.  
303.344(h)(1)(iii). We have revised Sec.  303.344(h)(1)(ii) to refer to 
``part C services under Sec.  303.211.''

Interim IFSPs--Provision of Services Before Evaluations and Assessments 
Are Completed (Sec.  303.345)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To improve clarity, we have added ``interim IFSPs'' to 
the title of this section.
    Changes: We have added ``Interim IFSPs'' to the title of Sec.  
303.345.

Responsibility and Accountability (Sec.  303.346)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: For consistency throughout the regulations, we have 
clarified that the agency referenced in Sec.  303.346 is the public 
agency (defined in Sec.  303.30) and the person referenced in this 
section is an EIS provider (defined in Sec.  303.12).
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.346 so that it refers to a 
public agency and an EIS provider, rather than an agency and person.

Subpart E--Procedural Safeguards

General

Confidentiality and Opportunity To Examine Records (Sec.  303.401)
    Comment: A few commenters recommended retaining as much of current 
Sec.  303.402, concerning the opportunity to examine records, and Sec.  
303.460, concerning confidentiality of information, as is consistent 
with the Act.
    Discussion: The confidentiality rights and protections contained in 
current Sec. Sec.  303.402 and 303.460 have been retained in Sec.  
303.401(b) and have been explicitly referenced in both Sec. Sec.  
303.401(b) and 303.402 of these regulations, consistent with sections 
617(c), 639(a)(2), and 642 of the Act. Provisions concerning parents' 
rights to inspect and review their children's records in current Sec.  
303.402 are incorporated in Sec.  303.401(b)(2). The substance of the 
note following current Sec.  303.460, which concerns the applicable 
confidentiality rights and protections afforded under sections 617(c) 
and 642 of the Act, is now in Sec. Sec.  303.401(b) and 303.402.
    We have added language in Sec.  303.401(b) clarifying that, as 
required under sections 617(c) and 642 of the Act, the regulations in 
Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417 ensure the protection of the 
confidentiality of any personally identifiable data, information, and 
records collected or maintained pursuant to this part by the Secretary 
and by participating agencies, including the State lead agency and EIS 
providers, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy 
Act (FERPA) in 20 U.S.C. 1232g and 34 CFR part 99.
    Changes: We have deleted in Sec.  303.401(b) the parenthetical 
``(which contain confidentiality provisions under FERPA in 20 U.S.C. 
1232g and its regulations in 34 CFR part 99)'' and added in Sec. Sec.  
303.401(b) and 303.402 language regarding the implementation of the 
regulations in Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417 under sections 617(c) 
and 642 of the Act to ensure the protection of the confidentiality of 
any personally identifiable data, information, and records collected or 
maintained pursuant to this part, in accordance with FERPA in 20 U.S.C. 
1232g and 34 CFR part 99.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that the rights and 
protections afforded to parents concerning confidentiality and access 
to records be extended to foster families and agencies responsible for 
infants and toddlers who reside in out-of-home care.
    Discussion: The confidentiality rights and protections in 
Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417 are available to an individual who 
meets the definition of a parent in Sec.  303.27, which expressly 
includes foster parents, and any individual appointed as a surrogate 
parent under Sec.  303.422. However, Sec.  303.422(d)(2) excludes from 
serving as a surrogate parent for a child, an employee of the lead 
agency or any other public agency or EIS provider that provides any 
services to the child or a family member of that child. Thus, the 
confidentiality rights and protections available to parents under 
Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417 would not be available to agencies 
responsible for the care of infants and toddlers not residing at home 
or to the employees of such agencies.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that we clarify the word 
``broader'' as used in proposed Sec.  303.401(b)(1), regarding 
confidentiality procedures.
    Discussion: Proposed Sec.  303.401(b)(1) stated that the part C 
confidentiality

[[Page 60208]]

procedures are consistent with, but broader than, those under FERPA. In 
some instances the part C confidentiality procedures differ from the 
requirements under FERPA (for example, part C uses the term 
``participating agency'' and permits States to adopt an opt-out policy 
in Sec.  303.401(e)). We agree that the phrase ``that are consistent 
with, but broader than those under'' is not clear; therefore, we have 
removed the phrase. Additionally, we have removed the last phrase of 
the parenthetical ``and include additional part C requirements'' 
because it is redundant.
    Changes: The phrase ``that are consistent with, but broader than 
those under'' and the last phrase of the parenthetical ``and include 
additional part C requirements'' have been removed.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify 
whether it violates part C confidentiality regulations to accept a 
referral without parental consent.
    Discussion: Section 303.401(c)(2) provides that the part C 
confidentiality procedures apply from the point in time when the child 
is referred for early intervention services, and thus, do not apply 
prior to a referral. Under Sec.  303.401(c)(2), the confidentiality 
provisions under part C of the Act do not apply to primary referral 
sources. Thus, part C does not prohibit the lead agency or an EIS 
provider from accepting a referral of a child to the State part C 
system from a primary referral source. However, the primary referral 
source may be required to obtain parental consent prior to making a 
referral under other applicable laws (such as HIPAA, CAPTA, or State 
laws).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Given that we reference ``participating agencies'' in 
Sec. Sec.  303.405 through 303.417, we have changed the reference in 
Sec.  303.401(c)(2) from ``lead agency and EIS provider'' to 
``participating agency.'' We also have clarified that the 
confidentiality procedures apply until the later of when the 
participating agency is no longer required to maintain or no longer 
maintains, under applicable Federal and State laws, the personally 
identifiable information of a child and the child's family that is 
contained in early intervention records collected, used, or maintained 
under this part by the lead agency.
    Changes: We have replaced the phrase ``lead agency or EIS 
provider'' with the phrase ``participating agency'' in Sec.  
303.401(c)(2). We also have replaced the phrase ``required to maintain 
or maintains'' with the phrase ``required to maintain or no longer 
maintains'' in Sec.  303.401(c)(2).

Disclosure of Information (Sec.  303.401(d))

    Comment: One commenter stated that it is unnecessary for the lead 
agency to disclose the information identified in Sec.  303.401(d) to 
the LEA where the child resides or to the SEA and that such disclosure 
may potentially breach the right to confidentiality of personally 
identifiable information.
    Discussion: Section 637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(I) of the Act, concerning 
preschool transition, requires the lead agency to notify the LEA where 
the toddler resides that the toddler will shortly reach the age of 
eligibility for preschool services under part B of the Act. We believe 
that notifying the LEA where the child resides and the SEA of the 
toddler's name, date of birth, and the parent contact information 
(including parents' names, addresses, and telephone numbers) is 
necessary to implement the requirements in section 637(a)(9)(A)(ii)(I) 
of the Act and to ensure that children exiting part C services 
experience a smooth and seamless transition to part B services.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the terms ``State Lead Agency 
(SLA)'' and ``Local Lead Agency (LLA)'' should be used in the 
regulations instead of the terms ``SEA'' and ``LEA'' because SEAs and 
LEAs are only two of the many types of lead agencies. The commenter 
also stated that using the terms ``SEA'' and ``LEA'' in the part C 
regulations is confusing.
    Discussion: Part C of the Act uses the term ``lead agency'' to 
refer to the State agency designated by the State's Governor under 
section 635(a)(10) of the Act to administer the Federal part C funds 
the State receives under section 643 of the Act and to be responsible 
for implementing the statewide early intervention system. We recognize 
that while a few States have part C statewide systems that refer to EIS 
providers as ``local lead agencies'' this is not the general practice 
among most States. Additionally, many EIS providers are not public 
agencies and, therefore, we decline to revise these regulations to 
include that term and have continued to use the term ``EIS provider'' 
when referring to entities other than the lead agency who are 
responsible for assisting the State in implementing the part C 
statewide early intervention system.
    Regarding use of the terms participating agency, LEA, and SEA in 
these regulations, these terms are defined in Sec. Sec.  303.404(c), 
303.23, and 303.36, respectively, and are terms used throughout these 
regulations and specifically in Sec.  303.401(b) through (d)(1). Thus, 
we decline to make the change requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters supported Sec.  303.401(e) while many 
other commenters opposed it stating that it diminishes a family's right 
to confidentiality and decision-making about their child. These 
commenters urged the Department to require a lead agency to obtain 
parental consent prior to disclosing to an LEA or SEA the information 
identified in Sec.  303.401(d)(1) as it is personally identifiable 
information. Similarly, one commenter requested that the opt-out 
requirement in Sec.  303.401(e) be changed to an ``opt-in'' policy.
    Discussion: Section 303.401(e) permits a lead agency to adopt an 
opt-out policy under section 637(a)(9) of the Act and Sec.  
303.209(b)(1)(ii). An opt-out policy requires the lead agency and EIS 
providers, prior to disclosing the limited information identified in 
Sec.  303.401(d)(1) to the LEA where the child resides or to the SEA, 
to inform the child's parent about the impending disclosure and provide 
the parent with a specific time period in which the parent may confirm 
his or her decision to decline, or opt-out of, the disclosure of such 
information about his or her child.
    Permitting States to adopt an opt-out policy, rather than opt-in 
policy, which would require the lead agency to obtain affirmative 
parental consent before disclosure of the limited information 
identified in Sec.  303.401(d)(1) to the LEA or SEA, allows States the 
flexibility to balance the privacy interests of parents of children 
receiving part C services and the lead agency's, SEA's, and LEA's 
respective responsibilities to identify children potentially eligible 
for services under part B of the Act, and to ensure a smooth transition 
from the State's part C program to its part B program. Parents, as well 
as other stakeholders and members of the public have an opportunity to 
provide input when the State circulates its LEA notification policies 
for public participation as required in Sec.  303.208(b).
    Changes: None.
Definitions (Sec.  303.403)
    Comment: Two commenters requested that the term education records 
be changed to the term early intervention records because use of the 
term ``education'' is not consistent with part C of the Act and could 
be interpreted incorrectly by insurance companies and Medicaid 
concerning payment for services. One commenter also expressed concern 
that the term education records

[[Page 60209]]

is used inconsistently throughout the regulations (see Sec. Sec.  
303.405(a) and (b), 303.406, 303.407, 303.408, 303.410, and 303.411).
    Discussion: We agree that the term early intervention records 
should replace the term education records in Sec.  303.403 and have 
revised references to education records to read early intervention 
records in these regulations.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.403(b) to define early 
intervention records instead of education records and clarified that 
the term includes all records regarding a child that are required to be 
collected, maintained, or used under part C of the Act and the 
regulations in this part.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concerns that the definitions in 
Sec.  303.403, while applicable to programs under part B of the Act, 
may not be appropriate for programs under part C of the Act.
    Discussion: We agree that the definitions of education records and 
participating agency in Sec.  303.403 could be amended to more 
appropriately apply to part C of the Act. As noted previously, we have 
removed the term education records in Sec.  303.403(b) and replaced it 
with the term early intervention records.
    Additionally, we have amended the definition of participating 
agency in Sec.  303.403(c) to mean any individual, agency, entity, or 
institution that collects, maintains, or uses personally identifiable 
information to implement the requirements in part C of the Act and the 
regulations in this part with respect to a particular child.
    Participating agency specifically includes the lead agency and EIS 
providers that provide any part C services, including service 
coordination, evaluations and assessments, and other part C services. 
We are adding this provision to distinguish between those primary 
referral sources that perform primarily a child find function and those 
entities that serve as funding sources only. We have clarified that 
this term does not include primary referral sources (unless they are 
also EIS providers), or public agencies (such as the State Medicaid or 
CHIP program), or private entities (such as private insurance 
companies) that act solely as funding sources for part C services.
    Changes: We have revised the definition of participating agency in 
Sec.  303.403(c) to provide that this term also includes an entity that 
collects, maintains, or uses personally identifiable information and 
that this information is collected, maintained, or used ``to implement 
the requirements in part C of the Act and the regulations in this 
part.'' We have added a provision that an EIS provider includes a 
provider of part C services, including service coordination, 
evaluations, and assessments, and other part C services. Additionally, 
we have added a provision specifically stating that primary referral 
sources, or public agencies (such as the State Medicaid or CHIP 
program) or private entities (such as private insurance companies) that 
act solely as funding sources for part C services are not considered a 
participating agency.
Notice to Parents (Sec.  303.404)
    Comment: Some commenters requested that the confidentiality 
requirements in these regulations reflect the parallel requirements in 
the part B regulations, where appropriate. One commenter requested 
clarification as to when the general notice and confidentiality 
requirements under part C of the Act apply. One commenter recommended 
adding a requirement that the notice to parents in Sec.  303.404 be 
provided in the native language of the parent.
    Discussion: We agree that it would be helpful for lead agencies 
under part C of the Act to know when the general notice requirement 
applies. Requiring the lead agency to provide parents with notice of 
its general confidentiality policies and procedures, including document 
retention and destruction procedures, when a child is referred under 
part C of the Act ensures that parents are aware of the nature and 
scope of their rights under these policies and procedures. States may 
choose to provide this general notice at additional appropriate times, 
such as annual IFSP meetings, but we have not required that it be 
provided at each such meeting because of the burden this would place on 
the State and because the prior written notice requirements in Sec.  
303.421 already require a summary of each of the procedural safeguards.
    Additionally, the content of the notice should include a 
description of the extent that the notice is available in the native 
languages of the various population groups in a State. We have added 
language to Sec.  303.404 that reflects that requirement, which is also 
in 34 CFR 300.612 of the part B regulations. The prior written notice 
and procedural safeguards notice requirements in Sec.  
303.421(c)(1)(ii) require that the child-specific notice be in the 
parent's native language or other mode of communication used by the 
parent, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so, and that the notice 
include a description of the procedural safeguards, including 
confidentiality requirements under subpart C of this part.
    Changes: We have added the phrase ``when a child is referred under 
part C of the Act'' in the introductory text in Sec.  303.404. We also 
have added a new paragraph (d) to Sec.  303.404 requiring that the 
notice to parents include a description of the extent that the notice 
is given in the native languages of the various population groups in 
the State.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended revising Sec.  303.404(a) to 
require the notice to parents, concerning the confidentiality 
provisions under the Act, to be more applicable to part C of the Act.
    Discussion: Section 303.404(a) provides that the notice include a 
description of the children on whom personally identifiable information 
is maintained, the types of information sought, the methods the State 
intends to use in gathering the information (including the sources from 
which the information is gathered), and the uses to be made of the 
information. For example, children on whom personally identifiable 
information is maintained include children with developmental delays or 
diagnosed conditions, or, if applicable, children at risk for 
developmental delays. The types of information sought include 
developmental, medical, educational, and other information. The 
specific sources from which information is gathered would include 
primary referral sources in the State, and the uses to be made of the 
information would include the identification, evaluation, and provision 
of early intervention services to infants and toddlers with 
disabilities. Thus, Sec.  303.404(a) sufficiently relates to the 
personally identifiable information maintained, collected, and used 
under part C of the Act.
    Changes: None.
Access Rights (Sec.  303.405)
    Comment: Commenters from several lead agencies recommended 
requiring lead agencies to respond to parents' requests to inspect and 
review their child's early intervention records within 10 calendar days 
of the request, instead of 20 days, because it is important for parents 
to have these records available in the event there is a pending due 
process hearing (that must be resolved within a 30-day timeline as 
required in Sec.  303.430(d)(1)).
    Discussion: We agree that a 10-day deadline would be more 
appropriate to ensure access to early intervention records when parents 
have filed a request for a due process hearing. We have changed the 
timeline for agency compliance with a parent's request to

[[Page 60210]]

inspect and review records to 10 calendar days after the parent makes 
the request. (The term day is defined as ``calendar day unless 
otherwise indicated'' in Sec.  303.9.)
    Changes: We have changed Sec.  303.405(a) to reflect that an agency 
must comply with a parent's request to inspect and review records in no 
case more than 10 days after the request has been made.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the ``shall presume'' 
language in Sec.  303.405(c) be revised to align with the analogous 
part B requirement in 34 CFR 300.613(c), which provides that an agency 
``may presume'' that a parent has the authority to inspect and review 
his or her child's records.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter and have changed Sec.  
303.405(c) to be consistent with 34 CFR 300.613(c) in the part B 
regulations.
    Changes: The word ``shall'' has been removed and replaced with the 
word ``may'' in Sec.  303.405(c).
Fees for Records (Sec.  303.409)
    Comment: One commenter recommended including in Sec.  303.409 a 
provision to allow parents to receive a copy of their child's records 
upon request, thereby facilitating the role of parents as full and 
equal participants in the IFSP process. Another commenter expressed 
concern about the length of time that may lapse between a child's IFSP 
meeting and the time that the parent actually receives a copy of the 
child's IFSP. This commenter requested that the regulations require 
that the parent be given a copy of his or her child's IFSP at the 
conclusion of every IFSP meeting.
    Discussion: We agree with commenters that in order to help parents 
to be full and equal participants in the IFSP process parents must 
receive a copy of their child's evaluation, assessments, and IFSP. 
Thus, we have added in new Sec.  303.409(c) that each evaluation, 
assessment, and IFSP must be provided to the parent.
    Additionally, under Sec.  303.521(b), the lead agency must ensure 
that specific activities, including conducting evaluations and 
assessments, developing and reviewing IFSPs, and implementing 
procedural safeguards, are provided at no cost to parents. Thus, we 
have added in new Sec.  303.409(c) the requirement that these records 
be provided to parents at no cost. Requiring States to provide a copy 
of evaluations, assessments, and IFSPs to parents, from the child's 
early intervention record, should not be a burden to States. As a 
standard practice, most States already provide these documents at no 
cost to parents. The requirement in new Sec.  303.409(c) is comparable 
to the evaluation and IEP documents that must be provided to parents at 
no cost under the provisions in 34 CFR 300.306(a)(2) and 300.322(f) of 
the part B regulations.
    Concerning the request that the IFSP be provided at the conclusion 
of the IFSP meeting, we decline to add this specific timeline but agree 
that it is important to specify when these documents must be provided. 
Thus, we also have added in new Sec.  303.409(c) that a copy of each 
evaluation, assessment of the child, family assessment, and IFSP must 
be provided to the parent as soon as possible after each IFSP meeting.
    Changes: We have added new Sec.  303.409(c), which requires that a 
participating agency must provide at no cost to the parent, a copy of 
each evaluation and assessment of the child, family assessment, and 
IFSP as soon as possible after each IFSP meeting. We also have revised 
the heading of Sec.  303.409 to add ``for records'' after ``Fees'', and 
added a clause to Sec.  303.409(a) explaining that the right to charge 
fees does not apply to documents that must be provided and are 
mentioned in Sec.  303.409(c).
Amendment of Early Intervention Records Under Sec. Sec.  303.410, 
303.411, and 303.412
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding references to the family, 
in addition to the child, in Sec. Sec.  303.410 and 303.412(a), 
regarding a parent's right to amend information in a child's early 
intervention record if it is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the 
privacy or other rights of the child.
    Discussion: We agree that the protections in Sec. Sec.  303.410(a) 
and 303.412(a) and (b) should apply to information about the parent as 
well as the child, but do not agree that the right to amend a record 
extends to information about other family members. This is because the 
definition of personally identifiable information in Sec.  303.29(d) 
includes a list of personal characteristics or other information that 
would make the child's or parent's identity easily traceable. 
Therefore, we have added the reference to the parent, but not to the 
family. For the same reasons, we have added this reference to the 
parent in Sec.  303.411.
    Changes: We have added a reference to the parent in Sec. Sec.  
303.410(a), 303.411, and 303.412(a) and (b).
Opportunity for a Hearing (Sec.  303.411)
    Comment: A few commenters stated that the requirements in Sec.  
303.411 are inconsistent with both the hearing procedures in Sec.  
303.413 and the relevant part B requirements in 34 CFR 300.619, which 
require a hearing to challenge information in a child's record to be 
conducted in accordance with the procedures under FERPA.
    Discussion: We have clarified Sec.  303.411 by providing that the 
parent may request a due process hearing if a State has adopted the 
part C due process hearing procedures that are referenced in Sec.  
303.430(d)(1), provided that such procedures meet the requirements of 
the hearing procedures in Sec.  303.413 that comply with the FERPA 
regulations in 34 CFR 99.22. Thus, as suggested by the commenter, the 
procedural options available to parents would be consistent with 34 CFR 
300.619 of the part B regulations. We believe permitting this option to 
parents provides parents with the benefits of the 30-day timeline if 
the State has adopted part C due process hearings under Sec.  
303.430(d) without imposing an additional burden on States that already 
have such procedures in place.
    Changes: We have added to Sec.  303.411 a reference to Sec.  
303.413 and a parenthetical regarding the hearing requirements under 
the FERPA regulations in 34 CFR 99.22.
Consent Prior to Disclosure or Use (Sec.  303.414)
    Comment: A few commenters recommended retaining as much of current 
Sec.  303.460, regarding confidentiality of information, as is 
consistent with the Act.
    Discussion: Current Sec.  303.460 references the confidentiality 
provisions in the part B regulations that were in effect prior to the 
publication of the amended part B regulations published in August 14, 
2006; the Note following current Sec.  303.460 indicates that because 
the part B regulations incorporate the FERPA regulations, FERPA also 
applies to the part C regulations. Consistent with the commenters' 
requests, we have removed the general citation to the part B 
regulations and FERPA and added in Sec.  303.414(b)(2) the exceptions 
to the FERPA consent requirement in 34 CFR 99.31(a) as specific 
exceptions (where applicable to part C) to the parental consent 
requirement in these part C regulations. We have also added a provision 
requiring compliance with the additional pertinent conditions in 34 CFR 
99.32 through 99.39.
    Changes: We have incorporated as specific exceptions to the 
parental consent requirement in Sec.  303.414(b)(2) of these part C 
regulations the specific exceptions to the written parental consent 
requirement in 34 CFR 99.31(a)

[[Page 60211]]

of the FERPA regulations (where applicable to part C), reference to the 
pertinent conditions in 34 CFR 99.32 through 99.39, and added 
appropriate modification provisions in Sec.  303.414(b)(2)(i) through 
(b)(2)(vii).
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that sometimes service 
providers do not disclose information that parents have given consent 
to disclose, and suggested that service providers should be required to 
disclose documents or information when parents have consented to the 
disclosure.
    Discussion: It is unclear what types of documents or information 
the commenter is referencing or the circumstances under which an EIS 
provider might not disclose the information for which a parent has 
given consent. However, there may be circumstances when the lead agency 
or an EIS provider may not have the authority to provide documents in 
the child's early intervention record to a third party, even after 
receiving parental consent for disclosure of personally identifiable 
information. For example, a lead agency or EIS provider may not have 
the authority to disclose third-party medical records. In these cases, 
the lead agency or EIS provider would instruct the parent to make such 
a request to the third party for the document or information.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that the regulations clarify 
the exception that applies to Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agencies 
seeking access to information pursuant to their authority under the 
Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (42 
U.S.C. 10801, et seq.). Other commenters opposed disclosing information 
to P&A agencies and questioned why only this requirement is included in 
these regulations when other statutory authorities also may apply to 
part C records and why this provision is not in the part B regulations. 
One commenter stated that this requirement conflicts with the FERPA and 
HIPAA confidentiality provisions.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters that it would not be 
appropriate to include language in the part C regulations concerning 
the issue of limited disclosures of personally identifiable information 
in early intervention records that may be sought by P&A agencies and 
have removed Sec.  303.414(d).
    As the commenters stated, there are a number of statutory 
authorities that may apply to part C records. Given the variety of 
factual circumstances to be considered--including the uncertainty as to 
what personally identifiable information will be sought about infants 
and toddlers with disabilities and the varying context and purposes 
under which the information may be sought-- regulating could not 
address the specific circumstances in each particular case.
    Changes: We have removed Sec.  303.414(d).
    Comment: A commenter requested that the Department define in Sec.  
303.414 the term participating agency.
    Discussion: The term participating agency as used in Sec.  303.414 
is defined in Sec.  303.403(c).
    Changes: None.
Safeguards (Sec.  303.415)
    Comment: One commenter agreed with the provisions in Sec.  
303.415(a) (regarding the protection of personally identifiable 
information at the collection, maintenance, use, storage, disclosure, 
and destruction stages), (b) (requiring an official to be responsible 
for ensuring the confidentiality of personally identifiable 
information), and (c) (training for persons collecting and using 
personally identifiable information), but suggested that the 
requirements in these paragraphs may be inconsistent with Sec.  
303.415(d).
    Discussion: Section 303.415(d) requires that each participating 
agency maintain a current listing of the names and positions of agency 
employees who may have access to personally identifiable information 
and reflects current, long-standing Department policy and regulations. 
Paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section are consistent with 
paragraph (d) because paragraph (d) applies to the individuals listed 
in paragraph (c) of this section. Paragraph (d) of this section further 
safeguards the confidentiality of these records by preventing access to 
the records by those individuals not listed.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that Sec.  303.415(d) is 
unnecessary because records are generally maintained electronically in 
order to be consistent with the FERPA and HIPAA requirements.
    Discussion: This requirement is necessary because the public has a 
right to know who may have access to personally identifiable 
information about their child and family. The method a participating 
agency uses to implement the provisions in Sec.  303.415(d) is best 
left to the participating agency to determine. The agency must 
maintain, for public inspection, a current listing of the names and 
positions of those employees within the agency who may have access to 
personally identifiable information, regardless of whether such 
information is maintained electronically or as a written record.
    Changes: None.
Destruction of Information (Sec.  303.416)
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: For consistency within the confidentiality regulations 
that apply to participating agencies in Sec. Sec.  303.402 through 
303.417, we have replaced the reference to ``public agency'' in Sec.  
303.416(a) with the term ``participating agency.''
    Changes: We have replaced the reference to ``public agency'' with 
``participating agency'' in Sec.  303.416(a).
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern that we have included 
statutory references to GEPA in Sec.  303.416(a), but these references 
are not included in the corresponding part B provisions in 34 CFR 
300.624. The commenters requested that for consistency these citations 
be removed from Sec.  303.416(a) or be added to the regulations under 
part B of the Act.
    Discussion: SEAs are aware of the applicability of GEPA to the part 
B program. Therefore, it is not necessary to add these references to 
the part B regulations. However, there may be lead agencies that are 
unaware of the applicability of GEPA to the part C program; 
accordingly, it is important that Sec.  303.416(a) identify the 
specific citations to those GEPA and EDGAR provisions concerning the 
maintenance, use, disclosure, and destruction of records. Thus, we have 
revised the citation to GEPA provisions to refer to 20 U.S.C. 1232f, 
which contains fiscal recordkeeping requirements. Lead agencies that 
are not SEAs may be similarly unfamiliar with the provisions in parts 
76 and 80 of EDGAR that apply to the early intervention records, 
including, for example, the recordkeeping requirements in 34 CFR 
80.42(b).
    Changes: We have revised the citation to GEPA provisions in Sec.  
303.416 to refer to 20 U.S.C. 1232f.
Enforcement (Sec.  303.417)
    Comment: One commenter recommended revising the language in Sec.  
303.417 because the proposed phrasing was awkward.
    Discussion: We agree that Sec.  303.417 should be clarified. We 
have amended Sec.  303.417 to clarify that the enforcement policies and 
procedures that a State must have in effect are consistent with 
Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417, and include sanctions and the right 
to file a State complaint under Sec. Sec.  303.432 through 303.434.

[[Page 60212]]

    Changes: We have amended Sec.  303.417 to indicate that the lead 
agency must have in effect the policies and procedures, including 
sanctions and the right to file a complaint under Sec. Sec.  303.432 
through 303.434, that a State uses to ensure that its policies and 
procedures, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417, are 
followed and that the requirements of the Act and the regulations in 
this part are met.
Parental Consent and Ability To Decline Services (Sec.  303.420)
    Comment: Some commenters requested that the Office of Special 
Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) provide clarification 
regarding parental consent for the assessments used to report on child 
outcomes in the SPP/APR. One commenter requested that the OSERS 
September 2006 (revised October 2007) frequently asked questions (FAQ) 
document located at http://www.rrfcnetwork.org/content/view/409/47/#cfiscal be used as a reference point for clarification regarding 
parental consent for the assessments used to report child outcomes.
    Discussion: If the lead agency collects, uses, or maintains 
information about an eligible child to meet the SPP/APR reporting 
requirements of the Department under part C of the Act, including the 
required reporting on child outcomes (which information is reported 
based on aggregate numbers of children, and not by individual child), 
generally, the information is not personally identifiable provided that 
the State has addressed any confidentiality constraints as a result of 
small data cells and, thus, prior written parental consent would not be 
required. However, as noted in the FAQ document referenced by the 
commenter, prior written parental consent is required under Sec.  
303.420 if the collection of outcome information is a part of the lead 
agency's evaluation to determine initial or continuing eligibility of a 
child in the part C program. In this circumstance, States must provide 
prior written notice to the parents under Sec.  303.421 and, if 
applicable, obtain parental consent for evaluation as required in Sec.  
303.420.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that requiring parental consent in 
Sec.  303.420 to administer screening procedures in Sec.  303.320 may 
dissuade some parents from allowing a developmental screening to be 
conducted.
    Discussion: It is important for parents to be able to determine 
whether their child should receive a developmental screening. We have 
added in Sec.  303.420(a)(1), regarding parental consent for screening, 
a reference to the screening provisions in Sec.  303.320.
    Changes: We added, in Sec.  303.420(a)(1), a reference to Sec.  
303.320.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that the word ``initial'' in 
current Sec.  303.404 be reinserted into Sec.  303.420(a)(2) before the 
words ``evaluation and assessment.''
    Discussion: Consistent with section 639(a)(3) of the Act and the 
current policies and practice in the vast majority of States, the 
Department's position is that parental consent is required for all 
evaluations, including an initial evaluation and assessment of a child 
and all subsequent evaluations and assessments of a child. To clarify 
this point, we have amended the regulations to indicate that the 
consent provisions in Sec.  303.420(a)(2) apply to all evaluations and 
assessments of a child.
    Changes: We have added the word ``all'' to Sec.  303.420(a)(2).
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: The Department received a large number of comments on 
proposed Sec.  303.420(a)(4) as it relates to the lead agency obtaining 
parental consent prior to accessing public benefits or insurance. We 
have addressed those comments in the Analysis of Comments and Changes 
for subpart F of this part.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.420(a)(4) to clarify that the 
lead agency must ensure that parental consent is obtained before public 
benefits or insurance or private insurance is used if such consent is 
required under Sec.  303.520.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.420, regarding 
parental consent and declining services, be amended to specifically 
reflect the language in part C of the Act. The commenter stated that 
there are inherent differences between part C and part B of the Act and 
that the part B requirements in 34 CFR 300.300(a)(3)(i) should not be 
adopted without revision. Specifically, the commenter pointed out that 
Sec.  303.420(c)(1), which permits a lead agency to use the due process 
hearing procedures to challenge a parent's refusal to consent to an 
initial evaluation and assessments of a child for early intervention 
services, should not apply to part C because participation in early 
intervention services is voluntary. The commenter recommended removing 
this paragraph.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that the participation of 
infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in the part C 
program is voluntary and a parent may refuse an initial evaluation or 
assessment without the lead agency being able to use the due process 
hearing procedures under this part or under the regulations under part 
B of the Act to challenge the parent's refusal.
    Additionally, because the lead agency may not use due process 
hearing procedures to challenge a parent's refusal to provide consent 
required under this part, we have added in new Sec.  303.420(c) that 
such due process hearing procedures may not be used to challenge the 
parent's refusal to provide any consent that is required under 
paragraph (a) of this section. Therefore, we have amended Sec.  
303.420(c) accordingly.
    Changes: We have amended Sec.  303.420(c) to indicate that a lead 
agency may not use the due process hearing procedures under this part 
or part B of the Act to challenge a parent's refusal to provide any 
consent that is required under paragraph (a) of this section.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: For consistency with Sec.  303.414 and internal 
consistency within Sec.  303.420, we refer to the confidentiality 
exceptions in Sec.  303.414 instead of referring to the exchange of 
personally identifiable information in Sec.  303.401.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.420(a)(5) to read ``Disclosure 
of personally identifiable information consistent with Sec.  303.414.''
Prior Written Notice and Procedural Safeguards Notice (Sec.  303.421)
    Comment: A few commenters objected to the phrase ``reasonable 
time'' in Sec.  303.421, which requires that prior written notice be 
given to parents a reasonable time before the lead agency under part C 
of the Act or an EIS provider proposes, or refuses, to take certain 
actions concerning their child. One commenter requested that 
``reasonable time'' be replaced with a specific timeframe, for example, 
five days.
    Discussion: Quantifying the phrase ``reasonable time'' in Sec.  
303.421(a) would be inappropriate because what constitutes a reasonable 
time may vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. 
However, we would expect a lead agency to provide notice under Sec.  
303.421 within a timeframe that allows the parent time to respond to 
the notice before the lead agency takes, or refuses to take, the 
actions listed in Sec.  303.421(a).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding language to Sec.  
303.421(c) to require that the prior written notice and procedural 
safeguards notice be provided in braille

[[Page 60213]]

to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
    Discussion: The commenter's concerns are addressed in Sec.  
303.421(c)(1)(ii), which requires that the notice be provided in the 
native language of the parent as the term native language is defined in 
Sec.  303.25. Section 303.25(b) requires that for an individual who is 
blind or visually impaired the term native language means the mode of 
communication that is normally used by the individual (such as sign 
language, braille, or oral communication). Therefore, we decline to 
revise the regulation as requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
Surrogate Parents (Sec.  303.422)
    Comment: A few commenters recommended amending the language in 
Sec.  303.422, concerning surrogate parents, to align the language with 
the parallel provisions in 34 CFR 300.519 of the part B regulations.
    Discussion: Section 303.422, concerning surrogate parents, is 
primarily aligned with the requirements in sections 639(a)(5) of the 
Act and reflects many of the parallel provisions regarding surrogate 
parents in section 615(b)(2) of the Act and 34 CFR 300.519 of the part 
B regulations. Section 303.422 does not include the language from 34 
CFR 300.519(a)(4) and (f) of the part B regulations because these 
provisions are not applicable to the part C program. Specifically, the 
language in the part B regulations references an unaccompanied homeless 
youth under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
11434a(6)). The language from 34 CFR 300.519(c) of the part B 
regulations, although slightly modified for clarity, is applicable to 
the part C program. We have amended Sec.  303.422 to add a new 
paragraph (c) to state that ``in the case of a child who is a ward of 
the State, the surrogate parent, instead of being appointed by the lead 
agency under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, may be appointed by the 
judge overseeing the infant or toddler's case provided that the 
surrogate parent meets the requirements in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (e) 
of this section.''
    Changes: We have added new paragraph (c) and renumbered the 
subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that the Department clarify the 
phrase ``cannot locate a parent'' in Sec.  303.422(a)(2), which 
requires each lead agency or other public agency to ensure that the 
rights of a child are protected when no parent can be located. One 
commenter pointed out that the language in Sec.  303.422(a)(2) is 
different from the language in current Sec.  303.406(a)(2), which 
states that each lead agency must ensure that the rights of a child are 
protected when the public agency cannot discover the whereabouts of a 
parent. The commenter asked whether there is a distinction between the 
current requirements and those in Sec.  303.422(a)(2) and whether the 
Department is changing its position.
    Discussion: Section 303.422(a)(2) is substantively unchanged from 
current Sec.  303.406(a)(2). Although we used the simpler term ``locate 
a parent'' in place of the term ``discover the whereabouts of a 
parent,'' we have not changed the meaning of the regulations, and the 
regulations continue to require that the lead agency make reasonable 
efforts to discover the whereabouts of a parent before assigning a 
surrogate parent, consistent with sections 615(b)(2)(A) and 639(a)(5) 
of the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended expanding the requirement in 
Sec.  303.422(b)(2) to require that for children who are wards of the 
State or placed in foster care, a lead agency must consult with all 
individuals involved with the care of the child, including but not 
limited to, the child's care giver, appointed guardian, social worker, 
and attorney, when appointing a surrogate parent. The commenters stated 
this would ensure a fully informed decision when appointing a surrogate 
parent for children who are wards of the State or placed in foster 
care.
    Discussion: Section 303.422(b)(2) requires the lead agency, when 
determining whether and who to appoint as a surrogate parent for 
children who are wards of the State or placed in foster care, to 
consult with the public agency with whom care of the child has been 
assigned. The individuals involved in implementing the provisions in 
Sec.  303.422 for children who are wards of the State or placed in 
foster care will vary on a case-by-case basis. The regulations as 
written provide the flexibility necessary for a lead agency and the 
public agency, as part of the consultation process in Sec.  303.422, to 
decide who should be involved in implementing the requirements of this 
section.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that a lead agency should not consult 
with a child welfare agency with regard to assigning a surrogate 
parent, as required in Sec.  303.422(b)(2), because the foster parent 
is the parent and can make decisions.
    Discussion: The surrogate parent provisions in Sec.  303.422 are 
only relevant if a parent is unavailable. If a foster parent meets the 
definition of parent in Sec.  303.27 there would be no need for a 
surrogate parent to be assigned and the consultation provision in Sec.  
303.422(b)(2) would not apply.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended adding language specifying 
that a surrogate parent cannot be a person involved in the education or 
care of the child.
    Discussion: We agree that this additional language would provide 
useful clarification and have amended the regulations to add language 
to Sec.  303.422(d)(2)(i) clarifying that an employee of a public 
agency that provides education or care to a child or any family member 
of the child cannot be a surrogate parent.
    Changes: We have amended Sec.  303.422(d)(2)(i) to expressly 
prohibit any employee of the lead agency or any other public agency or 
EIS provider that provides early intervention services, education, 
care, or other services to a child or any family member of the child 
from serving as a surrogate parent for that child.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding language to Sec.  303.422 
to indicate that a lead agency may not remove a surrogate parent based 
upon a disagreement with a surrogate parent or because a surrogate 
parent refuses to consent to the provision of early intervention 
services.
    Discussion: The Act is silent on when or how a surrogate parent can 
be removed. However, a lead agency has a responsibility to ensure that 
a surrogate parent is carrying out his or her responsibilities; 
therefore, there are some circumstances when removal may be 
appropriate. A mere disagreement with the decisions of a surrogate 
parent about appropriate services or placements for a child, however, 
generally would not be sufficient to give rise to a removal, as the 
role of a surrogate parent is to represent the interests of the child, 
which may not be the same as the interests of the public agency. We do 
not think a regulation is necessary because these circumstances may be 
resolved under State law. Additionally, the rights of an infant or 
toddler with a disability are adequately protected by Titles II and VI 
of the ADA, which prohibit retaliation or coercion against any 
individual who exercises their rights under Federal law for the purpose 
of assisting children with disabilities, to protect the child's rights 
under this statute.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that we establish a

[[Page 60214]]

timeline, such as 30 days, for the lead agency or other public agency 
to identify and assign a surrogate parent. Other commenters expressed 
concern that significant delays will result in cases where a surrogate 
parent must be appointed in order to provide consent.
    Discussion: We agree that a timeline to assign a surrogate parent 
should be included in these regulations and have changed Sec.  303.422 
to require a lead agency to make reasonable efforts to ensure that a 
surrogate parent is assigned not more than 30 days after the public 
agency determines that a child needs a surrogate parent. Given that the 
development of infants and toddlers quickly changes, identifying a 
surrogate parent in a timely manner is important to a child, prevents 
undue delays, and aids the effective implementation of the requirements 
of this part. Additionally, a 30-day time frame to identify a surrogate 
parent is consistent with 34 CFR 300.519(h) of the part B regulations 
and establishes a timeframe in which a surrogate parent must be 
appointed, thus preventing undue delays. We have revised Sec.  303.422 
accordingly.
    Changes: We have added paragraph Sec.  303.422(g) to require that 
the lead agency make reasonable efforts to ensure that a surrogate 
parent is assigned not more than 30 days after a public agency 
determines that the child needs a surrogate parent.
State Dispute Resolution Options (Sec.  303.430)
    Comment: One commenter requested that we retain Note 2 from current 
Sec.  303.420, concerning the importance of establishing State 
administrative procedures that result in speedy resolution of 
complaints because an infant's or toddler's development is so rapid 
that undue delay could be potentially harmful.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that Note 2, following 
current Sec.  303.420, is important and have included the substance of 
that note in the timelines in these regulations. For States that choose 
to adopt part C due process procedures, Sec.  303.437(b) requires each 
lead agency to ensure that, not later than 30 days after the receipt of 
a parent's due process complaint, the due process hearing is completed 
and a written decision is mailed to each of the parties. For States 
that choose to adopt part B due process procedures, Sec.  303.440(c) 
requires the lead agency to adopt either a 30- or 45-day timeline, 
subject to Sec.  303.447(a), for the resolution of due process 
complaints. Additionally, the requirements for State complaint 
procedures in Sec.  303.433(a), provide that, within 60 days after a 
complaint is filed, the lead agency must resolve the complaint. 
Therefore, it is not necessary to retain in Sec.  303.430 verbatim the 
language of note 2 in current Sec.  303.420.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concerns with the dispute 
resolution options in Sec.  303.430. A few commenters stated that the 
options do not fit into the part C program because the child's time in 
the program is limited. The commenters stated that the 30-day timeline 
for the resolution period and the 45-day timeline for the due process 
hearing in States that choose to adopt part B due process procedures 
under section 615 of the Act are too long.
    Discussion: Section 303.430 requires each statewide system to 
include procedures to resolve complaints through mediation, State 
complaint procedures, and due process procedures. The concerns about 
the timelines for the resolution period and the due process hearing in 
States that choose to adopt part B due process procedures under section 
615 of the Act, are more fully addressed in the Analysis of Comments 
and Changes in response to the comments received on Sec.  303.440.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We have revised the introductory text of Sec.  
303.430(d) to remove the phrase ``in addition to adopting the 
procedures in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section'' because these 
requirements do not need to be referenced in paragraph (d) and to do so 
would be redundant with the requirements already cited in paragraphs 
(b) and (c) of Sec.  303.430.
    Changes: We have removed from Sec.  303.430(d) the phrase ``in 
addition to adopting the procedures in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section.''
    Comment: Many commenters expressed concern that the language in 
proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3) relates not to pendency, but to the 
requirement in section 635(c)(2)(D) of the Act and Sec.  303.211(b)(4) 
that IFSP services continue to be provided to a toddler with a 
disability until a part B eligibility determination is made for that 
child in a State that elects to make part C services available beyond 
age three under Sec.  303.211. A few other commenters indicated that 
proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3) conflicts with sections 607(a) and (b) and 
615(j) of the Act and the Third Circuit decision in Pardini v. 
Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 420 F.3d 181 (3d Cir. 2005), cert. denied, 
126 S.Ct. 1646 (2006). One commenter, recommended referencing part B 
eligibility as well as ineligibility in proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(1).
    Discussion: We agree with commenters who noted that the requirement 
in proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3) applies only to those States that elect 
to offer services under Sec.  303.211 and is not a pendency provision 
and, thus, we have moved the substance of proposed Sec.  303.430(e)(3) 
to Sec.  303.211(b)(4). These comments and the resulting changes are 
fully addressed in the Analysis of Comments and Changes for Sec.  
303.211(b)(4) in subpart C of this part.
    Changes: We have moved the substance in Sec.  303.430(e)(3) to 
Sec.  303.211(b)(4).
Mediation (Sec.  303.431)
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify the 
phrase ``including matters arising prior to the filing of a due process 
complaint'' as used in Sec.  303.431(a) to make clear when mediation 
may be used by parties.
    Discussion: We agree that Sec.  303.431(a) needs clarification 
regarding when mediation is available. Section 303.431 incorporates 
sections 639(a)(8) and 615(e)(1) of the Act, and requires lead agencies 
to ensure that procedures are established and implemented to allow 
parties to resolve disputes involving any matter under part C of the 
Act through a mediation process, including matters arising prior to the 
filing of a due process complaint. Thus, under Sec.  303.431 parties to 
disputes may request mediation at any time to resolve any matter 
arising under this part, regardless of whether a due process complaint 
or a State complaint is filed. We have amended Sec.  303.431 to 
expressly provide that mediation may be used ``at any time.''
    Changes: We have added the phrase ``at any time'' to the end of 
Sec.  303.431(a).
    Comment: One commenter requested that the phrase ``parent's right 
to a due process hearing'' in current Sec.  303.419(b)(1)(ii) be 
maintained in Sec.  303.431(b)(1)(ii).
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter; the language ``parent's 
right to a due process hearing'' aligns with section 615(e)(2)(A)(ii) 
of the Act and should be used in these regulations.
    Changes: We have replaced the phrase ``hearing on the parent's due 
process complaint'' with the phrase ``due process hearing'' in Sec.  
303.431(b)(1)(ii).
Adoption of State Complaint Procedures (Sec.  303.432)
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We have moved in Sec.  303.432(b)(1) the modifying 
phrase ``who is the subject of the complaint'' to follow the phrase 
``the infant or toddler

[[Page 60215]]

with a disability'' to clarify that it is the infant or toddler with 
the disability who is the subject of the complaint.
    Changes: We have moved in Sec.  303.432(b)(1) the phrase ``who is 
the subject of the complaint'' to follow the phrase ``the infant or 
toddler with a disability.''
    Comment: A few commenters requested that Sec.  303.432 explicitly 
state that monetary reimbursement and compensatory education are 
potential remedies for State complaints.
    Discussion: The lead agency is responsible for ensuring that all 
public agencies within its jurisdiction meet the requirements of the 
Act and its implementing regulations. In light of the lead agency's 
general supervisory authority under sections 634 and 635 of the Act, 
the lead agency should have the flexibility to determine the 
appropriate remedies or corrective actions necessary to resolve a 
complaint in which it has determined that a public agency has failed to 
provide appropriate services to an infant or toddler with a disability, 
including the award of compensatory services or monetary reimbursement. 
To make this clear, we have changed Sec.  303.432(b)(1) to include 
compensatory services and monetary reimbursement as examples of 
corrective actions that may be appropriate to address the needs of an 
infant or toddler with a disability who is the subject of a complaint 
and the infant's or toddler's family.
    Changes: We have added in Sec.  303.432(b)(1) the parenthetical 
``(such as compensatory services or monetary reimbursement).''
Minimum State Complaint Procedures (Sec.  303.433)
    Comment: One commenter requested that Sec.  303.433 be amended to 
indicate that either party may request an extension of the 60-day time 
limit in Sec.  303.433 when there are legitimate reasons for such a 
request.
    Discussion: Section 303.433 provides that each lead agency must 
include in its State complaint procedures a time limit of 60 days after 
a State complaint is filed to complete its review of the complaint and 
issue a written decision to the complainant that addresses each 
allegation in the complaint and that contains findings of fact and 
conclusions and the reasons for the lead agency's final decision. 
Section 303.433(b)(1) further provides that State complaint procedures 
must permit an extension of the 60-day time limit only if exceptional 
circumstances exist with respect to a particular complaint or the 
parties to the complaint agree to extend the time in order to engage in 
mediation pursuant to Sec.  303.433(a)(3)(ii).
    The lead agency determines when there are exceptional circumstances 
with respect to a particular complaint that would justify an extension 
of the 60-day time limit in that complaint. A lead agency may extend 
the 60-day time limit due to exceptional circumstances, such as a 
governmentwide shutdown, if the lead agency needs additional 
information under Sec.  303.433(a)(2) or (a)(3) and the relevant party 
is unavailable due to hospitalization, or if a parent complainant is 
unavailable due to illness and cannot provide the additional 
information under Sec.  303.433(a)(2). Thus, we decline to add the 
provision suggested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that setting aside any part of a 
State complaint as provided in Sec.  303.433(c) may not be possible 
because the information that was set aside may be needed to complete 
the fact finding in that complaint.
    Discussion: Section 303.433(c) provides that if a State complaint 
is received that is also the subject of a due process hearing under 
Sec.  303.430(d), or contains multiple issues of which one or more are 
part of a due process hearing, the State must set aside any part of the 
complaint that is being addressed in the due process hearing until the 
conclusion of that hearing. Although Sec.  303.433(c) requires that 
matters raised in both a State complaint and a due process hearing be 
resolved only through the due process hearing procedures, that does not 
preclude fact finding in relation to an issue in a State complaint that 
is different from the matters covered by the due process hearing, even 
though the facts may be related to the subject of, or another issue in, 
a due process proceeding, because Sec.  303.433(c) also provides that 
any issue in the State complaint that is not a part of the due process 
hearing must be resolved through the State complaint procedures.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that we not adopt Sec.  
303.433(c)(3), which requires that the lead agency resolve a complaint 
alleging that a lead agency or EIS provider failed to implement a due 
process hearing. The commenter stated that this requirement could limit 
a lead agency's ability to contract with a third party for State 
dispute resolution services because third party contractors are often 
given the authority to enforce due process hearing decisions.
    Discussion: Nothing in the Act prohibits the lead agency from 
contracting with a third party for State dispute resolution services 
and Sec.  303.433(c)(3) would not interfere with a lead agency's 
ability to enter into such contracts. We note, however, in accepting 
funds under this part, the lead agency is responsible for the 
administration of part C in the State and the use of part C funds under 
sections 635(a)(10) and 637(a)(1) of the Act. Therefore, the lead 
agency retains the responsibility for full implementation of the 
requirements of this part, including the ultimate responsibility for 
the implementation of State dispute resolution decisions even if the 
services are being carried out by a third party under contract with the 
lead agency.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To be consistent within Sec.  303.433, we have added 
the term ``public agency'' to Sec.  303.433(b)(1)(ii) and (c)(3).
    Changes: We have added the term ``public agency'' to Sec.  
303.433(b)(1)(ii) and (c)(3).
Filing a Complaint (Sec.  303.434)
    Comment: Several commenters supported the requirement in Sec.  
303.434(c) that a State complaint must allege a violation that occurred 
not more than one year prior to the date that the complaint is 
received. However, one commenter recommended retaining the requirement 
in current Sec.  303.511(b)(1) providing that the one-year timeline for 
filing a State complaint may be extended if the allegation that forms 
the basis of the complaint is continuing or recurring.
    Discussion: A one-year timeline is reasonable and will assist lead 
agencies in ensuring the effective implementation of State complaint 
procedures and State part C programs. Limiting a State complaint to an 
allegation of a violation that occurred not more than one year prior to 
the date the lead agency receives the complaint will ensure that 
problems regarding a State's part C program are raised and addressed 
promptly. For these reasons, we decline to revise Sec.  303.434(c) as 
requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concern that Sec.  
303.434(d), which requires the party filing the complaint to forward a 
copy of the complaint to the public agency or EIS provider, breaches 
parent confidentiality, may deter parents from filing complaints and, 
at a minimum, creates an additional barrier to filing a State 
complaint. One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.434 specify the 
action that would be taken if a

[[Page 60216]]

complainant sends its State complaint only to the lead agency.
    Discussion: Section 303.434(d) provides that the party filing the 
State complaint must forward a copy of the complaint to the public 
agency or EIS provider serving the child at the same time the party 
files the complaint with the lead agency. Requiring the complaint to be 
forwarded to the public agency or EIS provider serving the child at the 
same time the party files the complaint with the lead agency enables 
the public agency or EIS provider to be informed of the issues in the 
State complaint in order to provide an opportunity for the voluntary 
resolution of the complaint as set forth in Sec.  303.433(a)(3).
    We believe that providing the public agency or EIS provider with 
information about the complaint enables the parties to have the 
opportunity to resolve disputes directly at the earliest possible time 
and that this benefit outweighs the minimal burden placed on the 
complainant. Concerning the commenters' confidentiality concerns, the 
information that is provided by the complainant generally is 
information that should already be available to the public agency or 
EIS provider who is responsible for providing services to a particular 
child. In addition, the public agency or EIS provider needs to know the 
identity of the complainant and relevant allegations in the complaint 
(consistent with Sec.  303.434) in order to propose a resolution of the 
issues.
    Regarding the commenter's request that Sec.  303.434(d) specify the 
consequences for failure by the complainant to forward a copy of the 
complaint to the public agency or EIS provider, we do not believe we 
need to require specific consequences for complainants for two reasons. 
First, parents file few State complaints under part C of the Act. 
States reported an average of fewer than two State complaints received 
by each lead agency in FFY 2006. Second, under Sec.  303.433(a)(3), the 
lead agency must provide the public agency or EIS provider an 
opportunity to respond to the complaint, thereby implicitly requiring 
the lead agency to inform the public agency or EIS provider of the 
relevant allegations in the complaint. Thus, we decline to regulate as 
requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
Appointment of an Impartial Due Process Hearing Officer (Sec.  303.435)
    Comment: One commenter requested that Sec.  303.435 include the 
relevant part B requirements in 34 CFR 300.511(c), concerning the 
specific qualifications required for due process hearing officers.
    Discussion: Section 303.435 addresses the qualifications for due 
process hearing officers in States that choose to adopt the part C due 
process procedures under section 639 of the Act. These qualifications 
are substantively the same as those in 34 CFR 300.511(c) of the part B 
regulations and the qualifications in Sec.  303.443(c) for States that 
choose to adopt the part B due process procedures under section 615 of 
the Act. While the language in Sec.  303.435 and 34 CFR 300.511(c) is 
not identical, both sections require a due process hearing officer to 
have specific knowledge about the Act and the proper conduct of legal 
proceedings. Additionally, Sec.  303.435 and 34 CFR 300.511(c) both 
require that the due process hearing officer be impartial using similar 
criteria regarding personal and professional conflicts of interest and 
employment status. Since there is no substantive difference between 
Sec.  303.435 and 34 CFR 300.511(c), it is not necessary to amend Sec.  
303.435 as requested.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify Sec.  
303.435(b)(2). Specifically, the commenter asked whether Sec.  
303.435(b)(2) would permit an employee of a lead agency who is an 
administrative law judge, to act as a hearing officer if that 
employee's job is to adjudicate disputes such as presiding over due 
process hearings under the Act and that employee is operating under a 
system of mandates pursuant to a State executive order designed to 
ensure his or her independence and impartiality.
    Discussion: Section 303.435(b)(1) provides that a hearing officer 
may not be an employee of the lead agency or an EIS provider involved 
in the provision of early intervention services or care of the child, 
and the hearing officer may not have a personal or professional 
interest that would conflict with his or her objectivity in 
implementing due process hearing procedures. Section 303.435(b)(2) 
provides that a person who otherwise qualifies under paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section is not an employee of an agency for purposes of the 
prohibition in Sec.  303.435(b)(1) solely because the person is paid by 
the agency to implement the due process hearing procedures. Under Sec.  
303.435(b)(2), the sole fact that an administrative law judge is an 
employee does not trigger the prohibition in Sec.  303.435(b)(1) if 
that employee's job as an administrative law judge is to preside over 
due process hearings under the Act and is operating under a system of 
mandates pursuant to a State executive order designed to ensure his or 
her independence and impartiality.
    Changes: None.
Parental Rights in Due Process Hearing Proceedings (Sec.  303.436)
    Comment: A few commenters requested that Sec.  303.436 stipulate 
that parents who pursue a due process hearing are entitled to due 
process hearing records, findings, and conclusions at no cost to the 
parent.
    Discussion: We agree that a parent involved in a due process 
hearing should receive a copy of the transcription of the hearing 
(i.e., a record of the hearing), the findings of fact, and the 
decisions at no cost.
    Changes: Section 303.436(b)(4) and (b)(5) has been changed to 
specify that a parent involved in a due process hearing has the right 
to receive a written or electronic verbatim transcription of the 
hearing and a copy of the written findings of fact and decisions at no 
cost to the parent.
Convenience of Hearings and Timelines (Sec.  303.437)
    Comment: Several commenters recommended that Sec.  303.437, like 34 
CFR 300.515(c) of the part B regulations, allow hearing officers to 
grant specific extensions of time beyond the period set out in 34 CFR 
300.515 of the part B regulations at the request of either party.
    Discussion: Sections 303.435 through 303.438 are substantively 
unchanged from current Sec. Sec.  303.420 through 303.423, which 
prescribe a 30-day timeline for due process proceedings in States that 
adopt part C due process procedures under section 639 of the Act. 
However, we agree with the commenters that extensions to the 30-day 
timeline in Sec.  303.437(b) may be necessary under certain 
circumstances (such as, unavailability of witnesses, exceptional child 
and family circumstances, and pending evaluations and assessments). 
Therefore, we have added a new paragraph (c) to this section providing 
that a hearing officer may grant specific extensions of time beyond the 
periods set out in paragraph (b) of this section at the request of 
either party.
    Changes: We have added a new Sec.  303.437(c), which provides that 
a hearing officer may grant specific extensions of time beyond the 
period set out in paragraph (b) of this section at the request of 
either party.
States That Choose To Adopt the Part B Due Process Procedures Under 
Section 615 of the Act (Sec. Sec.  303.440 Through 303.447)
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that the final regulations

[[Page 60217]]

clarify that the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 303.447 
apply only to States that choose to adopt the part B due process 
procedures. Another commenter stated that the designated heading is 
confusing and may lead States to believe that they must adopt part B 
due process procedures.
    Discussion: Grouping the requirements for due process procedures 
under two designated headings in this subpart, ``States That Choose To 
Adopt the part C Due Process Procedures under Section 639 of the Act'' 
and ``States That Choose to Adopt the part B Due Process Procedures 
under Section 615 of the Act'' clarifies that a lead agency may elect 
to adopt for the State either part C or part B procedures. The 
regulations clearly specify which due process procedures apply when the 
lead agency has made its choice under Sec.  303.430(d).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the regulations should 
encourage States to be innovative and create a due process hearing 
system that is specifically designed for part C of the Act, rather than 
adopt the part B due process hearing procedures. Another commenter 
suggested that allowing lead agencies to adopt the part B due process 
hearing procedures may not be consistent with the Act.
    Discussion: We believe that providing States the option of adopting 
the part B due process procedures in lieu of using the part C due 
process hearing procedures is consistent with the Act. States were 
provided this option under the original part C regulations promulgated 
in 1989 to implement the Education of the Handicapped Act amendments of 
1986 (Pub. L. 99-457), which established the early intervention program 
for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
    We have maintained this option in these regulations because there 
are advantages and disadvantages for particular States to use the due 
process procedures under part C as opposed to part B of the Act. The 
vast majority of States use, and will likely continue to use, the part 
C due process procedures in Sec. Sec.  303.435 through 303.438 instead 
of exercising the option to use the part B due process procedures to 
resolve disputes under part C of the Act. This is in part because the 
part B due process procedures in Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 303.447 
contain additional steps and procedures. Finally, even in the 
approximately 25 percent of States that have adopted the part B due 
process procedures, each State must update its State policies and 
procedures to reflect the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 
303.447 and subject its updated policies and procedures to the public 
participation requirements in Sec.  303.208(b).
    In FFY 2006, approximately 15 States reported exercising the option 
to adopt the part B due process procedures while the remaining 41 
States (which include the territories and outlying areas) reported 
adopting the part C due process procedures. In some of the 15 States 
that reported using the part B due process procedures, the lead agency 
is the SEA and administers both parts B and C of the Act. In a few 
other States that reported adopting the part B due process procedures, 
children receiving services under part C of the Act are also entitled 
to receive, under State law, FAPE, and thus, these States must provide 
parents with procedural protections under both parts B and C of the 
Act.
    For these reasons, we will continue to allow States the option to 
adopt the due process procedures (with applicable public and 
stakeholder input) that are most appropriate for that State.
    Changes: None.
Filing a Due Process Complaint (Sec.  303.440)
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify the 
phrase ``or should have known'' as used in Sec.  303.440(a)(2), 
regarding an alleged violation that forms the basis of a due process 
complaint.
    Discussion: As provided in Sec.  303.440(a)(2), in States that 
choose to adopt the part B due process procedures under section 615 of 
the Act, a due process complaint must allege a violation that occurred 
not more than two years before the date the parent or EIS provider 
knew, or should have known, about the alleged action that forms the 
basis of the due process complaint, or, if the State has an explicit 
time limitation for filing a due process complaint, in the time allowed 
by that State law. Whether a parent or public agency ``should have 
known'' about the action cited as the basis of the complaint is a 
determination that a due process hearing officer must make based on the 
individual facts of each case. Thus, further clarification of the term 
is not necessary or appropriate.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that Sec.  303.440(c) 
allows States to choose either a 30- or 45-day timeline to resolve a 
due process complaint. The commenter stated that 30 days is sufficient 
and should be mandated, particularly given the short amount of time 
that infants and toddlers are eligible for part C services.
    Discussion: The option in Sec.  303.440(c) that allows lead 
agencies to adopt either a 30- or 45-day timeline to resolve a due 
process complaint is specific to States that choose to adopt part B due 
process procedures under section 615 of the Act. The part B regulations 
in 34 CFR 300.515(a) provide for a 45-day timeline for the due process 
hearing. Section 303.440(c) incorporates the 45-day timeline under the 
part B procedures, but also allows States that choose to adopt the part 
B procedures, to elect the shorter 30-day timeline provided under the 
part C due process procedures. This gives States that choose to adopt 
the part B due process procedures the flexibility to put in place a 
timeline shorter than that required under the part B due process 
procedures. Therefore, we do not believe it is appropriate to revise 
the regulation as requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
Due Process Complaint (Sec.  303.441)
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify 
whether the 15 days referred to in Sec.  303.441(d)(1) are calendar 
days or working days.
    Discussion: The 15 days are calendar days. As defined in Sec.  
303.9, a day means calendar day, unless otherwise indicated.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended amending Sec.  303.441(b) to 
reflect the part B provisions in 34 CFR 300.153(b)(4), which recognize 
that a homeless family may not have an address to list when filing a 
complaint.
    Discussion: The commenter's concern is addressed in Sec.  
303.441(b)(4), which requires, in the case of a homeless child (within 
the meaning of section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance 
Act), that the due process complaint include available contact 
information for the child and the name of the EIS provider serving the 
child.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that Sec.  303.441(d) specify that 
hearing officers must allow parties to amend their due process 
complaint notices unless doing so would prejudice the other party. The 
commenter stated that generally, parents may not understand fully the 
due process procedures and should be allowed to modify their due 
process complaint without having to file a new complaint and begin the 
process again.
    Discussion: Section 303.441(d)(3)(i), consistent with section 
615(c)(2)(E) of the Act, provides that a party may amend its due 
process complaint only if the other party consents in writing to the 
amendment and is given the

[[Page 60218]]

opportunity to resolve the due process complaint through a meeting; or, 
as provided in Sec.  303.441(d)(3)(ii), the hearing officer grants 
permission to amend the complaint, except that the hearing officer may 
only grant permission to amend the complaint at any time not later than 
five days before the due process hearing begins. We further note that a 
party may withdraw its complaint, and re-file it. The regulation aligns 
with the Act and, therefore, we decline to revise the regulation as 
requested by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended extending the time when a party 
receiving a due process complaint must send a response that 
specifically addresses the issues raised in the due process complaint. 
The commenter stated that the 10 days provided in Sec.  303.441(f) is 
not enough time to research and develop an appropriate response.
    Discussion: Section 303.441(f) incorporates the requirements in 
section 615(c)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act, which provides that the receiving 
party must provide the party that filed the complaint a response to the 
complaint within 10 days of receiving the complaint. We do not have the 
authority to extend this time period.
    Changes: None.
Resolution Process (Sec.  303.442)
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department revise the 
paragraph heading of Sec.  303.442(a), ``Resolution meeting'' to read 
``Meeting to obtain facts and details.''
    Discussion: Section 303.442(a)(2) states that the purpose of the 
resolution meeting is for the parent of the child to discuss the due 
process complaint and the facts that form the basis of the due process 
complaint, so that the lead agency has the opportunity to resolve the 
dispute. ``Resolution meeting'' is thus, the appropriate paragraph 
heading for Sec.  303.442(a).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters stated that there is no statutory basis 
for the 30-day resolution timeline in Sec.  303.442 and that the 
timeline is too long for a time-sensitive program like part C of the 
Act.
    Discussion: Section 303.442, regarding the resolution process, only 
applies in cases where a State has chosen to adopt the part B due 
process procedures under section 615 of the Act. Section 303.442(b)(1) 
incorporates the 30-day resolution timeline specified in section 
615(f)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters requested that Sec.  303.442(b)(4) 
include a definition of the term ``reasonable effort.''
    Discussion: Section 303.442(b)(4) provides that, if the lead agency 
is unable to obtain the participation of the parent in the resolution 
meeting after reasonable efforts have been made, including documenting 
its efforts, the lead agency may, at the conclusion of the 30-day 
period, request that the hearing officer dismiss the parent's due 
process complaint. We would expect that throughout the 30-day 
resolution period the lead agency would make those efforts necessary, 
as dictated by the individual circumstances of each particular case, to 
encourage the parent to participate in the resolution meeting. If the 
lead agency requests the hearing officer to dismiss the parent's due 
process complaint pursuant to Sec.  303.442(b)(4), it would be up to 
the hearing officer to determine whether the lead agency has made 
reasonable efforts to obtain the participation of the parent in the 
resolution meeting. Thus, specifying activities that would constitute 
reasonable efforts under Sec.  303.442(b)(4) in all cases is not 
appropriate.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters suggested that Sec.  303.442(b)(4) is 
incompatible with the nature of the part C program because dismissing a 
case when a parent does not agree to participate in a resolution 
session may establish an adversarial relationship between the parents 
and the lead agency.
    Discussion: Section 303.442(b)(4) provides that when a parent does 
not participate in the resolution meeting, despite the lead agency's 
reasonable efforts to persuade the parent to participate (which efforts 
must be documented), the lead agency may request that the hearing 
officer dismiss the due process complaint. Although this section 
provides the lead agency with the option to request dismissal, the lead 
agency is not required to request a dismissal and may agree instead to 
an extension of the time to conduct a resolution meeting in order for 
the parties to continue mediation efforts. Additionally, it is the due 
process hearing officer who determines whether dismissal of the due 
process complaint is warranted, based not only on the lead agency's 
request, if one is made, but also based on any parent's response. The 
availability of both the lead agency's option to request dismissal and 
the impartial hearing officer's determination ensures that dismissal of 
a due process complaint is based on case-specific circumstances.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.442(b) be amended 
to require the lead agency to present the requirements in this section 
to a parent verbally or in the parent's primary mode of communication, 
in order to ensure that a parent understands these requirements.
    Discussion: Section 303.421(b)(3), regarding the content of the 
prior written notice and procedural safeguards notice, provides that 
the notice must be in sufficient detail to inform the parents about, 
among other things, how to file a due process complaint in the due 
process procedures the State has adopted pursuant to Sec.  303.430(d), 
and any timelines under those procedures. Further, Sec.  
303.421(c)(1)(ii) requires that the notice be provided in the native 
language, as defined in Sec.  303.25, of the parent or other mode of 
communication used by the parent, unless it is clearly not feasible to 
do so. Thus, the regulations already address the commenter's concern 
regarding providing the notice in a parent's primary mode of 
communication and we do not believe that it is appropriate to amend the 
regulations to require verbal reading of the notice. We would expect 
that the notice would be read to a parent if the parent requested this 
assistance.
    Changes: None.
Hearing Rights (Sec.  303.444)
    Comment: One commenter questioned whether it is appropriate to have 
an infant or toddler at a due process hearing.
    Discussion: While parents always have the right to determine 
whether their infant or toddler is present at a hearing, we do not 
believe it is necessary to specify this right in Sec.  303.444(c)(1) 
because, in general, infants and toddlers with disabilities do not need 
to be present to either serve as witnesses at, or required participants 
in, a due process hearing. However, we note that under either the part 
B or part C due process hearing procedures, a parent is in the best 
position to decide whether an infant or toddler will attend the due 
process hearing.
    Changes: We have removed Sec.  303.444(c)(1) and renumbered 
paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) as paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
section.
Hearing Decisions (Sec.  303.445)
    Comment: One commenter recommended eliminating the

[[Page 60219]]

provisions distinguishing between substantive and procedural violations 
of part C of the Act in Sec.  303.445, stating that it is not 
appropriate to make this distinction in the part C regulations. 
According to the commenter, this regulation violates section 607(a) of 
the Act.
    Discussion: Section 303.445 applies to States that choose to adopt 
the part B due process procedures under section 615 of the Act. Thus, 
it is appropriate to include language in Sec.  303.445 that is parallel 
to 34 CFR 300.513, which reflects section 615(f)(3)(E) of the Act 
concerning the nature of hearing officer decisions, including the 
requirement that decisions be based on substantive grounds, and to 
include the standards under which a hearing officer may find that a 
child was denied appropriate identification, evaluation, placement, or 
provision of early intervention services based on procedural 
inadequacies. Section 303.445(a) is based on the requirements specified 
in section 615(f)(3)(E) of the Act and thus, is consistent with section 
607(a) of the Act, which requires the Secretary to issue regulations 
that are necessary to ensure that there is compliance with the specific 
requirements of the Act.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the heading of Sec.  
303.445(a) be amended to reflect the standard that a hearing officer 
must use to make decisions--which is whether the infant or toddler with 
a disability and his or her family were provided appropriate early 
intervention services.
    Discussion: Section 303.445(a) incorporates section 615(f)(3)(E) of 
the Act, which provides the substantive and procedural grounds upon 
which the decision of a due process hearing officer may be based; these 
substantive and procedural grounds are broader than the standard 
suggested by the commenter. Therefore, we decline to amend the heading 
of this paragraph.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: In order to make Sec.  303.446(b) consistent with Sec.  
303.443(b), which requires the lead agency to conduct the due process 
hearing, and section 635(a)(10) of the Act, which requires the lead 
agency to have a single line of responsibility, we have removed in 
Sec.  303.446(b) the authority for a public agency (other than the lead 
agency) to conduct due process hearings when a State adopts under Sec.  
303.430(d) the part B due process procedures. However, we have retained 
the authority for the lead agency to establish procedures that would 
allow any party aggrieved by the findings and decision in the due 
process hearing to appeal to, or request reconsideration of the 
decision by, the lead agency. If the lead agency establishes such 
procedures, those procedures must meet the same requirements in Sec.  
303.446(b), (c), and (d).
    Changes: We have removed the authority for public agencies (other 
than the lead agency) to conduct due process hearings in Sec.  
303.446(b), consistent with Sec.  303.443(b), which requires the lead 
agency to conduct the due process hearing. We amended Sec.  303.446(b) 
to permit the lead agency to establish procedures that would allow any 
party aggrieved by the findings and decision in the due process hearing 
to appeal to, or request reconsideration of the decision by, the lead 
agency.
Timelines and Convenience of Hearings and Reviews (Sec.  303.447)
    Comment: One commenter requested that the word ``child'' as used in 
Sec.  303.447(d), concerning the requirement that each hearing and each 
review involving oral arguments be conducted at a time and place that 
is reasonably convenient to the parents and child involved, be defined 
or removed.
    Discussion: Section 303.6 defines the term child as it is used 
throughout this part.
    Changes: None.
Civil Action (Sec.  303.448)
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that Sec.  303.448 stipulate 
that courts have subject-matter jurisdiction over actions brought under 
sections 615 and 639 of the Act, concerning procedural safeguards.
    Discussion: Section 303.448 incorporates sections 615(i)(2), 
615(i)(3)(A), 615(l), and 639 of the Act, which provide for the right 
of an aggrieved party to bring a civil action to appeal the findings 
and final decision of a due process hearing. Concerning the commenter's 
request to clarify subject-matter jurisdiction of courts to hear such a 
civil action, section 615(i)(2)(A) of the Act states that a civil 
action to appeal a due process decision may be brought in a district 
court of the United States without regard to the amount in controversy. 
These sections of the Act set forth the requisite subject-matter 
jurisdiction for Federal and State courts to hear such civil actions. 
Thus, it is not necessary to clarify subject-matter jurisdictional 
grounds beyond those identified in sections 615(i)(2), 615(i)(3)(A), 
615(l), and 639 of the Act.
    Changes: None.

Subpart F--Use of Funds and Payor of Last Resort

Use of funds, payor of Last Resort, and System of Payments (Sec.  
303.500)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Given that the provisions in Sec.  303.500 address the 
general requirements for each State's fiscal policies, we have moved 
the provision in proposed Sec.  303.521(a), concerning the general 
option that a State may establish a system of payments (i.e., financial 
sources such as insurance or family fees to pay for part C services), 
to Sec.  303.500(b) and renumbered the other provisions in Sec.  
303.521 accordingly. We have added the term ``premiums'' to the 
examples of cost participation fees for clarity in Sec.  303.500(b).
    Changes: We have renumbered proposed Sec.  303.500 as Sec.  
303.500(a) and moved the general requirement in the introductory text 
of proposed Sec.  303.521(a) to Sec.  303.500(b). We also added the 
phrase ``system of payments'' to the heading of Sec.  303.500 and the 
word ``premiums'' to Sec.  303.500(b).

Permissive Use of Funds by the Lead Agency (Sec.  303.501)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To ensure that the use of funds requirements in Sec.  
303.501 are also subject to other fiscal application requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  303.120 through 303.122 and Sec. Sec.  303.220 through 
303.226 (concerning fiscal assurances each State must include in its 
application for funds), we have added references to these other fiscal 
provisions in Sec. Sec.  303.120 through 303.122 and Sec. Sec.  303.220 
through 303.226.
    Changes: We have added in the introductory text of Sec.  303.501 
references to Sec. Sec.  303.120 through 303.122 and Sec. Sec.  303.220 
through 303.226.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification on the 
implementation of the requirement in Sec.  303.501(a) that part C funds 
be used for direct early intervention services ``that are not otherwise 
funded through other public or private sources.'' This commenter also 
noted that funding sources might vary by child, which is difficult for 
a State to monitor.
    Discussion: The purpose of Sec.  303.501(a) is to ensure that 
Federal funds are used to supplement or increase the level of resources 
available in a State for the provision of early intervention services 
and are not used to replace existing resources. Section 303.501(a) 
incorporates the language in section 638(1) of the Act that permits, 
but does not require, States to use part C funds for direct early 
intervention services when there are no other public

[[Page 60220]]

or private sources available to pay for these services, subject to the 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.510 through 303.521. In a State that 
uses part C funds to pay for direct early intervention services, the 
State must ensure implementation of the payor of last resort provisions 
in section 640 of the Act and in Sec. Sec.  303.510 through 303.521.
    With respect to the commenter's concern about identifying and 
monitoring funding sources to pay for a service for a particular child, 
under Sec.  303.344(d)(1)(iv), the child's IFSP Team must identify in 
the IFSP the payment arrangements, which include identifying the 
funding source(s) that will be used to pay for each early intervention 
service identified in the IFSP. Consistent with Sec.  303.33(b)(9), the 
role of a service coordinator includes coordinating the funding sources 
for early intervention services specified in the IFSP. States may 
monitor and implement the payor of last resort requirements in Sec.  
303.501(a) in a variety of ways. For example, a State may provide IFSP 
Teams with a list of resources that may be available to pay for a 
specific IFSP early intervention service in that State. A State may 
require service coordinators to review with parents available funding 
sources to pay for a specific IFSP service based on family-specific 
circumstances (e.g., military families or children already enrolled in 
Title V or other programs) in order to implement the payor of last 
resort provisions in Sec.  303.501(a). Given the parallel requirements 
in Sec. Sec.  303.33(b)(9) and 303.344(d)(1)(iv) and the variety of 
ways in which States may implement the requirements in Sec.  
303.501(a), it is not feasible to further clarify how this provision 
might be implemented.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Many commenters opposed the provision in Sec.  303.501(d), 
which allows the use of part C funds to serve children over the age of 
three, because existing appropriations for part C are not sufficient to 
cover the cost of providing early intervention services to eligible 
infants and toddlers under age three and their families. Some 
commenters requested that the Department clarify that Sec.  303.501(d) 
should not take effect until sufficient appropriations are available to 
trigger incentive funding under section 643(e) of the Act. One 
commenter supported Sec.  303.501(e), which allows any State that does 
not provide services under Sec.  303.204 for at-risk infants and 
toddlers, as defined in Sec.  303.5, to strengthen the statewide system 
by initiating, expanding, or improving collaborative efforts related to 
at-risk infants and toddlers.
    Discussion: The provisions in Sec.  303.501(d) and (e), concerning 
a State's option to make available early intervention services in lieu 
of FAPE to children with disabilities beyond age three and 
strengthening the statewide system, directly reflect the language in 
section 638(4) and (5) of the Act. Under sections 632(5)(B)(ii) and 
635(c) of the Act and Sec.  303.211, States have the option, but are 
not required, to make part C services available to eligible children 
over the age of three. While the provision in section 643(e) of the Act 
requires the Department, in any fiscal year for which the appropriation 
for the part C program exceeds $460,000,000, to reserve a portion of 
the funds as incentive funds for States to serve children three years 
of age until entrance into elementary school, nothing in the Act 
(including sections 632(5)(B)(ii) and 635(c)) links the availability of 
the option to make part C services available to eligible children over 
the age of three to the availability of funding under section 643(e) of 
the Act.
    Changes: None.

Payor of Last Resort (Sec.  303.510)

    Comment: Several commenters requested that the language from the 
note following current Sec.  303.527 (concerning the intent of Congress 
that other funding sources continue for services that would be 
available to eligible children but for the existence of programs under 
part C of the Act) be incorporated in the payor of last resort 
requirements in Sec.  303.510. These commenters noted that the language 
in the note supports congressional intent for an interagency structure 
to finance early intervention services and is an important statement 
supporting States' efforts to develop the necessary partnerships to 
fund the part C system.
    Discussion: The substance of the note that follows current Sec.  
303.527 is included in Sec.  303.510(c) as a rule of construction. The 
rule of construction, which references funding sources under the Social 
Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 701, et seq. (SSA), clarifies that nothing in 
part C of the Act may be construed to permit a State (including the 
lead agency and other agencies in the State) to withdraw funding for 
services that currently are or would be made available to eligible 
children but for the existence of part C of the Act. Thus, funding from 
other sources would continue to be available to support services that 
are included in the IFSP. To make this clearer, we have amended Sec.  
303.510(c) to include a reference to section 1903(a) of the SSA, the 
specific section of the SSA regarding medical assistance for services 
and have clarified that nothing in this part may be construed to permit 
a State to reduce medical or other assistance available in the State.
    Changes: We have amended Sec.  303.510(c) by removing the final 
phrase ``within the State'' and including the phrases: (1) ``in the 
State'' and (2) ``including section 1903(a) of the SSA regarding 
medical assistance for services furnished to an infant or toddler with 
a disability when those services are included in the child's IFSP 
adopted pursuant to part C of the Act.''
    Comment: One commenter opposed referencing Sec.  303.520, regarding 
use of insurance for payment of services, in Sec.  303.510(a), 
regarding payor of last resort. The commenter noted that in light of 
part C's payor of last resort requirements parental consent should not 
be required for the use of private insurance in Sec.  303.520 because 
the requirement to obtain parental consent diminishes the lead agency's 
capacity to implement a consistent payor of last resort policy. The 
commenter requested that the Department clarify, amend, or remove the 
reference to Sec.  303.520 in Sec.  303.510(a).
    Discussion: The requirement in Sec.  303.510(a) directly 
incorporates the long-standing payor of last resort requirements in 
section 640(a) of the Act (and reflected in current Sec.  303.527(a) 
and (b)). The reference to Sec.  303.520 in Sec.  303.510(a) was added 
to ensure that States do not interpret part C payor of last resort 
provisions to override the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.520 and 
303.521, concerning use of insurance and systems of payments.
    As discussed in response to comments on Sec.  303.520, the 
Department has determined that funds from public health insurance or 
benefits (e.g., Medicaid or CHIP) or private insurance are not 
considered available funding sources under part C's payor of last 
resort provisions, unless a parent has provided the consent required 
under Sec.  303.520(a)(1) and (b)(1), concerning parental consent for 
use of public benefits or insurance or private insurance, or one of the 
exceptions under Sec.  303.520(a)(2) or (b)(2) applies. When other 
public funds are available to pay for part C services, such as funds 
from the Department of Defense's TRI-CARE medical assistance program or 
TANF, part C funds are the payor of last resort.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters recommended adding a reference to the 
Children's Health Insurance Program

[[Page 60221]]

(CHIP) in Sec.  303.510(c), which requires that nothing in this part be 
construed to permit a State to reduce medical or other available 
assistance or to alter eligibility under Title V of the SSA or Title 
XIX of the SSA, within the State, because CHIP is a potential Federal 
funding source for early intervention services.
    Discussion: Section 303.510(c) directly incorporates the payor of 
last resort provisions in section 640 of the Act, which only expressly 
reference Titles V and XIX of the SSA (which are the statutory 
authorities respectively for the Maternal and Child Health and Medicaid 
public benefits programs). No other statutory authorities are cited. We 
believe it would be inappropriate to add a reference to CHIP without 
also adding statutory authorities for all other funding sources.
    Changes: None.

Methods To Ensure the Provision of, and Financial Responsibility for, 
Part C Services (Sec.  303.511)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We have changed the title of Sec.  303.511 to better 
align with the title of section 640(b)(1) of the Act, which addresses 
methods of ensuring and establishing financial responsibility for part 
C services.
    Changes: We have changed the title of Sec.  303.511 to ``Methods to 
ensure the provision of, and financial responsibility for, Part C 
services''.
    Comment: One commenter requested that Sec.  303.511(a) be clarified 
to require States to have in place methods for establishing financial 
responsibility and for providing early intervention services using one 
of the three methods listed in Sec.  303.511(a). The commenter stated 
that, as proposed, Sec.  303.511(a) appeared to require that States (a) 
establish financial responsibility in State law or regulation, (b) sign 
interagency and intra-agency agreements, and (c) have other written 
methods determined by the Governor, or the Governor's designee, and 
approved by the Secretary as part of the State's application.
    Discussion: We agree that clarification of this provision is 
necessary and have amended proposed Sec.  303.511(a) and removed 
proposed Sec.  303.511(b). New Sec.  303.511(a) has been added to track 
the language of section 640(b)(1)(A) of the Act, requiring each State 
to ensure that has in place methods for State interagency coordination 
such that the Chief Executive Officer of a State or designee of the 
Chief Executive Officer shall ensure that the interagency agreement or 
other method for interagency coordination is in effect between each 
State public agency and the designated lead agency. New Sec.  
303.511(a)(1) incorporates proposed Sec.  303.511(b), providing that 
the interagency coordination must ensure the provision of, and 
financial responsibility for, early intervention services provided 
under this part. New Sec.  303.511(a)(2) requires that such services be 
consistent with the requirements of section 635 of the Act and the 
State's application under section 637 of the Act, including the 
provision of such services during the pendency of any dispute between 
the State agencies.
    Proposed Sec.  303.511(a) has been redesignated as Sec.  303.511(b) 
and has been revised to indicate that States must meet the requirements 
of this section using one of the three methods listed.
    Changes: We have added new paragraph Sec.  303.511(a), removed 
proposed Sec.  303.511(b), and redesignated proposed paragraph (a) as 
new paragraph (b). We revised Sec.  303.511(b) by adding the phrase 
``in one of the following''.
    Comment: Two commenters supported the addition of proposed Sec.  
303.511(a)(2), redesignated Sec.  303.511(b)(2), permitting States to 
use signed interagency and intra-agency agreements to establish 
financial responsibility and provide early intervention services. Other 
commenters requested that the Department require States to report to 
the Secretary the dollar amounts that flow into the system based on the 
use of interagency and intra-agency agreements.
    Discussion: The Department does not require States to submit data 
to the Secretary on the amount of funding obtained for part C services 
through interagency or intra-agency agreements because the Department 
does not have a programmatic or regulatory need to collect such 
information at this time and we do not want to place an additional data 
collection burden on States. However, States may choose to collect such 
data and may need these data to track the amount of funds expended and 
budgeted for the provision of early intervention services in order to 
meet part C's nonsupplanting requirements in Sec.  303.225.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested, for clarity, that the word 
``method'' in proposed Sec.  303.511(b), regarding methods for 
establishing financial responsibility and providing early intervention 
services, be replaced with ``formal interagency agreement or other 
written method.''
    Discussion: Proposed Sec.  303.511(b), redesignated Sec.  
303.511(a)(1), directly incorporates the language in section 640(b) of 
the Act concerning obligations to ensure, and methods of ensuring, 
services. Section 640(b) of the Act and Sec.  303.511(a)(1) make clear 
that ``method'' refers to the manner in which a State ensures the 
fiscal responsibility of each agency for paying for part C services, 
which could include a State law, regulation, signed interagency or 
intra-agency agreement, or other appropriate written method. Adding the 
phrase ``formal interagency agreement or other written method'' to the 
regulation could appear to limit the options a State has for meeting 
these requirements or indicate a preference for the method to be used.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: None.
    Discussion: As part of the State's responsibility to have methods 
in place for establishing financial responsibility, it is critical that 
not only should such methods be consistent with the State's funding 
policies adopted under Subpart F (including the system of payments) but 
such methods must expressly include any provisions the State has 
adopted under Sec.  303.520 regarding the use of insurance to pay for 
part C services. Many of the provisions in Sec.  303.520 regarding use 
of public benefits or insurance or use of private insurance can only be 
implemented with one of the express methods identified in section 640 
of the Act and in Sec.  303.511 (such as an interagency agreement, 
State statute, or Medicaid State plan) and the State must include its 
provisions regarding use of insurance in one of these methods to ensure 
adherence to these requirements.
    Changes: We have added to the end of Sec.  303.511(d)(2) the phrase 
``and include any provisions the State has adopted under Sec.  303.520 
regarding the use of insurance to pay for part C services.''

Policies Related To Use of Insurance To Pay for Part C Services (Sec.  
303.520)

Use of Public Benefits or Insurance To Pay for Part C Services (Sec.  
303.520(a))
    Comment: We received many comments on the use of public benefits or 
insurance to pay for part C services. Most commenters, including 
parents, parent advocacy groups, State lead agencies, and EIS 
providers, supported proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(iii), which would 
have required parental consent for enrollment in a public benefits or 
insurance program when a parent is eligible under, but not already 
enrolled in, such a program. These commenters maintained that a State 
should not be able to require a parent to enroll in a public benefits 
or insurance program,

[[Page 60222]]

such as Medicaid, as a condition of receiving IDEA part C services 
because the act of enrollment could impose costs on parents and 
families, affect their rights under other Federal programs, and have an 
impact on a parent's credit rating.
    However, the vast majority of commenters, including parents, parent 
advocacy groups, State lead agencies, and EIS providers, opposed 
proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(i) that would have required parental 
consent for using a child's or parent's public benefits or insurance to 
pay for part C services when the child or parent is already enrolled in 
such a program. Several commenters, including a State Interagency 
Coordinating Council and a parent advocacy group, recommended that 
States be required to provide notice to parents in lieu of obtaining 
parental consent when the child or parent is already enrolled in such a 
program, particularly if the child or parent does not incur specified 
costs.
    Commenters gave the following reasons for opposing the parental 
consent requirement in proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(i) when a child or 
parent is already enrolled in a public benefits or insurance program: 
(1) The use of public benefits or insurance is an important funding 
source for IDEA part C services, (2) there may be an administrative 
burden on State lead agencies and EIS providers in obtaining parental 
consent that could result in a delay in providing services to children 
and families, (3) IDEA statutory provisions, including sections 
635(a)(10) and 640, require State lead agencies to coordinate all 
funding sources and to use IDEA part C funds as a payor of last resort, 
respectively; (4) Federal IDEA part C funds are designed to be the 
``glue money,'' and not the primary funding source and thus only to be 
used when other Federal, State, and local funds are not available to 
pay for IDEA part C services; and (5) when a child or parent is already 
enrolled in a public benefits or insurance program, a consent 
requirement does nothing to protect privacy given that the agency 
responsible for the administration of public insurance or public 
benefits already has personal information about the child and family 
and that other concerns, such as avoiding the potential negative impact 
on a parent's credit rating, do not apply when a child or parent is 
already enrolled in a public insurance or benefits program. 
Additionally, two commenters who opposed the parental consent 
requirement when a child or parent is already enrolled in a public 
benefits or insurance program noted that parents already have the right 
under part C of the Act to consent to each and every part C service on 
the IFSP and that a separate consent provision provided parents with no 
additional protections.
    A minority of commenters supported proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(i). 
The primary reasons cited by commenters for supporting a parental 
consent requirement when a child or family is already enrolled in a 
public benefits or insurance program were that: (1) Parents should be 
informed of all potential costs regarding use of their benefits; (2) 
parents should understand any potential limitations in coverage or 
future negative consequences and consent ensures accountability; (3) 
the IDEA part C consent regulations should align with the IDEA part B 
consent regulations; and (4) the consent provisions for public and 
private insurance should be aligned.
    The commenters who expressed concern regarding the potential costs 
for parents of using public benefits or insurance to pay for IDEA part 
C services cited costs such as decreasing available lifetime coverage 
for a child or parent; paying for services that would otherwise be 
covered by the public benefits or insurance program; increasing 
premiums or discontinuing public benefits or insurance for that child 
or parent as a result of such use; and risking loss of eligibility for 
Medicaid home and community-based waivers based on overall health 
expenses.
    Discussion: We are restructuring and revising Sec.  303.520(a) 
regarding the use of public benefits or insurance to pay for part C 
services in response to commenters' concerns. As described in the 
following paragraphs, we believe this approach is consistent with the 
statutory framework and the provisions in sections 632(4)(B), 
635(a)(10), 639(a)(2), and 640 of the Act.
    Statutory framework. Section 632(4)(B) of IDEA, which defines early 
intervention services, includes in the definition a requirement that 
such services must be provided at no cost, except where Federal or 
State law provides for a system of payments by families, which can 
include costs such as charging parents a sliding scale fee for part C 
services. Section 635(a)(10)(B) requires the State lead agency to 
identify and coordinate all available resources in the State from 
Federal, State, local, and private sources. Section 639(a)(2) of the 
Act requires the State to ensure the confidentiality of personally 
identifiable information, including the right of parents to written 
notice of and written consent to the exchange of such information among 
agencies consistent with Federal and State law. Section 640 of IDEA 
requires the State lead agency to use Federal IDEA part C funds as a 
payor of last resort; requires State interagency mechanisms to ensure 
the timely provision of, and payment for, early intervention services; 
and explicitly references the use of other public funding sources, such 
as Medicaid, to pay for part C services. Read together, these IDEA part 
C statutory provisions require States to use public benefits or 
insurance (when available) to pay for part C services instead of using 
Federal IDEA part C funds, and also require States to protect the 
privacy rights of parents and their children.
    Consent to enroll in a public benefits or insurance program. We 
appreciate the commenters' concerns that the act of enrolling in a 
public benefits or insurance program may impose costs on parents and 
families, affect parents' and families' rights under other Federal 
programs, or have an effect on a parent's credit rating. The act of 
enrollment involves disclosure of personally identifiable information 
regarding the child and family. Therefore, we are retaining the 
provision in proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(iii) in new paragraph 
(a)(2)(i) of Sec.  303.520. This provision specifies that a State may 
not require a parent to sign up for or enroll in public benefits or 
insurance programs as a condition of receiving part C services and must 
obtain parental consent prior to requiring enrollment. A consent 
requirement for enrollment protects parents' financial interests by 
allowing them to consider the costs they may incur by enrolling in a 
public benefits or insurance program. Additionally, a consent 
requirement for enrollment protects parents' rights regarding the 
disclosure of personally identifiable information.
    Children and parents who are already enrolled in a public benefits 
or insurance program. We are persuaded by commenters who opposed the 
requirement in proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(i) to obtain parental 
consent when a child or parent is already enrolled in a public benefits 
or insurance program. The commenters argued that requiring consent 
could affect the timely provision of part C services to children and 
families and that requiring parental consent when a child or parent is 
already enrolled in a public benefits or insurance program would not 
provide additional privacy protections given that the public benefits 
or insurance program already has personal information about the child 
or parent. We also note that the consent provisions in Sec.  303.414

[[Page 60223]]

regarding the confidentiality of personally identifiable information 
(where applicable) already provide parents with privacy protections. 
Additionally, we recognize the importance of public benefits or 
insurance as a funding source for part C services and the provisions in 
sections 632(4)(B), 635(a)(10), and 640 of the Act, which include a 
reference to State systems of payments, require States to coordinate 
all resources, and require States to use part C funds as a payor of 
last resort, respectively. Therefore, we are replacing proposed Sec.  
303.520(a)(1)(i) with Sec.  303.520(a)(3) regarding written 
notification to parents.
    No-cost protections. We agree with commenters who noted that 
parents must understand the implications of using their public benefits 
or insurance to pay for part C services and the importance of parents 
understanding their confidentiality rights. We also agree with 
commenters who expressed concern that the State should not use a 
child's or parent's public benefits or insurance if the parent would 
incur specific costs as a result of the use of those benefits or 
insurance. Thus, we are making the following changes in these final 
regulations:
    (1) Adding new Sec.  303.520(a)(1) explicitly stating that the 
State may not use the public benefits or insurance of a child or parent 
to pay for part C services unless the State both provides parents with 
written notification about the IDEA part C no-cost protections and 
applicable confidentiality provisions and meets the additional specific 
no-cost protections identified in new Sec.  303.520(a)(2);
    (2) Adding new Sec.  303.520(a)(2)(ii) stating that parental 
consent must be obtained if use of a child's or parent's public 
benefits or insurance would result in the following specified costs: 
(a) A decrease in the available lifetime coverage for a child or 
parent; (b) payment for services that would otherwise be covered by the 
public benefits or insurance program; (c) increases in premiums or 
discontinuation of public benefits or insurance for that child or the 
parents as a result of such use; or (d) a risk of loss of eligibility 
for the child or the parents for Medicaid home and community-based 
waivers based on aggregate health expenses.
    (3) Adding new Sec.  303.520(a)(2)(iii) stating that if a parent 
does not provide consent under new Sec.  303.520(a)(2)(ii), the State 
must still make available those part C services in the IFSP to which 
the parent has provided consent.
    Written notification to parents. As noted previously, we agree that 
parents must be informed regarding the implications of a public agency 
using their public benefits or insurance. Therefore, we are adding in 
new Sec.  303.520(a)(3) that, prior to using a child's or parent's 
public benefits or insurance to pay for part C services, the State must 
provide written notification to the child's parents. This notification 
may be provided at any time but in no case later than when the State 
seeks to use the public benefits or insurance to pay for part C 
services; without providing the notice, the State may not use such 
funds to pay for part C services. The written notification must include 
the following four important pieces of information.
    First, the notice must include a statement that parental consent 
must be obtained under Sec.  303.414, if that provision applies, before 
the State lead agency or EIS provider discloses, for billing purposes, 
a child's personally identifiable information to the State public 
agency responsible for the administration of the State's public 
benefits or insurance program (e.g., Medicaid) at any time. The consent 
provision in Sec.  303.414 applies in States where the State lead 
agency is not the State Medicaid or public benefits or insurance agency 
or if the State lead agency chooses to adopt a consent provision even 
if it is the State Medicaid or public benefits or insurance agency.
    Second, the notice must include a statement of the no-cost 
protection provisions in new Sec.  303.520(a)(2) (i.e., that parents 
cannot be required to enroll in public insurance or benefits programs 
and consent must be obtained if use of such insurance or benefits would 
result in specified costs) and that if the parent does not provide the 
consent under Sec.  303.520(a)(2), the State lead agency must still 
make available those part C services in the IFSP for which the parent 
has provided consent.
    Third, the notice must include a statement that parents have the 
right under Sec.  303.414, if that provision applies, to withdraw their 
consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information to the 
State public agency responsible for the administration of the State's 
public benefits or insurance program (e.g., Medicaid) at any time.
    Fourth, the notice must include a statement of the general 
categories of costs that the parent could incur as a result of 
participating in a public benefits or insurance program (such as co-
payments or deductibles). We believe it is important to include this 
last element in the written notice to ensure that parents are informed 
of the general potential costs that may result from using their public 
benefits or insurance to pay for part C services. Additionally, we are 
adding this last element in response to the many comments we received 
about the need to make parents aware of these general costs.
    Finally, we note that, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 
1964 and implementing regulations (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq. and 34 CFR 
100.1 et seq.), State lead agencies, as recipients of Federal funds, 
must take reasonable steps to ensure that persons of limited English 
proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to programs and activities 
funded by the Federal government, including part C services and any 
notices required under these regulations and part C of the Act. 
Providing meaningful access may require the State lead agency to ensure 
that the notice is provided in a language other than English either 
through oral or written translation.
    Consent provisions under Part C and Part B of the Act and alignment 
between public and private insurance. In response to commenters' 
concerns about other part C consent provisions and alignment between 
parts B and C of IDEA, we note that under section 639(a)(3) of the Act 
and Sec.  303.420, parents have a separate right to consent to part C 
services in the IFSP and to any changes in the frequency or intensity 
of services in the IFSP and the right to decline at any time the 
receipt of a particular part C service without jeopardizing the right 
to any other part C service in the IFSP. Thus, while we appreciate the 
commenters' desire to align the provisions related to the use of public 
insurance under parts B and C of the Act, the differences in how these 
two programs treat costs to families, the responsibility for funding, 
and the consent for services, as well as the administrative structure 
of part C programs argue against treating this issue in precisely the 
same manner in both programs.
    We have aligned where practicable the consent provisions for the 
use of public and private insurance to pay for part C services, partly 
in response to commenters. Specifically, for a State to use private 
insurance or to use public benefits or insurance to pay for part C 
services, the State may use such funding sources without obtaining 
parental consent when the State ensures that parents do not incur 
specific costs (as set forth in Sec. Sec.  303.520(a)(2) and 
303.520(b)(2)), but must obtain parental consent when such costs are 
incurred as a result of using such funding sources. We also place 
continued importance on informing parents of the potential costs 
through the notification provisions in Sec. Sec.  303.520(a)(3) and 
(a)(4) for public

[[Page 60224]]

benefits or insurance and ensuring that States provide parents with a 
copy of the State's system of payments policies under Sec.  
303.520(b)(1)(iii) for private insurance. The one unique scenario for 
public benefits or insurance is the initial act of enrollment for which 
there is no parallel for private insurance and we are maintaining a 
parent consent requirement in new Sec.  303.520(a)(2)(i) for this 
circumstance for the reasons described earlier.
    Costs associated with using public benefits or insurance. We are 
retaining in new Sec.  303.520(a)(4) the provisions in proposed Sec.  
303.520(a)(2), which require the State to identify in its system of 
payments policies under Sec.  303.521 any costs that the parent would 
incur as a result of a State using a child's or parent's public 
benefits or insurance to pay for part C services (such as co-payments 
or deductibles, or the required use of private insurance as the primary 
insurance). New Sec.  303.520(a)(4) also specifies that the written 
notification provided under new Sec.  303.520(a)(3) must identify these 
costs. The State must comply with both of these requirements in order 
to use the child's or parent's public benefits or insurance for part C 
services. The Secretary believes the notification provision is vital to 
parents being informed about these potential costs and the system of 
payments policies requirement ensures that as the State's system of 
payments policies are being developed and subject to public 
participation, these potential costs are identified as part of the 
overall costs in the State's system of payments for part C services.
    Changes: We have restructured Sec.  303.520 to add a new paragraph 
(a)(1) that requires the State to provide parents with written 
notification of the no-cost and confidentiality provisions in paragraph 
(a)(3) and to meet the no-cost protections identified in paragraph 
(a)(2) before it may use the public benefits or insurance of a child or 
parent to pay for part C services.
    New Sec.  303.520(a)(2)(i) provides that with regard to using the 
public benefits or insurance of a child or parent to pay for part C 
services, a State may not require a parent to enroll in a public 
benefits or insurance program as a condition of receiving part C 
services, and clarifies that the State must obtain parental consent 
prior to using those benefits or insurance if the child or parent is 
not already enrolled in a public benefits or insurance program.
    We have added in new Sec.  303.520(a)(2)(ii) the requirement that, 
in addition to providing the parent the written notification, a State 
must obtain parental consent if use of a child's or parent's public 
benefits or insurance would result in the following specified costs: A 
decrease in the available lifetime coverage or any other insured 
benefit for a child or parent; payment for services that would 
otherwise be covered by the public benefits or insurance program; 
increases in premiums or discontinuation of public insurance or 
benefits for that child or parent as a result of such use; or a risk of 
loss of eligibility for the child or the parent for Medicaid home and 
community-based waivers based on aggregate health expenses.
    We have added, in new Sec.  303.520(a)(2)(iii), a provision 
clarifying that if a parent does not provide consent under new Sec.  
303.520(a)(2)(ii), the State must still make available those part C 
services in the IFSP to which the parent has provided consent.
    The contents of the written notification are specified in Sec.  
303.520(a)(3). Specifically, the notification must include: (1) A 
statement that parental consent must be obtained under Sec.  303.414, 
if that provision applies, before the State lead agency or EIS provider 
discloses, for billing purposes, a child's personally identifiable 
information to the State public agency responsible for the 
administration of the State's public benefits or insurance program 
(e.g., Medicaid); (2) a statement of the no-cost protection provisions 
in new Sec.  303.520(a)(2) and that if the parent does not provide the 
consent under Sec.  303.520(a)(2), the State lead agency must still 
make available those part C services in the IFSP for which the parent 
has provided consent; (3) a statement that the parents have the right 
under Sec.  303.414, if that provision applies, to withdraw consent to 
disclose a child's personally identifiable information at any time; and 
(4) a statement of the general categories of costs that the parent 
would incur as a result of participating in a public benefits or 
insurance program (such as co-payments or deductibles, or the required 
use of private insurance as the primary insurance).
    Finally, new Sec.  303.520(a)(4) requires the State to identify 
both, in its system of payments policies under Sec.  303.521 and the 
written notification provided under new Sec.  303.520(a)(3), any costs 
that the parent would incur as a result of the State's using a child's 
or parent's public benefits or insurance to pay for part C services 
(such as co-payments or deductibles, or the required use of private 
insurance as the primary insurance).
    Comment: One commenter supported proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(ii), 
which would allow a public agency to use public insurance or benefits 
for Medicaid-eligible children in foster care without parental consent. 
Two commenters suggested that this section should specifically refer to 
both children in ``foster care'' and ``wards of the State.''
    Discussion: We are removing proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(ii) 
because there is no cost for the use of Medicaid for children who are 
automatically considered eligible and enrolled under Medicaid because 
of their status in foster care under section 472 in Title XIX of the 
Social Security Act (SSA). We also do not need to explicitly add a 
reference to ``wards of the State'' because section 472 of the SSA 
applies to children who are ``wards of the State;'' therefore, there 
would be no consent requirement for such children.
    Changes: We have removed proposed Sec.  303.520(a)(1)(ii).

Use of Private Insurance To Pay for Part C Services (Sec.  303.520(b))

    Comment: Most commenters, including lead agencies, parent groups, 
professional organizations, EIS providers, national organizations, a 
State interagency coordinating council, and individuals, supported the 
requirement in proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(i) that a State may access 
a parent's private insurance to pay for part C services only if it 
obtains consent from the parent. Commenters supported the requirement 
that consent be provided in accordance with the definition of this term 
in Sec.  303.7, which requires that the parent be informed of all 
relevant information and that the consent be in writing.
    Several commenters opposed requiring parental consent before 
accessing private insurance stating that requiring consent would result 
in a loss of funding for States. A few of these commenters recognized 
the need to protect a family's confidential information, but encouraged 
the Department to consider other means to protect personally 
identifiable information that may not adversely affect funding for 
early intervention services under part C of the Act. One commenter 
opposed the parental consent requirement in proposed Sec.  303.520(b) 
because the commenter noted that the State already must obtain parental 
consent for services under Sec.  303.420 and questioned how the State 
could bill private insurance without parental knowledge.
    Discussion: The Department agrees with the majority of commenters 
that a

[[Page 60225]]

State must obtain parental consent before accessing a parent's private 
insurance because of the potential costs that can be incurred by a 
family with a privately insured child or parent as a direct result of 
using such insurance, as well as the other potential negative effects 
on the availability of private insurance for other family medical 
expenses, including services needed by the child that are not covered 
by part C. The Department believes that parental consent must be 
required when the lead agency or EIS provider seeks to use private 
insurance to pay for the initial provision of any early intervention 
service in the IFSP and each time consent for services is required due 
to an increase in the provision of services in the child's IFSP.
    With regard to the potential loss of funds to a State, the 
Department believes that the potential costs to parents outweigh the 
need to make private insurance funds available to lead agencies unless 
the cost protections in proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(2) are adopted by the 
State. We disagree with the commenter who opposed the requirement for 
separate parental consent for the use of private insurance. We believe 
separate consent is needed because States implement the IFSP provisions 
in a variety of ways and may not have identified all funding sources 
for each service when they obtain consent for that service under Sec.  
303.420.
    Changes: We have added new Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(i) to specify that 
parental consent is required when the lead agency or EIS provider seeks 
to use private insurance to pay for the initial provision of any early 
intervention service in the IFSP and each time consent for services is 
required due to an increase in the provision of services in the child's 
IFSP.
    Comment: Some commenters requested clarification on when consent is 
required if a State wishes to use insurance or benefits for a parent 
who is determined unable to pay. Some commenters expressed concerns 
that parents who had been determined unable to pay would still incur 
costs as a result of using their insurance or benefits for part C 
services.
    Discussion: We agree that the requirements in this section could be 
more clearly presented. We have restructured Sec.  303.520(b) for 
clarity. Paragraph (b)(1) of this section sets forth the general 
parental consent requirement and paragraph (b)(2) of this section sets 
forth the specific exceptions to parental consent. We have reworded the 
heading for this section to make clear that this section applies to any 
State that uses private insurance to pay for part C services. We also 
have moved the substance of proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iv) concerning 
a parent's inability to pay and a State's obligation to provide part C 
services, to new Sec.  303.520(c).
    Regarding commenters' concerns that parents who had been determined 
unable to pay would still incur costs as a result of using their 
insurance or benefits for part C services, Sec.  303.521(a)(6) requires 
the lead agency to pay for costs such as co-payments or deductibles if 
a parent is determined unable to pay.
    Changes: We have revised the language in paragraph (b), and added a 
new paragraph (c).
    Comment: Some commenters expressed concern that the use of private 
insurance under Sec.  303.520(b) for part C services could make private 
insurance benefits unavailable for additional medical or other services 
that are not covered by part C of the Act. One commenter recommended 
that exemptions be available to families if using their private 
insurance to pay for early intervention services reduces the benefits 
they receive through private providers. The commenter stated that 
families should not be penalized for allowing a State to use their 
insurance to pay for early intervention services.
    Discussion: It is the Department's position that including an 
exception to parental consent is not necessary because consent is 
voluntary. A parent may always decline a request from the lead agency 
or EIS provider to consent to the use of the parent's private insurance 
for all or any specific part C service.
    In those very few States that have adopted statutory protections 
concerning private health insurance coverage for early intervention 
services under part C of the Act that meet the requirements in Sec.  
303.520(b)(2) we agree that is important for a parent to be informed of 
potential costs if a State were to use a parent's private insurance. 
Thus, we have added a provision in new Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iii) that 
requires a State to provide parents with a copy of its system of 
payments policies when using the parent's private insurance to pay for 
part C services. Moreover, the parent may elect to decline services at 
any time under Sec.  303.420(a)(3).
    Changes: We have added the phrase ``or initially using benefits 
under a child or parent's private insurance policy to pay for an early 
intervention service under paragraph (b)(2) of this section'' in Sec.  
303.520(b)(1)(iii).
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: For consistency with Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iii), we have 
added ``premiums'' as an example of a potential cost in Sec.  
303.520(b)(1)(ii), which requires a State to identify in its system of 
payments policies the potential costs that parents would incur if the 
State uses their private insurance policy to pay for part C services.
    Changes: We have added a reference to premiums in Sec.  
303.520(b)(1)(ii).
    Comment: Commenters supported the requirement in proposed Sec.  
303.520(b)(1)(iii) that a State provide a copy of its system of 
payments policies when obtaining consent to use the parent's private 
insurance and some commenters requested that the regulation clarify 
that this copy be provided to the parent because it is the parent who 
needs to be informed of potential costs as a result of the use of the 
parent's private insurance to pay for early intervention services. One 
commenter requested that a State include in its system of payments 
policies specific information about any potential effect the use of 
private insurance could have on the parent's annual or lifetime caps 
under the parent's private insurance.
    Discussion: Section 303.520(b)(1)(iii), as proposed, specifically 
stated that the lead agency, when obtaining consent, must provide 
parents with a copy of the State's system of payments policies that 
identify the potential costs that the parent may incur as a result of 
the use of the parent's insurance to pay for part C early intervention 
services. We agree that notifying parents of potential costs under 
Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iii) requires States to identify out-of-pocket 
costs such as co-payments, premiums, or deductibles as well as other 
long-term costs such as loss of benefits due to annual or lifetime 
insurance caps.
    We also have revised Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iii) to clarify that the 
State system of payments policies must identify the potential costs 
that parents may incur when their private insurance is used to pay for 
early intervention services under this part.
    Changes: We have revised proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iii) to add a 
reference to parents and to clarify that potential costs identified in 
the policies may include other long-term costs such as loss of benefits 
resulting from annual or lifetime insurance caps under a private 
insurance policy. We also have replaced the phrase ``while enrolled in 
a private insurance program'' with the phrase ``when their private 
insurance is used to pay for early intervention services under this 
part.''
    Comment: Some commenters supported proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(2), 
which does not require the lead agency to obtain parental consent when 
a State

[[Page 60226]]

has enacted specific statutory cost protections. These commenters 
stated that Sec.  303.520(b)(2) would protect families while balancing 
the need to make private insurance funds available to pay for part C 
services. A few commenters requested clarification of Sec.  
303.520(b)(2).
    Some commenters opposed this exception to the parental consent 
requirement because it: (1) Would result in litigation; (2) lacks 
statutory authority; (3) is inconsistent with the part B regulations in 
34 CFR 300.154(e) concerning accessing private insurance to pay for 
services under part B of the Act; (4) is inconsistent with 
confidentiality protections under the Act and HIPAA and also with the 
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); and (5) could 
not be uniformly applied because not all private insurance policies are 
subject to State statutes.
    Discussion: The purpose of the exception in Sec.  303.520(b)(2) is 
to enable the lead agency in a State that has adopted specific 
statutory cost protections to use private insurance to pay for part C 
services. In those States that have adopted such protections, private 
insurance funds are used to pay for part C services (e.g., occupational 
or speech therapy) that are considered medically necessary for an 
infant or toddler with a disability. We have clarified proposed Sec.  
303.520(b)(2) to make clear that the exception to parental consent 
applies only if the State's statutory protections expressly provide 
that for the protections listed in new Sec.  303.520(b)(2)(i), 
(b)(2)(ii), and (b)(2)(iii).
    The implementation of such State statutory protections is 
consistent with sections 632(4)(B) and 640 of the Act. Section 
632(4)(B) of the Act requires early intervention services to be 
provided at no cost except where a State has enacted a system of 
payments. Section 640 of the Act requires Federal part C funds to be 
used as the payor of last resort. Providing an exception to parental 
consent when a State statute expressly provides specific cost 
protections is consistent with sections 632(4)(B) and 640 of the Act.
    These statutory cost protections include providing that: (1) A 
child or parent would not experience a loss of benefits because of 
annual or lifetime caps under a policy when private insurance is used 
to pay for part C services; (2) a child, parent, or family member's 
health insurance cannot be discontinued because the coverage was used 
to pay for early intervention services; and (3) health insurance 
premiums cannot be increased due to use of the health insurance to pay 
for part C services.
    We understand the commenters' concerns about potential litigation 
by families and the commenters' question about whether all private 
insurance policies in a State are subject to that State's statutory 
protections. The exceptions to parental consent identified in proposed 
Sec.  303.520(b)(2) apply only to the extent that the State statute 
provides the protections in that section for private insurance policies 
in the State. Additionally, several State statutes that fall under this 
exception have been in place for years without any litigation.
    We recognize that this exception to parental consent for use of 
private insurance to pay for services differs from the implementing 
regulations of part B of the Act, which do not contain a similar 
exception. However, part B of the Act requires FAPE be provided at no 
cost. In contrast, part C of the Act explicitly authorizes States to 
establish a system of payments that may result in a parent incurring 
some costs. The exception in proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(2) ensures that 
parents are afforded needed protections while providing the lead agency 
with the ability to use private insurance to pay for part C services in 
those States, maximize funding sources, and use part C funds as a payor 
of last resort.
    The Secretary believes these part C regulations protect parents in 
all States by providing them with information about the State's system 
of payments, including (if applicable) the relevant use of private 
insurance and exceptions regarding specific statutory no-cost 
protections. Additionally, parents ultimately retain the right to 
decline or revoke consent for any particular part C service in the IFSP 
for their child if they do not wish to have their private insurance 
used for a particular service.
    Concerning the commenter's concern that personally identifiable 
information would be disclosed to private insurers without consent, we 
recognize that the filing of claims for early intervention services may 
reveal limited personally identifiable information not already 
disclosed to the insurer, but on balance, it is the Department's 
position that this disclosure is necessary in this limited circumstance 
to implement the requirements of sections 632(4)(B) and 640 of the Act.
    Changes: We have clarified Sec.  303.520(b)(2) by moving the phrase 
``the use of private health insurance to pay for part C services 
cannot'' to each of Sec.  303.520(b)(2)(i), (b)(2)(ii), and 
(b)(2)(iii). We also have replaced the word ``or'' that appears at the 
end of Sec.  303.520(b)(2)(ii) with the word ``and''. Finally, we have 
added the phrase ``expressly provides'' to the introductory text of 
Sec.  303.520(b)(2).
Inability to Pay (Sec.  303.520(c))
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iv) should have applied to 
both the use of public insurance and benefits and private insurance for 
payment for services. We have removed proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iv), 
and added a new Sec.  303.520(c) to reflect the requirement that the 
inability to pay provisions in this section apply to both the use of 
public insurance and benefits and private insurance.
    Changes: We have removed proposed Sec.  303.520(b)(1)(iv) and added 
new Sec.  303.520(c).
Proceeds or Funds From Public Insurance or Benefits or From Private 
Insurance (Sec.  303.520(c), Redesignated Sec.  303.520(d))
    Comment: Some commenters requested clarification on proposed Sec.  
303.520(c)(3), which provided that States could exclude from the 
calculation of State and local expenditures under proposed Sec.  
303.225 (prohibition against supplanting), the State portion of funds 
from a Federal public benefits program such as Medicaid. Some 
commenters objected to the provision because they viewed it as 
administratively burdensome and stated it would create significant 
challenges with data collection and reporting.
    Discussion: As discussed in the Analysis of Comments and Changes 
section accompanying Sec.  303.225, since the publication of the IDEA 
part C NPRM in May 2007, part C State lead agencies have raised a 
number of issues regarding the MOE provisions in the part C regulations 
(which implement part C's supplement not supplant requirements). 
Therefore, we are removing proposed Sec.  303.520(c)(3) and intend to 
issue an NPRM addressing MOE requirements under part C of the Act.
    Changes: We have removed proposed paragraph (c)(3) and renumbered 
the paragraphs in this section accordingly.
    Comment: Several commenters, including a few lead agencies, 
supported proposed Sec.  303.520(c), redesignated Sec.  303.520(d), 
which provided that proceeds or funds from public insurance or benefits 
or private insurance are not treated as program income for purposes of 
34 CFR 80.25, the EDGAR provision regarding program income. However, 
some commenters, including most lead agencies under part C of the Act, 
opposed this provision

[[Page 60227]]

stating that lead agencies under part C of the Act generally do not 
have a mechanism to track or account for the use of funds from public 
insurance or benefits or private insurance or the ability to direct how 
these funds will be used.
    Discussion: The commenters have misinterpreted proposed Sec.  
303.520(c)(1), redesignated Sec.  303.520(d)(1). Proposed Sec.  
303.520(c)(1), redesignated Sec.  303.520(d)(1), states that for 
purposes of 34 CFR 80.25, proceeds or funds from public insurance or 
benefits or from private insurance are not treated as program income. 
Therefore, States do not need to maintain data on these funds for 
program income purposes.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that under section 618 of the 
Act, the Department require States to collect and report to the 
Secretary data on the costs assessed to parents and the payments 
obtained from public and private insurance for early intervention 
services. These commenters recommended that the Department conduct a 
study to determine how the regulations concerning the use of private 
insurance in Sec.  303.520 and the States' systems of payments and fees 
in Sec.  303.521 affect family participation in part C of the Act.
    Discussion: Section 618 of the Act does not require States to 
report data on their use of insurance or a system of payments, and we 
do not want to place this added data collection and paperwork burden on 
States. The Department has long required each State that adopts a 
system of payments (including the use of insurance or family fees to 
pay for part C services) to submit its policies and procedures as part 
of the State's part C grant application. This requirement is reflected 
in Sec.  303.203(b). Data from FY 2009 indicate that approximately 23 
States have a system of payments that includes express authority to 
charge parents for some part C services. Data from the last few years 
indicate an increase in the number of States that have adopted a system 
of payments and an increase in the fees parents are charged for part C 
services in those States that have the authority to charge a parent a 
fee for part C services. Through the application process, the 
Department will continue to obtain information on whether and how a 
State is implementing a system of payments (including the use of 
insurance).
    Each State is unique and its system of payments policies and 
procedures are subject to the public participation requirements in 
Sec.  303.208. Through the public participation process, all 
stakeholders, including parents of infants and toddlers with 
disabilities, have an opportunity to comment on whether and what 
policies and procedures should be adopted by the State. The decision of 
whether the Department needs to conduct a study on the impact of a 
system of payments (including the use of insurance) on a family's 
decision to participate in part C of the Act is a policy decision that 
is best left to the Department and should not be a subject of these 
regulations.
    Changes: None.

System of Payments and Fees (Sec.  303.521)

    Comment: Commenters requested that we define the term, ``actual 
cost of the part C services'' in proposed Sec.  303.521, which stated 
that a State's system of payments policies must include an assurance 
that families will not be charged any more than the actual cost of the 
part C service. Two commenters requested that this provision expressly 
specify that a State can bill both insurance and parents for early 
intervention services as long as the combination of the two does not 
exceed the actual cost of services. One commenter asked whether family 
fees can exceed the actual cost of services.
    Discussion: Subject to any consent requirements in Sec. Sec.  
304.420 and 303.520, the lead agency may use, as part of its system of 
payments, funds from multiple sources (e.g., public insurance or 
benefits, private insurance, and family fees) to pay for each part C 
service in an IFSP. However, the lead agency may not receive funds 
(whether from one or a variety of sources, such as family fees or 
insurance, to pay for a particular service) that exceed the actual cost 
of providing the service. Under a State's system of payments, the State 
may not charge a family an amount that exceeds the actual cost of 
providing a particular part C service. Nor may the State charge a 
family for amounts received by the State from other funding sources for 
that service. Also, families may not be charged for the cost of 
services specified in Sec.  303.521(b)(2), including evaluations and 
assessments.
    The actual cost for a part C early intervention service may vary by 
State and, therefore, it is not appropriate to define the term ``actual 
costs of service.''
    Proposed Sec.  303.521(a)(4)(iii) included two distinct 
requirements relating to families not being charged more than the 
actual cost of service and families with insurance not being charged 
disproportionately more than those without insurance. We have clarified 
this section by separating the two requirements into paragraphs 
(a)(4)(iii) and (a)(4)(iv) of this section, respectively. The language 
in new Sec.  303.521(a)(4)(iv) is the same as proposed Sec.  
303.521(a)(4)(iii), regarding the prohibition that families with public 
insurance or benefits or private insurance not be charged 
disproportionately more than families who do not have public insurance 
or benefits or private insurance. In Sec.  303.521(a)(4)(iii), we have 
further clarified in a parenthetical that a family may not be charged 
any more than the actual cost of the part C service (factoring in any 
amount received from other sources for payment for that service).
    Changes: We have added the following parenthetical ``(factoring in 
any amount received from other sources for payment for that service)'' 
to revised Sec.  303.521(a)(4)(iii), regarding the requirement that the 
lead agency cannot charge a family more than the actual cost of a 
service. We have moved the language from proposed Sec.  
303.521(a)(4)(iii) to a new Sec.  303.521(a)(4)(iv) regarding the 
provision that families with public insurance or benefits or private 
insurance will not be charged disproportionately more than families who 
do not have public insurance or benefits or private insurance.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the ``or'' in Sec.  
303.521(a) should be ``and/or.''
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that the language in the 
second parenthetical in the introductory text of Sec.  303.521(a) 
should be amended to make clear that the fees charged to a family under 
a State system of payments can include one or more of the following 
funding sources: A child's or parent's public insurance, public 
benefits, or private insurance. Therefore, we have amended Sec.  
303.521(a) accordingly.
    Changes: We have amended the second parenthetical in the 
introductory text of Sec.  303.521(a) to say ``(including any fees 
charged to the family as a result of using one or more of the family's 
public insurance, public benefits, or private insurance).''
    Comment: One commenter requested that the regulations in Sec.  
303.521(a) specify how and how often a State must evaluate a family's 
ability or inability to pay.
    Discussion: A State is not required to reevaluate a parent's 
ability or inability to pay. Therefore, it is the Department's position 
that it is not appropriate to add such a provision to Sec.  303.521(a) 
because some States may not wish to reevaluate a parent's ability to 
pay given that a

[[Page 60228]]

child may receive services at most for three years and many children do 
not enter the part C program until they are at least 18 months of age.
    However, if a State requires that a lead agency's determination of 
a parent's ability or inability to pay be reevaluated on an annual or 
other basis, the State must include such a provision in its system of 
payments policies that is provided to parents under Sec.  303.521(e) in 
order for parents to be informed of when and how they may be required 
to provide financial information. We are adding language requiring the 
policies to specify when and how the State makes its determination of 
the ability or inability to pay.
    Upon further review of proposed Sec.  303.521(a)(3), we realized 
that the State's policies must define not only a parent's inability to 
pay but also a parent's ability to pay. We have added ``ability to 
pay'' to the definitional requirement. Additionally, we are clarifying 
that in defining a parent's ability to pay, the State must include 
consideration of family expenses such as extraordinary medical expenses 
as many families with infants and toddlers with disabilities have 
unusually high medical expenses.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.521(a)(3) to provide that the 
State's system of payments policies must indicate when and how the 
State makes its determination regarding a parent's ability or inability 
to pay, and, in defining the ability to pay, include extraordinary 
medical expenses as an example of family expenses.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the final regulations provide 
further guidance on developing a State system of payments. The 
commenter recommended that, to ensure that a system of payments does 
not discourage families from participating in early intervention 
programs, the Department should develop regulations that set a maximum 
contribution limit by families.
    Discussion: Section 632(4)(B) of the Act, concerning the definition 
of ``early intervention services,'' and Sec.  303.521, concerning a 
system of payments and fees, provide States with the option to 
establish a system of payments that sets forth policies specifying the 
amount of fees (including any fees charged to the family as a result of 
using one or more of the family's public insurance, public benefits, or 
private insurance) that are subject to the State's system of payments. 
While we appreciate the commenter's request that the regulations 
identify maximum fiscal contributions for parents, the Department's 
position is that States must have flexibility in determining the system 
of payments, including any fee structure.
    However, the State's fee structure is subject to the requirements 
in Sec.  303.521(a), which requires that families not be charged more 
than the actual cost of the part C service and that a parent's 
inability to pay will not result in a delay or denial of services under 
this part. We also expect to provide additional technical assistance 
and guidance to States on State system of payments.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that we revise Sec.  303.521(a) 
to require that States provide families with an explanation of each 
item that is billed to them or to their insurance to ensure that the 
parents can confirm that the charges match the level or amount of 
service provided to children and their families.
    Discussion: Part C of the Act does not address the methods that 
States must use to bill parents for part C services. However, many lead 
agencies have developed policies and procedures regarding billing 
parents for part C services. With regard to insurance billing, lead 
agencies may, but are not required under part C of the Act to, develop 
methods or a process to inform a parent of each item billed to the 
insurance of the parent or the amount of insurance proceeds received 
for payment of early intervention services for their infant or toddler 
with a disability and the child's family. The Department's position is 
that including such provisions in the regulations is not necessary 
because it is best left to States to determine which billing methods 
are most compatible with established State policies and procedures.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended requiring States to provide an 
assurance that the quality of part C services will be maintained 
regardless of the financial situation of the child or family.
    Discussion: Consistent with section 635(a)(4) of the Act, regarding 
requirements for a statewide system, and Sec.  303.340, regarding 
IFSPs, each lead agency under part C must ensure, for each infant or 
toddler with a disability, regardless of financial situation, the 
development, review, and implementation of an IFSP that is consistent 
with the definition of that term in Sec.  303.20, and meets the 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.342 through 303.345. The lead agency 
under part C of the Act also must ensure the provision of the early 
intervention services identified in the child's IFSP, regardless of the 
financial situation of the child or family. Given these provisions, the 
Department's position is that requiring States to provide the 
additional assurance suggested by the commenter is not necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter opposed the language in Sec.  303.521(a)(6) 
that permits the lead agency to use part C or other funds to pay the 
parent's share in a State with a system of payments with family fees, 
when the parent is determined able to pay. According to the commenter, 
this provision could be read to permit an agency to obligate part C 
funds for costs or fees that a parent might otherwise be required to 
pay. The commenter requested that this paragraph be clarified or that 
part C funds be increased to fund this requirement.
    Discussion: Section 303.521(a)(6) provides States with a system of 
payments the option of using part C funds to pay for those costs, such 
as co-payments, that would be incurred by the parent based on the use 
of the child's or parent's public benefits or insurance or private 
insurance to pay for part C services. By permitting, but not requiring, 
lead agencies to use part C funds to pay for a parent's out-of-pocket 
costs even when the parent is able to pay, the lead agency may be able 
to neutralize the financial impact on a parent and thus encourage the 
parent to provide any consent needed under Sec.  303.520. We also have 
revised this section to further clarify that if a parent is determined 
unable to pay, the lead agency must use part C or other funds to pay 
for the costs identified in Sec.  303.520(b)(2) or the fees charged to 
the parent under Sec.  303.521(a)(1).
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  303.521(a)(6) to clarify that the 
lead agency may use part C funds to pay for costs such as premiums, 
deductibles, or copayments identified in Sec.  303.520(b)(2) that it 
must use part C or other funds to pay for the costs identified in Sec.  
303.520(b)(2) or the fees charged to the parent under Sec.  
303.521(a)(1) for a parent determined unable to pay.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that a State with a system of 
payments that requires a family cost share or private insurance 
component should not be allowed to charge families for services that 
must be provided to a child in order for the child to receive FAPE 
under part B of the Act, particularly once a child turns three and 
services are provided at no cost to parents.
    Discussion: If a child is eligible at or before age three under 
part B of the Act to receive FAPE and the service is

[[Page 60229]]

identified on the child's IEP as part of FAPE for that child, then, 
under 34 CFR 300.17(a), that service must be provided at no cost to the 
parent. If a State elects to continue to provide part C services for 
children age three and older who were receiving part C services, and a 
parent provides consent for such services, the part C provisions apply, 
including those relating to a State system of payments.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter asked, with respect to Sec.  303.521(c), 
whether a State that has a FAPE mandate for children under the age of 
three or a State that uses funds under part B of the Act to serve 
children under age three can have a system of payments to provide part 
C services to children from age three until kindergarten.
    Discussion: A State that elects to offer services under Sec.  
303.211 and has a State law mandating FAPE for children with 
disabilities for particular ages (such as ages three through five) must 
ensure that services that are a part of FAPE for an eligible child in 
that age range are provided at no cost. If there are part C services 
that are available to a child with a disability under Sec.  303.211 
that are not part of FAPE for that child, the State may adopt a system 
of payments for such services.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification on Sec.  303.521(b), 
concerning mandatory public agency functions that are not subject to 
fees that public agencies must perform. The commenter expressed concern 
that requiring these functions ``to be carried out at public expense by 
a State'' prohibits local early intervention programs from using local 
funds to pay for these functions.
    Discussion: The requirement in Sec.  303.521(b) does not prohibit 
local early intervention programs from using local funds to pay for 
these functions. For clarity, we have removed the phrase ``by a 
State.''
    Changes: We have removed the phrase ``by a State'' from Sec.  
303.521(b).
    Comment: Several commenters recommended that we require a State to 
include in its system of payments policies information on the family's 
procedural safeguards.
    Discussion: We agree with commenters that States must inform 
parents about procedural safeguards when the State determines a 
parent's ability to pay or imposes a fee on parents. We have added in 
new Sec.  303.521(e) the requirement that States establish written 
policies as part of their system of payments to inform parents about 
the availability of procedural safeguards.
    We have clarified that the State must inform parents of the 
availability of existing dispute resolution procedures, including 
participating in mediation in accordance with Sec.  303.431, requesting 
a due process hearing under Sec.  303.436 or Sec.  303.441, whichever 
is applicable, or filing a State complaint under Sec.  303.434. 
Additionally, we have provided States with the flexibility to use any 
other procedure established by the State for speedy resolution of 
financial claims, provided that such use does not delay or deny a 
parent's procedural rights under this part. If a State uses such other 
procedures, it must inform parents of those procedures.
    We also have clarified that a State may inform parents of these 
procedural safeguard options by either providing parents with a copy of 
the State's system of payments policies when obtaining consent for the 
provision of early intervention services under Sec.  303.420(a)(3) or 
including this information with the notice provided to parents in Sec.  
303.421.
    Changes: We have added a new Sec.  303.521(e).

Subpart G--State Interagency Coordinating Council

Composition (Sec.  303.601)

    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department require a 
State representative of the child protective services agency to serve 
as a member of the State Interagency Coordinating Council (Council).
    Discussion: Neither section 641(b) of the Act nor Sec.  303.601 
requires the Governor to appoint, nor prohibits the Governor from 
appointing, to the Council a State representative from the agency 
responsible for child protective services. Under section 641(b)(1)(L) 
of the Act and Sec.  303.601(a)(12), the Governor must appoint a 
representative from the State child welfare agency that is responsible 
for foster care in that State (i.e., the State agency that is 
responsible for administering Title IV-E of the SSA in the State). In 
many States, this State child welfare agency is also the State child 
protective services agency that is responsible for administering CAPTA.
    Section 641(b)(2) of the Act and Sec.  303.601(c) permit the 
Governor to appoint to the Council members other than those specified 
by the Act. The Governor may appoint to the Council a representative 
from the State agency responsible for administering CAPTA if the 
Governor determines it is appropriate in that particular State. 
Responsibilities of this State agency also may include coordinating 
child find efforts or implementing section 637(a)(6) of the Act, which 
requires the State to have referral policies for a child under the age 
of three who is involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or 
neglect or who is identified as affected by either illegal substance 
abuse or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure. 
Additionally, nothing in the Act would prevent the Governor from 
appointing a representative from the State agency responsible for 
implementing other early childhood programs such as the Maternal, 
Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program passed on March 23, 
2010, amending Title V of the Social Security Act or a representative 
from the State's EHDI system.
    Given that the decision to appoint any other members to the Council 
(other than those specified in section 641(b)(1) of the Act) is at the 
discretion of the Governor of the State according to the needs of that 
State, we decline to include in Sec.  303.601 the appointment suggested 
by the commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters supported proposed Sec.  
303.601(a)(1)(iii), which stated that a parent could not be appointed 
as a member of the Council if he or she was an employee of a public or 
private agency involved in providing early intervention services 
because, in their view, including parents who are also EIS providers on 
the Council would be a conflict of interest. However, the majority of 
commenters opposed this proposal because, in their view, parents who 
are also EIS providers may bring a valuable perspective to the Council 
in terms of understanding issues from different standpoints and may be 
able to anticipate the impact of a given policy or procedure in unique 
ways. Some commenters questioned whether preventing parents from 
serving on the Council somehow suggests that the contribution and 
comments of parents of children with disabilities who are not also 
employed by EIS providers are more valuable than parents who are 
employed by EIS providers. One commenter recommended that these 
regulations require that the Council's bylaws or State law stipulate 
that no member, including parents who are EIS providers, may vote on an 
issue that may represent a conflict of interest.
    Discussion: We agree that the appointment to the Council of parents 
of children with disabilities who are also employed by EIS providers 
could bring a unique perspective to the work of the Council. For this 
reason, we have removed proposed Sec.  303.601(a)(1)(iii), which would 
have prohibited an employee of a public or private agency

[[Page 60230]]

involved in providing early intervention services from being appointed 
and serving as a parent member of the Council. The language in proposed 
Sec.  303.601(a)(1)(iii) reflected the Department's recommendation in 
the note to current Sec.  303.600 that parents selected to serve on the 
Council not be employees of any agency involved in providing early 
intervention services. With the removal of proposed Sec.  
303.601(a)(1)(iii), parents who are employees of a public or private 
agency involved in providing early intervention services could serve as 
parent members of the Council in accordance with the requirements that 
at least 20 percent of the Council be comprised of parent members of 
children with disabilities aged 12 or younger and at least one parent 
member be the parent of an infant or toddler with a disability or a 
child with a disability aged six years or younger. Finally, like all 
Council members, pursuant to Sec.  303.601(d), a parent member of the 
Council who is an employee of a public or private agency involved in 
providing early intervention services may not cast a vote on any matter 
that would provide direct financial benefit to that member or otherwise 
give the appearance of a conflict of interest under State law.
    Changes: We have removed proposed Sec.  303.601(a)(1)(iii), which 
stated that a parent member on the Council may not be an employee of a 
public or private agency involved in providing early intervention 
services.
    Comment: Section 303.601(b), which permits a Governor to appoint a 
member of the Council to represent more than one program or agency from 
the list in section 641(b) of the Act, drew a number of comments. Most 
commenters objected to this provision due primarily to concerns that an 
individual representing more than one program or agency on the Council 
may have potential conflicts of interest in carrying out his or her 
duties.
    Discussion: Section 641(b) of the Act is silent on the issue of 
whether the Governor must appoint separate individuals to represent 
each of the constituencies that must be represented on the Council. The 
Department's position is that it is a reasonable interpretation to 
allow one individual to serve more than one required Council member 
role because, in some States, a single agency performs multiple 
functions that coincide with the Council representation requirements in 
section 641(b) of the Act. Additionally, allowing a member of the 
Council to represent more than one program or agency would not result 
in actual or apparent conflicts of interest because, pursuant to Sec.  
303.601(d), no member of the Council may cast a vote (and, thus, would 
need to recuse himself or herself from the vote) on any matter that 
would provide direct financial benefit to that member or otherwise give 
the appearance of a conflict of interest under State law.
    Changes: None.

Use of Funds by the Council (Sec.  303.603)

    Comment: One commenter requested clarification on when or why the 
Council, which is an advisory body, would conduct hearings pursuant to 
Sec.  303.603(a)(1). The commenter stated that while the Council may 
participate in hearings, given its advisory nature, it would not be 
appropriate for the Council to hold hearings.
    Discussion: Section 641(d) of the Act specifically allows the 
Council, subject to the approval of the Governor, to prepare and 
approve a budget using part C funds to conduct hearings and forums as 
may be necessary to carry out its functions under part C of the Act. 
The Act does not specify the circumstances under which the Council may 
convene a hearing or forum. It is not appropriate for the Department to 
stipulate such circumstances, as that decision is best left to the 
Council.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department revise the 
regulations to provide compensation for parents who serve on the 
Council. A few commenters recommended that parent members of the 
Council receive compensation regardless of their employment status.
    Discussion: Providing compensation for parents who serve on the 
Council is specifically addressed in Sec.  303.603(a)(2) and (a)(3), 
which is consistent with section 641(d) of the Act. Section 
303.603(a)(2) and (a)(3) provides that all Council members, including 
parents, may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses for 
attending Council meetings and performing Council duties (including 
child care for parent members) and may receive compensation if not 
employed or if required to forfeit wages from other employment when 
performing official Council business.
    Changes: None.

Functions of the Council--Required Duties (Sec.  303.604)

    Comment: One commenter recommended that the final regulations 
expressly state that the Council may continue to work with the lead 
agency on preparing the mandatory annual report that the Council must 
submit to the Governor and to the Secretary, and that if the Council 
concurs with the State's APR that is prepared by the lead agency, the 
Council may elect to sign a statement indicating its concurrence with 
the lead agency's APR in lieu of the Council preparing its own separate 
annual performance report.
    Discussion: Section 303.604(c), regarding the requirement that the 
Council annually report to the Governor and the Secretary on the status 
of early intervention service programs for infants and toddlers with 
disabilities and their families under part C of the Act, remains 
substantively unchanged from current Sec.  303.654 and is consistent 
with section 641(e)(1)(D) of the Act. Section 303.604(c)(2) expressly 
provides that the Council's annual report must contain the information 
required by the Secretary.
    Under current Departmental policy, the Council may choose to 
prepare and submit its own annual report to meet the requirements in 
section 641(e)(1)(D) of the Act (current Sec.  303.654 and new Sec.  
303.604(c)), or certify its concurrence with the APR submitted by the 
lead agency under Sec.  303.702(b)(2). Therefore, it is the 
Department's position that adding language regarding how the Council 
may meet its annual reporting requirement is not necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended that Sec.  303.604(a)(3), 
regarding the promotion of methods for intra-agency and interagency 
collaboration on child find, monitoring, financial responsibility, and 
the provision of early intervention services and transition, be deleted 
because, according to these commenters, the language in this section is 
not aligned with section 641(e) of the Act. Specifically, the 
commenters suggested that section 641(e) of the Act does not include or 
imply that the functions of the Council include promoting methods for 
interagency collaboration regarding child find, monitoring, financial 
responsibility, provision of early intervention services, and 
transition. Another commenter requested that the Department clarify the 
meaning of the term ``methods,'' as it is used in Sec.  303.604(a)(3).
    Discussion: Under section 641(e) of the Act, the functions of the 
Council include, among other duties, advising and assisting the lead 
agency in carrying out its single line of responsibility for the 
State's part C statewide system under 635(a)(10) of the Act. The single 
line of responsibility covers, in part, general supervision and 
monitoring; coordination of Federal, State, local and private 
resources; assignment of financial responsibility to the appropriate 
agency; development of

[[Page 60231]]

procedures that ensure timely service provision; resolution of intra-
agency and interagency disputes; and entry into interagency agreements 
that define each agency's financial responsibility for early 
intervention services and that include all additional components 
necessary for ensuring cooperation and coordination between agencies. 
One of the Council's roles under section 641(e)(1)(C) of the Act is to 
advise the lead agency and the SEA on early childhood transition 
policies. The Department has found that noncompliance with part C 
requirements can be due to barriers identified by lead agencies in 
intra-agency and interagency coordination that correspond to the areas 
under the lead agency's single line of responsibility (i.e., child 
find, monitoring, financial responsibility, provision of early 
intervention services, and transition).
    Thus, the Department's position is that the language in Sec.  
303.604(a)(3) is consistent with section 641(e) of the Act. Section 
303.604(a)(3) ensures that the Council advises the lead agency in 
exercising its authority under section 635(a)(10) of the Act to ensure 
that there is a single line of responsibility for the State's part C 
statewide system.
    Additionally, although section 641(e)(1)(A) of the Act only refers 
to interagency agreements, we have included in Sec.  303.604(a)(3), the 
Council's role in promoting intra-agency agreements. We have included 
the reference to intra-agency agreements because within many lead 
agencies that are also SEAs, separate offices administer the early 
intervention service program under part C of the Act and the preschool 
program under part B of the Act. To facilitate the identification of, 
and the provision of early intervention services to, infants and 
toddlers with disabilities and their families, many SEA lead agencies 
have developed intra-agency memoranda or agreements to meet the lead 
agency's general supervision responsibilities under section 635(a)(10) 
of the Act (including specifically the areas of child find, monitoring, 
financial responsibility, provision of early intervention services, and 
transition).
    In Sec.  303.604(a)(3), we have intentionally used the word 
``methods'' rather than ``interagency agreements.'' The term 
``methods'' is intended to be broader than ``interagency agreements'' 
and to include entering into interagency agreements; this use of the 
term ``methods'' aligns Sec.  303.604(a)(3) with the reference in 
section 640(b) of the Act to methods of ensuring services (which may 
include an interagency agreement or other mechanism for interagency 
coordination). We believe that further clarification of the term 
``method'' is not needed.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended revising the reporting period 
for the annual report to the Governor and to the Secretary in Sec.  
303.604(c)(2). The commenter stated that the reporting period is 
inconsistent with section 641(e)(1)(D) of the Act.
    Discussion: Section 641(e)(1)(D) of the Act does not specify the 
reporting period; rather, it requires the Council to prepare and submit 
to the Governor and to the Secretary an annual report on the status of 
early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities 
and their families in the State. The language in Sec.  303.604(c)(2) is 
consistent with this requirement and clarifies that the information in 
the report be ``for the year for which the report is made.'' Thus, if 
the Council submits a report to the Governor and Secretary for FFY 
2006, Sec.  303.604(c)(2) simply requires that the information in that 
report be from the FFY 2006 reporting period (i.e., July 1, 2006 
through June 30, 2007).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern that the regulations no 
longer stipulate that the Council must advise and assist the lead 
agency in the development and implementation of the policies that 
constitute the statewide system and suggested that the omission of this 
requirement would diminish the authority of the Council.
    Discussion: Sections 303.604 and 303.605 incorporate the 
requirements in section 641(e)(1) and (e)(2) of the Act, regarding the 
functions, duties, and authorized activities of the Council. Section 
641(e)(1)(B) and Sec.  303.604(a)(4) continue to require the Council to 
advise and assist the lead agency in preparing the State's part C 
application and any amendments thereto. The requirement in current 
Sec.  303.650(a)(1) that the Council advise and assist the lead agency 
in the development and implementation of the policies that constitute 
the part C statewide system was based on the requirement in section 
641(e)(1)(B) of the Act that the Council advise and assist the lead 
agency in preparing its State's part C application. Prior to the 2004 
amendments, the Act required each State to submit, as part of its part 
C application, the State's policies that constituted its part C 
statewide system.
    However, in 2004, section 634 of the Act was revised to no longer 
require each State to submit, as part of its part C application, all of 
the State's policies for the statewide system identified in section 635 
of the Act; instead only those policies, procedures, descriptions, 
methods, certifications, and other items that are identified or 
referenced in, or the Department determines are needed under, section 
637(a) of the Act and subpart C of these regulation must be included in 
a State's grant application. Thus, the function of the Council in 
advising and assisting the lead agency in the preparation of its part C 
application, would include advice and assistance concerning any 
policies the lead agency developed to meet the requirements in section 
637(a) of the Act. The Council also has an opportunity to comment on 
other State part C policies when the lead agency adopts or revises its 
policies that are part of the State's part C statewide system because 
the lead agency must make those policies available for public comment 
and hearing based on the requirements in Sec.  303.208(b).
    Changes: None.

Authorized Activities by the Council (Sec.  303.605)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: With The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act 
of 2007, Congress amended the Head Start Act. Section 642B of the Head 
Start Act now requires the Governor of each State to designate or 
establish a council to serve as the State Advisory Council on Early 
Childhood Education and Care (referred to as State Advisory Councils). 
42 U.S.C. 9837b(b)(1)(A)(i). The overall responsibility of each State 
Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care is to lead the 
development or enhancement of a high-quality, comprehensive system of 
early childhood development and care that ensures statewide 
coordination and collaboration among the wide range of early childhood 
programs and services in the State, including child care, Head Start, 
the IDEA programs (including the IDEA program under part C of the Act 
and the preschool program under section 619 and part B of the Act), and 
pre-kindergarten programs and services. Because this requirement 
regarding State Advisory Councils on Early Childhood Education and Care 
was established after the proposed part C regulations were published, 
in final Sec.  303.605 we have added coordination with these State 
Advisory Councils as an authorized activity of the SICC. Such 
coordination may allow States to offer joint professional development 
opportunities for EIS professionals with other early learning 
professionals including those who work in child care, Head Start and 
Early Head Start, State funded preschool, 619 programs, and

[[Page 60232]]

early elementary education to address such issues as school readiness 
across all the major domains of early learning and transition to 
elementary school. This change will not impose an additional burden on 
the SICC because it is an optional duty under Sec.  303.605 and not a 
required duty under Sec.  303.604.
    Changes: New Sec.  303.605(c) has been added to allow the SICC to 
coordinate and collaborate with the State Advisory Council on Early 
Childhood Education and Care, as described in section 642B(b)(1)(A)(i) 
of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9837b(b)(1)(A)(i).

Subpart H--Federal and State Monitoring and Enforcement; Reporting; and 
Allocation of Funds

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: We have revised the heading of subpart H to reflect the 
titles and sequence of the sections in this subpart.
    Changes: We have changed the title of subpart H by removing the 
terms ``administration'' and ``technical assistance'' and adding the 
term ``reporting.'' We also have reordered the words in the title to 
better reflect the order of the sections in this subpart.

State Monitoring and Enforcement (Sec.  303.700)

    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.700(a)(2), which 
requires lead agencies to make determinations annually about the 
performance of EIS programs using the categories in Sec.  303.703(b), 
be deleted because the requirements have no statutory authority.
    Discussion: We disagree with the commenter. Section 303.700(a)(2) 
requires lead agencies to make annual determinations about the 
performance of EIS programs. This requirement is consistent with 
sections 616(a)(1)(C), (a)(3), (b)(2)(C)(i), (b)(2)(C)(ii)(I), and (e) 
and 642 of the Act.
    Sections 616(a)(1)(C) and 642 of the Act require the Secretary to 
require States (and the designated lead agencies charged with 
implementing part C of the Act in the State under section 635(a)(10) of 
the Act) to monitor and enforce part C of the Act in accordance with 
the monitoring priorities established by the Secretary under section 
616(a)(3) of the Act (as modified by section 642 of the Act) and the 
statutory enforcement options identified in section 616(e) of the Act.
    Sections 616(a)(3) and 642 of the Act require the Secretary to 
require States to monitor EIS providers located in the State using 
quantifiable indicators in each of the priority areas specified in 
section 616(a)(3) of the Act (as modified by section 642 of the Act), 
as well as any qualitative indicators that are needed to measure 
performance in those priority areas, except the State exercise of its 
general supervisory responsibility because ``State general supervisory 
responsibility'' applies only to States. Section 616(a)(1)(C)(ii) of 
the Act requires each State to enforce part C of the Act in accordance 
with sections 616(e) and 642 of the Act. Section 616(e) of the Act 
describes the enforcement actions the Secretary must take if the 
Secretary determines, based on the information provided by the State in 
its APR, information obtained through monitoring visits, and any other 
publicly available information, that the State needs assistance, needs 
intervention, or needs substantial intervention in implementing the 
requirements of part C of the Act.
    These statutory provisions must be read in conjunction with 
sections 616(b)(2)(C) and 642 of the Act, which require State lead 
agencies to: (1) Publicly report on the performance of each EIS program 
using the State's targets established in its SPP under the priority 
areas described in section 616(a)(3) of the Act, and (2) report 
annually to the Secretary through the APR on the performance of the 
State in meeting the State's targets in the SPP.
    Thus, lead agencies must make annual determinations about the 
performance of each EIS program using the categories in section 
616(d)(2) and (e) of the Act and Sec.  303.703(b). This requirement 
stems from the statutory requirement that lead agencies must monitor 
EIS providers located in the State using quantifiable and qualitative 
indicators as specified in section 616(a)(3) of the Act (as modified by 
section 642 of the Act), enforce part C of the Act in accordance with 
section 616(e) of the Act (which refers to the requirement that the 
Secretary make annual determinations about the performance of each 
State using these same determination categories), and from sections 
616(b)(2)(C)(i) and (b)(2)(C)(ii)(I) and 642 of the Act, which require 
lead agencies to analyze and publicly report on the performance of each 
EIS program on an annual basis.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the Department uses 
the terms ``program'' and ``provider'' inconsistently throughout these 
regulations and that the reference in Sec.  303.700(a)(3) to EIS 
program should instead or also include a reference to an EIS provider.
    Discussion: We recognize that clarification is needed in the use of 
the term EIS program in Sec.  303.700(a)(3), regarding the available 
appropriate enforcement mechanisms identified in Sec. Sec.  
303.700(a)(3) and 303.704(a)(2) that the lead agency must use if it 
determines (for two consecutive years) that an EIS program needs 
assistance. If the lead agency determines for two consecutive years 
that an EIS program needs assistance, it must take one of two actions: 
(1) Advise the EIS program of available sources of technical assistance 
that may help the EIS program or (2) impose conditions on the funds it 
provides to the EIS program, or if the lead agency provides funds to an 
EIS provider (that is part of the EIS program) that is partially the 
reason the EIS program is in need of assistance for two years, then the 
EIS provider. If the lead agency provides part C funds to an EIS 
provider, it may be appropriate for the lead agency to impose 
conditions on the part C funds that the lead agency provides to the EIS 
provider. The lead agency may impose conditions on its funding of an 
EIS program or EIS provider in lieu of, or in addition to, providing 
technical assistance under Sec.  303.700(a)(3).
    Changes: We have added the phrase ``or, if the lead agency does not 
provide part C funds to the EIS program, an EIS provider'' to the 
parenthetical in Sec.  303.700(a)(3).
    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.700(a)(4) be 
revised to require the lead agency to report ``frequently,'' and not 
``annually,'' on the performance of its State and each EIS program 
located in its State.
    Discussion: Section 303.700(a)(4) reflects the requirements in 
sections 616(b)(2)(C)(ii)(I) and 642 of the Act, which require State 
lead agencies to report annually to the public on the performance of 
each EIS program located in the State in relation to the State's SPP 
targets. While a lead agency may elect to report more frequently to the 
public on the performance of its EIS programs, we do not believe that 
these regulations should require a lead agency to do so.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the proposed language in Sec.  
303.700(b), while placing particular emphasis on requirements that are 
most closely related to improving early intervention results for 
infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, was 
excessive and may not result in better services. The commenter further 
recommended that every effort be made to clarify and minimize the words 
in this paragraph to better focus on direct services, child and family 
outcomes,

[[Page 60233]]

and the IFSP process and service implementation.
    Discussion: Section 303.700(b) incorporates the language from 
section 616(a)(2) of the Act (as modified by section 642 of the Act), 
regarding the primary focus of Federal and State monitoring. State 
monitoring requirements are addressed in more detail, including the 
areas mentioned by the commenter, through the SPP/APR process. For 
example, as part of the SPP/APR process, the Secretary has established 
monitoring priorities and indicators for States that reflect the goals 
of improving early intervention results and functional outcomes for 
infants and toddlers with disabilities while ensuring that EIS programs 
comply with key part C requirements, including those relating to the 
timely provision of early intervention services, child outcomes, family 
capacity, timely evaluations, assessments, initial IFSP development, 
and transition. Thus, the revisions to Sec.  303.700(b) recommended by 
the commenter are not necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: A few commenters recommended adding child find, public 
awareness, eligibility, and service provision to Sec.  303.700(d), 
which lists the areas on which the State must annually collect and 
report data. One commenter recommended that we include in these 
regulations the Department's SPP indicator that requires States to 
evaluate the effectiveness of their part C program as it relates to 
family outcomes. Another commenter recommended that these regulations 
require States to report to the Secretary on family outcomes. The 
commenter also recommended that, if States are required to report on 
family outcomes, the regulations should clarify the definition of 
family supports and services that are identified through the family 
assessment.
    Discussion: Section 616(a) of the Act (as modified by section 642 
of the Act) requires States to focus their monitoring activities on 
improving early intervention results and functional outcomes for 
infants and toddlers with disabilities and meeting the program 
requirements in part C of the Act. Section 616 of the Act further 
requires that the Secretary establish indicators to adequately measure 
performance in several priority areas.
    The Secretary has established 14 such indicators under part C of 
the Act for State reporting in the SPP/APR, and, through the OMB public 
review process for information collections, has solicited public 
comments on these indicators several times since the 2004 amendments to 
the Act. These indicators address critical, substantive requirements of 
part C of the Act, including those relating to child find for children 
ages birth to one year and birth to three years; provision of early 
intervention services in natural environments; early intervention child 
outcomes; family capacity; timely initial evaluations, assessments and 
IFSP development; timely service provision; and transition services. 
While not specifically included as an SPP/APR indicator, the 
Department's position is that public awareness is covered under the two 
child find indicators. For example, a State must have an effective 
public awareness program to ensure that eligible infants and toddlers 
are identified for early intervention services.
    Finally, issues related to family outcomes are adequately addressed 
by the SPP/APR indicator that measures family capacity because that 
indicator is designed to evaluate whether families know their rights, 
can effectively communicate their needs, and can assist their children 
to develop and learn. Moreover, we believe that it is not appropriate 
to include in these regulations any specific SPP/APR indicator because 
the Secretary must retain flexibility to revise indicators as 
necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter objected to the language in Sec.  303.700(e) 
that requires a State, when it identifies noncompliance with the 
requirements of part C of the Act by EIS programs and EIS providers, to 
ensure that the noncompliance is corrected as soon as possible and in 
no case later than one year after the State's identification of the 
noncompliance. The commenter suggested that a one-year timeline for 
correction is unreasonable. In contrast, a few commenters recommended 
that Sec.  303.700(e) be revised to require that all identified 
noncompliance be corrected as soon as possible, but no later than 90 
days after identification.
    Discussion: Correcting noncompliance as soon as possible is a 
critical responsibility of lead agencies and EIS providers, and, as 
discussed in the preamble of subpart B of these regulations, the 
Department's position is that correction as soon as possible but no 
later than one year is a reasonable timeframe for an EIS provider to 
correct noncompliant policies, procedures, or practices and for the 
lead agency to verify that the EIS program or EIS provider is complying 
with the requirements of part C of the Act.
    The Department's position is that a 90-day period from the 
identification of noncompliance would not be workable because it is 
unlikely that all instances of noncompliance could be corrected in that 
timeframe. For example, if a lead agency identified an EIS provider as 
noncompliant in making individualized decisions concerning the settings 
in which infants or toddlers with disabilities receive early 
intervention services, the lead agency would need to determine the 
potential causes of the noncompliance and appropriate corrective 
actions, which might include training service coordinators, reviewing 
IFSP Team guidelines, or examining other policies, procedures or 
practices, to ensure that the EIS provider had corrected any 
noncompliant policies, procedures, or practices, and that the IFSP 
Teams, subsequent to those corrections, were making EIS setting 
determinations consistent with part C requirements. To take corrective 
action and verify correction in a case such as this would likely 
require more than 90 days to complete.
    Through our monitoring experience, we have observed that, in most 
cases, when a lead agency makes a good faith effort, the needed 
corrective actions can be accomplished and their effectiveness verified 
within one year from identification of the noncompliance. Timely 
correction of noncompliance is critical to ensure proper and effective 
implementation of part C of the Act. Therefore, it is the Department's 
position that correction as soon as possible, but not later than one 
year from identification, is appropriate.
    Changes: None.

State Performance Plans and Data Collection (Sec.  303.701)

    Comment: One commenter supported the requirement in Sec.  
303.701(a) that each State include in its SPP a description of how the 
State will improve its implementation of part C requirements. Another 
commenter supported the requirement in Sec.  303.701(c) that each State 
collect valid and reliable information on all SPP indicators. This 
commenter requested that the regulations also require each State to 
document the process used to verify the validity and reliability of the 
data provided on the SPP indicators.
    Discussion: As noted elsewhere in this preamble, the Secretary has 
established 14 indicators in the SPP for part C of the Act. One of 
these indicators (Indicator 14) requires each State to demonstrate that 
it reports timely and accurate data under the reporting requirements in 
section 618 of the Act and in the SPP and APR. Further, to ensure valid 
and reliable data for each SPP/APR indicator, States must report data 
in their SPP/APR

[[Page 60234]]

submissions according to required measurements and from specified data 
sources. In addition to the percentages required in the indicators, 
lead agencies are required to provide the actual numbers used in their 
calculations. The Department's position is that these SPP/APR 
requirements address the commenter's concern that States document how 
they verify the validity and reliability of the data they report under 
the indicators in their APRs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the Secretary not be 
permitted to impose additional data collection requirements on States 
unless existing data collection elements are eliminated.
    Discussion: The majority of the information collected by the 
Secretary under part C of the Act is required by sections 616 and 618 
of the Act (as those sections are modified by section 642 of the Act). 
Restricting the Secretary's ability to collect information, as 
requested by the commenter, is not appropriate because the Secretary 
needs the flexibility to collect information necessary to ensure the 
effective operation and implementation of the part C program. This 
responsibility comes not only from the Act, but also from the 
Department's inherent authority to ensure that the laws it is charged 
with implementing are carried out. Additionally, as discussed elsewhere 
in this preamble, the Department is required to solicit public comments 
through the OMB public review process whenever it intends to remove or 
add information collections.
    Changes: None.

State Use of Targets and Reporting (Sec.  303.702)

    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.702(a), which 
requires each State to use the targets established in the SPP to 
analyze the performance of each EIS program in implementing part C of 
the Act, be amended to require each lead agency to define 
geographically the local lead agency or EIS program.
    Discussion: There is no local lead agency under part C of the Act, 
but rather a State lead agency that is designated by the Governor in 
accordance with section 635(a)(10) of the Act to be responsible for 
implementing part C of the Act in the State. The lead agency implements 
the requirements of a statewide system under part C of the Act either 
by using its own personnel, through contracts with EIS providers or 
through other arrangements, such as interagency agreements, with State 
public agencies.
    Section 303.12 defines EIS providers as entities or individuals 
that provide early intervention services under part C of the Act. As 
clarified in section 642(2) of the Act, EIS providers often serve a 
comparable role under part C of the Act that LEAs serve under part B of 
the Act. The definition of an EIS program, in contrast, is an entity 
designated by the lead agency to be responsible for performance 
reporting to the Secretary and the public under Sec. Sec.  303.700 
through 303.702 (see the definition of EIS program in Sec.  303.11). 
Although we expect, in most cases, that the lead agency will designate 
its EIS programs on a geographic basis (e.g., counties, parishes, and 
health or school districts), it is not always feasible to do so. 
Therefore, it is the Department's position that it is not necessary to 
require States to make EIS program designations by geographic areas. 
States currently administer their part C programs through a variety of 
administrative structures. For example, multiple EIS providers may 
provide services in one or more overlapping geographic areas. 
Therefore, States cannot be expected to revise their existing 
administrative structures for the sole purpose of reporting performance 
data by geographic areas within a State.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Section 303.702(b)(1)(i)(A) requires that the lead agency 
report annually to the public on the performance of each EIS program 
located in the State in relation to the targets in its SPP no later 
than 60 days following the State's submission of its APR to the 
Secretary. One commenter supported this 60-day timeline. Another 
commenter disagreed, stating that the 60-day reporting timeline is not 
realistic. This commenter recommended that the lead agency be required 
to report to the public as soon as practicable, but not later than the 
end of the calendar year in which the State's APR is due to the 
Secretary.
    Discussion: We believe that it is important for the public to be 
informed in a timely manner regarding the performance of each EIS 
program in meeting the targets in the State's SPP. States are generally 
required to submit their APRs to the Secretary by February 1st 
following the end of the Federal fiscal reporting period. For example, 
the FFY 2006 APR, which requires data to be reported for the period 
July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 for the FFY 2006 reporting year, was due 
February 1, 2008. Some data reported in the February 2008 APR 
submission were collected by States in the fall of 2006. To ensure the 
usefulness of these data, we agree with the commenter that States must 
make the data publicly available as soon as practicable.
    We also agree with the commenter that additional time may be needed 
beyond the 60 days from the date the State submits its APR. We consider 
120 days to be an appropriate timeframe for States to develop and make 
public the reports on the performance of EIS programs on the targets in 
the SPP and have made this change in the regulations. With this change, 
a State will have four months before the State reports its APR data by 
EIS program to the public. Given that States will have reported to the 
public on this information at least two times prior to the effective 
date of these regulations, the Department's position is that States 
will already have effective and efficient systems in place to report 
within the 120-day timeframe.
    Changes: We have revised the timeline in Sec.  303.702(b) for the 
State to report annually to the public on the performance of each EIS 
program located in the State on the targets in the State's performance 
plan to be ``as soon as practicable but no later than 120 days'' 
following the State's APR submission.

Enforcement (Sec.  303.704)

    Comment: One commenter stated that Sec.  303.704, regarding 
enforcement under part C of the Act, requires significant 
clarification. For example, the commenter questioned whether the 
Department would impose sanctions if it determined that a State needed 
assistance one year and the following year determined that the State 
needed intervention.
    Another commenter argued that the two consecutive year and three 
consecutive year timeframes in Sec.  303.704(a) and (b) are unrealistic 
and that these timeframes, which relate to the Secretary's annual 
determinations regarding State performance under part C of the Act, 
should refer to program years, not consecutive years.
    Discussion: Section 303.704 incorporates the language in section 
616(e)(1) through (e)(3) of the Act, which provides the minimum 
enforcement actions the Secretary must take to ensure compliance with 
the Act when the Secretary determines that a State needs assistance for 
two consecutive years in implementing the requirements of part C of the 
Act, or is in need of intervention in implementing the requirements of 
part C for three consecutive years, or any time the Secretary 
determines that a State needs substantial intervention in implementing 
the requirements of part C of the Act. It is expected that under

[[Page 60235]]

most circumstances, the Department will follow the procedures specified 
in section 616(e)(1) through (e)(3) of the Act and Sec.  303.707 in 
enforcing part C of the Act. However, sections 616(g) and 642 of the 
Act make clear that the Secretary has the authority to use enforcement 
mechanisms, including sanctions under GEPA and EDGAR, to monitor and 
enforce the implementation of part C of the Act.
    In instances where the determinations for a State are different in 
consecutive years (e.g., ``needs assistance'' in year one and ``needs 
intervention'' in the following year), the Department may use the 
enforcement mechanisms under GEPA and EDGAR in addition to those 
identified in the Act and Sec.  303.707. Whether the Department will 
need to use additional enforcement mechanisms will depend on the unique 
facts of the situation. Thus, it is not possible for the Department to 
identify in these regulations all situations in which the use of those 
enforcement mechanisms may be appropriate.
    Finally, we decline to change the references in this section from 
``consecutive years'' to ``program years'' because section 616(e) of 
the Act, which is the statutory authority for Sec.  303.704, refers to 
consecutive years.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To be consistent with section 642(3) of the Act, the 
terms ``instructional'' and ``instruction'' in Sec.  303.704(a)(1)(ii) 
have been revised to refer to ``early intervention service provision.''
    Changes: The terms ``instructional'' and ``instruction'' in Sec.  
303.704(a)(1)(ii) have been revised to refer to ``early intervention 
service provision.''

Withholding Funds (Sec.  303.705)

    Comment: One commenter requested that the phrase ``minimum 
reasonable notice,'' as used in this section, be explicitly defined.
    Discussion: The term ``minimum reasonable notice'' is not in Sec.  
303.705(a), which incorporates the requirement in section 616(e)(4) of 
the Act that the Secretary must provide reasonable notice and an 
opportunity for a hearing to a State prior to the withholding of any 
funds under the Act to that State. We believe that ``reasonable 
notice'' as used in Sec.  303.705(a) reflects the common understanding 
of the term--that the notice should be sufficiently informative and 
timely given the circumstances. Thus, we do not believe that it would 
be appropriate to further clarify ``reasonable notice'' as used in 
Sec.  303.705(a) because what constitutes reasonable notice will, by 
necessity, depend on the nature of the details in each particular 
situation.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the terms ``program'' 
and ``provider'' are used inconsistently throughout these regulations. 
The commenter specifically suggested that the term ``EIS program'' be 
added to Sec.  303.705(c)(1)(ii), as an entity subject to the lead 
agency's suspension of further payments of part C funds when the 
Secretary withholds those funds to the State.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter that the term EIS programs 
should be added to Sec.  303.705(c)(1)(ii) in addition to the existing 
reference to EIS providers because the terms have different 
definitions.
    Under Sec.  303.12, EIS providers are entities or individuals that 
provide early intervention services under part C of the Act, regardless 
of whether they receive part C Federal funds, and may include, where 
appropriate, the lead agency and other public agencies responsible for 
providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers with 
disabilities in the State. EIS programs are different; under Sec.  
303.11, an EIS program is an entity designated by the lead agency for 
reporting under sections 616 and 642 of the Act and Sec. Sec.  303.700 
through 303.702.
    Lead agencies do not always provide part C funds directly to an EIS 
provider, but instead may provide part C funds to an EIS program. Thus, 
it would be appropriate to clarify in Sec.  303.705(c)(1)(ii) that the 
lead agency must not make further payments of funds under part C of the 
Act to specified State agencies, EIS programs or, if the lead agency 
does not provide part C funds to the EIS program, EIS providers that 
caused or were involved in the Secretary's determination under Sec.  
303.703(b)(1).
    Changes: We have added to Sec.  303.705(c)(1)(ii) a reference to 
``EIS programs'' and the phrase ``if the lead agency does not provide 
part C funds to the EIS program,''.

Public Attention (Sec.  303.706)

    Comment: A few commenters stated that Sec.  303.706 should not 
specify the methods of public notification that States must use, and 
that the public notification language in Sec.  303.706 should be the 
same as the language in the corresponding part B regulation, which 
allows the State to determine the methods of notification to the 
public.
    Discussion: The public notification requirement in Sec.  303.706 is 
consistent with other public reporting requirements in subpart H of 
these regulations, specifically the public reporting requirements 
relating to the SPP and APRs and public reporting on EIS program 
performance in Sec.  303.702(b)(1)(i)(B). The Department's position is 
that it is important for States to provide information to the public 
related to its monitoring and enforcement actions in a consistent 
manner. Therefore, we decline to revise Sec.  303.706 as requested by 
the commenters.
    Changes: None.

Reports--Program Information

Annual Report of Children Served--Report Requirement (Sec.  303.721)

    Comment: One commenter asked the Department to clarify the child 
count reporting requirements in Sec.  303.721. Specifically, the 
commenter asked for clarification on whether States are required to 
pick one date between October 1st and December 1st and report the count 
for that date or report cumulatively on every child served between 
those two dates. Two other commenters stated that the data reported to 
Congress should not be based on point-in-time counts, but on cumulative 
counts of all infants and toddlers served during the entire program 
fiscal year.
    One commenter recommended that the Department establish a single 
due date for all reports that are required to be submitted annually 
under section 618 of the Act and Sec.  303.721. Another commenter 
supported the language in this section because it provides flexibility 
for States.
    Discussion: Section 303.721 describes the annual report of children 
served under part C of the Act that is required by section 618 of the 
Act (as modified by section 642 of the Act). Section 303.721 provides 
States with the flexibility to determine the specific date between 
October 1st and December 1st on which to collect the State's child 
count and service settings data under part C of the Act. States must 
choose a date between October 1st and December 1st of each year and 
collect point-in-time child count and settings data on that date. To 
ensure consistency, States are encouraged to use the same date from 
year to year. We believe it is appropriate to continue to require 
States to report point-in-time data on child count and settings because 
the Department has required point-in-time data under part C of the Act 
since 1992. Revising this standard would impose burdens on States as 
they would need to redesign their data collection systems, and it also 
would affect the Department's ability to compare data from multiple 
years and develop trend

[[Page 60236]]

data. While States are not required to submit cumulative child count 
data, they may provide such additional information in the child count 
data information collection form (Table 1--Report of Children Receiving 
Early Intervention Services in Accordance with part C).
    Concerning combining due dates for State submissions required under 
section 618 of the Act and Sec.  303.721, States currently have two 
submission dates, one for child count data and service setting data and 
a second for child exit and dispute resolution data. The child count 
and service setting data are point-in-time collections taken on a date 
between October 1 and December 1 and due the following February 1st. 
The child exit and dispute resolution data are collected throughout the 
year and due the November 1st following the end of the reporting year 
(July 1 through June 30). Combining the due dates for these collections 
is not appropriate since they are different types of collections. 
Regulating on the due dates of these data requirements is not necessary 
because these data collections are reviewed through the OMB data 
collection process. Nothing prevents a State from collecting child 
count and service setting data at the same point in time for a 
particular reporting period if that reduces the State's burden in the 
data collection process.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that data elements for the 
annual report of children served be merged and condensed. One commenter 
requested that lead agencies be required to track: (1) Premature 
infants who, at a later date, receive early intervention services but 
could have been served earlier if the State had presumptive eligibility 
criteria; and (2) families who decline services due to cost-sharing 
requirements.
    Discussion: Following the amendments to the Act in 2004, the 
Department examined all of the then-existing part C data collection 
requirements under section 618 of the Act. Based on that examination, 
the Department eliminated two collections (reporting on numbers of 
service personnel and types of early intervention services) for the 
section 618 data collection. It is not appropriate to condense or merge 
additional data elements at this time because the data currently 
collected are either (1) required by section 618 of the Act, or (2) 
expressly authorized under the Act and necessary for the Secretary to 
ensure proper implementation of the part C program and to measure 
program performance under the Government Performance and Results Act of 
1993.
    We decline to add, as requested by the commenter, data collection 
requirements for the part C program in these regulations at this time 
because we are sensitive to the concerns of States and local entities 
about increasing data collection burden. We believe that the data 
States must collect under the regulations will enable the Secretary to 
effectively monitor and measure the implementation of the part C 
program. We are not convinced that the benefits associated with 
collecting additional data, including that data suggested by the 
commenter, would outweigh the burden on States and local entities 
required to collect the data.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.721(b) be deleted 
because the tracking and reporting requirements in the section relate 
to children ages three and older who are eligible for services under 
section 619 of part B of the Act and should be the responsibility of 
the part B program.
    Discussion: Section 303.721(b) provides that if a State adopts the 
option under section 635(c) of the Act and Sec.  303.211 to make early 
intervention services under part C of the Act available to children 
ages three and older, the lead agency must report on the number and 
percentage of children with disabilities who are eligible for services 
under section 619 of the Act but whose parents choose for such children 
to continue to receive early intervention services. Therefore, because 
these children are being served under part C of the Act, it is 
appropriate for the State part C program, and not the State part B 
program, to be responsible for reporting these data under section 
618(a)(1)(B) and 635(c)(3) of the Act and Sec.  303.721(b).
    Changes: None.

Annual Report of Children Served--Certification (Sec.  303.723)

    Comment: One commenter expressed support for the requirement in 
Sec.  303.723 that the lead agency certify the accuracy of the data 
submitted under Sec.  303.721. Two other commenters recommended 
deleting this section in its entirety. One commenter stated that any 
count based on sampling cannot be ``accurate and unduplicated.'' The 
other commenter stated that accurate and unduplicated counts should not 
require extra certification.
    Discussion: It is critical that data reported by States be 
accurate. One way to ensure accuracy of that data is to require lead 
agency officials to submit a certification attesting to the data's 
accuracy, as is required by Sec.  303.723. Concerning the accuracy of 
data collected through sampling, when a State uses sampling as a 
methodology to obtain its child count data, the State must first, in 
accordance with OMB-approved information collection requirements, have 
its sampling plan approved by the Department. Prior to receiving 
approval of a sampling plan, the State must demonstrate that its 
proposed sampling plan will result in the collection of valid, 
reliable, and accurate data. Currently no State has elected to use 
sampling when collecting the data required under section 618 of the Act 
and Sec.  303.721. For these reasons, we decline to delete Sec.  
303.723 as requested by the commenters.
    Changes: None.

Annual Report of Children Served--Other Responsibilities of the Lead 
Agency (Sec.  303.724)

    Comment: One commenter expressed support for Sec.  303.724, citing 
the importance of having States establish procedures to verify the 
accuracy of the data they collect and report. One commenter recommended 
that this section be amended to be consistent with section 618(b)(2) of 
the Act, which provides that the Secretary may permit States to obtain 
the data required under section 618 of the Act through sampling, to 
avoid a duplication of effort in States that sample to obtain section 
618 data. Several commenters suggested that complying with the 
requirements in Sec.  303.724 would place a significant burden on 
States and their data collection contractors. One commenter stated that 
some States use electronic systems to collect and track part C data and 
that these systems do not necessarily rely on EIS providers to submit 
child counts to the lead agency, and thus, an EIS provider could not be 
expected to certify child count data. The commenter recommended that 
EIS provider certification only be required when applicable to a 
State's procedures for reporting unduplicated and accurate child 
counts.
    Discussion: Collection of accurate, unduplicated data begins at the 
EIS provider level. Therefore, requiring the lead agency to establish 
procedures that must be implemented by EIS providers, including 
certifications about the accuracy of the data and the dates by which 
EIS providers must report that data to the lead agency, is reasonable 
and necessary. The Department's position is that Sec.  303.724 is 
consistent with the requirement in section 618 of the Act that allows 
States to use sampling when collecting section 618

[[Page 60237]]

data because, pursuant to the OMB-approved information collection forms 
for section 618 State-reported data, States are required to ensure 
collection of accurate data when they use sampling and have a plan 
approved by the Department prior to collecting data through sampling.
    We agree with commenters that in some States with electronic 
systems for collecting and maintaining data, the State lead agency does 
not use EIS providers to collect State child count data. However, in 
those States where EIS providers still play a key role in collecting 
State child count data, it is appropriate for each EIS provider to 
certify that the data it reports to the lead agency are unduplicated 
and accurate. Therefore, we have revised Sec.  303.724 to only require 
that, as one of the commenters suggested, the EIS provider certify the 
accuracy and nonduplication of data that the EIS provider is required 
to collect and report to the lead agency.
    Changes: We have added to the lead-in to Sec.  303.724 the 
following language ``conduct its own child count or use EIS providers 
to complete its child count. If the lead agency uses EIS providers to 
complete its child count, then the lead agency must:''

Allocation of Funds

Payments to Indians (Sec.  303.731)

    Comment: One commenter requested that the Department clarify how 
the 1.25 percent amount in Sec.  303.731, regarding part C funds 
provided by the Department to the Secretary of the Interior, is 
calculated or from where this percent is derived. The commenter 
suggested that the funding for tribes should be determined by the same 
funding formula that is used for States.
    A few commenters suggested revising this section to require tribes 
and States to continue to collaborate and coordinate services and also 
to describe the role of the Secretary of the Interior related to the 
funding of all tribes that wish to participate as partners in the part 
C program. The commenters further recommended adding a non-supplanting 
clause to this section. One commenter recommended that the title of 
this section be revised to read: ``Payments to Indian Tribes, Tribal 
Organizations, or Consortia'' because the current heading is misleading 
and may be offensive to some.
    Discussion: Section 303.731(a) provides that the Secretary will 
make payments to the Secretary of the Interior in the amount of 1.25 
percent of the aggregate amount available to all States under part C of 
the Act so that the Secretary of the Interior can distribute funds to 
tribes, tribal organizations, and consortia to coordinate assistance in 
providing early intervention services by States to infants and toddlers 
with disabilities and their families on reservations served by 
elementary and secondary schools operated or funded by the Secretary of 
the Interior. The 1.25 percent payment by the Department of Education 
to the Secretary of the Interior is required by section 643(b)(1) of 
the Act, which provides that this percentage be taken from the 
aggregate amount of part C funds available to all States.
    Section 643(b)(1) of the Act and Sec.  303.731(a)(1) clearly state 
that funds provided under this section are to be used for the 
coordination of assistance in the provision of early intervention 
services by States to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their 
families on reservations served by elementary schools and secondary 
schools for Indian children operated or funded by the Department of the 
Interior. Under section 634(1), the lead agency is responsible for 
ensuring that early intervention services are available to all infants 
and toddlers with disabilities and their families, including Indian 
infants and toddlers residing on a reservation geographically located 
in the State. Under section 643(b)(4), Indian tribes, tribal 
organizations, and consortia that receive funds from the Secretary of 
the Interior must coordinate with the State, through the lead agency 
responsible for providing early intervention services under part C of 
the Act in that State. This coordination is to ensure that eligible 
Indian infants and toddlers with disabilities under the age of three in 
the State are identified, evaluated, and provided early intervention 
services. Including a requirement for additional coordination may be 
unnecessarily restrictive as States, through their lead agencies, and 
Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and consortia currently use a 
variety of mechanisms through their child find efforts, interagency 
agreements, and other methods to meet their respective responsibilities 
under part C of the Act.
    It is not appropriate to add a nonsupplanting clause to this 
section because there is no statutory provision that requires Indian 
tribes, tribal organizations, and consortia to meet a nonsupplanting 
requirement. Rather, it is the State, under section 637(b)(5)(B) of the 
Act that must ensure that Federal funds made available under section 
643 of the Act will be used to supplement not supplant the levels of 
State and local funds expended for infants and toddlers with 
disabilities and their families.
    The U.S. Department of Interior performs two roles under section 
643 of the Act. First, section 643(b) of the Act requires the Secretary 
of the Interior to distribute the entirety of part C funds received 
from the Secretary of Education to tribes, tribal organizations, or 
consortia of those entities for the coordination of assistance and 
provision of early intervention services by States to infants and 
toddlers with disabilities and their families on reservations served by 
elementary and secondary schools for Indian children operated or funded 
by the Secretary of the Interior. Second, the Secretary of the 
Interior, in accordance with section 643(b)(5) of the Act, must submit 
to the Secretary of Education on a biennial basis a report that 
includes a summary of the information that tribes, tribal 
organizations, or consortia that receive part C funds must submit to 
the Secretary of the Interior under this section.
    Finally, in order to avoid confusion and to ensure consistency 
between the language in the Act and the language in the regulations, we 
have maintained the heading of this regulatory section to be the same 
as the corresponding section in the Act (the heading ``Payments to 
Indians'' is taken directly from the Act).
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To be consistent with section 643(b)(1) of the Act, we 
have deleted the words ``after the Secretary determines the amount of 
payments to be made to the jurisdictions under Sec.  303.730(a)'' from 
Sec.  303.731(a)(3).
    Changes: We have deleted the words ``after the Secretary determines 
the amount of payments to be made to the jurisdictions under Sec.  
303.730(a)'' from Sec.  303.731(a)(3).

State Allotments (Sec.  303.732)

    Comment: One commenter stated that the Federal part C funding 
formula is not sound and should be modified. Several commenters 
recommended revising Sec.  303.732, regarding State allotments of funds 
available under part C of the Act, to give States at least 120 days 
notice of their actual allocation for the next fiscal year. One 
commenter recommended defining the phrase ``ratably reduce'' as used in 
paragraph (c) of this section. Another commenter requested that the 
Department define the phrase ``most recent satisfactory data'' as used 
in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
    Discussion: Section 643 of the Act sets forth the statutory funding 
formula for distributing part C funds to States and the formula in 
Sec.  303.732 is taken directly from section 643(c) of the Act.

[[Page 60238]]

This formula requires data on the number of children under the age of 
three in each State. The phrase ``ratably reduce'' in section 643(c)(3) 
of the Act, and reflected in Sec.  303.732(c)(1), has the plain meaning 
that any reduction in the appropriation for part C of the Act will be 
proportionately reflected in the allotment for each State. Further 
clarification is not necessary.
    Additionally, it is not necessary to define ``most recent 
satisfactory data'' because this phrase also has a plain meaning--that 
is, it refers to the most recent population data on the number of 
infants and toddlers in States that are available to the Department at 
the time the Department calculates State allocations under part C of 
the Act. For the purpose of these allocations, the Department uses the 
most recent data provided by the United States Bureau of the Census 
(U.S. Census Bureau) as the ``most recent satisfactory data.''
    It is the Department's position that the regulations should not 
require the Secretary to inform States of their allocations 120 days 
prior to making the funds available to the States because the 
Department believes that the final allocations should be based on the 
most recent U.S. Census Bureau data available at the time the 
Department issues part C grants, and that data could, in some years, 
result in changes in the estimated allocations within 120 days of 
making awards.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: To be consistent with section 643(c)(1) of the Act, we 
have added the words ``and any amount to be reserved for State 
incentive grants under Sec.  303.734'' to Sec.  303.732(d)(1).
    Changes: We have added ``and any amount to be reserved for State 
incentive grants under Sec.  303.734'' to Sec.  303.732(d)(1).

Reservation for State Incentive Grants (Sec.  303.734)

    Comment: A few commenters supported Sec.  303.734(a), which 
requires the Secretary to reserve 15 percent of the appropriated amount 
exceeding $460,000,000 to make available State incentive grants to 
States that implement the option to continue to provide early 
intervention services to children age three and older. However, many 
commenters objected to the set-aside for States that are carrying out a 
policy under section 635(c) of the Act stating that the overall funding 
levels for the part C program are inadequate to serve the current 
population of children ages birth to age three, let alone the 
population of children age three and older. Another commenter expressed 
concern that this set-aside provision takes away funds from States that 
do not adopt a policy under section 635(a) of the Act. Other commenters 
requested that Sec.  303.734(a) not be implemented until the part C 
program is fully funded.
    Discussion: Consistent with section 643 of the Act and under the 
provisions in Sec.  303.734, the Secretary is required, in any fiscal 
year that the appropriation exceeds $460,000,000, to reserve 15 percent 
of the appropriated amount exceeding $460,000,000 to make available 
State incentive grants (SIG) to States that choose the option to make 
services available to children ages three and older under Sec.  
303.211. We do not agree that the provisions in Sec.  303.734 take 
funds away from States that do not adopt a policy under section 635(a) 
of the Act and Sec.  303.211. Any State has the option to make IDEA 
part C services available to eligible children with disabilities ages 
three and older under Sec.  303.211. States have the option under Sec.  
303.211 to make IDEA part C services available to eligible children 
with disabilities beyond age three regardless of whether funds are 
available and granted under section 643(e) of the Act and Sec.  
303.734. However, the State incentive grant funds available and granted 
undersection 643(e) of the Act and Sec.  303.734 must be used to 
facilitate the implementation of the provisions in Sec.  303.211.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that Sec.  303.734(a) be revised 
to clarify that a State is eligible to receive part C funds under this 
section even if the State elects to make part C services available only 
to a subset of children from the age of three to when the child enters, 
or is eligible under State law to enter, kindergarten or elementary 
school in the State, instead of children throughout the entire age 
range. Another commenter recommended defining the method the Department 
will use to distribute funds under Sec.  303.734(a).
    Discussion: We agree that Sec.  303.734(a) should clarify that a 
State that elects to make part C services available to a subset of 
children specified in Sec.  303.211(a)(2) is eligible for any part C 
funds that are available under section 643(e) of the Act, and we have 
made this change. With regard to clarifying the method of distributing 
funds under this section, section 643(e) of the Act provides that for 
any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under section 644 of 
the Act exceeds $460,000,000, the Secretary shall reserve 15 percent of 
such appropriated amount to provide grants to States that elect, under 
section 635(c) of the Act, to serve children beyond age three. In FY 
2009, the appropriation exceeded $460,000,000 due to the enactment of 
ARRA and the Department reserved funding for SIG grants under section 
643(c) of the Act. The Department received applications from, and made 
SIG grants to, two States that submitted policies under section 635(c) 
of the Act to serve children beyond age three and four. No States 
applied to implement section 635(c) of the Act in FY 2005 through FY 
2008 or FY 2010, which the Department believes can be explained by the 
lack of funding in those years for the SIG grants.
    Changes: We have added language to Sec.  303.734(a) to clarify that 
a State that makes part C services available according to a subset of 
children specified in Sec.  303.211(a)(2) would be eligible for any 
funds available pursuant to section 643(e) of the Act.

Executive Order 12866

Regulatory Impact Analysis

    Under Executive Order 12866, we have assessed the potential costs 
and benefits of this regulatory action. The potential costs associated 
with these final regulations are those resulting from statutory 
requirements and those we have determined to be necessary for 
administering this program effectively and efficiently.
    The Department has also reviewed these regulations pursuant to 
Executive Order 13563, published on January 21, 2011 (76 FR 3821). 
Executive Order 13563 is supplemental to and explicitly reaffirms the 
principles, structures, and definitions governing regulatory review 
established in Executive Order 12866. To the extent permitted by law, 
agencies are required by Executive Order 13563 to: (1) Propose or adopt 
regulations only upon a reasoned determination that their benefits 
justify their costs (recognizing that some benefits and costs are 
difficult to quantify); (2) tailor their regulations to impose the 
least burden on society, consistent with obtaining regulatory 
objectives, taking into account, among other things, and to the extent 
practicable, the costs of cumulative regulations; (3) select, in 
choosing among alternative regulatory approaches, those approaches that 
maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, 
public health and safety, and other advantages; distributive impacts; 
and equity); (4) the extent feasible, specify performance objectives, 
rather than specifying the behavior or manner of compliance that 
regulated entities must adopt; and (5) identify and assess available 
alternatives to direct

[[Page 60239]]

regulation, including providing economic incentives to encourage the 
desired behavior, such as user fees or marketable permits, or providing 
information upon which choices can be made by the public.
    We emphasize as well that Executive Order 13563 requires agencies 
``to use the best available techniques to quantify anticipated present 
and future benefits and costs as accurately as possible.'' In its 
February 2, 2011, memorandum (M-11-10) on Executive Order 13563, 
improving regulation and regulatory review, the Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs has emphasized that such techniques may include 
``identifying changing future compliance costs that might result from 
technological innovation or anticipated behavioral changes.''
    We are issuing these regulations only upon a reasoned determination 
that their benefits justify their costs and we selected, in choosing 
among alternative regulatory approaches, those approaches that maximize 
net benefits. Based on the analysis below, the Department believes that 
these final regulations are consistent with the principles in Executive 
Order 13563.
    We also have determined that this regulatory action would not 
unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the 
exercise of their governmental functions.

Potential Costs and Benefits

    This analysis does not attempt to cover every change in the 
regulations implementing part C of the Act governing the Early 
Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. We 
have included an analysis of the costs and benefits of the most 
significant changes. In conducting this analysis, the Department 
examined the extent to which changes made by these regulations add to 
or reduce the costs for State lead agencies and others, as compared to 
the costs of implementing the part C program under the previously 
existing regulations. Based on the following analysis, the Secretary 
has concluded that the changes reflected in the final regulations will 
not impose significant costs on the States.

Section 303.211--State Option To Make Part C Services Available to 
Children Ages Three and Older

    Section 303.211 incorporates the provisions of section 635(c) of 
the Act, which allow States to continue to serve children with 
disabilities ages three through five under part C of the Act if those 
children previously received services under part C of the Act and are 
eligible for services under section 619 of part B of the Act. Offering 
services under part C of the Act is a State option. In addition, Sec.  
303.211(a)(2) clarifies that a State may choose to serve a subset of 
this age range.
    In the NPRM, we requested comments from the public on initial costs 
related to establishing or enhancing the infrastructure of the part C 
lead agencies necessary to serve children ages three through five; 
differences in the costs of providing the services required by the Act 
to children with disabilities ages three through five years old under 
part C of the Act versus part B of the Act; the benefits to parents and 
children of receiving continued services under part C of the Act rather 
than under part B of the Act; the extent to which States expect 
families to choose continuation of part C services beyond age two; the 
extent to which States may choose to exercise the option of serving 
children with disabilities ages three through five years old under part 
C of the Act; and possible sources of funding for providing part C 
services to these children. However, we did not receive comments on 
possible costs related to these changes.
    If a State elects to exercise the option to serve three through 
five year olds under part C of the Act, the lead agency is responsible 
for the costs of providing the direct part C services to children whose 
families elect to continue services under part C. In addition, the 
State's part C lead agency could incur some transition costs in 
implementing this option. For example, if the part C lead agency is not 
the SEA, it would need to develop the capacity to serve older children. 
The intensity and type of services and settings needed for three 
through five year olds would be different from those that are 
appropriate for children ages birth through two, and the program would 
need to include an educational component, which is not required for 
preschool children being served under part B of the Act. The part C 
lead agency may also have to establish relationships with different 
providers or, at the very least, amend agreements or contracts with 
existing providers. On the other hand, part C of the Act provides for 
establishment of a system of payments, which might reduce the cost to 
the State of providing services to children ages three through five 
served under part C of the Act.
    The SEA is the lead agency in 14 of the 56 State agencies. In these 
States, extending the age range of children served by the part C 
program would primarily involve a shifting of costs among programs 
within the same agency. The State may incur some transition costs 
related to training and administration. However, these costs would not 
be significant.
    If a State elects to provide services under part C to children ages 
three through five, and the lead agency is not the SEA, the SEA and 
LEAs in that State would experience savings because they would be 
responsible for providing services under part B of the Act to fewer 
children ages three through five, but this is not likely to result in 
overall savings for the State because the lead agency would incur 
higher costs, and the SEA and LEAs would still be required to maintain 
their Section 619 preschool programs to serve children with 
disabilities ages three through five years old who are not served under 
this option because parents have the right to choose between part C or 
part B services.
    If a State elects to make part C services available to children 
ages three and older, Sec.  303.209(f)(2) requires the State to make 
the annual notice required under Sec.  303.211(b)(1) available to 
parents at the transition conference when the parent is presented with 
the initial option for the child to receive services under Sec.  
303.211 or under section 619 of the Act. Although this requirement adds 
to the cost of implementing the State option, we estimate that the 
costs would be insignificant, even if all States elected to exercise 
the option and proposed to make services available to children until 
their 5th birthday.
    Based on the experience of the two States that have already opted 
to make part C services available to children three and older, we 
estimate that the annual notice would be approximately five pages long. 
We further estimate that it would cost approximately $.25 to photocopy 
a single notice and that approximately 220,000 notices would be needed, 
based on the number of three and four year old children we would expect 
to be eligible to continue to receive services under part C, for an 
annual cost of $55,000. This estimate would represent a lower-bound 
insofar as it assumes the notice would be limited to addressing the 
specific requirements of the Act and these regulations. In order to 
ensure that all families of eligible children are aware of the 
potential benefits of continuing to receive services under the part C 
programs, States may opt to develop brochures and other materials to 
publicize this option. For example, the two States that received State 
incentive grants in FY 2009 each requested approximately $30,000 to 
support the development and printing of brochures about the part C 
option. If all States

[[Page 60240]]

opted to extend part C services to eligible children beyond their third 
birthday and developed and printed similar materials, we estimate that 
States could spend as much as $1.6 million to provide information on 
the part C option to eligible children.

Sections 303.301 Through 303.320--Public Awareness, Comprehensive Child 
Find System, Referrals, and Screening

    Sections 303.301 and 303.302 combine the child find and public 
awareness requirements from section 635(a)(5) and (a)(6) of the Act and 
reflect the Act's increased emphasis on specific subpopulations of 
infants and toddlers with disabilities who may potentially be eligible 
for and need early intervention services under part C of the Act. 
Section 303.302 requires States, consistent with the Act, to identify, 
locate, and evaluate all eligible infants and toddlers with 
disabilities, including children who are covered by CAPTA, homeless, in 
foster care, or wards of the State. Section 303.303 requires the State 
to have referral procedures to be used by specified primary referral 
sources and requires such procedures to provide for the referral of 
certain children covered by CAPTA. Section 303.303(b) clarifies that 
referral of children covered by CAPTA is limited to children under the 
age of three who are the subject of a substantiated case of child abuse 
or neglect or who are identified as directly affected by illegal 
substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug 
exposure. This change is consistent with the CAPTA provision in 43 
U.S.C. 5106a(b)(2)(A)(xxi) that became effective in June 2003, which 
requires States receiving CAPTA funds to adopt policies providing for 
children under the age of three who are involved in a substantiated 
case of child abuse or neglect to be referred to the part C program. 
Section 303.301 also provides that, under a State's public awareness 
program, the lead agency must prepare information on the availability 
of early intervention services and disseminate such information to all 
primary referral sources so that these sources may give the information 
to parents of infants and toddlers, especially parents with premature 
infants or infants with other physical risk factors associated with 
learning or developmental complications.
    Since States have been required under the Act to conduct child find 
activities to identify all infants and toddlers with disabilities since 
the part C program began in 1989, and the CAPTA requirements have been 
in place since June 2003, we are not estimating any increase in costs 
as a result of these changes. Part C lead agencies should already have 
the infrastructure needed to meet all of the IDEA child find 
requirements, including those requirements relating to children covered 
by CAPTA and those who are homeless, in foster care, or wards of the 
State.
    In addition, Sec.  303.320 allows the lead agency to adopt 
procedures for screening to determine whether a child is suspected of 
having a disability. The use of screening as a vehicle to identify 
children potentially eligible for part C services may reduce the number 
of evaluations and assessments that would otherwise need to be 
conducted and, thus, reduce potential evaluation and assessment costs 
for the State. As discussed previously in the Analysis of Comments and 
Changes, some commenters suggested that Sec.  303.320(a)(3), which 
allows a parent to request an evaluation even after the lead agency 
determines--using its screening procedures--that the child is not 
suspected of having a disability, would diminish the cost-effectiveness 
of screening. However, we believe that parents are in a unique position 
to observe their child's development and may notice things which 
suggest a developmental delay or disability that could be missed by a 
screening. For this reason, it is the Department's position that this 
parental right to request an evaluation--along with other regulations 
in this part--provide for a rigorous child find system, which ensures 
that infants and toddlers with disabilities will receive the early 
intervention services they need. This is cost-effective because 
providing these services may reduce the need for special education and 
related services for these children when they reach school age.

Section 303.344(e)--Content of an IFSP

    The current regulations in Sec.  303.344(e) require the IFSP to 
include, to the extent appropriate, those medical and other services 
that the child needs, but are not required by part C of the Act, and 
the funding sources to be used in paying for those services or the 
steps that will be taken to secure those services through public or 
private sources. Section 303.344(e) of the final regulations retains 
the requirement for the IFSP Team to identify in the IFSP, to the 
extent appropriate, medical and other services that the child or family 
needs or is receiving, but that are not required by part C of the Act, 
and, if those services are not currently being provided, the steps that 
will be taken to assist the family in securing those services through 
public or private sources. However, the IFSP Teams are no longer 
required to identify funding sources for these services.
    Eliminating the requirement that IFSPs identify the funding sources 
for services not required by part C of the Act will reduce the burden 
on service coordinators and will save IFSP Teams time during meetings 
and time preparing the IFSP. The requirement to identify funding for 
other services is overly burdensome, given that there may be many other 
services that infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families 
receive (e.g., foster care, services through individualized safe plans 
of care, and medical and other services), and IFSP Teams may have 
limited knowledge about funding for these services.
    The service coordinator typically would be responsible for 
obtaining this information. While we do not have any data on the number 
of hours service coordinators spend on this activity, we do know that 
many children served under part C of the Act have significant health 
care needs, and it could take several hours or more to identify funding 
for medical services needed by these children. For purposes of this 
analysis, we assume that service coordinators spend, on average, a 
minimum of two hours per year per child identifying funding for 
services not required by IDEA and describing this information in the 
IFSP. Based on employee compensation costs for health care and social 
assistance personnel calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
(BLS),\2\ we estimate average compensation for service coordinators to 
be approximately $34.99 per hour. Pursuant to section 637(b)(4) of the 
Act, each State submits an annual count to the Department of the number 
of children with disabilities ages birth through two served in the 
State. An analysis of trends in the annual count and in census data for 
this age range indicates that the States will serve approximately 
352,000 children under part C of the Act in fiscal year 2011. Based on 
these estimates, we estimate that savings from this change could be as 
much as $24.6 million.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Table 
4, State and local government, by occupational and industry group, 
last modified September 8, 2010, http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.t04.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since the BLS health care and social assistance personnel category 
is broad and may overestimate salaries for service coordinators, we 
also examined available data on wages and salaries for early 
intervention specialists employed by non-profit organizations, school 
districts, private companies, State and

[[Page 60241]]

local governments, and colleges and universities to derive a lower-
bound estimate for these savings based on an hourly wage of $14.60.\3\ 
Using the BLS estimate of fringe benefit costs for health care and 
social assistance personnel of $12.67 per hour, the lower-bound 
estimate of the savings from this change would be $19.2 million per 
year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Estimate based on an analysis of early intervention 
specialist salaries conducted by the PayScale Corporation and 
updated on November 12, 2010 (http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Early_Intervention_Specialist/Salary).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 303.409(c)--Fees for Records

    Section 303.409(c) requires the lead agency to provide parents with 
a copy of each evaluation, assessment, and IFSP pertaining to their 
child at no cost to the parents as soon as possible after the IFSP 
meeting. We do not anticipate that requiring States to provide a copy 
of evaluations, assessments, and IFSPs to parents, from the child's 
early intervention record, would result in a significant cost burden to 
States. Assuming that these documents, in total, would average no more 
than 100 pages, the cost of providing a copy to parents for the 
estimated 352,000 children served under the part C program in 2011 
would be $3.8 million, at a cost of $0.05 per photocopied page and no 
more than 10 minutes of a service coordinator's time using the previous 
compensation estimate of $34.99 per hour. As a standard practice, most 
States already provide these documents at no cost to parents, so the 
effective cost of this change would be minimal.

Section 303.436(b)--Parental Rights in Due Process Hearing Proceedings

    Section 303.436(b)(4) and (b)(5) has been changed to specify that a 
parent involved in a due process hearing has the right to receive a 
written or electronic verbatim transcription of the hearing and a copy 
of the written findings of fact and decisions at no cost to the parent. 
The cost impact of this requirement is likely to be minimal because 
there are very few due process hearings under the part C program. 
According to APR data submitted by States for FY 2008 (2008-09 
reporting period), only 18 due process hearings were held during this 
period. If a typical due process hearing lasts no more than 16 hours 
and an hour of testimony results in roughly 40 pages of printed text, 
the cost to a State of providing an additional copy of the hearing 
transcript at $0.50 per page would be $320.00. Assuming that there 
could be as many as 20 due process hearings, the annual cost of this 
requirement would be no more than $6,400.

Section 303.520(a)--Policies Related to the Use of Public Benefits or 
Insurance To Pay for Part C Services

    This section addresses the use of public benefits or insurance to 
pay for part C services, which is not addressed in the current 
regulations. Section 303.520(a) establishes three new requirements that 
are designed to provide important protections for parents of infants 
and toddlers with disabilities balanced against the need for States to 
have access to public benefits and public insurance to finance part C 
services while implementing the system of payments, coordination of 
funding sources, and payor of last resort requirements under sections 
632(4), 635(a)(10)(B) and 640 of the Act.
    Section 303.520(a)(2)(i) prohibits a State from requiring a parent 
to enroll in a public benefits or insurance program as a condition of 
receiving part C services. Under this section, a State may seek to 
enroll a parent in a public benefits or insurance program, but a parent 
can decline to enroll without affecting any right to receive part C 
services. The purpose of this provision is to protect the parent's 
right to confidentiality of personally identifiable information (where 
the lead agency is the same State agency that administers the public 
benefits or insurance program, such as Medicaid) and to protect the 
parents from incurring costs involuntarily. We expect this 
clarification to affect a limited number of States as the majority of 
States with systems of payments on file with the Department in FFY 2009 
that address the use of public benefits or insurance to pay for part C 
services do not require families to enroll in those programs in order 
to receive part C services. Moreover, we believe that most parents will 
agree to enroll their infants and toddlers in programs like Medicaid 
voluntarily since it is generally to the family's advantage to obtain 
health insurance for all family members to pay for general medical 
care, including well baby visits and routine immunizations.
    However, the few States that currently require parents to enroll in 
public benefits or insurance programs in order to receive part C 
services could potentially lose revenue if eligible parents decline to 
enroll in these programs. However, this potential loss of public 
benefits or insurance funds is outweighed by the benefits of protecting 
the privacy and autonomy of parents (including minimizing any potential 
negative financial impact that use of public benefits or insurance may 
have on parents). Moreover, the loss of public benefits or insurance 
does not increase the cost of early intervention services; it shifts 
the cost of those services to another revenue source.
    Section 303.520(a)(2)(ii) requires the State to obtain consent to 
use a child's or parent's public benefits or insurance to pay for part 
C services if such use would have a cost impact on the family, 
specifically if that use would decrease available lifetime coverage or 
any other insured benefit of the child or parent, result in the parents 
paying for services that would otherwise be covered by the program, 
result in any increase in premiums or discontinuation of benefits or 
insurance, or risk loss of eligibility for the child or parents for 
home and community-based waivers based on aggregate health-related 
expenditures.
    We would expect that there would be few instances in which parental 
consent would be required under this provision because Medicaid is the 
primary source of public insurance for part C services and Medicaid 
generally does not have limitations on lifetime coverage, pose any risk 
of increased premiums, or present any risk of loss of eligibility or 
discontinuation of benefits or insurance that would trigger the consent 
requirement. However, in those instances where there was a risk of 
increased premiums or out-of-pocket costs, States may create incentives 
for parents to provide consent by ensuring that the State's system of 
payments ensures that no out-of-pocket costs (including premium costs) 
are incurred by those parents eligible for Medicaid (currently 133% of 
the Federal poverty level).
    Finally, Sec.  303.520(a)(1) permits the State to access a child's 
or parent's public benefits or insurance if the State provides written 
notification to the child's parents and so long as the parent would not 
incur the specified costs identified above as a result of the use of 
those benefits, unless the parent had provided consent to use of such 
benefits for those services.
    Section 303.520(a)(3) specifies that this written notification must 
include: (1) A statement that parental consent must be obtained under 
Sec.  303.414 (where applicable) before the public agency discloses, 
for billing purposes, their child's personally identifiable information 
to the agency responsible for the administration of the State's public 
benefits or insurance program; (2) a statement of the no cost 
provisions in new Sec.  303.520(a)(2) and that if the parent does not 
provide the consent under Sec.  303.520(a)(2), the State lead agency 
must still make available those part C services in the IFSP for which 
the

[[Page 60242]]

parent has provided consent; (3) a statement that the parents have the 
right under Sec.  303.414, if that provision applies, to withdraw their 
consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information to the 
State public agency responsible for the administration of the State's 
public benefits or insurance program at any time; and (4) a statement 
of the general categories of costs that the parent could incur as a 
result of participating in a public benefits or insurance program (such 
as co-payments or deductibles, or the required use of private insurance 
as the primary insurance).
    Although the specific format and content may vary by State, we 
estimate that it would take no more than 10 hours per State to draft a 
written notice that complied with these requirements and that the 
notice would not exceed 4 pages in length.
    According to the National Compensation Survey from the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for lawyers employed full-time 
in State or local government is $38.46.\4\ With benefit costs of 
approximately 35 percent, we estimate that the cost per State of 
drafting and translating this notice into other languages, if 
applicable, would be no more than $520, for a national cost of $29,120.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ocs/sp/nctb1479.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We also expect that providing this notification to parents will not 
have a significant cost impact because the timing of the written 
notification is left to the discretion of the State lead agency. In 
many instances, States would have an opportunity to provide this 
notification, either by mail or in person, in conjunction with the 
prior written notice already required under Sec.  303.421 or other 
required documentation (such as a copy of the IFSP) or at the IFSP 
meeting or periodic review and would incur only the additional cost of 
photocopying the notification.
    The National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS) 
collected data on a representative sample of 3,338 children who entered 
the part C program for the first time between September 1997 and 
November 1998 and at various points until the children entered 
Kindergarten. These data indicate that 44 percent of the families 
participating in the part C program participate in a government-
assisted health insurance or public benefits program such as Medicaid 
or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).\5\ Although we do 
not have the benefit of more recent data, we assume that the percentage 
of part C families enrolled in public benefits or insurance programs 
has remained fairly constant and that approximately 155,000 of the 
353,028 infants and toddlers served under part C in the fall of 2009 
are in families that also participate in public benefits or insurance 
programs. For the reasons already described, we assume for this 
analysis that virtually all of the families participating in a public 
benefits or insurance program would be covered by the notification 
requirements and not the consent requirements that apply if use of the 
parent's insurance is expected to result in certain specified costs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Unpublished analysis of NEILS data by SRI, International, 
for the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information on the 
NEILS, including access to a public use dataset, is available on the 
study Web site (http://www.sri.com/neils).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate that the cost of producing this notification for the 
estimated 155,000 infants and toddlers who participate in both the part 
C program and a public benefits or insurance program would be at most 
$341,000 per year for all States, if each 4-page notice cost 20 cents 
to photocopy and required 5 minutes of administrative personnel 
time.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Calculated using the median hourly wage for secretaries and 
administrative assistants employed full-time by State or local 
governments of $17.75 (http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ocs/sp/nctb1479.pdf) 
with benefit costs of 35 percent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In some instances, States would be unable to provide this written 
notification at the initial or other IFSP meeting in person during a 
service visit, or in conjunction with other mailings, and may need to 
provide written notification by mail separately. Assuming that sending 
written notification by mail is required for one quarter of the 
eligible infants and toddlers and would require 44 cents in postage and 
10 cents for an envelope, the additional cost of mailing these 
notifications would be an estimated $20,925 annually.
    We believe that the potential cost to States of implementing this 
required notification is very minor and would be offset by the benefits 
of ensuring that parents are aware that their child's personally 
identifiable information will be disclosed to the State agency 
responsible for the State's public benefits or insurance program, that 
this disclosure and billing cannot result in specified costs to them, 
that they have the right under Sec.  303.414 (where applicable) to 
withdraw consent for this disclosure at any time, and that refusal to 
provide consent or withdrawal of this consent will not jeopardize their 
child's access to services under the part C program.

Section 303.520(b)--Policies Related to Use of Private Insurance To Pay 
for Part C Services

    Under Sec.  303.520(b), a State may not access a parent's private 
insurance to pay for part C services unless the parent provides consent 
to do so, except in States that have enacted legislation that provides 
certain no-cost protections. Overall, we do not believe the final 
regulations will have a significant effect on States because private 
insurance funds represent a more limited proportion of States' part C 
budgets than funds from public benefits or insurance programs. Twenty-
six States reported in either their FFY 2001 or 2002 part C APRs that 
they used funds from private insurance and/or family fees to pay for 
part C services.\7\ For 21 of these 26 jurisdictions, the average 
percentage of the State's overall part C budget that represented funds 
from private insurance and/or family fees was 4.9 percent. Notably, 
those few States for which private insurance represents a relatively 
larger share of their budget (i.e., more than 10 percent) are States 
that would not be subject to the general consent requirement because 
they have enacted State statutes providing the requisite protections. 
That is, as required by Sec.  303.520(b), the State legislation ensures 
that the use of private health insurance to pay for part C services 
would not: (1) Count towards or result in a loss of benefits due to the 
annual or lifetime health insurance coverage caps for the infant or 
toddler with a disability or family, (2) negatively affect the 
availability of health insurance for the child and family, (3) result 
in the discontinuation of health insurance coverage, or (4) be the 
basis for increasing the private insurance premiums for the child or 
family. In States without these statutes, it is unlikely that these 
States are accessing private insurance to any significant extent 
without parental consent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The 2002 Part C APR was the last APR in which State lead 
agencies were required to report data on funding sources.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Part C services must be provided free of charge unless the State 
has established a system of payments. States wishing to use a parent's 
or child's private insurance funds to pay for part C services should 
have already included this option in a system of payments, especially 
in cases where the use of private insurance involves co-payments and 
deductibles. Even in cases where the State might be willing to cover 
the up-front costs (e.g., the co-payment) in order to obtain parental 
consent to use private insurance, the State could not

[[Page 60243]]

have done so without access to personally identifiable information that 
could not be obtained without consent. As such, the requirement to 
obtain parental consent to use private insurance is not a change in 
practice. Any potential loss of revenue to States from not being able 
to access private insurance because parents will not provide consent 
would be offset by the benefits of protecting the autonomy of the 
family and the benefits of ensuring that they are not unknowingly 
incurring costs.

Section 303.521(c)--States With FAPE Mandates or That Use Part B Funds 
To Provide Services to Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities

    This provision incorporates long-standing policy and requirements 
under part B of the Act that, if a State is required under State law to 
provide FAPE for, or uses funds under part B of the Act to pay for, 
services for infants and toddlers with disabilities or a subset of 
children with disabilities under the age of three, the State must 
ensure that those services that constitute FAPE are provided at no 
cost. For example, if a State has established a system of payments 
under part C of the Act, but under State law mandates FAPE for a 
particular subgroup of children under the age of three (either by age 
and/or disability group, such as individuals who are blind), the State 
cannot charge for any services that are part of FAPE for that child or 
family. Because Sec.  303.521(c) clarifies current requirements and 
practice, this change is not expected to result in any change in costs 
for State agencies, early intervention service providers, or families.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 does not require you to respond 
to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control 
number. We display the valid OMB control numbers assigned to the 
collections of information in these final regulations at the end of 
each of the affected sections of the regulations.
    These final regulations include the following five information 
collection requirements associated with the following provisions: 
Sec. Sec.  303.101, 303.111 through 303.126, 303.200 through 303.227, 
303.301, 303.430, 303.431(a)(2)(i), 303.432 through 303.434, 
303.440(b), 303.443(c)(3), 303.520(a), 303.701, 303.702, and 303.720 
through 303.724.
    A description of these provisions is given below with an estimate 
of the annual recordkeeping burden. Included in the estimate is the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 
each collection of information.
    Collection of information: IDEA part C State Performance Plan (SPP) 
and Annual Performance Report (APR), (Information Collection 1820-
0578). Affected regulation sections for this information collection are 
Sec. Sec.  303.124, 303.701 and 303.702.
    Each statewide system must include a system for compiling and 
timely reporting accurate data. Each State must have in place, a 
performance plan that evaluates the State's efforts to implement the 
requirements and purposes of part C of the Act and describes how the 
State will improve implementation. Each State also must report annually 
to the public on the performance of each EIS provider in the State on 
the targets in the State's performance plan, and the State must report 
annually to the Secretary on the performance of the State under the 
State's performance plan.
    Annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to be 180 hours annually for maintaining the 
SPP and 1800 hours completing the APR, for each of 56 respondents. The 
total annual burden to States for maintaining the SPP is estimated to 
be 10,080 hours. Of the total 180 hours, it is estimated that 100 hours 
will be spent planning the report, 50 hours will be spent writing the 
report, and 30 hours will be spent typing and compiling the report. Of 
the estimated 1800 hours for completing the APR, it is estimated that 
1720 hours will be spent planning (i.e., setting up data collection 
processes, reporting data, cleaning and analyzing the data, etc.) the 
report, 40 hours will be spent writing the report, and 40 hours will be 
spent typing and compiling the report. The total annual burden to 
States for completing the APR is estimated to be 100,800. The Council 
reviews, provides comments on, and certifies the lead agency's report, 
and either agrees or disagrees with the report. The estimated annual 
burden for the Council is two hours to review, certify, and add 
comments to each report, as needed.
    Collection of information: Annual State Application under part C of 
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as amended. 
(Information Collection 1820-0550) Affected regulation sections for 
this information collection are Sec. Sec.  303.101, 303.111 through 
303.126, and 303.200 through 303.227. Under Sec.  303.101, States are 
required to submit in the grant application new and/or revised State 
policies, procedures, methods, certifications, and descriptions that 
are described in Sec. Sec.  303.201 through 303.212 of subpart C of 
these regulations and assurances for the application requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  303.111 through 303.126 and 303.221 through 303.227.
    There are 56 respondents who are required to submit the part C 
Annual State Application if they seek to receive Federal part C funds. 
The annual data burden for this collection is estimated to average 10 
hours per respondent. Thus, the annual total burden estimate for this 
information collection is 560 hours. No changes are expected to the 
version of Information Collection 1820-0550 that is approved by OMB 
through December 31, 2010.
    Collection of information: Report of Infants and Toddlers Receiving 
Early Intervention Services in Accordance with part C; Report of 
Program Settings Where Early Intervention Services are Provided to 
Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families in Accordance 
with part C of the Act: (Information Collection 1820-0557) Affected 
regulation sections for this information collection are Sec. Sec.  
303.124 and 303.720 through 303.724.
    Each lead agency that receives assistance under part C of the Act 
must provide data each year to the Secretary and the public on infants 
and toddlers with disabilities. There are 56 respondents who are 
required to provide part C data on infants and toddlers with 
disabilities. There are three Tables found in this collection. The 
estimated burden for this collection is 107 hours per State agency or 
5,987 hours total.
    Collection of Information: Report of Dispute Resolution Under part 
C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Complaints, 
Mediations, and Due Process Hearings (Information Collection 1820-0678) 
The affected regulation section for this information collection is 
Sec.  303.430. Under sections 616(a)(3)(B), 618(a)(1)(F), (a)(1)(H), 
and (a)(3), 639(a)(1), and 642 of the Act, the Secretary requires 
States to report data on the dispute resolution procedures the State is 
required to maintain under Sec.  303.430. Each State must report the 
number of due process complaints, number of due process hearings 
conducted and the number of mediations held and the number of 
settlement agreements reached through such mediations. Additionally, if 
the State has adopted under Sec.  303.430(d)(2) the part B due process 
hearing procedures, the State must report on the number of dispute 
resolution sessions and the number of settlement

[[Page 60244]]

agreements reached through such resolution sessions. The data 
collection form provides instructions and information for States for 
submitting their dispute resolution data.
    There are 56 respondents who are required to submit data regarding 
the part C dispute resolution process. The total burden for all States 
was calculated by multiplying the average number of hours by 56. For 
lead agencies, the estimated average burden is 60 hours per lead 
agency, representing a total burden estimate of 3,360 hours. The 
required number of hours needed to produce these data is expected to 
decline as systems are expanded to collect all required data elements, 
personnel are trained on reporting these data, and edits are 
implemented to automate data cleaning.
    Collection of Information: State and EIS Record Keeping, 
Notification, Reporting, and Third Party Disclosure Requirements under 
part C (Information Collection 1820-0682). Affected regulation sections 
for this information collection are Sec. Sec.  303.430(c) and (d)(2), 
303.431(b)(2)(i), 303.432 through 303.434, 303.440(b), 303.443(c)(3), 
and 303.520(a). The Act requires State lead agencies and EIS providers 
to gather, maintain, report, and disclose various information and data, 
but the Act does not require this information and data to be submitted 
to the Department.
    Each State lead agency must have on file a list of mediators and 
procedures to ensure the timely resolution of State complaints. There 
are 56 State-level record keepers who must maintain a list of 
mediators. It is estimated to take approximately three hours annually 
for record keepers to update and maintain the lists, representing a 
total burden of 168 hours. Each of the 56 State lead agencies process 
on average three complaints annually. It takes approximately 24 hours 
for a State lead agency to issue a written decision to a complaint, 
representing a total burden of 4032 hours. If the State lead agency 
adopts part B due process hearing procedures, then the lead agency must 
also have on file a list of hearing officers and must provide parents 
information on low-cost legal and other services under specific 
circumstances. There are approximately 45 State due process complaints 
annually, and the data burden is expected to require an average of 30 
minutes per hearing request to inform parents of the availability of 
low-cost legal services, representing a total burden of 22.5 hours. 
Approximately 15 States have adopted part B due process procedures for 
part C. It is estimated to take approximately three hours annually for 
record keepers to update and maintain the lists, representing a total 
burden of 45 hours. Additionally, each State lead agency must provide a 
written notification to parents prior to accessing a child's or 
parent's public benefits or insurance. For each State lead agency, it 
takes an average of about 10 hours to draft the notice, representing a 
total burden of 560 hours. As discussed in the supporting statement, 
other requirements identified in the NPRM as potential information 
collections, were not specific collections but rather affirmative 
responsibilities of lead agencies and EIS providers regarding fiscal 
and programmatic requirements.
    The estimated average burden is 86 hours per lead agency. Annual 
reporting, notification, and recordkeeping burden for this collection 
of information is estimated to be approximately 4827.5 hours for 56 
respondents (State lead agencies).

Intergovernmental Review

    This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. The objective of the 
Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a 
strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and 
local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal 
financial assistance.
    In accordance with this order, we intend this document to provide 
early notification of the Department's specific plans and actions for 
this program.

Assessment of Educational Impact

    In the NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2007, and 
in accordance with section 441 of the General Education Provisions Act, 
20 U.S.C. 1221e-4, we requested comments on whether the proposed 
regulations would require transmission of information that any other 
agency or authority of the United States gathers or makes available. 
Based on the response to the NPRM and on our own review, we have 
determined that these final regulations do not require transmission of 
information that any other agency or authority of the United States 
gathers or makes available.

Electronic Access to This Document

    You may view this document, as well as all other Department of 
Education document published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe 
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: 
http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.
    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. 
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in 
the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

    Note: The official version of this document is the document 
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the 
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal 
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.181)

List of Subjects in 34 CFR Part 303

    Education of individuals with disabilities, Grant programs--
education, Infants and toddlers, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Dated: August 31, 2011.
Arne Duncan,
Secretary of Education.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Secretary amends 
title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations by revising part 303 to 
read as follows:

PART 303--EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS WITH 
DISABILITIES

Subpart A--General

Purpose and Applicable Regulations

Sec.
303.1 Purpose of the early intervention program for infants and 
toddlers with disabilities.
303.2 Eligible recipients of an award and applicability of this 
part.
303.3 Applicable regulations.

Definitions Used in This Part

303.4 Act.
303.5 At-risk infant or toddler.
303.6 Child.
303.7 Consent.
303.8 Council.
303.9 Day.
303.10 Developmental delay.
303.11 Early intervention service program.
303.12 Early intervention service provider.
303.13 Early intervention services.
303.14 Elementary school.
303.15 Free appropriate public education.
303.16 Health services.
303.17 Homeless children.
303.18 Include; including.
303.19 Indian; Indian tribe.
303.20 Individualized family service plan.
303.21 Infant or toddler with a disability.
303.22 Lead agency.
303.23 Local educational agency.
303.24 Multidisciplinary.
303.25 Native language.
303.26 Natural environments.
303.27 Parent.
303.28 Parent training and information center.
303.29 Personally identifiable information.

[[Page 60245]]

303.30 Public agency.
303.31 Qualified personnel.
303.32 Scientifically based research.
303.33 Secretary.
303.34 Service coordination services (case management).
303.35 State.
303.36 State educational agency.
303.37 Ward of the State.
Subpart B--State Eligibility for a Grant and Requirements for a 
Statewide System

General Authority and Eligibility

303.100 General authority.
303.101 State eligibility--requirements for a grant under this part.

State Conformity With Part C of the Act and Abrogation of State 
Sovereign Immunity

303.102 State conformity with Part C of the Act.
303.103 Abrogation of State sovereign immunity.

Equipment and Construction

303.104 Acquisition of equipment and construction or alteration of 
facilities.

Positive Efforts To Employ and Advance Qualified Individuals With 
Disabilities

303.105 Positive efforts to employ and advance qualified individuals 
with disabilities.

Minimum Components of a Statewide System

303.110 Minimum components of a statewide system.
303.111 State definition of developmental delay.
303.112 Availability of early intervention services.
303.113 Evaluation, assessment, and nondiscriminatory procedures.
303.114 Individualized family service plan (IFSP).
303.115 Comprehensive child find system.
303.116 Public awareness program.
303.117 Central directory.
303.118 Comprehensive system of personnel development (CSPD).
303.119 Personnel standards.
303.120 Lead agency role in supervision, monitoring, funding, 
interagency coordination, and other responsibilities.
303.121 Policy for contracting or otherwise arranging for services.
303.122 Reimbursement procedures.
303.123 Procedural safeguards.
303.124 Data collection.
303.125 State interagency coordinating council.
303.126 Early intervention services in natural environments.
Subpart C--State Application and Assurances

General

303.200 State application and assurances.

Application Requirements

303.201 Designation of lead agency.
303.202 Certification regarding financial responsibility.
303.203 Statewide system and description of services.
303.204 Application's definition of at-risk infants and toddlers and 
description of services.
303.205 Description of use of funds.
303.206 Referral policies for specific children.
303.207 Availability of resources.
303.208 Public participation policies and procedures.
303.209 Transition to preschool and other programs.
303.210 Coordination with Head Start and Early Head Start, early 
education, and child care programs.
303.211 State option to make services under this part available to 
children ages three and older.
303.212 Additional information and assurances.

Assurances

303.220 Assurances satisfactory to the Secretary.
303.221 Expenditure of funds.
303.222 Payor of last resort.
303.223 Control of funds and property.
303.224 Reports and records.
303.225 Prohibition against supplanting; indirect costs.
303.226 Fiscal control.
303.227 Traditionally underserved groups.

Subsequent Applications and Modifications, Eligibility Determinations, 
and Standard of Disapproval

303.228 Subsequent State application and modifications of 
application.
303.229 Determination by the Secretary that a State is eligible.
303.230 Standard for disapproval of an application.

Department Procedures

303.231 Notice and hearing before determining that a State is not 
eligible.
303.232 Hearing Official or Panel.
303.233 Hearing procedures.
303.234 Initial decision; final decision.
303.235 Filing requirements.
303.236 Judicial review.
Subpart D--Child Find, Evaluations and Assessments, and Individualized 
Family Service Plans

General

303.300 General.

Pre-Referral Procedures--Public Awareness Program and Child Find System

303.301 Public awareness program--information for parents.
303.302 Comprehensive child find system.

Referral Procedures

303.303 Referral procedures.
303.304-303.309 [Reserved]

Post-Referral Procedures--Screenings, Evaluations, and Assessments

303.310 Post-referral timeline (45 days).
303.311-303.319 [Reserved]
303.320 Screening procedures (optional).
303.321 Evaluation of the child and assessment of the child and 
family.
303.322 Determination that a child is not eligible.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

303.340 Individualized family service plan--general.
303.341 [Reserved]
303.342 Procedures for IFSP development, review, and evaluation.
303.343 IFSP Team meeting and periodic review.
303.344 Content of an IFSP.
303.345 Interim IFSPs--provision of services before evaluations and 
assessments are completed.
303.346 Responsibility and accountability.
Subpart E--Procedural Safeguards

General

303.400 General responsibility of lead agency for procedural 
safeguards.

Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information and Early 
Intervention Records

303.401 Confidentiality and opportunity to examine records.
303.402 Confidentiality.
303.403 Definitions.
303.404 Notice to parents.
303.405 Access rights.
303.406 Record of access.
303.407 Records on more than one child.
303.408 List of types and locations of information.
303.409 Fees for Records.
303.410 Amendment of records at a parent's request.
303.411 Opportunity for a hearing.
303.412 Result of hearing.
303.413 Hearing procedures.
303.414 Consent prior to disclosure or use.
303.415 Safeguards.
303.416 Destruction of information.
303.417 Enforcement.

Parental Consent and Notice

303.420 Parental consent and ability to decline services.
303.421 Prior written notice and procedural safeguards notice.

Surrogate Parents

303.422 Surrogate parents.

Dispute Resolution Options

303.430 State dispute resolution options.

Mediation

303.431 Mediation.

State Complaint Procedures

303.432 Adoption of State complaint procedures.
303.433 Minimum State complaint procedures.
303.434 Filing a complaint.

States That Choose To Adopt the Part C Due Process Hearing Procedures 
Under Section 639 of the Act

303.435 Appointment of an impartial due process hearing officer.
303.436 Parental rights in due process hearing proceedings.
303.437 Convenience of hearings and timelines.
303.438 Civil action.

[[Page 60246]]

States That Choose To Adopt the Part B Due Process Hearing Procedures 
Under Section 615 of the Act

303.440 Filing a due process complaint.
303.441 Due process complaint.
303.442 Resolution process.
303.443 Impartial due process hearing.
303.444 Hearing rights.
303.445 Hearing decisions.
303.446 Finality of decision; appeal; impartial review.
303.447 Timelines and convenience of hearings and reviews.
303.448 Civil action.
303.449 State enforcement mechanisms.
Subpart F--Use of Funds and Payor of Last Resort

General

303.500 Use of funds, payor of last resort and system of payments.

Use of Funds

303.501 Permissive use of funds by the lead agency.

Payor of Last Resort--General Provisions

303.510 Payor of last resort.
303.511 Methods to ensure the provision of, and financial 
responsibility for, Part C services.

Payor of Last Resort & System of Payments Provisions--Use of Insurance, 
Benefits, Systems of Payments, and Fees

303.520 Policies related to use of insurance to pay for Part C 
services.
303.521 System of payments and fees.
Subpart G--State Interagency Coordinating Council
303.600 Establishment of Council.
303.601 Composition.
303.602 Meetings.
303.603 Use of funds by the Council.
303.604 Functions of the Council--required duties.
303.605 Authorized activities by the Council.
Subpart H---State Monitoring and Enforcement; Federal Monitoring and 
Enforcement; Reporting; and Allocation of Funds

Federal and State Monitoring and Enforcement

303.700 State monitoring and enforcement.
303.701 State performance plans and data collection.
303.702 State use of targets and reporting.
303.703 Secretary's review and determination regarding State 
performance.
303.704 Enforcement.
303.705 Withholding funds.
303.706 Public attention.
303.707 Rule of construction.
303.708 State enforcement.

Reports--Program Information

303.720 Data requirements--general.
303.721 Annual report of children served--report requirement.
303.722 Data reporting.
303.723 Annual report of children served--certification.
303.724 Annual report of children served--other responsibilities of 
the lead agency.

Allocation of Funds

303.730 Formula for State allocations.
303.731 Payments to Indians.
303.732 State allotments.
303.733 Reallotment of funds.
303.734 Reservation for State incentive grants.
Appendix A to Part 303--Index for IDEA Part C Regulations

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

Subpart A--General

Purpose and Applicable Regulations

Sec.  303.1  Purpose of the early intervention program for infants and 
toddlers with disabilities.

    The purpose of this part is to provide financial assistance to 
States to--
    (a) Develop and implement a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, 
multidisciplinary, interagency system that provides early intervention 
services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families;
    (b) Facilitate the coordination of payment for early intervention 
services from Federal, State, local, and private sources (including 
public and private insurance coverage);
    (c) Enhance State capacity to provide quality early intervention 
services and expand and improve existing early intervention services 
being provided to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their 
families;
    (d) Enhance the capacity of State and local agencies and service 
providers to identify, evaluate, and meet the needs of all children, 
including historically underrepresented populations, particularly 
minority, low-income, inner-city, and rural children, and infants and 
toddlers in foster care; and
    (e) Encourage States to expand opportunities for children under 
three years of age who would be at risk of having substantial 
developmental delay if they did not receive early intervention 
services.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1400(d)(2), 1431(a)(5), 1431(b))

Sec.  303.2  Eligible recipients of an award and applicability of this 
part.

    (a) Eligible recipients of an award. Eligible recipients include 
the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of 
Columbia, the Secretary of the Interior, and the following 
jurisdictions: Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, 
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    (b) Applicability of this part.
    (1) The provisions of this part apply to--
    (i) The State lead agency and any EIS provider that is part of the 
statewide system of early intervention, regardless of whether that EIS 
provider receives funds under part C of the Act; and
    (ii) All children referred to the part C program, including infants 
and toddlers with disabilities consistent with the definitions in 
Sec. Sec.  303.6 and 303.21, and their families.
    (2) The provisions of this part do not apply to any child with a 
disability receiving a free appropriate public education or FAPE under 
34 CFR part 300.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(31), 1434, 1435(a)(10)(A))

Sec.  303.3  Applicable regulations.

    (a) The following regulations apply to this part:
    (1) The regulations in this part 303.
    (2) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations 
(EDGAR), including 34 CFR parts 76 (except for Sec.  76.103), 77, 79, 
80, 81, 82, 84, 85, and 86.
    (b) In applying the regulations cited in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, any reference to--
    (1) State educational agency means the lead agency under this part; 
and
    (2) Education records or records means early intervention records.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221(b), 1221e-3, 1431-1444)

Definitions Used in This Part

Sec.  303.4  Act.

    Act means the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as 
amended.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1400(a))

Sec.  303.5  At-risk infant or toddler.

    At-risk infant or toddler means an individual under three years of 
age who would be at risk of experiencing a substantial developmental 
delay if early intervention services were not provided to the 
individual. At the State's discretion, at-risk infant or toddler may 
include an infant or toddler who is at risk of experiencing 
developmental delays because of biological or environmental factors 
that can be identified (including low birth weight, respiratory 
distress as a newborn, lack of oxygen, brain hemorrhage, infection, 
nutritional deprivation, a history of abuse or neglect, and being 
directly affected by illegal substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms 
resulting from prenatal drug exposure).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(1), 1432(5)(B)(i) and 1437(a)(6))

[[Page 60247]]

Sec.  303.6  Child.

    Child means an individual under the age of six and may include an 
infant or toddler with a disability, as that term is defined in Sec.  
303.21.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(5))

Sec.  303.7  Consent.

    Consent means that--
    (a) The parent has been fully informed of all information relevant 
to the activity for which consent is sought, in the parent's native 
language, as defined in Sec.  303.25;
    (b) The parent understands and agrees in writing to the carrying 
out of the activity for which the parent's consent is sought, and the 
consent form describes that activity and lists the early intervention 
records (if any) that will be released and to whom they will be 
released; and
    (c)(1) The parent understands that the granting of consent is 
voluntary on the part of the parent and may be revoked at any time.
    (2) If a parent revokes consent, that revocation is not retroactive 
(i.e., it does not apply to an action that occurred before the consent 
was revoked).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439)

Sec.  303.8  Council.

    Council means the State Interagency Coordinating Council that meets 
the requirements of subpart G of this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(2))

Sec.  303.9  Day.

    Day means calendar day, unless otherwise indicated.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3)

Sec.  303.10  Developmental delay.

    Developmental delay, when used with respect to a child residing in 
a State, has the meaning given that term by the State under Sec.  
303.111.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(3))

Sec.  303.11  Early intervention service program.

    Early intervention service program or EIS program means an entity 
designated by the lead agency for reporting under Sec. Sec.  303.700 
through 303.702.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416, 1431-1444)

Sec.  303.12  Early intervention service provider.

    (a) Early intervention service provider or EIS provider means an 
entity (whether public, private, or nonprofit) or an individual that 
provides early intervention services under part C of the Act, whether 
or not the entity or individual receives Federal funds under part C of 
the Act, and may include, where appropriate, the lead agency and a 
public agency responsible for providing early intervention services to 
infants and toddlers with disabilities in the State under part C of the 
Act.
    (b) An EIS provider is responsible for--
    (1) Participating in the multidisciplinary individualized family 
service plan (IFSP) Team's ongoing assessment of an infant or toddler 
with a disability and a family-directed assessment of the resources, 
priorities, and concerns of the infant's or toddler's family, as 
related to the needs of the infant or toddler, in the development of 
integrated goals and outcomes for the IFSP;
    (2) Providing early intervention services in accordance with the 
IFSP of the infant or toddler with a disability; and
    (3) Consulting with and training parents and others regarding the 
provision of the early intervention services described in the IFSP of 
the infant or toddler with a disability.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1431-1444)

Sec.  303.13  Early intervention services.

    (a) General. Early intervention services means developmental 
services that--
    (1) Are provided under public supervision;
    (2) Are selected in collaboration with the parents;
    (3) Are provided at no cost, except, subject to Sec. Sec.  303.520 
and 303.521, where Federal or State law provides for a system of 
payments by families, including a schedule of sliding fees;
    (4) Are designed to meet the developmental needs of an infant or 
toddler with a disability and the needs of the family to assist 
appropriately in the infant's or toddler's development, as identified 
by the IFSP Team, in any one or more of the following areas, 
including--
    (i) Physical development;
    (ii) Cognitive development;
    (iii) Communication development;
    (iv) Social or emotional development; or
    (v) Adaptive development;
    (5) Meet the standards of the State in which the early intervention 
services are provided, including the requirements of part C of the Act;
    (6) Include services identified under paragraph (b) of this 
section;
    (7) Are provided by qualified personnel (as that term is defined in 
Sec.  303.31), including the types of personnel listed in paragraph (c) 
of this section;
    (8) To the maximum extent appropriate, are provided in natural 
environments, as defined in Sec.  303.26 and consistent with Sec. Sec.  
303.126 and 303.344(d); and
    (9) Are provided in conformity with an IFSP adopted in accordance 
with section 636 of the Act and Sec.  303.20.
    (b) Types of early intervention services. Subject to paragraph (d) 
of this section, early intervention services include the following 
services defined in this paragraph:
    (1) Assistive technology device and service are defined as follows:
    (i) Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, 
or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, 
modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve 
the functional capabilities of an infant or toddler with a disability. 
The term does not include a medical device that is surgically 
implanted, including a cochlear implant, or the optimization (e.g., 
mapping), maintenance, or replacement of that device.
    (ii) Assistive technology service means any service that directly 
assists an infant or toddler with a disability in the selection, 
acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term 
includes--
    (A) The evaluation of the needs of an infant or toddler with a 
disability, including a functional evaluation of the infant or toddler 
with a disability in the child's customary environment;
    (B) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition 
of assistive technology devices by infants or toddlers with 
disabilities;
    (C) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, 
maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
    (D) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or 
services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated 
with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
    (E) Training or technical assistance for an infant or toddler with 
a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family; and
    (F) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including 
individuals providing education or rehabilitation services) or other 
individuals who provide services to, or are otherwise substantially 
involved in the major life functions of, infants and toddlers with 
disabilities.
    (2) Audiology services include--
    (i) Identification of children with auditory impairments, using at-
risk criteria and appropriate audiologic screening techniques;
    (ii) Determination of the range, nature, and degree of hearing loss 
and

[[Page 60248]]

communication functions, by use of audiological evaluation procedures;
    (iii) Referral for medical and other services necessary for the 
habilitation or rehabilitation of an infant or toddler with a 
disability who has an auditory impairment;
    (iv) Provision of auditory training, aural rehabilitation, speech 
reading and listening devices, orientation and training, and other 
services;
    (v) Provision of services for prevention of hearing loss; and
    (vi) Determination of the child's individual amplification, 
including selecting, fitting, and dispensing appropriate listening and 
vibrotactile devices, and evaluating the effectiveness of those 
devices.
    (3) Family training, counseling, and home visits means services 
provided, as appropriate, by social workers, psychologists, and other 
qualified personnel to assist the family of an infant or toddler with a 
disability in understanding the special needs of the child and 
enhancing the child's development.
    (4) Health services has the meaning given the term in Sec.  303.16.
    (5) Medical services means services provided by a licensed 
physician for diagnostic or evaluation purposes to determine a child's 
developmental status and need for early intervention services.
    (6) Nursing services include--
    (i) The assessment of health status for the purpose of providing 
nursing care, including the identification of patterns of human 
response to actual or potential health problems;
    (ii) The provision of nursing care to prevent health problems, 
restore or improve functioning, and promote optimal health and 
development; and
    (iii) The administration of medications, treatments, and regimens 
prescribed by a licensed physician.
    (7) Nutrition services include--
    (i) Conducting individual assessments in--
    (A) Nutritional history and dietary intake;
    (B) Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical variables;
    (C) Feeding skills and feeding problems; and
    (D) Food habits and food preferences;
    (ii) Developing and monitoring appropriate plans to address the 
nutritional needs of children eligible under this part, based on the 
findings in paragraph (b)(7)(i) of this section; and
    (iii) Making referrals to appropriate community resources to carry 
out nutrition goals.
    (8) Occupational therapy includes services to address the 
functional needs of an infant or toddler with a disability related to 
adaptive development, adaptive behavior, and play, and sensory, motor, 
and postural development. These services are designed to improve the 
child's functional ability to perform tasks in home, school, and 
community settings, and include--
    (i) Identification, assessment, and intervention;
    (ii) Adaptation of the environment, and selection, design, and 
fabrication of assistive and orthotic devices to facilitate development 
and promote the acquisition of functional skills; and
    (iii) Prevention or minimization of the impact of initial or future 
impairment, delay in development, or loss of functional ability.
    (9) Physical therapy includes services to address the promotion of 
sensorimotor function through enhancement of musculoskeletal status, 
neurobehavioral organization, perceptual and motor development, 
cardiopulmonary status, and effective environmental adaptation. These 
services include--
    (i) Screening, evaluation, and assessment of children to identify 
movement dysfunction;
    (ii) Obtaining, interpreting, and integrating information 
appropriate to program planning to prevent, alleviate, or compensate 
for movement dysfunction and related functional problems; and
    (iii) Providing individual and group services or treatment to 
prevent, alleviate, or compensate for, movement dysfunction and related 
functional problems.
    (10) Psychological services include--
    (i) Administering psychological and developmental tests and other 
assessment procedures;
    (ii) Interpreting assessment results;
    (iii) Obtaining, integrating, and interpreting information about 
child behavior and child and family conditions related to learning, 
mental health, and development; and
    (iv) Planning and managing a program of psychological services, 
including psychological counseling for children and parents, family 
counseling, consultation on child development, parent training, and 
education programs.
    (11) Service coordination services has the meaning given the term 
in Sec.  303.34.
    (12) Sign language and cued language services include teaching sign 
language, cued language, and auditory/oral language, providing oral 
transliteration services (such as amplification), and providing sign 
and cued language interpretation.
    (13) Social work services include--
    (i) Making home visits to evaluate a child's living conditions and 
patterns of parent-child interaction;
    (ii) Preparing a social or emotional developmental assessment of 
the infant or toddler within the family context;
    (iii) Providing individual and family-group counseling with parents 
and other family members, and appropriate social skill-building 
activities with the infant or toddler and parents;
    (iv) Working with those problems in the living situation (home, 
community, and any center where early intervention services are 
provided) of an infant or toddler with a disability and the family of 
that child that affect the child's maximum utilization of early 
intervention services; and
    (v) Identifying, mobilizing, and coordinating community resources 
and services to enable the infant or toddler with a disability and the 
family to receive maximum benefit from early intervention services.
    (14) Special instruction includes--
    (i) The design of learning environments and activities that promote 
the infant's or toddler's acquisition of skills in a variety of 
developmental areas, including cognitive processes and social 
interaction;
    (ii) Curriculum planning, including the planned interaction of 
personnel, materials, and time and space, that leads to achieving the 
outcomes in the IFSP for the infant or toddler with a disability;
    (iii) Providing families with information, skills, and support 
related to enhancing the skill development of the child; and
    (iv) Working with the infant or toddler with a disability to 
enhance the child's development.
    (15) Speech-language pathology services include--
    (i) Identification of children with communication or language 
disorders and delays in development of communication skills, including 
the diagnosis and appraisal of specific disorders and delays in those 
skills;
    (ii) Referral for medical or other professional services necessary 
for the habilitation or rehabilitation of children with communication 
or language disorders and delays in development of communication 
skills; and
    (iii) Provision of services for the habilitation, rehabilitation, 
or prevention of communication or language disorders and delays in 
development of communication skills.
    (16) Transportation and related costs include the cost of travel 
and other costs that are necessary to enable an infant or

[[Page 60249]]

toddler with a disability and the child's family to receive early 
intervention services.
    (17) Vision services mean--
    (i) Evaluation and assessment of visual functioning, including the 
diagnosis and appraisal of specific visual disorders, delays, and 
abilities that affect early childhood development;
    (ii) Referral for medical or other professional services necessary 
for the habilitation or rehabilitation of visual functioning disorders, 
or both; and
    (iii) Communication skills training, orientation and mobility 
training for all environments, visual training, and additional training 
necessary to activate visual motor abilities.
    (c) Qualified personnel. The following are the types of qualified 
personnel who provide early intervention services under this part:
    (1) Audiologists.
    (2) Family therapists.
    (3) Nurses.
    (4) Occupational therapists.
    (5) Orientation and mobility specialists.
    (6) Pediatricians and other physicians for diagnostic and 
evaluation purposes.
    (7) Physical therapists.
    (8) Psychologists.
    (9) Registered dieticians.
    (10) Social workers.
    (11) Special educators, including teachers of children with hearing 
impairments (including deafness) and teachers of children with visual 
impairments (including blindness).
    (12) Speech and language pathologists.
    (13) Vision specialists, including ophthalmologists and 
optometrists.
    (d) Other services. The services and personnel identified and 
defined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section do not comprise 
exhaustive lists of the types of services that may constitute early 
intervention services or the types of qualified personnel that may 
provide early intervention services. Nothing in this section prohibits 
the identification in the IFSP of another type of service as an early 
intervention service provided that the service meets the criteria 
identified in paragraph (a) of this section or of another type of 
personnel that may provide early intervention services in accordance 
with this part, provided such personnel meet the requirements in Sec.  
303.31.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(4))

Sec.  303.14  Elementary school.

    Elementary school means a nonprofit institutional day or 
residential school, including a public elementary charter school, that 
provides elementary education, as determined under State law.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(6))

Sec.  303.15  Free appropriate public education.

    Free appropriate public education or FAPE, as used in Sec. Sec.  
303.211, 303.501, and 303.521, means special education and related 
services that--
    (a) Are provided at public expense, under public supervision and 
direction, and without charge;
    (b) Meet the standards of the State educational agency (SEA), 
including the requirements of part B of the Act;
    (c) Include an appropriate preschool, elementary school, or 
secondary school education in the State involved; and
    (d) Are provided in conformity with an individualized education 
program (IEP) that meets the requirements of 34 CFR 300.320 through 
300.324.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(9))

Sec.  303.16  Health services.

    (a) Health services mean services necessary to enable an otherwise 
eligible child to benefit from the other early intervention services 
under this part during the time that the child is eligible to receive 
early intervention services.
    (b) The term includes--
    (1) Such services as clean intermittent catheterization, 
tracheostomy care, tube feeding, the changing of dressings or colostomy 
collection bags, and other health services; and
    (2) Consultation by physicians with other service providers 
concerning the special health care needs of infants and toddlers with 
disabilities that will need to be addressed in the course of providing 
other early intervention services.
    (c) The term does not include--
    (1) Services that are--
    (i) Surgical in nature (such as cleft palate surgery, surgery for 
club foot, or the shunting of hydrocephalus);
    (ii) Purely medical in nature (such as hospitalization for 
management of congenital heart ailments, or the prescribing of medicine 
or drugs for any purpose); or
    (iii) Related to the implementation, optimization (e.g., mapping), 
maintenance, or replacement of a medical device that is surgically 
implanted, including a cochlear implant.
    (A) Nothing in this part limits the right of an infant or toddler 
with a disability with a surgically implanted device (e.g., cochlear 
implant) to receive the early intervention services that are identified 
in the child's IFSP as being needed to meet the child's developmental 
outcomes.
    (B) Nothing in this part prevents the EIS provider from routinely 
checking that either the hearing aid or the external components of a 
surgically implanted device (e.g., cochlear implant) of an infant or 
toddler with a disability are functioning properly;
    (2) Devices (such as heart monitors, respirators and oxygen, and 
gastrointestinal feeding tubes and pumps) necessary to control or treat 
a medical condition; and
    (3) Medical-health services (such as immunizations and regular 
``well-baby'' care) that are routinely recommended for all children.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(4))

Sec.  303.17  Homeless children.

    Homeless children means children who meet the definition given the 
term homeless children and youths in section 725 (42 U.S.C. 11434a) of 
the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 11431 
et seq.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(11))

Sec.  303.18  Include; including.

    Include or including means that the items named are not all of the 
possible items that are covered, whether like or unlike the ones named.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3)

Sec.  303.19  Indian; Indian tribe.

    (a) Indian means an individual who is a member of an Indian tribe.
    (b) Indian tribe means any Federal or State Indian tribe, band, 
rancheria, pueblo, colony, or community, including any Alaska Native 
village or regional village corporation (as defined in or established 
under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
    (c) Nothing in this definition is intended to indicate that the 
Secretary of the Interior is required to provide services or funding to 
a State Indian Tribe that is not listed in the Federal Register list of 
Indian entities recognized as eligible to receive services from the 
United States, published pursuant to section 104 of the Federally 
Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. 479a-1.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(12)-(13))

Sec.  303.20  Individualized family service plan.

    Individualized family service plan or IFSP means a written plan for 
providing early intervention services to an infant or toddler with a 
disability under this part and the infant's or toddler's family that--
    (a) Is based on the evaluation and assessment described in Sec.  
303.321;
    (b) Includes the content specified in Sec.  303.344;
    (c) Is implemented as soon as possible once parental consent for 
the early

[[Page 60250]]

intervention services in the IFSP is obtained (consistent with Sec.  
303.420); and
    (d) Is developed in accordance with the IFSP procedures in 
Sec. Sec.  303.342, 303.343, and 303.345.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(15), 1435(a)(4), 1436)

Sec.  303.21  Infant or toddler with a disability.

    (a) Infant or toddler with a disability means an individual under 
three years of age who needs early intervention services because the 
individual--
    (1) Is experiencing a developmental delay, as measured by 
appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures, in one or more of 
the following areas:
    (i) Cognitive development.
    (ii) Physical development, including vision and hearing.
    (iii) Communication development.
    (iv) Social or emotional development.
    (v) Adaptive development; or
    (2) Has a diagnosed physical or mental condition that--
    (i) Has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay; and
    (ii) Includes conditions such as chromosomal abnormalities; genetic 
or congenital disorders; sensory impairments; inborn errors of 
metabolism; disorders reflecting disturbance of the development of the 
nervous system; congenital infections; severe attachment disorders; and 
disorders secondary to exposure to toxic substances, including fetal 
alcohol syndrome.
    (b) Infant or toddler with a disability may include, at a State's 
discretion, an at-risk infant or toddler (as defined in Sec.  303.5).
    (c) Infant or toddler with a disability may include, at a State's 
discretion, a child with a disability who is eligible for services 
under section 619 of the Act and who previously received services under 
this part until the child enters, or is eligible under State law to 
enter, kindergarten or elementary school, as appropriate, provided that 
any programs under this part must include--
    (1) An educational component that promotes school readiness and 
incorporates pre-literacy, language, and numeracy skills for children 
ages three and older who receive part C services pursuant to Sec.  
303.211; and
    (2) A written notification to parents of a child with a disability 
who is eligible for services under section 619 of the Act and who 
previously received services under this part of their rights and 
responsibilities in determining whether their child will continue to 
receive services under this part or participate in preschool programs 
under section 619 of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(16), 1432(5))

Sec.  303.22  Lead agency.

    Lead agency means the agency designated by the State's Governor 
under section 635(a)(10) of the Act and Sec.  303.120 that receives 
funds under section 643 of the Act to administer the State's 
responsibilities under part C of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(10))

Sec.  303.23  Local educational agency.

    (a) General. Local educational agency or LEA means a public board 
of education or other public authority legally constituted within a 
State for either administrative control or direction of, or to perform 
a service function for, public elementary schools or secondary schools 
in a city, county, township, school district, or other political 
subdivision of a State, or for a combination of school districts or 
counties as are recognized in a State as an administrative agency for 
its public elementary schools or secondary schools.
    (b) Educational service agencies and other public institutions or 
agencies. The term includes the following:
    (1) Educational service agency, defined as a regional public 
multiservice agency--
    (i) Authorized by State law to develop, manage, and provide 
services or programs to LEAs; and
    (ii) Recognized as an administrative agency for purposes of the 
provision of special education and related services provided within 
public elementary schools and secondary schools of the State.
    (2) Any other public institution or agency having administrative 
control and direction of a public elementary school or secondary 
school, including a public charter school that is established as an LEA 
under State law.
    (3) Entities that meet the definition of intermediate educational 
unit or IEU in section 602(23) of the Act, as in effect prior to June 
4, 1997. Under that definition an intermediate educational unit or IEU 
means any public authority other than an LEA that--
    (i) Is under the general supervision of a State educational agency;
    (ii) Is established by State law for the purpose of providing FAPE 
on a regional basis; and
    (iii) Provides special education and related services to children 
with disabilities within the State.
    (c) BIE-funded schools. The term includes an elementary school or 
secondary school funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, and not 
subject to the jurisdiction of any SEA other than the Bureau of Indian 
Education, but only to the extent that the inclusion makes the school 
eligible for programs for which specific eligibility is not provided to 
the school in another provision of law and the school does not have a 
student population that is smaller than the student population of the 
LEA receiving assistance under the Act with the smallest student 
population.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(5), 1401(19))

Sec.  303.24  Multidisciplinary.

    Multidisciplinary means the involvement of two or more separate 
disciplines or professions and with respect to--
    (a) Evaluation of the child in Sec. Sec.  303.113 and 
303.321(a)(1)(i) and assessments of the child and family in Sec.  
303.321(a)(1)(ii), may include one individual who is qualified in more 
than one discipline or profession; and
    (b) The IFSP Team in Sec.  303.340 must include the involvement of 
the parent and two or more individuals from separate disciplines or 
professions and one of these individuals must be the service 
coordinator (consistent with Sec.  303.343(a)(1)(iv)).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1435(a)(3), 1436(a)(1), 1436(a)(3))

Sec.  303.25  Native language.

    (a) Native language, when used with respect to an individual who is 
limited English proficient or LEP (as that term is defined in section 
602(18) of the Act), means--
    (1) The language normally used by that individual, or, in the case 
of a child, the language normally used by the parents of the child, 
except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section; and
    (2) For evaluations and assessments conducted pursuant to Sec.  
303.321(a)(5) and (a)(6), the language normally used by the child, if 
determined developmentally appropriate for the child by qualified 
personnel conducting the evaluation or assessment.
    (b) Native language, when used with respect to an individual who is 
deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, or for an 
individual with no written language, means the mode of communication 
that is normally used by the individual (such as sign language, 
braille, or oral communication).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(20))

Sec.  303.26  Natural environments.

    Natural environments means settings that are natural or typical for 
a same-aged infant or toddler without a disability, may include the 
home or

[[Page 60251]]

community settings, and must be consistent with the provisions of Sec.  
303.126.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432, 1435, 1436)

Sec.  303.27  Parent.

    (a) Parent means--
    (1) A biological or adoptive parent of a child;
    (2) A foster parent, unless State law, regulations, or contractual 
obligations with a State or local entity prohibit a foster parent from 
acting as a parent;
    (3) A guardian generally authorized to act as the child's parent, 
or authorized to make early intervention, educational, health or 
developmental decisions for the child (but not the State if the child 
is a ward of the State);
    (4) An individual acting in the place of a biological or adoptive 
parent (including a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative) with 
whom the child lives, or an individual who is legally responsible for 
the child's welfare; or
    (5) A surrogate parent who has been appointed in accordance with 
Sec.  303.422 or section 639(a)(5) of the Act.
    (b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the 
biological or adoptive parent, when attempting to act as the parent 
under this part and when more than one party is qualified under 
paragraph (a) of this section to act as a parent, must be presumed to 
be the parent for purposes of this section unless the biological or 
adoptive parent does not have legal authority to make educational or 
early intervention service decisions for the child.
    (2) If a judicial decree or order identifies a specific person or 
persons under paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this section to act 
as the ``parent'' of a child or to make educational or early 
intervention service decisions on behalf of a child, then the person or 
persons must be determined to be the ``parent'' for purposes of part C 
of the Act, except that if an EIS provider or a public agency provides 
any services to a child or any family member of that child, that EIS 
provider or public agency may not act as the parent for that child.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(23), 1439(a)(5))

Sec.  303.28  Parent training and information center.

    Parent training and information center means a center assisted 
under section 671 or 672 of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(25))

Sec.  303.29  Personally identifiable information.

    Personally identifiable information means personally identifiable 
information as defined in 34 CFR 99.3, as amended, except that the term 
``student'' in the definition of personally identifiable information in 
34 CFR 99.3 means ``child'' as used in this part and any reference to 
``school'' means ``EIS provider'' as used in this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415, 1439)

Sec.  303.30  Public agency.

    As used in this part, public agency means the lead agency and any 
other agency or political subdivision of the State.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(10))

Sec.  303.31  Qualified personnel.

    Qualified personnel means personnel who have met State approved or 
recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable 
requirements that apply to the areas in which the individuals are 
conducting evaluations or assessments or providing early intervention 
services.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(4)(F))

Sec.  303.32  Scientifically based research.

    Scientifically based research has the meaning given the term in 
section 9101(37) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 
as amended (ESEA). In applying the ESEA to the regulations under part C 
of the Act, any reference to ``education activities and programs'' 
refers to ``early intervention services.''

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(2))

Sec.  303.33  Secretary.

    Secretary means the Secretary of Education.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(28))

Sec.  303.34  Service coordination services (case management).

    (a) General. (1) As used in this part, service coordination 
services mean services provided by a service coordinator to assist and 
enable an infant or toddler with a disability and the child's family to 
receive the services and rights, including procedural safeguards, 
required under this part.
    (2) Each infant or toddler with a disability and the child's family 
must be provided with one service coordinator who is responsible for--
    (i) Coordinating all services required under this part across 
agency lines; and
    (ii) Serving as the single point of contact for carrying out the 
activities described in paragraphs (a)(3) and (b) of this section.
    (3) Service coordination is an active, ongoing process that 
involves--
    (i) Assisting parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities in 
gaining access to, and coordinating the provision of, the early 
intervention services required under this part; and
    (ii) Coordinating the other services identified in the IFSP under 
Sec.  303.344(e) that are needed by, or are being provided to, the 
infant or toddler with a disability and that child's family.
    (b) Specific service coordination services. Service coordination 
services include--
    (1) Assisting parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities in 
obtaining access to needed early intervention services and other 
services identified in the IFSP, including making referrals to 
providers for needed services and scheduling appointments for infants 
and toddlers with disabilities and their families;
    (2) Coordinating the provision of early intervention services and 
other services (such as educational, social, and medical services that 
are not provided for diagnostic or evaluative purposes) that the child 
needs or is being provided;
    (3) Coordinating evaluations and assessments;
    (4) Facilitating and participating in the development, review, and 
evaluation of IFSPs;
    (5) Conducting referral and other activities to assist families in 
identifying available EIS providers;
    (6) Coordinating, facilitating, and monitoring the delivery of 
services required under this part to ensure that the services are 
provided in a timely manner;
    (7) Conducting follow-up activities to determine that appropriate 
part C services are being provided;
    (8) Informing families of their rights and procedural safeguards, 
as set forth in subpart E of this part and related resources;
    (9) Coordinating the funding sources for services required under 
this part; and
    (10) Facilitating the development of a transition plan to 
preschool, school, or, if appropriate, to other services.
    (c) Use of the term service coordination or service coordination 
services. The lead agency's or an EIS provider's use of the term 
service coordination or service coordination services does not preclude 
characterization of the services as case management or any other 
service that is covered by another payor of last resort (including 
Title XIX of the Social Security Act--Medicaid), for purposes of claims 
in compliance with the requirements of Sec. Sec.  303.501 through 
303.521 (Payor of last resort provisions).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(4), 1435(a)(4), 1436(d)(7), 1440)

[[Page 60252]]

Sec.  303.35  State.

    Except as provided in Sec.  303.732(d)(3) (regarding State 
allotments under this part), State means each of the 50 States, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the four 
outlying areas and jurisdictions of Guam, American Samoa, the United 
States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(31))

Sec.  303.36  State educational agency.

    (a) State educational agency or SEA means the State board of 
education or other agency or officer primarily responsible for the 
State supervision of public elementary schools and secondary schools, 
or, if there is no such officer or agency, an officer or agency 
designated by the Governor or by State law.
    (b) The term includes the agency that receives funds under sections 
611 and 619 of the Act to administer the State's responsibilities under 
part B of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(32))

Sec.  303.37  Ward of the State.

    (a) General. Subject to paragraph (b) of this section, ward of the 
State means a child who, as determined by the State where the child 
resides, is--
    (1) A foster child;
    (2) A ward of the State; or
    (3) In the custody of a public child welfare agency.
    (b) Exception. Ward of the State does not include a foster child 
who has a foster parent who meets the definition of a parent in Sec.  
303.27.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(36))

Subpart B--State Eligibility for a Grant and Requirements for a 
Statewide System

General Authority and Eligibility

Sec.  303.100  General authority.

    The Secretary, in accordance with part C of the Act, makes grants 
to States (from their allotments under section 643 of the Act) to 
assist each State to maintain and implement a statewide, comprehensive, 
coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system to provide early 
intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and 
their families.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1433)

Sec.  303.101  State eligibility--requirements for a grant under this 
part.

    In order to be eligible for a grant under part C of the Act for any 
fiscal year, a State must meet the following conditions:
    (a) Assurances regarding early intervention services and a 
statewide system. The State must provide assurances to the Secretary 
that--
    (1) The State has adopted a policy that appropriate early 
intervention services, as defined in Sec.  303.13, are available to all 
infants and toddlers with disabilities in the State and their families, 
including--
    (i) Indian infants and toddlers with disabilities and their 
families residing on a reservation geographically located in the State;
    (ii) Infants and toddlers with disabilities who are homeless 
children and their families; and
    (iii) Infants and toddlers with disabilities who are wards of the 
State; and
    (2) The State has in effect a statewide system of early 
intervention services that meets the requirements of section 635 of the 
Act, including policies and procedures that address, at a minimum, the 
components required in Sec. Sec.  303.111 through 303.126.
    (b) State application and assurances. The State must provide 
information and assurances to the Secretary, in accordance with subpart 
C of this part, including--
    (1) Information that shows that the State meets the State 
application requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.200 through 303.212; and
    (2) Assurances that the State also meets the requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  303.221 through 303.227.
    (c) Approval before implementation. The State must obtain approval 
by the Secretary before implementing any policy or procedure required 
to be submitted as part of the State's application in Sec. Sec.  
303.203, 303.204, 303.206, 303.207, 303.208, 303.209, and 303.211.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1434, 1435, 1437)

State Conformity With Part C of the Act and Abrogation of State 
Sovereign Immunity

Sec.  303.102  State conformity with Part C of the Act.

    Each State that receives funds under part C of the Act must ensure 
that any State rules, regulations, and policies relating to this part 
conform to the purposes and requirements of this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1407(a)(1))

Sec.  303.103  Abrogation of State sovereign immunity.

    (a) General. A State is not immune under the 11th amendment of the 
Constitution of the United States from suit in Federal court for a 
violation of part C of the Act.
    (b) Remedies. In a suit against a State for a violation of part C 
of the Act, remedies (including remedies both at law and in equity) are 
available for such a violation to the same extent as those remedies are 
available for such a violation in a suit against any public entity 
other than a State.
    (c) Effective date. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section apply 
with respect to violations that occur in whole or part after October 
30, 1990, the date of enactment of the Education of the Handicapped Act 
Amendments of 1990.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1403)

Equipment and Construction

Sec.  303.104  Acquisition of equipment and construction or alteration 
of facilities.

    (a) General. If the Secretary determines that a program authorized 
under part C of the Act will be improved by permitting program funds to 
be used to acquire appropriate equipment or to construct new facilities 
or alter existing facilities, the Secretary may allow the use of those 
funds for those purposes.
    (b) Compliance with certain regulations. Any construction of new 
facilities or alteration of existing facilities under paragraph (a) of 
this section must comply with the requirements of--
    (1) Appendix A of part 36 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations 
(commonly known as the ``Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility 
Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities''); or
    (2) Appendix A of subpart 101-19.6 of title 41, Code of Federal 
Regulations (commonly known as the ``Uniform Federal Accessibility 
Standards'').

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1404)

Positive Efforts To Employ and Advance Qualified Individuals With 
Disabilities

Sec.  303.105  Positive efforts to employ and advance qualified 
individuals with disabilities.

    Each recipient of assistance under part C of the Act must make 
positive efforts to employ and advance in employment, qualified 
individuals with disabilities in programs assisted under part C of the 
Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1405)

Minimum Components of a Statewide System

Sec.  303.110  Minimum components of a statewide system.

    Each statewide system (system) must include, at a minimum, the 
components

[[Page 60253]]

described in Sec. Sec.  303.111 through 303.126.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a))

Sec.  303.111  State definition of developmental delay.

    Each system must include the State's rigorous definition of 
developmental delay, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.10 and 303.203(c), 
that will be used by the State in carrying out programs under part C of 
the Act in order to appropriately identify infants and toddlers with 
disabilities who are in need of services under part C of the Act. The 
definition must--
    (a) Describe, for each of the areas listed in Sec.  303.21(a)(1), 
the evaluation and assessment procedures, consistent with Sec.  
303.321, that will be used to measure a child's development; and
    (b) Specify the level of developmental delay in functioning or 
other comparable criteria that constitute a developmental delay in one 
or more of the developmental areas identified in Sec.  303.21(a)(1).

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(1))

Sec.  303.112  Availability of early intervention services.

    Each system must include a State policy that is in effect and that 
ensures that appropriate early intervention services are based on 
scientifically based research, to the extent practicable, and are 
available to all infants and toddlers with disabilities and their 
families, including--
    (a) Indian infants and toddlers with disabilities and their 
families residing on a reservation geographically located in the State; 
and
    (b) Infants and toddlers with disabilities who are homeless 
children and their families.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(2))

Sec.  303.113  Evaluation, assessment, and nondiscriminatory 
procedures.

    (a) Subject to paragraph (b) of this section, each system must 
ensure the performance of--
    (1) A timely, comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation of the 
functioning of each infant or toddler with a disability in the State; 
and
    (2) A family-directed identification of the needs of the family of 
the infant or toddler to assist appropriately in the development of the 
infant or toddler.
    (b) The evaluation and family-directed identification required in 
paragraph (a) of this section must meet the requirements of Sec.  
303.321.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(3))

Sec.  303.114  Individualized family service plan (IFSP).

    Each system must ensure, for each infant or toddler with a 
disability and his or her family in the State, that an IFSP, as defined 
in Sec.  303.20, is developed and implemented that meets the 
requirements of Sec. Sec.  303.340 through 303.345, and that includes 
service coordination services, as defined in Sec.  303.34.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(4))

Sec.  303.115  Comprehensive child find system.

    Each system must include a comprehensive child find system that 
meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.302 and 303.303.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(5))

Sec.  303.116  Public awareness program.

    Each system must include a public awareness program that--
    (a) Focuses on the early identification of infants and toddlers 
with disabilities; and
    (b) Provides information to parents of infants and toddlers through 
primary referral sources in accordance with Sec.  303.301.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(6))

Sec.  303.117  Central directory.

    Each system must include a central directory that is accessible to 
the general public (i.e., through the lead agency's Web site and other 
appropriate means) and includes accurate, up-to-date information 
about--
    (a) Public and private early intervention services, resources, and 
experts available in the State;
    (b) Professional and other groups (including parent support, and 
training and information centers, such as those funded under the Act) 
that provide assistance to infants and toddlers with disabilities 
eligible under part C of the Act and their families; and
    (c) Research and demonstration projects being conducted in the 
State relating to infants and toddlers with disabilities.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(7))

Sec.  303.118  Comprehensive system of personnel development (CSPD).

    Each system must include a comprehensive system of personnel 
development, including the training of paraprofessionals and the 
training of primary referral sources with respect to the basic 
components of early intervention services available in the State. A 
comprehensive system of personnel development--
    (a) Must include--
    (1) Training personnel to implement innovative strategies and 
activities for the recruitment and retention of EIS providers;
    (2) Promoting the preparation of EIS providers who are fully and 
appropriately qualified to provide early intervention services under 
this part; and
    (3) Training personnel to coordinate transition services for 
infants and toddlers with disabilities who are transitioning from an 
early intervention service program under part C of the Act to a 
preschool program under section 619 of the Act, Head Start, Early Head 
Start, an elementary school program under part B of the Act, or another 
appropriate program.
    (b) May include--
    (1) Training personnel to work in rural and inner-city areas;
    (2) Training personnel in the emotional and social development of 
young children; and
    (3) Training personnel to support families in participating fully 
in the development and implementation of the child's IFSP; and
    (4) Training personnel who provide services under this part using 
standards that are consistent with early learning personnel development 
standards funded under the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood 
Education and Care established under the Head Start Act, if applicable.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(8))

Sec.  303.119  Personnel standards.

    (a) General. Each system must include policies and procedures 
relating to the establishment and maintenance of qualification 
standards to ensure that personnel necessary to carry out the purposes 
of this part are appropriately and adequately prepared and trained.
    (b) Qualification standards. The policies and procedures required 
in paragraph (a) of this section must provide for the establishment and 
maintenance of qualification standards that are consistent with any 
State-

[[Page 60254]]

approved or State-recognized certification, licensing, registration, or 
other comparable requirements that apply to the profession, discipline, 
or area in which personnel are providing early intervention services.
    (c) Use of paraprofessionals and assistants. Nothing in part C of 
the Act may be construed to prohibit the use of paraprofessionals and 
assistants who are appropriately trained and supervised in accordance 
with State law, regulation, or written policy to assist in the 
provision of early intervention services under part C of the Act to 
infants and toddlers with disabilities.
    (d) Policy to address shortage of personnel. A State may adopt a 
policy that includes making ongoing good-faith efforts to recruit and 
hire appropriately and adequately trained personnel to provide early 
intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities, 
including, in a geographic area of the State where there is a shortage 
of such personnel, the most qualified individuals available who are 
making satisfactory progress toward completing applicable course work 
necessary to meet the standards described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of 
this section.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(9), 1435(b))

Sec.  303.120  Lead agency role in supervision, monitoring, funding, 
interagency coordination, and other responsibilities.

    Each system must include a single line of responsibility in a lead 
agency designated or established by the Governor that is responsible 
for the following:
    (a)(1) The general administration and supervision of programs and 
activities administered by agencies, institutions, organizations, and 
EIS providers receiving assistance under part C of the Act.
    (2) The monitoring of programs and activities used by the State to 
carry out part C of the Act (whether or not the programs or activities 
are administered by agencies, institutions, organizations, and EIS 
providers that are receiving assistance under part C of the Act), to 
ensure that the State complies with part C of the Act, including--
    (i) Monitoring agencies, institutions, organizations, and EIS 
providers used by the State to carry out part C of the Act;
    (ii) Enforcing any obligations imposed on those agencies, 
institutions, organizations, and EIS providers under part C of the Act 
and these regulations;
    (iii) Providing technical assistance, if necessary, to those 
agencies, institutions, organizations, and EIS providers;
    (iv) Correcting any noncompliance identified through monitoring as 
soon as possible and in no case later than one year after the lead 
agency's identification of the noncompliance; and
    (v) Conducting the activities in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through 
(a)(2)(iv) of this section, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.700 through 
303.707, and any other activities required by the State under those 
sections.
    (b) The identification and coordination of all available resources 
for early intervention services within the State, including those from 
Federal, State, local, and private sources, consistent with subpart F 
of this part.
    (c) The assignment of financial responsibility in accordance with 
subpart F of this part.
    (d) The development of procedures in accordance with subpart F of 
this part to ensure that early intervention services are provided to 
infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families under part C 
of the Act in a timely manner, pending the resolution of any disputes 
among public agencies or EIS providers.
    (e) The resolution of intra- and interagency disputes in accordance 
with subpart F of this part.
    (f) The entry into formal interagency agreements or other written 
methods of establishing financial responsibility, consistent with Sec.  
303.511, that define the financial responsibility of each agency for 
paying for early intervention services (consistent with State law) and 
procedures for resolving disputes and that include all additional 
components necessary to ensure meaningful cooperation and coordination 
as set forth in subpart F of this part.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416, 1435(a)(10), 1442)

Sec.  303.121  Policy for contracting or otherwise arranging for 
services.

    Each system must include a policy pertaining to the contracting or 
making of other arrangements with public or private individuals or 
agency service providers to provide early intervention services in the 
State, consistent with the provisions of part C of the Act, including 
the contents of the application, and the conditions of the contract or 
other arrangements. The policy must--
    (a) Include a requirement that all early intervention services must 
meet State standards and be consistent with the provisions of this 
part; and
    (b) Be consistent with the Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR part 80.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(11))

Sec.  303.122  Reimbursement procedures.

    Each system must include procedures for securing the timely 
reimbursement of funds used under part C of the Act, in accordance with 
subpart F of this part.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(12), 1440(a))

Sec.  303.123  Procedural safeguards.

    Each system must include procedural safeguards that meet the 
requirements of subpart E of this part.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(13), 1439)

Sec.  303.124  Data collection.

    (a) Each statewide system must include a system for compiling and 
reporting timely and accurate data that meets the requirements in 
paragraph (b) of this section and Sec. Sec.  303.700 through 303.702 
and 303.720 through 303.724.
    (b) The data system required in paragraph (a) of this section must 
include a description of the process that the State uses, or will use, 
to compile data on infants or toddlers with disabilities receiving 
early intervention services under this part, including a description of 
the State's sampling methods, if sampling is used, for reporting the 
data required by the Secretary under sections 616 and 618 of the Act 
and Sec. Sec.  303.700 through 303.707 and 303.720 through 303.724.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550, 1820-0557 and 1820-0578)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416, 1418(a)-(c), 1435(a)(14), 1442)

Sec.  303.125  State interagency coordinating council.

    Each system must include a State Interagency Coordinating Council 
(Council) that meets the requirements of subpart G of this part.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(15))

Sec.  303.126  Early intervention services in natural environments.

    Each system must include policies and procedures to ensure, 
consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.13(a)(8) (early intervention services), 
303.26 (natural environments), and 303.344(d)(1)(ii)

[[Page 60255]]

(content of an IFSP), that early intervention services for infants and 
toddlers with disabilities are provided--
    (a) To the maximum extent appropriate, in natural environments; and
    (b) In settings other than the natural environment that are most 
appropriate, as determined by the parent and the IFSP Team, only when 
early intervention services cannot be achieved satisfactorily in a 
natural environment.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(16))

Subpart C--State Application and Assurances

General

Sec.  303.200  State application and assurances.

    Each application must contain--
    (a) The specific State application requirements (including 
certifications, descriptions, methods, and policies and procedures) 
required in Sec. Sec.  303.201 through 303.212; and
    (b) The assurances required in Sec. Sec.  303.221 through 303.227.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437)

Application Requirements

Sec.  303.201  Designation of lead agency.

    Each application must include the name of the State lead agency, as 
designated under Sec.  303.120, that will be responsible for the 
administration of funds provided under this part.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(a)(1))

Sec.  303.202  Certification regarding financial responsibility.

    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 
Sec.  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 (Sec. Sec.  
303.500 through 303.521) and are current as of the date of submission 
of the certification.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(a)(2))

Sec.  303.203  Statewide system and description of services.

    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 Sec. Sec.  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 
Sec.  303.511(b)(2) and (b)(3); and
    (c) The State's rigorous definition of developmental delay as 
required under Sec. Sec.  303.10 and 303.111.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(3), 1432(4)(B), 1432(4)(C), 1435(a)(1), 
1435(a)(10)(B), 1437(a)(3), 1440)

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

    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 Sec. Sec.  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.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(a)(4))

Sec.  303.205  Description of use of funds.

    (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 Sec.  
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 Sec.  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.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(10)(B), 1435(a)(10)(F), 1437(a)(3), 
1437(a)(5))

Sec.  303.206  Referral policies for specific children.

    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 Sec.  
303.303(b).

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3)(A), 1431, 1434(1), 1435(a)(2), 
1435(a)(5), 1435(c)(2)(G), 1437(a)(6), 1437(a)(10), 1441)

Sec.  303.207  Availability of resources.

    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.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(a)(7))

Sec.  303.208  Public participation policies and procedures.

    (a) Application. At least 60 days prior to being submitted to the 
Department,

[[Page 60256]]

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.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1231d, 1221e-3, 1437(a)(8))

Sec.  303.209  Transition to preschool and other programs.

    (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 Sec.  303.401(d) and (e)), Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  
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 Sec. Sec.  303.342(d) and (e) and 303.343(a).

[[Page 60257]]

    (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 Sec.  303.211.
    (2) In a State that offers services under Sec.  303.211, for 
toddlers with disabilities identified in Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  303.211(b)(1).
    (3) For children with disabilities age three and older who receive 
services pursuant to Sec.  303.211, the State must ensure that it 
satisfies the separate transition requirements in Sec.  
303.211(b)(6)(ii).

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3) and (a)(9), 1436(a)(3), 1437(a)(9))

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

    (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.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

    (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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(a)(10))

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

    (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 Sec. Sec.  303.520 and 303.521), if any, to 
parents of children eligible under this part.
    (2) Consistent with Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  
303.344 (and consented to by the parent under Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  303.401(e), the information 
listed in Sec.  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

[[Page 60258]]

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 Sec.  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 Sec. Sec.  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.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(c), 1437(a)(11))

Sec.  303.212  Additional information and assurances.

    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.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1228a(b), 1437(a)(11))

Assurances

Sec.  303.220  Assurances satisfactory to the Secretary.

    Each application must contain assurances satisfactory to the 
Secretary that the State has met the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.221 
through 303.227.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(b))

Sec.  303.221  Expenditure of funds.

    The State must ensure that Federal funds made available to the 
State under section 643 of the Act will be expended in accordance with 
the provisions of this part, including Sec. Sec.  303.500 and 303.501.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(b)(1))

Sec.  303.222  Payor of last resort.

    The State must ensure that it will comply with the requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  303.510 and 303.511 in subpart F of this part.
(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(b)(2))

Sec.  303.223  Control of funds and property.

    The State must ensure that--
    (a) The control of funds provided under this part, and title to 
property acquired with those funds, will be in a public agency for the 
uses and purposes provided in this part; and
    (b) A public agency will administer the funds and property.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(b)(3))

Sec.  303.224  Reports and records.

    The State must ensure that it will--
    (a) Make reports in the form and containing the information that 
the Secretary may require; and
    (b) Keep records and afford access to those records as the 
Secretary may find necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements 
of this part, the correctness and verification of reports, and the 
proper disbursement of funds provided under this part.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(b)(4))

Sec.  303.225  Prohibition against supplanting; indirect costs.

    (a) Each application must provide satisfactory assurance that the 
Federal funds made available under section 643 of the Act to the State:
    (1) Will not be commingled with State funds; and
    (2) Will be used so as to supplement the level of State and local 
funds expended for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their 
families and in no case to supplant those State and local funds.
    (b) To meet the requirement in paragraph (a) of this section, the 
total amount of State and local funds budgeted for expenditures in the 
current fiscal year for early intervention services for children 
eligible under this part and their families must be at least equal to 
the total amount of State and local funds actually expended for early 
intervention services for these children and their families in the most 
recent preceding fiscal year for which the information is available. 
Allowance may be made for--
    (1) A decrease in the number of infants and toddlers who are 
eligible to receive early intervention services under this part; and
    (2)) Unusually large amounts of funds expended for such long-term 
purposes as the acquisition of equipment and the construction of 
facilities.
    (c) Requirement regarding indirect costs. (1) Except as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a lead agency under this part may not 
charge indirect costs to its part C grant.
    (2) If approved by the lead agency's cognizant Federal agency or by 
the Secretary, the lead agency must charge indirect costs through 
either--
    (i) A restricted indirect cost rate that meets the requirements in 
34 CFR 76.560 through 76.569; or
    (ii) A cost allocation plan that meets the non-supplanting 
requirements in paragraph (b) of this section and 34 CFR part 76 of 
EDGAR.
    (3) In charging indirect costs under paragraph (c)(2)(i) and 
(c)(2)(ii) of this section, the lead agency may not charge rent, 
occupancy, or space maintenance costs directly to the part C grant, 
unless those costs are specifically approved in advance by the 
Secretary.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(b)(5))

Sec.  303.226  Fiscal control.

    The State must ensure that fiscal control and fund accounting 
procedures will be adopted as necessary to ensure proper disbursement 
of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid under this part.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(b)(6))

Sec.  303.227  Traditionally underserved groups.

    The State must ensure that policies and practices have been adopted 
to ensure--
    (a) That traditionally underserved groups, including minority, low-
income, homeless, and rural families and

[[Page 60259]]

children with disabilities who are wards of the State, are meaningfully 
involved in the planning and implementation of all the requirements of 
this part; and
    (b) That these families have access to culturally competent 
services within their local geographical areas.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0550)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1231d, 1437(b)(7))

Subsequent Applications and Modifications, Eligibility Determinations, 
and Standard of Disapproval

Sec.  303.228  Subsequent State application and modifications of 
application.

    (a) Subsequent State application. If a State has on file with the 
Secretary a policy, procedure, method, or assurance that demonstrates 
that the State meets an application requirement in this part, including 
any policy, procedure, method, or assurance filed under this part (as 
in effect before the date of enactment of the Act, December 3, 2004), 
the Secretary considers the State to have met that requirement for 
purposes of receiving a grant under this part.
    (b) Modification of application. An application submitted by a 
State that meets the requirements of this part remains in effect until 
the State submits to the Secretary such modifications as the State 
determines necessary. This section applies to a modification of an 
application to the same extent and in the same manner as this paragraph 
applies to the original application.
    (c) Modifications required by the Secretary. The Secretary may 
require a State to modify its application under this part to the extent 
necessary to ensure the State's compliance with this part if--
    (1) An amendment is made to the Act or to a Federal regulation 
issued under the Act;
    (2) A new interpretation of the Act is made by a Federal court or 
the State's highest court; or
    (3) An official finding of noncompliance with Federal law or 
regulations is made with respect to the State.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(d)-(f))

Sec.  303.229  Determination by the Secretary that a State is eligible.

    If the Secretary determines that a State is eligible to receive a 
grant under part C of the Act, the Secretary notifies the State of that 
determination.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437)

Sec.  303.230  Standard for disapproval of an application.

    The Secretary does not disapprove an application under this part 
unless the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a 
hearing in accordance with the procedures in Sec. Sec.  303.231 through 
303.236, that the application fails to comply with the requirements of 
this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(c))

Department Procedures

Sec.  303.231  Notice and hearing before determining that a State is 
not eligible.

    (a) General. (1) The Secretary does not make a final determination 
that a State is not eligible to receive a grant under part C of the Act 
until providing the State--
    (i) Reasonable notice; and
    (ii) An opportunity for a hearing.
    (2) In implementing paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the 
Secretary sends a written notice to the lead agency by certified mail 
with a return receipt requested.
    (b) Content of notice. In the written notice described in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section, the Secretary--
    (1) States the basis on which the Secretary proposes to make a 
final determination that the State is not eligible;
    (2) May describe possible options for resolving the issues;
    (3) Advises the lead agency that it may request a hearing and that 
the request for a hearing must be made not later than 30 days after it 
receives the notice of the proposed final determination that the State 
is not eligible; and
    (4) Provides the lead agency with information about the hearing 
procedures that will be followed.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(c))

Sec.  303.232  Hearing Official or Panel.

    (a) If the lead agency requests a hearing, the Secretary designates 
one or more individuals, either from the Department or elsewhere, not 
responsible for or connected with the administration of this program, 
to conduct a hearing.
    (b) If more than one individual is designated, the Secretary 
designates one of those individuals as the Chief Hearing Official of 
the Hearing Panel. If one individual is designated, that individual is 
the Hearing Official.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(c))

Sec.  303.233  Hearing procedures.

    (a) As used in Sec. Sec.  303.231 through 303.235, the term party 
or parties means any of the following:
    (1) A lead agency that requests a hearing regarding the proposed 
disapproval of the State's eligibility under this part.
    (2) The Department official who administers the program of 
financial assistance under this part.
    (3) A person, group, or agency with an interest in, and having 
relevant information about, the case that has applied for and been 
granted leave to intervene by the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel.
    (b) Within 15 days after receiving a request for a hearing, the 
Secretary designates a Hearing Official or Hearing Panel and notifies 
the parties.
    (c) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may regulate the course 
of proceedings and the conduct of the parties during the proceedings. 
The Hearing Official or Panel takes all steps necessary to conduct a 
fair and impartial proceeding, to avoid delay, and to maintain order, 
including the following:
    (1) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may hold conferences or 
other types of appropriate proceedings to clarify, simplify, or define 
the issues or to consider other matters that may aid in the disposition 
of the case.
    (2) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may schedule a prehearing 
conference with the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel and the parties.
    (3) Any party may request the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel to 
schedule a prehearing or other conference. The Hearing Official or 
Hearing Panel decides whether a conference is necessary and notifies 
all parties.
    (4) At a prehearing or other conference, the Hearing Official or 
Hearing Panel and the parties may consider subjects such as--
    (i) Narrowing and clarifying issues;
    (ii) Assisting the parties in reaching agreements and stipulations;
    (iii) Clarifying the positions of the parties;
    (iv) Determining whether an evidentiary hearing or oral argument 
should be held; and
    (v) Setting dates for--
    (A) The exchange of written documents;
    (B) The receipt of comments from the parties on the need for oral 
argument or an evidentiary hearing;
    (C) Further proceedings before the Hearing Official or Hearing 
Panel, including an evidentiary hearing or oral argument, if either is 
scheduled;
    (D) Requesting the names of witnesses each party wishes to present 
at an evidentiary hearing and an estimation of time for each 
presentation; and

[[Page 60260]]

    (E) Completion of the review and the initial decision of the 
Hearing Official or Hearing Panel.
    (5) A prehearing or other conference held under paragraph (c)(4) of 
this section may be conducted by telephone conference call.
    (6) At a prehearing or other conference, the parties must be 
prepared to discuss the subjects listed in paragraph (c)(4) of this 
section.
    (7) Following a prehearing or other conference, the Hearing 
Official or Hearing Panel may issue a written statement describing the 
issues raised, the action taken, and the stipulations and agreements 
reached by the parties.
    (d) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may require the parties 
to state their positions and to provide all or part of their evidence 
in writing.
    (e) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may require the parties 
to present testimony through affidavits and to conduct cross-
examination through interrogatories.
    (f) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may direct the parties to 
exchange relevant documents, information, and lists of witnesses, and 
to send copies to the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel.
    (g) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may receive, rule on, 
exclude, or limit evidence at any stage of the proceedings.
    (h) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may rule on motions and 
other issues at any stage of the proceedings.
    (i) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may examine witnesses.
    (j) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may set reasonable time 
limits for submission of written documents.
    (k) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may refuse to consider 
documents or other submissions if they are not submitted in a timely 
manner unless good cause is shown.
    (l) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may interpret applicable 
statutes and regulations but may not waive them or rule on their 
validity.
    (m)(1) The parties must present their positions through briefs and 
the submission of other documents and may request an oral argument or 
evidentiary hearing. The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel must 
determine whether an oral argument or an evidentiary hearing is needed 
to clarify the positions of the parties.
    (2) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel gives each party an 
opportunity to be represented by counsel.
    (n) If the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel determines that an 
evidentiary hearing would materially assist the resolution of the 
matter, the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel gives each party, in 
addition to the opportunity to be represented by counsel--
    (1) An opportunity to present witnesses on the party's behalf; and
    (2) An opportunity to cross-examine witnesses either orally or with 
written questions.
    (o) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel accepts any evidence that 
it finds is relevant and material to the proceedings and is not unduly 
repetitious.
    (p)(1) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel--
    (i) Arranges for the preparation of a transcript of each hearing;
    (ii) Retains the original transcript as part of the record of the 
hearing; and
    (iii) Provides one copy of the transcript to each party.
    (2) Additional copies of the transcript are available on request 
and with payment of the reproduction fee.
    (q) Each party must file with the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel 
all written motions, briefs, and other documents and must at the same 
time provide a copy to the other parties to the proceedings.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(c))

Sec.  303.234  Initial decision; final decision.

    (a) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel prepares an initial 
written decision that addresses each of the points in the notice sent 
by the Secretary to the lead agency under Sec.  303.231, including any 
amendments to or further clarification of the issues under Sec.  
303.233(c).
    (b) The initial decision of a Hearing Panel is made by a majority 
of Hearing Panel members.
    (c) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel mails, by certified mail 
with return receipt requested, a copy of the initial decision to each 
party (or to the party's counsel) and to the Secretary, with a notice 
stating that each party has an opportunity to submit written comments 
regarding the decision to the Secretary.
    (d) Each party may file comments and recommendations on the initial 
decision with the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel within 15 days of 
the date the party receives the Panel's decision.
    (e) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel sends a copy of a party's 
initial comments and recommendations to the other parties by certified 
mail with return receipt requested. Each party may file responsive 
comments and recommendations with the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel 
within seven days of the date the party receives the initial comments 
and recommendations.
    (f) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel forwards the parties' 
initial and responsive comments on the initial decision to the 
Secretary who reviews the initial decision and issues a final decision.
    (g) The initial decision of the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel 
becomes the final decision of the Secretary unless, within 25 days 
after the end of the time for receipt of written comments, the 
Secretary informs the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel and the parties 
to a hearing in writing that the decision is being further reviewed for 
possible modification.
    (h) The Secretary rejects or modifies the initial decision of the 
Hearing Official or Hearing Panel if the Secretary finds that it is 
clearly erroneous.
    (i) The Secretary conducts the review based on the initial 
decision, the written record, the transcript of the Hearing Official's 
or Hearing Panel's proceedings, and written comments.
    (j) The Secretary may remand the matter to the Hearing Official or 
Hearing Panel for further proceedings.
    (k) Unless the Secretary remands the matter as provided in 
paragraph (j) of this section, the Secretary issues the final decision, 
with any necessary modifications, within 30 days after notifying the 
Hearing Official or Hearing Panel that the initial decision is being 
further reviewed.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(c))

Sec.  303.235  Filing requirements.

    (a) Any written submission by a party under Sec. Sec.  303.230 
through 303.236 must be filed with the Secretary by hand-delivery, by 
mail, or by facsimile transmission. The Secretary discourages the use 
of facsimile transmission for documents longer than five pages.
    (b) The filing date under paragraph (a) of this section is the date 
the document is--
    (1) Hand-delivered;
    (2) Mailed; or
    (3) Sent by facsimile transmission.
    (c) A party filing by facsimile transmission is responsible for 
confirming that a complete and legible copy of the document was 
received by the Department.
    (d) If a document is filed by facsimile transmission, the 
Secretary, the Hearing Official, or the Panel, as applicable, may 
require the filing of a follow-up hard copy by hand-delivery or by mail 
within a reasonable period of time.
    (e) If agreed upon by the parties, service of a document may be 
made upon the other party by facsimile transmission.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(c))

[[Page 60261]]

Sec.  303.236  Judicial review.

    If a State is dissatisfied with the Secretary's final decision with 
respect to the eligibility of the State under part C of the Act, the 
State may, not later than 60 days after notice of that decision, file 
with the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which that 
State is located a petition for review of that decision. A copy of the 
petition must be transmitted by the clerk of the court to the 
Secretary. The Secretary then files in the court the record of the 
proceedings upon which the Secretary's action was based, as provided in 
28 U.S.C. 2112.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1437(c))

Subpart D--Child Find, Evaluations and Assessments, and 
Individualized Family Service Plans

Sec.  303.300  General.

    The statewide comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary 
interagency system to provide early intervention services for infants 
and toddlers with disabilities and their families referenced in Sec.  
303.100 must include the following components:
    (a) Pre-referral policies and procedures that include--
    (1) A public awareness program as described in Sec.  303.301; and
    (2) A comprehensive child find system as described in Sec.  
303.302.
    (b) Referral policies and procedures as described in Sec.  303.303.
    (c) Post-referral policies and procedures that ensure compliance 
with the timeline requirements in Sec.  303.310 and include--
    (1) Screening, if applicable, as described in Sec.  303.320;
    (2) Evaluations and assessments as described in Sec. Sec.  303.321 
and 303.322; and
    (3) Development, review, and implementation of IFSPs as described 
in Sec. Sec.  303.340 through 303.346.

Pre-Referral Procedures--Public Awareness Program and Child Find System

Sec.  303.301  Public awareness program--information for parents.

    (a) Preparation and dissemination. In accordance with Sec.  
303.116, each system must include a public awareness program that 
requires the lead agency to--
    (1)(i) Prepare information on the availability of early 
intervention services under this part, and other services, as described 
in paragraph (b) of this section; and
    (ii) Disseminate to all primary referral sources (especially 
hospitals and physicians) the information to be given to parents of 
infants and toddlers, especially parents with premature infants or 
infants with other physical risk factors associated with learning or 
developmental complications; and
    (2) Adopt procedures for assisting the primary referral sources 
described in Sec.  303.303(c) in disseminating the information 
described in paragraph (b) of this section to parents of infants and 
toddlers with disabilities.
    (b) Information to be provided. The information required to be 
prepared and disseminated under paragraph (a) of this section must 
include--
    (1) A description of the availability of early intervention 
services under this part;
    (2) A description of the child find system and how to refer a child 
under the age of three for an evaluation or early intervention 
services; and
    (3) A central directory, as described in Sec.  303.117.
    (c) Information specific to toddlers with disabilities. Each public 
awareness program also must include a requirement that the lead agency 
provide for informing parents of toddlers with disabilities of the 
availability of services under section 619 of the Act not fewer than 90 
days prior to the toddler's third birthday.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(6), 1437(a)(9))

Sec.  303.302  Comprehensive child find system.

    (a) General. Each system must include a comprehensive child find 
system that--
    (1) Is consistent with part B of the Act (see 34 CFR 300.111);
    (2) Includes a system for making referrals to lead agencies or EIS 
providers under this part that--
    (i) Includes timelines; and
    (ii) Provides for participation by the primary referral sources 
described in Sec.  303.303(c);
    (3) Ensures rigorous standards for appropriately identifying 
infants and toddlers with disabilities for early intervention services 
under this part that will reduce the need for future services; and
    (4) Meets the requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section and Sec. Sec.  303.303, 303.310, 303.320, and 303.321.
    (b) Scope of child find. The lead agency, as part of the child find 
system, must ensure that--
    (1) All infants and toddlers with disabilities in the State who are 
eligible for early intervention services under this part are 
identified, located, and evaluated, including--
    (i) Indian infants and toddlers with disabilities residing on a 
reservation geographically located in the State (including 
coordination, as necessary, with tribes, tribal organizations, and 
consortia to identify infants and toddlers with disabilities in the 
State based, in part, on the information provided by them to the lead 
agency under Sec.  303.731(e)(1)); and
    (ii) Infants and toddlers with disabilities who are homeless, in 
foster care, and wards of the State; and
    (iii) Infants and toddlers with disabilities that are referenced in 
Sec.  303.303(b); and
    (2) An effective method is developed and implemented to identify 
children who are in need of early intervention services.
    (c) Coordination. (1) The lead agency, with the assistance of the 
Council, as defined in Sec.  303.8, must ensure that the child find 
system under this part--
    (i) Is coordinated with all other major efforts to locate and 
identify children by other State agencies responsible for administering 
the various education, health, and social service programs relevant to 
this part, including Indian tribes that receive payments under this 
part, and other Indian tribes, as appropriate; and
    (ii) Is coordinated with the efforts of the--
    (A) Program authorized under part B of the Act;
    (B) Maternal and Child Health program, including the Maternal, 
Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, under Title V of the 
Social Security Act, as amended, (MCHB or Title V) (42 U.S.C. 701(a));
    (C) Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) 
under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396(a)(43) and 
1396(a)(4)(B));
    (D) Programs under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and 
Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15001 et seq.);
    (E) Head Start Act (including Early Head Start programs under 
section 645A of the Head Start Act) (42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq.);
    (F) Supplemental Security Income program under Title XVI of the 
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381);
    (G) Child protection and child welfare programs, including programs 
administered by, and services provided through, the foster care agency 
and the State agency responsible for administering the Child Abuse 
Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C. 5106(a));
    (H) Child care programs in the State;
    (I) The programs that provide services under the Family Violence 
Prevention

[[Page 60262]]

and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq.);
    (J) Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) systems (42 
U.S.C. 280g-1) administered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); 
and
    (K) Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) authorized under 
Title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.).
    (2) The lead agency, with the advice and assistance of the Council, 
must take steps to ensure that--
    (i) There will not be unnecessary duplication of effort by the 
programs identified in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section; and
    (ii) The State will make use of the resources available through 
each public agency and EIS provider in the State to implement the child 
find system in an effective manner.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3)(A), 1431, 1434(1), 1435(a)(2), 
1435(a)(5), 1435(c)(2)(G), 1437(a)(6), 1437(a)(10), 1441)

Referral Procedures

Sec.  303.303  Referral procedures.

    (a) General. (1) The lead agency's child find system described in 
Sec.  303.302 must include the State's procedures for use by primary 
referral sources for referring a child under the age of three to the 
part C program.
    (2) The procedures required in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
must--
    (i) Provide for referring a child as soon as possible, but in no 
case more than seven days, after the child has been identified; and
    (ii) Meet the requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section.
    (b) Referral of specific at-risk infants and toddlers. The 
procedures required in paragraph (a) of this section must provide for 
requiring the referral of a child under the age of three who--
    (1) Is the subject of a substantiated case of child abuse or 
neglect; or
    (2) Is identified as directly affected by illegal substance abuse 
or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure.
    (c) Primary referral sources. As used in this subpart, primary 
referral sources include--
    (1) Hospitals, including prenatal and postnatal care facilities;
    (2) Physicians;
    (3) Parents, including parents of infants and toddlers;
    (4) Child care programs and early learning programs;
    (5) LEAs and schools;
    (6) Public health facilities;
    (7) Other public health or social service agencies;
    (8) Other clinics and health care providers;
    (9) Public agencies and staff in the child welfare system, 
including child protective service and foster care;
    (10) Homeless family shelters; and
    (11) Domestic violence shelters and agencies.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3)(A), 1431, 1434(1), 1435(a)(2), 
1435(a)(5), 1435(a)(6), 1435(c)(2)(G), 1437(a)(6), 1437(a)(10), 
1441)

Sec. Sec.  303.304-303.309  [Reserved]

Post-Referral Procedures--Screenings, Evaluations, and Assessments

Sec.  303.310  Post-referral timeline (45 days).

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, any 
screening under Sec.  303.320 (if the State has adopted a policy and 
elects, and the parent consents, to conduct a screening of a child); 
the initial evaluation and the initial assessments of the child and 
family under Sec.  303.321; and the initial IFSP meeting under Sec.  
303.342 must be completed within 45 days from the date the lead agency 
or EIS provider receives the referral of the child.
    (b) Subject to paragraph (c) of this section, the 45-day timeline 
described in paragraph (a) of this section does not apply for any 
period when--
    (1) The child or parent is unavailable to complete the screening 
(if applicable), the initial evaluation, the initial assessments of the 
child and family, or the initial IFSP meeting due to exceptional family 
circumstances that are documented in the child's early intervention 
records; or
    (2) The parent has not provided consent for the screening (if 
applicable), the initial evaluation, or the initial assessment of the 
child, despite documented, repeated attempts by the lead agency or EIS 
provider to obtain parental consent.
    (c) The lead agency must develop procedures to ensure that in the 
event the circumstances described in (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section 
exist, the lead agency or EIS provider must--
    (1) Document in the child's early intervention records the 
exceptional family circumstances or repeated attempts by the lead 
agency or EIS provider to obtain parental consent;
    (2) Complete the screening (if applicable), the initial evaluation, 
the initial assessments (of the child and family), and the initial IFSP 
meeting as soon as possible after the documented exceptional family 
circumstances described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section no longer 
exist or parental consent is obtained for the screening (if 
applicable), the initial evaluation, and the initial assessment of the 
child; and
    (3) Develop and implement an interim IFSP, to the extent 
appropriate and consistent with Sec.  303.345.
    (d) The initial family assessment must be conducted within the 45-
day timeline in paragraph (a) of this section if the parent concurs and 
even if other family members are unavailable.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1433, 1435(a), 1436(c))

Sec. Sec.  303.311-303.319  [Reserved]

Sec.  303.320  Screening procedures (optional).

    (a) General. (1) The lead agency may adopt procedures, consistent 
with the requirements of this section, to screen children under the age 
of three who have been referred to the part C program to determine 
whether they are suspected of having a disability under this part. If 
the lead agency or EIS provider proposes to screen a child, it must--
    (i) Provide the parent notice under Sec.  303.421 of its intent to 
screen the child to identify whether the child is suspected of having a 
disability and include in that notice a description of the parent's 
right to request an evaluation under Sec.  303.321 at any time during 
the screening process; and
    (ii) Obtain parental consent as required in Sec.  303.420(a)(1) 
before conducting the screening procedures.
    (2) If the parent consents to the screening and the screening or 
other available information indicates that the child is--
    (i) Suspected of having a disability, after notice is provided 
under Sec.  303.421 and once parental consent is obtained as required 
in Sec.  303.420, an evaluation and assessment of the child must be 
conducted under Sec.  303.321; or
    (ii) Not suspected of having a disability, the lead agency or EIS 
provider must ensure that notice of that determination is provided to 
the parent under Sec.  303.421, and that the notice describes the 
parent's right to request an evaluation.
    (3) If the parent of the child requests and consents to an 
evaluation at any time during the screening process, evaluation of the 
child must be conducted under Sec.  303.321, even if the lead agency or 
EIS provider has determined under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section 
that the child is not suspected of having a disability.
    (b) Definition of screening procedures. Screening procedures--
    (1) Means activities under paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this 
section that are carried out by, or under the supervision of, the lead 
agency or EIS provider to identify, at the earliest possible age, 
infants and toddlers suspected of having a disability and in need of 
early intervention services; and

[[Page 60263]]

    (2) Includes the administration of appropriate instruments by 
personnel trained to administer those instruments.
    (c) Condition for evaluation or early intervention services. For 
every child under the age of three who is referred to the part C 
program or screened in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, 
the lead agency is not required to--
    (1) Provide an evaluation of the child under Sec.  303.321 unless 
the child is suspected of having a disability or the parent requests an 
evaluation under paragraph (a)(3) of this section; or
    (2) Make early intervention services available under this part to 
the child unless a determination is made that the child meets the 
definition of infant or toddler with a disability under Sec.  303.21.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(4)(E)(ix), 1434(1), 1435(a)(2), 
1435(a)(5) and (a)(6), 1435(c)(2)(G), 1437(a)(6), 1439(a)(6))

Sec.  303.321  Evaluation of the child and assessment of the child and 
family.

    (a) General. (1) The lead agency must ensure that, subject to 
obtaining parental consent in accordance with Sec.  303.420(a)(2), each 
child under the age of three who is referred for evaluation or early 
intervention services under this part and suspected of having a 
disability, receives--
    (i) A timely, comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation of the 
child in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section unless 
eligibility is established under paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section; 
and
    (ii) If the child is determined eligible as an infant or toddler 
with a disability as defined in Sec.  303.21--
    (A) A multidisciplinary assessment of the unique strengths and 
needs of that infant or toddler and the identification of services 
appropriate to meet those needs;
    (B) A family-directed assessment of the resources, priorities, and 
concerns of the family and the identification of the supports and 
services necessary to enhance the family's capacity to meet the 
developmental needs of that infant or toddler. The assessments of the 
child and family are described in paragraph (c) of this section and 
these assessments may occur simultaneously with the evaluation, 
provided that the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are 
met.
    (2) As used in this part--
    (i) Evaluation means the procedures used by qualified personnel to 
determine a child's initial and continuing eligibility under this part, 
consistent with the definition of infant or toddler with a disability 
in Sec.  303.21. An initial evaluation refers to the child's evaluation 
to determine his or her initial eligibility under this part;
    (ii) Assessment means the ongoing procedures used by qualified 
personnel to identify the child's unique strengths and needs and the 
early intervention services appropriate to meet those needs throughout 
the period of the child's eligibility under this part and includes the 
assessment of the child, consistent with paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section and the assessment of the child's family, consistent with 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section; and
    (iii) Initial assessment refers to the assessment of the child and 
the family assessment conducted prior to the child's first IFSP 
meeting.
    (3)(i) A child's medical and other records may be used to establish 
eligibility (without conducting an evaluation of the child) under this 
part if those records indicate that the child's level of functioning in 
one or more of the developmental areas identified in Sec.  303.21(a)(1) 
constitutes a developmental delay or that the child otherwise meets the 
criteria for an infant or toddler with a disability under Sec.  303.21. 
If the child's part C eligibility is established under this paragraph, 
the lead agency or EIS provider must conduct assessments of the child 
and family in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (ii) Qualified personnel must use informed clinical opinion when 
conducting an evaluation and assessment of the child. In addition, the 
lead agency must ensure that informed clinical opinion may be used as 
an independent basis to establish a child's eligibility under this part 
even when other instruments do not establish eligibility; however, in 
no event may informed clinical opinion be used to negate the results of 
evaluation instruments used to establish eligibility under paragraph 
(b) of this section.
    (4) All evaluations and assessments of the child and family must be 
conducted by qualified personnel, in a nondiscriminatory manner, and 
selected and administered so as not to be racially or culturally 
discriminatory.
    (5) Unless clearly not feasible to do so, all evaluations and 
assessments of a child must be conducted in the native language of the 
child, in accordance with the definition of native language in Sec.  
303.25.
    (6) Unless clearly not feasible to do so, family assessments must 
be conducted in the native language of the family members being 
assessed, in accordance with the definition of native language in Sec.  
303.25.
    (b) Procedures for evaluation of the child. In conducting an 
evaluation, no single procedure may be used as the sole criterion for 
determining a child's eligibility under this part. Procedures must 
include--
    (1) Administering an evaluation instrument;
    (2) Taking the child's history (including interviewing the parent);
    (3) Identifying the child's level of functioning in each of the 
developmental areas in Sec.  303.21(a)(1);
    (4) Gathering information from other sources such as family 
members, other care-givers, medical providers, social workers, and 
educators, if necessary, to understand the full scope of the child's 
unique strengths and needs; and
    (5) Reviewing medical, educational, or other records.
    (c) Procedures for assessment of the child and family. (1) An 
assessment of each infant or toddler with a disability must be 
conducted by qualified personnel in order to identify the child's 
unique strengths and needs and the early intervention services 
appropriate to meet those needs. The assessment of the child must 
include the following--
    (i) A review of the results of the evaluation conducted under 
paragraph (b) of this section;
    (ii) Personal observations of the child; and
    (iii) The identification of the child's needs in each of the 
developmental areas in Sec.  303.21(a)(1).
    (2) A family-directed assessment must be conducted by qualified 
personnel in order to identify the family's resources, priorities, and 
concerns and the supports and services necessary to enhance the 
family's capacity to meet the developmental needs of the family's 
infant or toddler with a disability. The family-directed assessment 
must--
    (i) Be voluntary on the part of each family member participating in 
the assessment;
    (ii) Be based on information obtained through an assessment tool 
and also through an interview with those family members who elect to 
participate in the assessment; and
    (iii) Include the family's description of its resources, 
priorities, and concerns related to enhancing the child's development.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(3), 1435(a)(5), 1436(a)(1)-(2))

Sec.  303.322  Determination that a child is not eligible.

    If, based on the evaluation conducted under Sec.  303.321, the lead 
agency determines that a child is not eligible under this part, the 
lead agency must provide the parent with prior written notice required 
in Sec.  303.421, and include in the notice information about

[[Page 60264]]

the parent's right to dispute the eligibility determination through 
dispute resolution mechanisms under Sec.  303.430, such as requesting a 
due process hearing or mediation or filing a State complaint.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(6))

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

Sec.  303.340  Individualized family service plan--general.

    For each infant or toddler with a disability, the lead agency must 
ensure the development, review, and implementation of an individualized 
family service plan or IFSP developed by a multidisciplinary team, 
which includes the parent, that--
    (a) Is consistent with the definition of that term in Sec.  303.20; 
and
    (b) Meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.342 through 303.346 of 
this subpart.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(4), 1436)

Sec.  303.341  [Reserved]

Sec.  303.342  Procedures for IFSP development, review, and evaluation.

    (a) Meeting to develop initial IFSP--timelines. For a child 
referred to the part C program and determined to be eligible under this 
part as an infant or toddler with a disability, a meeting to develop 
the initial IFSP must be conducted within the 45-day time period 
described in Sec.  303.310.
    (b) Periodic review. (1) A review of the IFSP for a child and the 
child's family must be conducted every six months, or more frequently 
if conditions warrant, or if the family requests such a review. The 
purpose of the periodic review is to determine--
    (i) The degree to which progress toward achieving the results or 
outcomes identified in the IFSP is being made; and
    (ii) Whether modification or revision of the results, outcomes, or 
early intervention services identified in the IFSP is necessary.
    (2) The review may be carried out by a meeting or by another means 
that is acceptable to the parents and other participants.
    (c) Annual meeting to evaluate the IFSP. A meeting must be 
conducted on at least an annual basis to evaluate and revise, as 
appropriate, the IFSP for a child and the child's family. The results 
of any current evaluations and other information available from the 
assessments of the child and family conducted under Sec.  303.321 must 
be used in determining the early intervention services that are needed 
and will be provided.
    (d) Accessibility and convenience of meetings. (1) IFSP meetings 
must be conducted--
    (i) In settings and at times that are convenient for the family; 
and
    (ii) In the native language of the family or other mode of 
communication used by the family, unless it is clearly not feasible to 
do so.
    (2) Meeting arrangements must be made with, and written notice 
provided to, the family and other participants early enough before the 
meeting date to ensure that they will be able to attend.
    (e) Parental consent. The contents of the IFSP must be fully 
explained to the parents and informed written consent, as described in 
Sec.  303.7, must be obtained, as required in Sec.  303.420(a)(3), 
prior to the provision of early intervention services described in the 
IFSP. Each early intervention service must be provided as soon as 
possible after the parent provides consent for that service, as 
required in Sec.  303.344(f)(1).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(4), 1436)

Sec.  303.343  IFSP Team meeting and periodic review.

    (a) Initial and annual IFSP Team meeting. (1) Each initial meeting 
and each annual IFSP Team meeting to evaluate the IFSP must include the 
following participants:
    (i) The parent or parents of the child.
    (ii) Other family members, as requested by the parent, if feasible 
to do so.
    (iii) An advocate or person outside of the family, if the parent 
requests that the person participate.
    (iv) The service coordinator designated by the public agency to be 
responsible for implementing the IFSP.
    (v) A person or persons directly involved in conducting the 
evaluations and assessments in Sec.  303.321.
    (vi) As appropriate, persons who will be providing early 
intervention services under this part to the child or family.
    (2) If a person listed in paragraph (a)(1)(v) of this section is 
unable to attend a meeting, arrangements must be made for the person's 
involvement through other means, including one of the following:
    (i) Participating in a telephone conference call.
    (ii) Having a knowledgeable authorized representative attend the 
meeting.
    (iii) Making pertinent records available at the meeting.
    (b) Periodic review. Each periodic review under Sec.  303.342(b) 
must provide for the participation of persons in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) 
through (a)(1)(iv) of this section. If conditions warrant, provisions 
must be made for the participation of other representatives identified 
in paragraph (a) of this section.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(4), 1436)

Sec.  303.344  Content of an IFSP.

    (a) Information about the child's status. The IFSP must include a 
statement of the infant or toddler with a disability's present levels 
of physical development (including vision, hearing, and health status), 
cognitive development, communication development, social or emotional 
development, and adaptive development based on the information from 
that child's evaluation and assessments conducted under Sec.  303.321.
    (b) Family information. With the concurrence of the family, the 
IFSP must include a statement of the family's resources, priorities, 
and concerns related to enhancing the development of the child as 
identified through the assessment of the family under Sec.  
303.321(c)(2).
    (c) Results or outcomes. The IFSP must include a statement of the 
measurable results or measurable outcomes expected to be achieved for 
the child (including pre-literacy and language skills, as 
developmentally appropriate for the child) and family, and the 
criteria, procedures, and timelines used to determine--
    (1) The degree to which progress toward achieving the results or 
outcomes identified in the IFSP is being made; and
    (2) Whether modifications or revisions of the expected results or 
outcomes, or early intervention services identified in the IFSP are 
necessary.
    (d) Early intervention services. (1) The IFSP must include a 
statement of the specific early intervention services, based on peer-
reviewed research (to the extent practicable), that are necessary to 
meet the unique needs of the child and the family to achieve the 
results or outcomes identified in paragraph (c) of this section, 
including--
    (i) The length, duration, frequency, intensity, and method of 
delivering the early intervention services;
    (ii)(A) A statement that each early intervention service is 
provided in the natural environment for that child or service to the 
maximum extent appropriate, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.13(a)(8), 
303.26 and 303.126, or, subject to paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(B) of this 
section, a justification as to why an early intervention service will 
not be provided in the natural environment.
    (B) The determination of the appropriate setting for providing 
early intervention services to an infant or

[[Page 60265]]

toddler with a disability, including any justification for not 
providing a particular early intervention service in the natural 
environment for that infant or toddler with a disability and service, 
must be--
    (1) Made by the IFSP Team (which includes the parent and other team 
members);
    (2) Consistent with the provisions in Sec. Sec.  303.13(a)(8), 
303.26, and 303.126; and
    (3) Based on the child's outcomes that are identified by the IFSP 
Team in paragraph (c) of this section;
    (iii) The location of the early intervention services; and
    (iv) The payment arrangements, if any.
    (2) As used in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section--
    (i) Frequency and intensity mean the number of days or sessions 
that a service will be provided, and whether the service is provided on 
an individual or group basis;
    (ii) Method means how a service is provided;
    (iii) Length means the length of time the service is provided 
during each session of that service (such as an hour or other specified 
time period); and
    (iv) Duration means projecting when a given service will no longer 
be provided (such as when the child is expected to achieve the results 
or outcomes in his or her IFSP).
    (3) As used in paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section, location 
means the actual place or places where a service will be provided.
    (4) For children who are at least three years of age, the IFSP must 
include an educational component that promotes school readiness and 
incorporates pre-literacy, language, and numeracy skills.
    (e) Other services. To the extent appropriate, the IFSP also must--
    (1) Identify medical and other services that the child or family 
needs or is receiving through other sources, but that are neither 
required nor funded under this part; and
    (2) If those services are not currently being provided, include a 
description of the steps the service coordinator or family may take to 
assist the child and family in securing those other services.
    (f) Dates and duration of services. The IFSP must include--
    (1) The projected date for the initiation of each early 
intervention service in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, which date 
must be as soon as possible after the parent consents to the service, 
as required in Sec. Sec.  303.342(e) and 303.420(a)(3); and
    (2) The anticipated duration of each service.
    (g) Service coordinator. (1) The IFSP must include the name of the 
service coordinator from the profession most relevant to the child's or 
family's needs (or who is otherwise qualified to carry out all 
applicable responsibilities under this part), who will be responsible 
for implementing the early intervention services identified in a 
child's IFSP, including transition services, and coordination with 
other agencies and persons.
    (2) In meeting the requirements in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
section, the term ``profession'' includes ``service coordination.''
    (h) Transition from Part C services. (1) The IFSP must include the 
steps and services to be taken to support the smooth transition of the 
child, in accordance with Sec. Sec.  303.209 and 303.211(b)(6), from 
part C services to--
    (i) Preschool services under part B of the Act, to the extent that 
those services are appropriate;
    (ii) Part C services under Sec.  303.211; or
    (iii) Other appropriate services.
    (2) The steps required in paragraph (h)(1) of this section must 
include--
    (i) Discussions with, and training of, parents, as appropriate, 
regarding future placements and other matters related to the child's 
transition;
    (ii) Procedures to prepare the child for changes in service 
delivery, including steps to help the child adjust to, and function in, 
a new setting;
    (iii) Confirmation that child find information about the child has 
been transmitted to the LEA or other relevant agency, in accordance 
with Sec.  303.209(b) (and any policy adopted by the State under Sec.  
303.401(e)) and, with parental consent if required under Sec.  303.414, 
transmission of additional information needed by the LEA to ensure 
continuity of services from the part C program to the part B program, 
including a copy of the most recent evaluation and assessments of the 
child and the family and most recent IFSP developed in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  303.340 through 303.345; and
    (iv) Identification of transition services and other activities 
that the IFSP Team determines are necessary to support the transition 
of the child.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(10)(B), 1435(a)(16), 1436(a)(3), 
1436(d), 1437(a)(9)-(10), 1440)

Sec.  303.345  Interim IFSPs--provision of services before evaluations 
and assessments are completed.

    Early intervention services for an eligible child and the child's 
family may commence before the completion of the evaluation and 
assessments in Sec.  303.321, if the following conditions are met:
    (a) Parental consent is obtained.
    (b) An interim IFSP is developed that includes--
    (1) The name of the service coordinator who will be responsible, 
consistent with Sec.  303.344(g), for implementing the interim IFSP and 
coordinating with other agencies and persons; and
    (2) The early intervention services that have been determined to be 
needed immediately by the child and the child's family.
    (c) Evaluations and assessments are completed within the 45-day 
timeline in Sec.  303.310.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1436(c))

Sec.  303.346  Responsibility and accountability.

    Each public agency or EIS provider who has a direct role in the 
provision of early intervention services is responsible for making a 
good faith effort to assist each eligible child in achieving the 
outcomes in the child's IFSP. However, part C of the Act does not 
require that any public agency or EIS provider be held accountable if 
an eligible child does not achieve the growth projected in the child's 
IFSP.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1436)

Subpart E--Procedural Safeguards

General

Sec.  303.400  General responsibility of lead agency for procedural 
safeguards.

    Subject to paragraph (c) of this section, each lead agency must--
    (a) Establish or adopt the procedural safeguards that meet the 
requirements of this subpart, including the provisions on 
confidentiality in Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417, parental consent 
and notice in Sec. Sec.  303.420 and 303.421, surrogate parents in 
Sec.  303.422, and dispute resolution procedures in Sec.  303.430;
    (b) Ensure the effective implementation of the safeguards by each 
participating agency (including the lead agency and EIS providers) in 
the statewide system that is involved in the provision of early 
intervention services under this part; and
    (c) Make available to parents an initial copy of the child's early 
intervention record, at no cost to the parents.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a))

[[Page 60266]]

Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information and Early 
Intervention Records

Sec.  303.401  Confidentiality and opportunity to examine records.

    (a) General. Each State must ensure that the parents of a child 
referred under this part are afforded the right to confidentiality of 
personally identifiable information, including the right to written 
notice of, and written consent to, the exchange of that information 
among agencies, consistent with Federal and State laws.
    (b) Confidentiality procedures. As required under sections 617(c) 
and 642 of the Act, the regulations in Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 
303.417 ensure the protection of the confidentiality of any personally 
identifiable data, information, and records collected or maintained 
pursuant to this part by the Secretary and by participating agencies, 
including the State lead agency and EIS providers, in accordance with 
the protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 
(FERPA) in 20 U.S.C. 1232g and 34 CFR part 99. Each State must have 
procedures in effect to ensure that--
    (1) Participating agencies (including the lead agency and EIS 
providers) comply with the part C confidentiality procedures in 
Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417; and
    (2) The parents of infants or toddlers who are referred to, or 
receive services under this part, are afforded the opportunity to 
inspect and review all part C early intervention records about the 
child and the child's family that are collected, maintained, or used 
under this part, including records related to evaluations and 
assessments, screening, eligibility determinations, development and 
implementation of IFSPs, provision of early intervention services, 
individual complaints involving the child, or any part of the child's 
early intervention record under this part.
    (c) Applicability and timeframe of procedures. The confidentiality 
procedures described in paragraph (b) of this section apply to the 
personally identifiable information of a child and the child's family 
that--
    (1) Is contained in early intervention records collected, used, or 
maintained under this part by the lead agency or an EIS provider; and
    (2) Applies from the point in time when the child is referred for 
early intervention services under this part until the later of when the 
participating agency is no longer required to maintain or no longer 
maintains that information under applicable Federal and State laws.
    (d) Disclosure of information. (1) Subject to paragraph (e) of this 
section, the lead agency must disclose to the SEA and the LEA where the 
child resides, in accordance with Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) and 
(b)(1)(ii), the following personally identifiable information under the 
Act:
    (i) A child's name.
    (ii) A child's date of birth.
    (iii) Parent contact information (including parents' names, 
addresses, and telephone numbers).
    (2) The information described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section 
is needed to enable the lead agency, as well as LEAs and SEAs under 
part B of the Act, to identify all children potentially eligible for 
services under Sec.  303.211 and part B of the Act.
    (e) Option to inform a parent about intended disclosure. (1) A lead 
agency, through its policies and procedures, may require EIS providers, 
prior to making the limited disclosure described in paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, to inform parents of a toddler with a disability of the 
intended disclosure and allow the parents a specified time period to 
object to the disclosure in writing.
    (2) If a parent (in a State that has adopted the policy described 
in paragraph (e)(1) of this section) objects during the time period 
provided by the State, the lead agency and EIS provider are not 
permitted to make such a disclosure under paragraph (d) of this section 
and Sec.  303.209(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(8), 1412(a)(9), 1417(c), 1435(a)(5), 
1437(a)(9), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1439(a)(6), 1442)

Sec.  303.402  Confidentiality.

    The Secretary takes appropriate action, in accordance with section 
444 of GEPA, to ensure the protection of the confidentiality of any 
personally identifiable data, information, and records collected, 
maintained, or used by the Secretary and by lead agencies and EIS 
providers pursuant to part C of the Act, and consistent with Sec. Sec.  
303.401 through 303.417. The regulations in Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 
303.417 ensure the protection of the confidentiality of any personally 
identifiable data, information, and records collected or maintained 
pursuant to this part by the Secretary and by participating agencies, 
including the State lead agency and EIS providers, in accordance with 
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, 
and 34 CFR part 99.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1435(a)(5), 1439(a)(2), 1442)

Sec.  303.403  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to Sec. Sec.  303.402 through 
303.417 in addition to the definition of personally identifiable 
information in Sec.  303.29 and disclosure in 34 CFR 99.3:
    (a) Destruction means physical destruction of the record or 
ensuring that personal identifiers are removed from a record so that 
the record is no longer personally identifiable under Sec.  303.29.
    (b) Early intervention records mean all records regarding a child 
that are required to be collected, maintained, or used under part C of 
the Act and the regulations in this part.
    (c) Participating agency means any individual, agency, entity, or 
institution that collects, maintains, or uses personally identifiable 
information to implement the requirements in part C of the Act and the 
regulations in this part with respect to a particular child. A 
participating agency includes the lead agency and EIS providers and any 
individual or entity that provides any part C services (including 
service coordination, evaluations and assessments, and other part C 
services), but does not include primary referral sources, or public 
agencies (such as the State Medicaid or CHIP program) or private 
entities (such as private insurance companies) that act solely as 
funding sources for part C services.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1417(c), 1435(a)(5), 1439(a)(2), 
1442)

Sec.  303.404  Notice to parents.

    The lead agency must give notice when a child is referred under 
part C of the Act that is adequate to fully inform parents about the 
requirements in Sec.  303.402, including--
    (a) A description of the children on whom personally identifiable 
information is maintained, the types of information sought, the methods 
the State intends to use in gathering the information (including the 
sources from whom information is gathered), and the uses to be made of 
the information;
    (b) A summary of the policies and procedures that participating 
agencies must follow regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, 
retention, and destruction of personally identifiable information;
    (c) A description of all the rights of parents and children 
regarding this information, including their rights under the part C 
confidentiality provisions in Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417; and
    (d) A description of the extent that the notice is provided in the 
native languages of the various population groups in the State.

[[Page 60267]]

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1435(a)(5), 1439(a)(2), 1442)

Sec.  303.405  Access rights.

    (a) Each participating agency must permit parents to inspect and 
review any early intervention records relating to their children that 
are collected, maintained, or used by the agency under this part. The 
agency must comply with a parent's request to inspect and review 
records without unnecessary delay and before any meeting regarding an 
IFSP, or any hearing pursuant to Sec. Sec.  303.430(d) and 303.435 
through 303.439, and in no case more than 10 days after the request has 
been made.
    (b) The right to inspect and review early intervention records 
under this section includes--
    (1) The right to a response from the participating agency to 
reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the early 
intervention records;
    (2) The right to request that the participating agency provide 
copies of the early intervention records containing the information if 
failure to provide those copies would effectively prevent the parent 
from exercising the right to inspect and review the records; and
    (3) The right to have a representative of the parent inspect and 
review the early intervention records.
    (c) An agency may presume that the parent has authority to inspect 
and review records relating to his or her child unless the agency has 
been provided documentation that the parent does not have the authority 
under applicable State laws governing such matters as custody, foster 
care, guardianship, separation, and divorce.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1442)

Sec.  303.406  Record of access.

    Each participating agency must keep a record of parties obtaining 
access to early intervention records collected, maintained, or used 
under part C of the Act (except access by parents and authorized 
representatives and employees of the participating agency), including 
the name of the party, the date access was given, and the purpose for 
which the party is authorized to use the early intervention records.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1435(a)(5), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 
1442)

Sec.  303.407  Records on more than one child.

    If any early intervention record includes information on more than 
one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and 
review only the information relating to their child or to be informed 
of that specific information.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1442)

Sec.  303.408  List of types and locations of information.

    Each participating agency must provide parents, on request, a list 
of the types and locations of early intervention records collected, 
maintained, or used by the agency.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1442)

Sec.  303.409  Fees for records.

    (a) Each participating agency may charge a fee for copies of 
records that are made for parents under this part if the fee does not 
effectively prevent the parents from exercising their right to inspect 
and review those records, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    (b) A participating agency may not charge a fee to search for or to 
retrieve information under this part.
    (c) A participating agency must provide at no cost to parents, a 
copy of each evaluation, assessment of the child, family assessment, 
and IFSP as soon as possible after each IFSP meeting.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1432(4)(B), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 
1442)

Sec.  303.410  Amendment of records at a parent's request.

    (a) A parent who believes that information in the early 
intervention records collected, maintained, or used under this part is 
inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of the 
child or parent may request that the participating agency that 
maintains the information amend the information.
    (b) The participating agency must decide whether to amend the 
information in accordance with the request within a reasonable period 
of time of receipt of the request.
    (c) If the participating agency refuses to amend the information in 
accordance with the request, it must inform the parent of the refusal 
and advise the parent of the right to a hearing under Sec.  303.411.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1442)

Sec.  303.411  Opportunity for a hearing.

    The participating agency must, on request, provide parents with the 
opportunity for a hearing to challenge information in their child's 
early intervention records to ensure that it is not inaccurate, 
misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of 
the child or parents. A parent may request a due process hearing under 
the procedures in Sec.  303.430(d)(1) provided that such hearing 
procedures meet the requirements of the hearing procedures in Sec.  
303.413 or may request a hearing directly under the State's procedures 
in Sec.  303.413 (i.e., procedures that are consistent with the FERPA 
hearing requirements in 34 CFR 99.22).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1442)

Sec.  303.412  Result of hearing.

    (a) If, as a result of the hearing, the participating agency 
decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading or in violation 
of the privacy or other rights of the child or parent, it must amend 
the information accordingly and so inform the parent in writing.
    (b) If, as a result of the hearing, the agency decides that the 
information is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the 
privacy or other rights of the child or parent, it must inform the 
parent of the right to place in the early intervention records it 
maintains on the child a statement commenting on the information or 
setting forth any reasons for disagreeing with the decision of the 
agency.
    (c) Any explanation placed in the early intervention records of the 
child under this section must--
    (1) Be maintained by the agency as part of the early intervention 
records of the child as long as the record or contested portion is 
maintained by the agency; and
    (2) If the early intervention records of the child or the contested 
portion are disclosed by the agency to any party, the explanation must 
also be disclosed to the party.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1442)

Sec.  303.413  Hearing procedures.

    A hearing held under Sec.  303.411 must be conducted according to 
the procedures under 34 CFR 99.22.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1442)

Sec.  303.414  Consent prior to disclosure or use.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, prior 
parental consent must be obtained before personally identifiable 
information is--
    (1) Disclosed to anyone other than authorized representatives, 
officials, or employees of participating agencies collecting, 
maintaining, or using the information under this part, subject to 
paragraph (b) of this section; or
    (2) Used for any purpose other than meeting a requirement of this 
part.

[[Page 60268]]

    (b) A lead agency or other participating agency may not disclose 
personally identifiable information, as defined in Sec.  303.29, to any 
party except participating agencies (including the lead agency and EIS 
providers) that are part of the State's part C system without parental 
consent unless authorized to do so under--
    (1) Sections 303.401(d), 303.209(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii), and 
303.211(b)(6)(ii)(A); or
    (2) One of the exceptions enumerated in 34 CFR 99.31 (where 
applicable to part C), which are expressly adopted to apply to part C 
through this reference. In applying the exceptions in 34 CFR 99.31 to 
this part, participating agencies must also comply with the pertinent 
conditions in 34 CFR 99.32, 99.33, 99.34, 99.35, 99.36, 99.38, and 
99.39; in applying these provisions in 34 CFR part 99 to part C, the 
reference to--
    (i) 34 CFR 99.30 means Sec.  303.414(a);
    (ii) ``Education records'' means early intervention records under 
Sec.  303.403(b);
    (iii) ``Educational'' means early intervention under this part;
    (iv) ``Educational agency or institution'' means the participating 
agency under Sec.  303.404(c);
    (v) ``School officials and officials of another school or school 
system'' means qualified personnel or service coordinators under this 
part;
    (vi) ``State and local educational authorities'' means the lead 
agency under Sec.  303.22; and
    (vii) ``Student'' means child under this part.
    (c) The lead agency must provide policies and procedures to be used 
when a parent refuses to provide consent under this section (such as a 
meeting to explain to parents how their failure to consent affects the 
ability of their child to receive services under this part), provided 
that those procedures do not override a parent's right to refuse 
consent under Sec.  303.420.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 1442)

Sec.  303.415  Safeguards.

    (a) Each participating agency must protect the confidentiality of 
personally identifiable information at the collection, maintenance, 
use, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages.
    (b) One official at each participating agency must assume 
responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally 
identifiable information.
    (c) All persons collecting or using personally identifiable 
information must receive training or instruction regarding the State's 
policies and procedures under Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 303.417 and 34 
CFR part 99.
    (d) Each participating agency must maintain, for public inspection, 
a current listing of the names and positions of those employees within 
the agency who may have access to personally identifiable information.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1435(a)(5), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 
1442)

Sec.  303.416  Destruction of information.

    (a) The participating agency must inform parents when personally 
identifiable information collected, maintained, or used under this part 
is no longer needed to provide services to the child under part C of 
the Act, the GEPA provisions in 20 U.S.C. 1232f, and EDGAR, 34 CFR 
parts 76 and 80.
    (b) Subject to paragraph (a) of this section, the information must 
be destroyed at the request of the parents. However, a permanent record 
of a child's name, date of birth, parent contact information (including 
address and phone number), names of service coordinator(s) and EIS 
provider(s), and exit data (including year and age upon exit, and any 
programs entered into upon exiting) may be maintained without time 
limitation.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1435(a)(5), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 
1442)

Sec.  303.417  Enforcement.

    The lead agency must have in effect the policies and procedures, 
including sanctions and the right to file a complaint under Sec. Sec.  
303.432 through 303.434, that the State uses to ensure that its 
policies and procedures, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.401 through 
303.417, are followed and that the requirements of the Act and the 
regulations in this part are met.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1417(c), 1435(a)(5), 1439(a)(2), 1439(a)(4), 
1442)

Parental Consent and Notice

Sec.  303.420  Parental consent and ability to decline services.

    (a) The lead agency must ensure parental consent is obtained 
before--
    (1) Administering screening procedures under Sec.  303.320 that are 
used to determine whether a child is suspected of having a disability;
    (2) All evaluations and assessments of a child are conducted under 
Sec.  303.321;
    (3) Early intervention services are provided to the child under 
this part;
    (4) Public benefits or insurance or private insurance is used if 
such consent is required under Sec.  303.520; and
    (5) Disclosure of personally identifiable information consistent 
with Sec.  303.414.
    (b) If a parent does not give consent under paragraph (a)(1), 
(a)(2), or (a)(3) of this section, the lead agency must make reasonable 
efforts to ensure that the parent--
    (1) Is fully aware of the nature of the evaluation and assessment 
of the child or early intervention services that would be available; 
and
    (2) Understands that the child will not be able to receive the 
evaluation, assessment, or early intervention service unless consent is 
given.
    (c) The lead agency may not use the due process hearing procedures 
under this part or part B of the Act to challenge a parent's refusal to 
provide any consent that is required under paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (d) The parents of an infant or toddler with a disability--
    (1) Determine whether they, their infant or toddler with a 
disability, or other family members will accept or decline any early 
intervention service under this part at any time, in accordance with 
State law; and
    (2) May decline a service after first accepting it, without 
jeopardizing other early intervention services under this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1436(e), 1439(a)(3))

Sec.  303.421  Prior written notice and procedural safeguards notice.

    (a) General. Prior written notice must be provided to parents a 
reasonable time before the lead agency or an EIS provider proposes, or 
refuses, to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or 
placement of their infant or toddler, or the provision of early 
intervention services to the infant or toddler with a disability and 
that infant's or toddler's family.
    (b) Content of notice. The notice must be in sufficient detail to 
inform parents about--
    (1) The action that is being proposed or refused;
    (2) The reasons for taking the action; and
    (3) All procedural safeguards that are available under this 
subpart, including a description of mediation in Sec.  303.431, how to 
file a State complaint in Sec. Sec.  303.432 through 303.434 and a due 
process complaint in the provisions adopted under Sec.  303.430(d), and 
any timelines under those procedures.
    (c) Native language. (1) The notice must be--
    (i) Written in language understandable to the general public; and
    (ii) Provided in the native language, as defined in Sec.  303.25, 
of the parent or other mode of communication used by the parent, unless 
it is clearly not feasible to do so.

[[Page 60269]]

    (2) If the native language or other mode of communication of the 
parent is not a written language, the public agency or designated EIS 
provider must take steps to ensure that--
    (i) The notice is translated orally or by other means to the parent 
in the parent's native language or other mode of communication;
    (ii) The parent understands the notice; and
    (iii) There is written evidence that the requirements of this 
paragraph have been met.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(6)-(7))

Surrogate Parents

Sec.  303.422  Surrogate parents.

    (a) General. Each lead agency or other public agency must ensure 
that the rights of a child are protected when--
    (1) No parent (as defined in Sec.  303.27) can be identified;
    (2) The lead agency or other public agency, after reasonable 
efforts, cannot locate a parent; or
    (3) The child is a ward of the State under the laws of that State.
    (b) Duty of lead agency and other public agencies. (1) The duty of 
the lead agency, or other public agency under paragraph (a) of this 
section, includes the assignment of an individual to act as a surrogate 
for the parent. This assignment process must include a method for--
    (i) Determining whether a child needs a surrogate parent; and
    (ii) Assigning a surrogate parent to the child.
    (2) In implementing the provisions under this section for children 
who are wards of the State or placed in foster care, the lead agency 
must consult with the public agency that has been assigned care of the 
child.
    (c) Wards of the State. In the case of a child who is a ward of the 
State, the surrogate parent, instead of being appointed by the lead 
agency under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, may be appointed by the 
judge overseeing the infant or toddler's case provided that the 
surrogate parent meets the requirements in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (e) 
of this section.
    (d) Criteria for selection of surrogate parents. (1) The lead 
agency or other public agency may select a surrogate parent in any way 
permitted under State law.
    (2) Public agencies must ensure that a person selected as a 
surrogate parent--
    (i) Is not an employee of the lead agency or any other public 
agency or EIS provider that provides early intervention services, 
education, care, or other services to the child or any family member of 
the child;
    (ii) Has no personal or professional interest that conflicts with 
the interest of the child he or she represents; and
    (iii) Has knowledge and skills that ensure adequate representation 
of the child.
    (e) Non-employee requirement; compensation. A person who is 
otherwise qualified to be a surrogate parent under paragraph (d) of 
this section is not an employee of the agency solely because he or she 
is paid by the agency to serve as a surrogate parent.
    (f) Surrogate parent responsibilities. The surrogate parent has the 
same rights as a parent for all purposes under this part.
    (g) Lead agency responsibility. The lead agency must make 
reasonable efforts to ensure the assignment of a surrogate parent not 
more than 30 days after a public agency determines that the child needs 
a surrogate parent.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(5))

Dispute Resolution Options

Sec.  303.430  State dispute resolution options.

    (a) General. Each statewide system must include written procedures 
for the timely administrative resolution of complaints through 
mediation, State complaint procedures, and due process hearing 
procedures, described in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.
    (b) Mediation. Each lead agency must make available to parties to 
disputes involving any matter under this part the opportunity for 
mediation that meets the requirements in Sec.  303.431.
    (c) State complaint procedures. Each lead agency must adopt written 
State complaint procedures to resolve any State complaints filed by any 
party regarding any violation of this part that meet the requirements 
in Sec. Sec.  303.432 through 303.434.
    (d) Due process hearing procedures. Each lead agency must adopt 
written due process hearing procedures to resolve complaints with 
respect to a particular child regarding any matter identified in Sec.  
303.421(a), by either adopting--
    (1) The part C due process hearing procedures under section 639 of 
the Act that--
    (i) Meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.435 through 303.438; 
and
    (ii) Provide a means of filing a due process complaint regarding 
any matter listed in Sec.  303.421(a); or
    (2) The part B due process hearing procedures under section 615 of 
the Act and Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 303.449 (with either a 30-day or 
45-day timeline for resolving due process complaints, as provided in 
Sec.  303.440(c)).
    (e) Status of a child during the pendency of a due process 
complaint. (1) During the pendency of any proceeding involving a due 
process complaint under paragraph (d) of this section, unless the lead 
agency and parents of an infant or toddler with a disability otherwise 
agree, the child must continue to receive the appropriate early 
intervention services in the setting identified in the IFSP that is 
consented to by the parents.
    (2) If the due process complaint under paragraph (d) of this 
section involves an application for initial services under part C of 
the Act, the child must receive those services that are not in dispute.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0678 and 1820-NEW)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(e), 1415(f)(1)(A), 1415(f)(3)(A)-(D), 
1439)

Mediation

Sec.  303.431  Mediation.

    (a) General. Each lead agency must ensure that procedures are 
established and implemented to allow parties to disputes involving any 
matter under this part, including matters arising prior to the filing 
of a due process complaint, to resolve disputes through a mediation 
process at any time.
    (b) Requirements. The procedures must meet the following 
requirements:
    (1) The procedures must ensure that the mediation process--
    (i) Is voluntary on the part of the parties;
    (ii) Is not used to deny or delay a parent's right to a due process 
hearing, or to deny any other rights afforded under part C of the Act; 
and
    (iii) Is conducted by a qualified and impartial mediator who is 
trained in effective mediation techniques.
    (2)(i) The State must maintain a list of individuals who are 
qualified mediators and knowledgeable in laws and regulations relating 
to the provision of early intervention services.
    (ii) The lead agency must select mediators on a random, rotational, 
or other impartial basis.
    (3) The State must bear the cost of the mediation process, 
including the costs of meetings described in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (4) Each session in the mediation process must be scheduled in a 
timely manner and must be held in a location that is convenient to the 
parties to the dispute.
    (5) If the parties resolve a dispute through the mediation process, 
the parties must execute a legally binding agreement that sets forth 
that resolution and that--

[[Page 60270]]

    (i) States that all discussions that occurred during the mediation 
process will remain confidential and may not be used as evidence in any 
subsequent due process hearing or civil proceeding; and
    (ii) Is signed by both the parent and a representative of the lead 
agency who has the authority to bind such agency.
    (6) A written, signed mediation agreement under this paragraph is 
enforceable in any State court of competent jurisdiction or in a 
district court of the United States.
    (7) Discussions that occur during the mediation process must be 
confidential and may not be used as evidence in any subsequent due 
process hearing or civil proceeding of any Federal court or State court 
of a State receiving assistance under this part.
    (c) Impartiality of mediator. (1) An individual who serves as a 
mediator under this part--
    (i) May not be an employee of the lead agency or an EIS provider 
that is involved in the provision of early intervention services or 
other services to the child; and
    (ii) Must not have a personal or professional interest that 
conflicts with the person's objectivity.
    (2) A person who otherwise qualifies as a mediator is not an 
employee of a lead agency or an early intervention provider solely 
because he or she is paid by the agency or provider to serve as a 
mediator.
    (d) Meeting to encourage mediation. A lead agency may establish 
procedures to offer to parents and EIS providers that choose not to use 
the mediation process, an opportunity to meet, at a time and location 
convenient to the parents, with a disinterested party--
    (1) Who is under contract with an appropriate alternative dispute 
resolution entity, or a parent training and information center or 
community parent resource center in the State established under section 
671 or 672 of the Act; and
    (2) Who would explain the benefits of, and encourage the use of, 
the mediation process to the parents.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-NEW)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(e), 1439(a)(8))

State Complaint Procedures

Sec.  303.432  Adoption of State complaint procedures.

    (a) General. Each lead agency must adopt written procedures for--
    (1) Resolving any complaint, including a complaint filed by an 
organization or individual from another State, that meets the 
requirements in Sec.  303.434 by providing for the filing of a 
complaint with the lead agency; and
    (2) Widely disseminating to parents and other interested 
individuals, including parent training and information centers, 
Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agencies, and other appropriate entities, 
the State procedures under Sec. Sec.  303.432 through 303.434.
    (b) Remedies for denial of appropriate services. In resolving a 
complaint in which the lead agency has found a failure to provide 
appropriate services, the lead agency, pursuant to its general 
supervisory authority under part C of the Act, must address--
    (1) The failure to provide appropriate services, including 
corrective actions appropriate to address the needs of the infant or 
toddler with a disability who is the subject of the complaint and the 
infant's or toddler's family (such as compensatory services or monetary 
reimbursement); and
    (2) Appropriate future provision of services for all infants and 
toddlers with disabilities and their families.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-NEW)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(1))

Sec.  303.433  Minimum State complaint procedures.

    (a) Time limit; minimum procedures. Each lead agency must include 
in its complaint procedures a time limit of 60 days after a complaint 
is filed under Sec.  303.434 to--
    (1) Carry out an independent on-site investigation, if the lead 
agency determines that an investigation is necessary;
    (2) Give the complainant the opportunity to submit additional 
information, either orally or in writing, about the allegations in the 
complaint;
    (3) Provide the lead agency, public agency, or EIS provider with an 
opportunity to respond to the complaint, including, at a minimum--
    (i) At the discretion of the lead agency, a proposal to resolve the 
complaint; and
    (ii) An opportunity for a parent who has filed a complaint and the 
lead agency, public agency, or EIS provider to voluntarily engage in 
mediation, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.430(b) and 303.431;
    (4) Review all relevant information and make an independent 
determination as to whether the lead agency, public agency, or EIS 
provider is violating a requirement of part C of the Act or of this 
part; and
    (5) Issue a written decision to the complainant that addresses each 
allegation in the complaint and contains--
    (i) Findings of fact and conclusions; and
    (ii) The reasons for the lead agency's final decision.
    (b) Time extension; final decision; implementation. The lead 
agency's procedures described in paragraph (a) of this section also 
must--
    (1) Permit an extension of the time limit under paragraph (a) of 
this section only if--
    (i) Exceptional circumstances exist with respect to a particular 
complaint; or
    (ii) The parent (or individual or organization, if mediation is 
available to the individual or organization under State procedures) and 
the lead agency, public agency or EIS provider involved agree to extend 
the time to engage in mediation pursuant to paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of 
this section; and
    (2) Include procedures for effective implementation of the lead 
agency's final decision, if needed, including--
    (i) Technical assistance activities;
    (ii) Negotiations; and
    (iii) Corrective actions to achieve compliance.
    (c) Complaints filed under this section and due process hearings 
under Sec.  303.430(d). (1) If a written complaint is received that is 
also the subject of a due process hearing under Sec.  303.430(d), or 
contains multiple issues of which one or more are part of that hearing, 
the State must set aside any part of the complaint that is being 
addressed in the due process hearing until the conclusion of the 
hearing. However, any issue in the complaint that is not a part of the 
due process hearing must be resolved using the time limit and 
procedures described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
    (2) If an issue raised in a complaint filed under this section has 
previously been decided in a due process hearing involving the same 
parties--
    (i) The due process hearing decision is binding on that issue; and
    (ii) The lead agency must inform the complainant to that effect.
    (3) A complaint alleging a lead agency, public agency, or EIS 
provider's failure to implement a due process hearing decision must be 
resolved by the lead agency.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-NEW)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(1))

Sec.  303.434  Filing a complaint.

    (a) An organization or individual may file a signed written 
complaint under the procedures described in Sec. Sec.  303.432 and 
303.433.
    (b) The complaint must include--

[[Page 60271]]

    (1) A statement that the lead agency, public agency, or EIS 
provider has violated a requirement of part C of the Act;
    (2) The facts on which the statement is based;
    (3) The signature and contact information for the complainant; and
    (4) If alleging violations with respect to a specific child--
    (i) The name and address of the residence of the child;
    (ii) The name of the EIS provider serving the child;
    (iii) A description of the nature of the problem of the child, 
including facts relating to the problem; and
    (iv) A proposed resolution of the problem to the extent known and 
available to the party at the time the complaint is filed.
    (c) The complaint must allege a violation that occurred not more 
than one year prior to the date that the complaint is received in 
accordance with Sec.  303.432.
    (d) The party filing the complaint must forward a copy of the 
complaint to the public agency or EIS provider serving the child at the 
same time the party files the complaint with the lead agency.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-NEW)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(1))

States That Choose To Adopt the Part C Due Process Hearing Procedures 
Under Section 639 of the Act

Sec.  303.435  Appointment of an impartial due process hearing officer.

    (a) Qualifications and duties. Whenever a due process complaint is 
received under Sec.  303.430(d), a due process hearing officer must be 
appointed to implement the complaint resolution process in this 
subpart. The person must--
    (1) Have knowledge about the provisions of this part and the needs 
of, and early intervention services available for, infants and toddlers 
with disabilities and their families; and
    (2) Perform the following duties:
    (i)(A) Listen to the presentation of relevant viewpoints about the 
due process complaint.
    (B) Examine all information relevant to the issues.
    (C) Seek to reach a timely resolution of the due process complaint.
    (ii) Provide a record of the proceedings, including a written 
decision.
    (b) Definition of impartial. (1) Impartial means that the due 
process hearing officer appointed to implement the due process hearing 
under this part--
    (i) Is not an employee of the lead agency or an EIS provider 
involved in the provision of early intervention services or care of the 
child; and
    (ii) Does not have a personal or professional interest that would 
conflict with his or her objectivity in implementing the process.
    (2) A person who otherwise qualifies under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section is not an employee of an agency solely because the person is 
paid by the agency to implement the due process hearing procedures or 
mediation procedures under this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(1))

Sec.  303.436  Parental rights in due process hearing proceedings.

    (a) General. Each lead agency must ensure that the parents of a 
child referred to part C are afforded the rights in paragraph (b) of 
this section in the due process hearing carried out under Sec.  
303.430(d).
    (b) Rights. Any parent involved in a due process hearing has the 
right to--
    (1) Be accompanied and advised by counsel and by individuals with 
special knowledge or training with respect to early intervention 
services for infants and toddlers with disabilities;
    (2) Present evidence and confront, cross-examine, and compel the 
attendance of witnesses;
    (3) Prohibit the introduction of any evidence at the hearing that 
has not been disclosed to the parent at least five days before the 
hearing;
    (4) Obtain a written or electronic verbatim transcription of the 
hearing at no cost to the parent; and
    (5) Receive a written copy of the findings of fact and decisions at 
no cost to the parent.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a))

Sec.  303.437  Convenience of hearings and timelines.

    (a) Any due process hearing conducted under this subpart must be 
carried out at a time and place that is reasonably convenient to the 
parents.
    (b) Each lead agency must ensure that, not later than 30 days after 
the receipt of a parent's due process complaint, the due process 
hearing required under this subpart is completed and a written decision 
mailed to each of the parties.
    (c) A hearing officer may grant specific extensions of time beyond 
the period set out in paragraph (b) of this section at the request of 
either party.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(1))

Sec.  303.438  Civil action.

    Any party aggrieved by the findings and decision issued pursuant to 
a due process complaint has the right to bring a civil action in State 
or Federal court under section 639(a)(1) of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1439(a)(1))

States That Choose To Adopt the Part B Due Process Hearing Procedures 
Under Section 615 of the Act

Sec.  303.440  Filing a due process complaint.

    (a) General. (1) A parent, EIS provider, or a lead agency may file 
a due process complaint on any of the matters described in Sec.  
303.421(a), relating to the identification, evaluation, or placement of 
a child, or the provision of early intervention services to the infant 
or toddler with a disability and his or her family under part C of the 
Act.
    (2) The due process complaint must allege a violation that occurred 
not more than two years before the date the parent or EIS provider 
knew, or should have known, about the alleged action that forms the 
basis of the due process complaint, or, if the State has an explicit 
time limitation for filing a due process complaint under this part, in 
the time allowed by that State law, except that the exceptions to the 
timeline described in Sec.  303.443(f) apply to the timeline in this 
section.
    (b) Information for parents. The lead agency must inform the parent 
of any free or low-cost legal and other relevant services available in 
the area if--
    (1) The parent requests the information; or
    (2) The parent or EIS provider files a due process complaint under 
this section.
    (c) Timeline for Resolution. The lead agency may adopt a 30- or 45-
day timeline, subject to Sec.  303.447(a), for the resolution of due 
process complaints and must specify in its written policies and 
procedures under Sec.  303.123 and in its prior written notice under 
Sec.  303.421, the specific timeline it has adopted.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-NEW)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(b)(6), 1439)

Sec.  303.441  Due process complaint.

    (a) General. (1) The lead agency must have procedures that require 
either party, or the attorney representing a party, to provide to the 
other party a due process complaint (which must remain confidential).
    (2) The party filing a due process complaint must forward a copy of 
the due process complaint to the lead agency.
    (b) Content of complaint. The due process complaint required in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section must include--
    (1) The name of the child;
    (2) The address of the residence of the child;

[[Page 60272]]

    (3) The name of the EIS provider serving the child;
    (4) In the case of a homeless child (within the meaning of section 
725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
11434a(2)), available contact information for the child, and the name 
of the EIS provider serving the child;
    (5) A description of the nature of the problem of the child 
relating to the proposed or refused initiation or change, including 
facts relating to the problem; and
    (6) A proposed resolution of the problem to the extent known and 
available to the party at the time.
    (c) Notice required before a hearing on a due process complaint. A 
party may not have a hearing on a due process complaint until the 
party, or the attorney representing the party, files a due process 
complaint that meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) Sufficiency of complaint. (1) The due process complaint 
required by this section must be deemed sufficient unless the party 
receiving the due process complaint notifies the hearing officer and 
the other party in writing, within 15 days of receipt of the due 
process complaint, that the receiving party believes the due process 
complaint does not meet the requirements in paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (2) Within five days of receipt of notification under paragraph 
(d)(1) of this section, the hearing officer must make a determination 
on the face of the due process complaint of whether the due process 
complaint meets the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section, and 
must immediately notify the parties in writing of that determination.
    (3) A party may amend its due process complaint only if--
    (i) The other party consents in writing to the amendment and is 
given the opportunity to resolve the due process complaint through a 
meeting held pursuant to Sec.  303.442; or
    (ii) The hearing officer grants permission, except that the hearing 
officer may only grant permission to amend at any time not later than 
five days before the due process hearing begins.
    (4) If a party files an amended due process complaint, the 
timelines for the resolution meeting in Sec.  303.442(a) and the time 
period to resolve in Sec.  303.442(b) begin again with the filing of 
the amended due process complaint.
    (e) Lead agency response to a due process complaint. (1) If the 
lead agency has not sent a prior written notice under Sec.  303.421 to 
the parent regarding the subject matter contained in the parent's due 
process complaint, the lead agency or EIS provider must, within 10 days 
of receiving the due process complaint, send to the parent a response 
that includes--
    (i) An explanation of why the lead agency or EIS provider proposed 
or refused to take the action raised in the due process complaint;
    (ii) A description of other options that the IFSP Team considered 
and the reasons why those options were rejected;
    (iii) A description of each evaluation procedure, assessment, 
record, or report the lead agency or EIS provider used as the basis for 
the proposed or refused action; and
    (iv) A description of the other factors that are relevant to the 
agency's or EIS provider's proposed or refused action.
    (2) A response by the lead agency under paragraph (e)(1) of this 
section does not preclude the lead agency from asserting that the 
parent's due process complaint was insufficient, where appropriate.
    (f) Other party response to a due process complaint. Except as 
provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the party receiving a due 
process complaint must, within 10 days of receiving the due process 
complaint, send to the other party a response that specifically 
addresses the issues raised in the due process complaint.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(b)(7), 1415(c)(2), 1439)

Sec.  303.442  Resolution process.

    (a) Resolution meeting. (1) Within 15 days of receiving notice of 
the parent's due process complaint, and prior to the initiation of a 
due process hearing under Sec.  303.443, the lead agency must convene a 
meeting with the parent and the relevant member or members of the IFSP 
Team who have specific knowledge of the facts identified in the due 
process complaint that--
    (i) Includes a representative of the lead agency who has decision-
making authority on behalf of that agency; and
    (ii) May not include an attorney of the lead agency unless the 
parent is accompanied by an attorney.
    (2) The purpose of the resolution meeting is for the parent of the 
child to discuss the due process complaint, and the facts that form the 
basis of the due process complaint, so that the lead agency has the 
opportunity to resolve the dispute that is the basis for the due 
process complaint.
    (3) The meeting described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this 
section need not be held if--
    (i) The parent and lead agency agree in writing to waive the 
meeting; or
    (ii) The parent and lead agency agree to use the mediation process 
described in Sec.  303.431.
    (4) The parent and the lead agency must determine the relevant 
members of the IFSP Team to attend the meeting.
    (b) Resolution period. (1) If the lead agency has not resolved the 
due process complaint to the satisfaction of the parties within 30 days 
of the receipt of the due process complaint, the due process hearing 
may occur.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the 
timeline for issuing a final decision under Sec.  303.447 begins at the 
expiration of the 30-day period in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (3) Except where the parties have jointly agreed to waive the 
resolution process or to use mediation, notwithstanding paragraphs 
(b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, the failure of the parent filing a 
due process complaint to participate in the resolution meeting will 
delay the timelines for the resolution process and due process hearing 
until the meeting is held.
    (4) If the lead agency is unable to obtain the participation of the 
parent in the resolution meeting after reasonable efforts have been 
made, including documenting its efforts, the lead agency may, at the 
conclusion of the 30-day period, request that the hearing officer 
dismiss the parent's due process complaint.
    (5) If the lead agency fails to hold the resolution meeting 
specified in paragraph (a) of this section within 15 days of receiving 
notice of a parent's due process complaint or fails to participate in 
the resolution meeting, the parent may seek the intervention of a 
hearing officer to begin the due process hearing timeline.
    (c) Adjustments to 30-day resolution period. The 30- or 45-day 
timeline adopted by the lead agency under Sec.  303.440(c) for the due 
process hearing described in Sec.  303.447(a) starts the day after one 
of the following events:
    (1) Both parties agree in writing to waive the resolution meeting.
    (2) After either the mediation or resolution meeting starts but 
before the end of the 30-day period, the parties agree in writing that 
no agreement is possible.
    (3) If both parties agree in writing to continue the mediation at 
the end of the 30-day resolution period, but later, the parent or lead 
agency withdraws from the mediation process.

[[Page 60273]]

    (d) Written settlement agreement. If a resolution to the dispute is 
reached at the meeting described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of 
this section, the parties must execute a legally binding agreement that 
is--
    (1) Signed by both the parent and a representative of the lead 
agency who has the authority to bind the agency; and
    (2) Enforceable in any State court of competent jurisdiction or in 
a district court of the United States, or, by the lead agency, if the 
State has other mechanisms or procedures that permit parties to seek 
enforcement of resolution agreements pursuant to this section.
    (e) Agreement review period. If the parties execute an agreement 
pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, a party may void the 
agreement within three business days of the agreement's execution.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(f)(1)(B), 1439)

Sec.  303.443  Impartial due process hearing.

    (a) General. Whenever a due process complaint is received 
consistent with Sec.  303.440, the parents or the EIS provider involved 
in the dispute must have an opportunity for an impartial due process 
hearing, consistent with the procedures in Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 
303.442.
    (b) Agency responsible for conducting the due process hearing. The 
hearing described in paragraph (a) of this section must be conducted by 
the lead agency directly responsible for the early intervention 
services of the infant or toddler, as determined under State statute, 
State regulation, or a written policy of the lead agency.
    (c) Impartial hearing officer. (1) At a minimum, a hearing 
officer--
    (i) Must not be--
    (A) An employee of the lead agency or the EIS provider that is 
involved in the early intervention services or care of the infant or 
toddler; or
    (B) A person having a personal or professional interest that 
conflicts with the person's objectivity in the hearing;
    (ii) Must possess knowledge of, and the ability to understand, the 
provisions of the Act, Federal and State regulations pertaining to the 
Act, and legal interpretations of the Act by Federal and State courts;
    (iii) Must possess the knowledge and ability to conduct hearings in 
accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice; and
    (iv) Must possess the knowledge and ability to render and write 
decisions in accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice.
    (2) A person who otherwise qualifies to conduct a hearing under 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section is not an employee of the agency 
solely because he or she is paid by the agency to serve as a hearing 
officer.
    (3) Each lead agency must keep a list of the persons who serve as 
hearing officers. The list must include a statement of the 
qualifications of each of those persons.
    (d) Subject matter of due process hearings. The party requesting 
the due process hearing may not raise issues at the due process hearing 
that were not raised in the due process complaint filed under Sec.  
303.441(b), unless the other party agrees otherwise.
    (e) Timeline for requesting a hearing. A parent, lead agency, or 
EIS provider must request an impartial hearing on their due process 
complaint within two years of the date the parent, lead agency, or EIS 
provider knew or should have known about the alleged action that forms 
the basis of the due process complaint, or if the State has an explicit 
time limitation for requesting such a due process hearing under this 
part, in the time allowed by that State law.
    (f) Exceptions to the timeline. The timeline described in paragraph 
(e) of this section does not apply to a parent if the parent was 
prevented from filing a due process complaint due to--
    (1) Specific misrepresentations by the lead agency or EIS provider 
that it had resolved the problem forming the basis of the due process 
complaint; or
    (2) The lead agency's or EIS provider's failure to provide the 
parent information that was required under this part to be provided to 
the parent.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-NEW)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(f)(1)(A), 1415(f)(3)(A)-(D), 1439)

Sec.  303.444  Hearing rights.

    (a) General. Any party to a hearing conducted pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 303.445, or an appeal conducted pursuant to 
Sec.  303.446, has the right to--
    (1) Be accompanied and advised by counsel and by individuals with 
special knowledge or training with respect to the problems of infants 
or toddlers with disabilities;
    (2) Present evidence and confront, cross-examine, and compel the 
attendance of witnesses;
    (3) Prohibit the introduction of any evidence at the hearing that 
has not been disclosed to that party at least five business days before 
the hearing;
    (4) Obtain a written or, at the option of the parents, electronic, 
verbatim record of the hearing; and
    (5) Obtain written or, at the option of the parents, electronic 
findings of fact and decisions.
    (b) Additional disclosure of information. (1) At least five 
business days prior to a hearing conducted pursuant to Sec.  
303.443(a), each party must disclose to all other parties all 
evaluations completed by that date and recommendations based on the 
offering party's evaluations that the party intends to use at the 
hearing.
    (2) A hearing officer may bar any party that fails to comply with 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section from introducing the relevant 
evaluation or recommendation at the hearing without the consent of the 
other party.
    (c) Parental rights at hearings. Parents involved in hearings 
must--
    (1) Be given the right to open the hearing to the public; and
    (2) Receive a copy of the record of the hearing and the findings of 
fact and decisions described in paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(5) of this 
section at no cost.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(f)(2), 1415(h), 1439)

Sec.  303.445  Hearing decisions.

    (a) Decision of hearing officer. (1) Subject to paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section, a hearing officer's determination of whether an infant or 
toddler was appropriately identified, evaluated, or placed, or whether 
the infant or toddler with a disability and his or her family were 
appropriately provided early intervention services under part C of the 
Act, must be based on substantive grounds.
    (2) In matters alleging a procedural violation, a hearing officer 
may find that a child was not appropriately identified, evaluated, 
placed, or provided early intervention services under part C of the Act 
only if the procedural inadequacies--
    (i) Impeded the child's right to identification, evaluation, and 
placement or provision of early intervention services for the child and 
that child's family under part C of the Act;
    (ii) Significantly impeded the parent's opportunity to participate 
in the decision-making process regarding identification, evaluation, 
placement or provision of early intervention services for the child and 
that child's family under part C of the Act; or
    (iii) Caused a deprivation of educational or developmental benefit.
    (3) Nothing in paragraph (a) of this section precludes a hearing 
officer from ordering the lead agency or EIS provider to comply with 
procedural requirements under Sec. Sec.  303.400 through 303.449.

[[Page 60274]]

    (b) Construction clause. Nothing in Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 
303.445 affects the right of a parent to file an appeal of the due 
process hearing decision with the lead agency under Sec.  303.446(b), 
if the lead agency level appeal is available.
    (c) Separate due process complaint. Nothing in Sec. Sec.  303.440 
through 303.449 precludes a parent from filing a separate due process 
complaint on an issue separate from a due process complaint already 
filed.
    (d) Findings and decisions to general public. The lead agency, 
after deleting any personally identifiable information, must make the 
findings and decisions available to the public.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(f)(3)(E)-(F), 1415(h)(4), 1415(o), 1439)

Sec.  303.446  Finality of decision; appeal; impartial review.

    (a) Finality of hearing decision. A decision made in a hearing 
conducted pursuant to Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 303.445 is final, 
except that any party involved in the hearing may appeal the decision 
under the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section and Sec.  
303.448.
    (b) Appeal of decisions; impartial review. (1) The lead agency may 
provide for procedures to allow any party aggrieved by the findings and 
decision in the hearing to appeal to the lead agency.
    (2) If there is an appeal, the lead agency must conduct an 
impartial review of the findings and decision appealed. The official 
conducting the review must--
    (i) Examine the entire hearing record;
    (ii) Ensure that the procedures at the hearing were consistent with 
the requirements of due process;
    (iii) Seek additional evidence if necessary. If a hearing is held 
to receive additional evidence, the rights in Sec.  303.444 apply;
    (iv) Afford the parties an opportunity for oral or written 
argument, or both, at the discretion of the reviewing official;
    (v) Make an independent decision on completion of the review; and
    (vi) Give a copy of the written or, at the option of the parents, 
electronic findings of fact and decisions to the parties.
    (c) Findings of fact and decision to the general public. The lead 
agency, after deleting any personally identifiable information, must 
make the findings of fact and decisions described in paragraph 
(b)(2)(vi) of this section available to the general public.
    (d) Finality of review decision. The decision made by the reviewing 
official is final unless a party brings a civil action under Sec.  
303.448.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(g), 1415(h)(4), 1415(i)(1)(A), 
1415(i)(2), 1439)

Sec.  303.447  Timelines and convenience of hearings and reviews.

    (a) The lead agency must ensure that not later than either 30 days 
or 45 days (consistent with the lead agency's written policies and 
procedures adopted under Sec.  303.440(c)) after the expiration of the 
30-day period in Sec.  303.442(b), or the adjusted 30-day time periods 
described in Sec.  303.442(c))--
    (1) A final decision is reached in the hearing; and
    (2) A copy of the decision is mailed to each of the parties.
    (b) The lead agency must ensure that not later than 30 days after 
the receipt of a request for a review--
    (1) A final decision is reached in the review; and
    (2) A copy of the decision is mailed to each of the parties.
    (c) A hearing or reviewing officer may grant specific extensions of 
time beyond the periods set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section at the request of either party.
    (d) Each hearing and each review involving oral arguments must be 
conducted at a time and place that is reasonably convenient to the 
parents and child involved.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(f)(1)(B)(ii), 1415(g), 1415(i)(1), 1439)

Sec.  303.448  Civil action.

    (a) General. Any party aggrieved by the findings and decision made 
under Sec. Sec.  303.440 through 303.445 who does not have the right to 
an appeal under Sec.  303.446(b), and any party aggrieved by the 
findings and decision under Sec.  303.446(b), has the right to bring a 
civil action with respect to the due process complaint under Sec.  
303.440. The action may be brought in any State court of competent 
jurisdiction or in a district court of the United States without regard 
to the amount in controversy.
    (b) Time limitation. The party bringing the action has 90 days from 
the date of the decision of the hearing officer or, if applicable, the 
decision of the State review official, to file a civil action, or, if 
the State has an explicit time limitation for bringing civil actions 
under part C of the Act, in the time allowed by that State law.
    (c) Additional requirements. In any action brought under paragraph 
(a) of this section, the court--
    (1) Receives the records of the administrative proceedings;
    (2) Hears additional evidence at the request of a party; and
    (3) Basing its decision on the preponderance of the evidence, 
grants the relief that the court determines to be appropriate.
    (d) Jurisdiction of district courts. The district courts of the 
United States have jurisdiction of actions brought under section 615 of 
the Act without regard to the amount in controversy.
    (e) Rule of construction. Nothing in this part restricts or limits 
the rights, procedures, and remedies available under the Constitution, 
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, title V of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other Federal laws protecting the rights 
of children with disabilities, except that before the filing of a civil 
action under these laws seeking relief that is also available under 
section 615 of the Act, the procedures under Sec. Sec.  303.440 and 
303.446 must be exhausted to the same extent as would be required had 
the action been brought under section 615 of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(i)(2), 1415(i)(3)(A), 1415(l), 1439)

Sec.  303.449  State enforcement mechanisms.

    Notwithstanding Sec. Sec.  303.431(b)(6) and 303.442(d)(2), which 
provide for judicial enforcement of a written agreement reached as a 
result of a mediation or a resolution meeting, there is nothing in this 
part that would prevent the State from using other mechanisms to seek 
enforcement of that agreement, provided that use of those mechanisms is 
not mandatory and does not delay or deny a party the right to seek 
enforcement of the written agreement in a State court or competent 
jurisdiction or in a district court of the United States.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1415(e)(2)(F), 1415(f)(1)(B), 1439)

Subpart F--Use of Funds and Payor of Last Resort

General

Sec.  303.500  Use of funds, payor of last resort, and system of 
payments.

    (a) Statewide system. Each statewide system must include written 
policies and procedures that meet the requirements of the--
    (1) Use of funds provisions in Sec.  303.501; and
    (2) Payor of last resort provisions in Sec. Sec.  303.510 through 
303.521 (regarding the identification and coordination of funding 
resources for, and the provision of, early intervention services under 
part C of the Act within the State).
    (b) System of Payments. A State may establish, consistent with 
Sec. Sec.  303.13(a)(3) and 303.203(b), a system of payments for early 
intervention services under part C of the Act, including a schedule

[[Page 60275]]

of sliding fees or cost participation fees (such as co-payments, 
premiums, or deductibles) required to be paid under Federal, State, 
local, or private programs of insurance or benefits for which the 
infant or toddler with a disability or the child's family is enrolled, 
that meets the requirements of Sec. Sec.  303.520 and 303.521.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(4)(B), 1435(a)(10)-(12), 1437(b), 1438, 
1439(a), 1440)

Use of Funds

Sec.  303.501  Permissive use of funds by the lead agency.

    Consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.120 through 303.122 and Sec. Sec.  
303.220 through 303.226, a lead agency may use funds under this part 
for activities or expenses that are reasonable and necessary for 
implementing the State's early intervention program for infants and 
toddlers with disabilities including funds--
    (a) For direct early intervention services for infants and toddlers 
with disabilities and their families under this part that are not 
otherwise funded through other public or private sources (subject to 
Sec. Sec.  303.510 through 303.521);
    (b) To expand and improve services for infants and toddlers with 
disabilities and their families under this part that are otherwise 
available;
    (c)(1) To provide FAPE as that term is defined in Sec.  303.15, in 
accordance with part B of the Act, to children with disabilities from 
their third birthday to the beginning of the following school year;
    (2) The provision of FAPE under paragraph (c)(1) of this section 
does not apply to children who continue to receive early intervention 
services under this part in accordance with paragraph (d) of this 
section and Sec.  303.211;
    (d) With the written consent of the parents, to continue to provide 
early intervention services under this part, in lieu of FAPE provided 
in accordance with part B of the Act, to children with disabilities 
from their third birthday (pursuant to Sec.  303.211) until those 
children enter, or are eligible under State law to enter, kindergarten; 
and
    (e) In any State that does not provide services under Sec.  303.204 
for at-risk infants and toddlers, as defined in Sec.  303.5, to 
strengthen the statewide system by initiating, expanding, or improving 
collaborative efforts related to at-risk infants and toddlers, 
including establishing linkages with appropriate public and private 
community-based organizations, services, and personnel for the purposes 
of--
    (1) Identifying and evaluating at-risk infants and toddlers;
    (2) Making referrals for the infants and toddlers identified and 
evaluated under paragraph (e)(1) of this section; and
    (3) Conducting periodic follow-up on each referral, to determine if 
the status of the infant or toddler involved has changed with respect 
to the eligibility of the infant or toddler for services under this 
part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(10)-(12), 1437(b), 1438)

Payor of Last Resort--General Provisions

Sec.  303.510  Payor of last resort.

    (a) Nonsubstitution of funds. Except as provided in paragraph (b) 
of this section, funds under this part may not be used to satisfy a 
financial commitment for services that would otherwise have been paid 
for from another public or private source, including any medical 
program administered by the Department of Defense, but for the 
enactment of part C of the Act. Therefore, funds under this part may be 
used only for early intervention services that an infant or toddler 
with a disability needs but is not currently entitled to receive or 
have payment made from any other Federal, State, local, or private 
source (subject to Sec. Sec.  303.520 and 303.521).
    (b) Interim payments--reimbursement. If necessary to prevent a 
delay in the timely provision of appropriate early intervention 
services to a child or the child's family, funds under this part may be 
used to pay the provider of services (for services and functions 
authorized under this part, including health services, as defined in 
Sec.  303.16 (but not medical services), functions of the child find 
system described in Sec. Sec.  303.115 through 303.117 and Sec. Sec.  
303.301 through 303.320, and evaluations and assessments in Sec.  
303.321), pending reimbursement from the agency or entity that has 
ultimate responsibility for the payment.
    (c) Non-reduction of benefits. Nothing in this part may be 
construed to permit a State to reduce medical or other assistance 
available in the State or to alter eligibility under Title V of the 
Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 701, et seq. (SSA) (relating to maternal 
and child health) or Title XIX of the SSA, 42 U.S.C. 1396 (relating to 
Medicaid), including section 1903(a) of the SSA regarding medical 
assistance for services furnished to an infant or toddler with a 
disability when those services are included in the child's IFSP adopted 
pursuant to part C of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(10)(B), 1437(a)(2), 1440(a), 1440(c))

Sec.  303.511  Methods to ensure the provision of, and financial 
responsibility for, Part C services.

    (a) General. Each State must ensure that it has in place methods 
for State interagency coordination. Under these methods, the Chief 
Executive Officer of a State or designee of the Officer must ensure 
that the interagency agreement or other method for interagency 
coordination is in effect between each State public agency and the 
designated lead agency in order to ensure--
    (1) The provision of, and establishing financial responsibility 
for, early intervention services provided under this part; and
    (2) Such services are consistent with the requirement in section 
635 of the Act and the State's application under section 637 of the 
Act, including the provision of such services during the pendency of 
any dispute between State agencies.
    (b) The methods in paragraph (a) of this section must meet all 
requirements in this section and be set forth in one of the following:
    (1) State law or regulation;
    (2) Signed interagency and intra-agency agreements between 
respective agency officials that clearly identify the financial and 
service provision responsibilities of each agency (or entity within the 
agency); or
    (3) Other appropriate written methods determined by the Governor of 
the State, or the Governor's designee, and approved by the Secretary 
through the review and approval of the State's application.
    (c) Procedures for resolving disputes. (1) Each method must include 
procedures for achieving a timely resolution of intra-agency and 
interagency disputes about payments for a given service, or disputes 
about other matters related to the State's early intervention service 
program. Those procedures must include a mechanism for resolution of 
disputes within agencies and for the Governor, Governor's designee, or 
the lead agency to make a final determination for interagency disputes, 
which determination must be binding upon the agencies involved.
    (2) The method must--
    (i) Permit the agency to resolve its own internal disputes (based 
on the agency's procedures that are included in the agreement), so long 
as the agency acts in a timely manner; and
    (ii) Include the process that the lead agency will follow in 
achieving resolution of intra-agency disputes, if a given agency is 
unable to resolve its own internal disputes in a timely manner.

[[Page 60276]]

    (3) If, during the lead agency's resolution of the dispute, the 
Governor, Governor's designee, or lead agency determines that the 
assignment of financial responsibility under this section was 
inappropriately made--
    (i) The Governor, Governor's designee, or lead agency must reassign 
the financial responsibility to the appropriate agency; and
    (ii) The lead agency must make arrangements for reimbursement of 
any expenditures incurred by the agency originally assigned financial 
responsibility.
    (d) Delivery of services in a timely manner. The methods adopted by 
the State under this section must--
    (1) Include a mechanism to ensure that no services that a child is 
entitled to receive under this part are delayed or denied because of 
disputes between agencies regarding financial or other 
responsibilities; and
    (2) Be consistent with the written funding policies adopted by the 
State under this subpart and include any provisions the State has 
adopted under Sec.  303.520 regarding the use of insurance to pay for 
part C services.
    (e) Additional components. Each method must include any additional 
components necessary to ensure effective cooperation and coordination 
among, and the lead agency's general supervision (including monitoring) 
of, EIS providers (including all public agencies) involved in the 
State's early intervention service programs.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(10), 1437(a)(2), 1440(b))

Payor of Last Resort & System of Payments Provisions--Use of Insurance, 
Benefits, Systems of Payments, and Fees

Sec.  303.520  Policies related to use of public benefits or insurance 
or private insurance to pay for Part C services.

    (a) Use of public benefits or public insurance to pay for Part C 
services.
    (1) A State may not use the public benefits or insurance of a child 
or parent to pay for part C services unless the State provides written 
notification, consistent with Sec.  303.520(a)(3), to the child's 
parents, and the State meets the no-cost protections identified in 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2) With regard to using the public benefits or insurance of a 
child or parent to pay for part C services, the State--
    (i) May not require a parent to sign up for or enroll in public 
benefits or insurance programs as a condition of receiving part C 
services and must obtain consent prior to using the public benefits or 
insurance of a child or parent if that child or parent is not already 
enrolled in such a program;
    (ii) Must obtain consent, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.7 and 
303.420(a)(4), to use a child's or parent's public benefits or 
insurance to pay for part C services if that use would--
    (A) Decrease available lifetime coverage or any other insured 
benefit for that child or parent under that program;
    (B) Result in the child's parents paying for services that would 
otherwise be covered by the public benefits or insurance program;
    (C) Result in any increase in premiums or discontinuation of public 
benefits or insurance for that child or that child's parents; or
    (D) Risk loss of eligibility for the child or that child's parents 
for home and community-based waivers based on aggregate health-related 
expenditures.
    (iii) If the parent does not provide consent under paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the State must still make 
available those part C services on the IFSP to which the parent has 
provided consent.
    (3) Prior to using a child's or parent's public benefits or 
insurance to pay for part C services, the State must provide written 
notification to the child's parents. The notification must include--
    (i) A statement that parental consent must be obtained under Sec.  
303.414, if that provision applies, before the State lead agency or EIS 
provider discloses, for billing purposes, a child's personally 
identifiable information to the State public agency responsible for the 
administration of the State's public benefits or insurance program 
(e.g., Medicaid);
    (ii) A statement of the no-cost protection provisions in Sec.  
303.520(a)(2) and that if the parent does not provide the consent under 
Sec.  303.520(a)(2), the State lead agency must still make available 
those part C services on the IFSP for which the parent has provided 
consent;
    (iii) A statement that the parents have the right under Sec.  
303.414, if that provision applies, to withdraw their consent to 
disclosure of personally identifiable information to the State public 
agency responsible for the administration of the State's public 
benefits or insurance program (e.g., Medicaid) at any time; and
    (iv) A statement of the general categories of costs that the parent 
would incur as a result of participating in a public benefits or 
insurance program (such as co-payments or deductibles, or the required 
use of private insurance as the primary insurance).
    (4) If a State requires a parent to pay any costs that the parent 
would incur as a result of the State's using a child's or parent's 
public benefits or insurance to pay for part C services (such as co-
payments or deductibles, or the required use of private insurance as 
the primary insurance), those costs must be identified in the State's 
system of payments policies under Sec.  303.521 and included in the 
notification provided to the parent under paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section; otherwise, the State cannot charge those costs to the parent.
    (b) Use of private insurance to pay for Part C services. (1)(i) The 
State may not use the private insurance of a parent of an infant or 
toddler with a disability to pay for part C services unless the parent 
provides parental consent, consistent with Sec. Sec.  303.7 and 
303.420(a)(4), to use private insurance to pay for part C services for 
his or her child or the State meets one of the exceptions in paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section. This includes the use of private insurance when 
such use is a prerequisite for the use of public benefits or insurance. 
Parental consent must be obtained--
    (A) When the lead agency or EIS provider seeks to use the parent's 
private insurance or benefits to pay for the initial provision of an 
early intervention service in the IFSP; and
    (B) Each time consent for services is required under Sec.  
303.420(a)(3) due to an increase (in frequency, length, duration, or 
intensity) in the provision of services in the child's IFSP.
    (ii) If a State requires a parent to pay any costs that the parent 
would incur as a result of the State's use of private insurance to pay 
for early intervention services (such as co-payments, premiums, or 
deductibles), those costs must be identified in the State's system of 
payments policies under Sec.  303.521; otherwise, the State may not 
charge those costs to the parent.
    (iii) When obtaining parental consent required under paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) of this section or initially using benefits under a child or 
parent's private insurance policy to pay for an early intervention 
service under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the State must provide 
to the parent a copy of the State's system of payments policies that 
identifies the potential costs that the parent may incur when their 
private insurance is used to pay for early intervention services under 
this part (such as co-payments, premiums, or deductibles or other long-
term costs such as the loss of benefits because of annual or lifetime 
health insurance coverage caps under the insurance policy).
    (2) The parental consent requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section do not apply if the State has enacted a State statute regarding 
private health

[[Page 60277]]

insurance coverage for early intervention services under part C of the 
Act, that expressly provides that--
    (i) The use of private health insurance to pay for part C services 
cannot count towards or result in a loss of benefits due to the annual 
or lifetime health insurance coverage caps for the infant or toddler 
with a disability, the parent, or the child's family members who are 
covered under that health insurance policy;
    (ii) The use of private health insurance to pay for part C services 
cannot negatively affect the availability of health insurance to the 
infant or toddler with a disability, the parent, or the child's family 
members who are covered under that health insurance policy, and health 
insurance coverage may not be discontinued for these individuals due to 
the use of the health insurance to pay for services under part C of the 
Act; and
    (iii) The use of private health insurance to pay for part C 
services cannot be the basis for increasing the health insurance 
premiums of the infant or toddler with a disability, the parent, or the 
child's family members covered under that health insurance policy.
    (3) If a State has enacted a State statute that meets the 
requirements in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, regarding the use of 
private health insurance coverage to pay for early intervention 
services under part C of the Act, the State may reestablish a new 
baseline of State and local expenditures under Sec.  303.225(b) in the 
next Federal fiscal year following the effective date of the statute.
    (c) Inability to pay. If a parent or family of an infant or toddler 
with a disability is determined unable to pay under the State's 
definition of inability to pay under Sec.  303.521(a)(3) and does not 
provide consent under paragraph (b)(1), the lack of consent may not be 
used to delay or deny any services under this part to that child or 
family.
    (d) Proceeds or funds from public insurance or benefits or from 
private insurance. (1) Proceeds or funds from public insurance or 
benefits or from private insurance are not treated as program income 
for purposes of 34 CFR 80.25.
    (2) If the State receives reimbursements from Federal funds (e.g., 
Medicaid reimbursements attributable directly to Federal funds) for 
services under part C of the Act, those funds are considered neither 
State nor local funds under Sec.  303.225(b).
    (3) If the State spends funds from private insurance for services 
under this part, those funds are considered neither State nor local 
funds under Sec.  303.225.
    (e) Funds received from a parent or family member under a State's 
system of payments. Funds received by the State from a parent or family 
member under the State's system of payments established under Sec.  
303.521 are considered program income under 34 CFR 80.25. These funds--
    (1) Are not deducted from the total allowable costs charged under 
part C of the Act (as set forth in 34 CFR 80.25(g)(1));
    (2) Must be used for the State's part C early intervention services 
program, consistent with 34 CFR 80.25(g)(2); and
    (3) Are considered neither State nor local funds under Sec.  
303.225(b).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(4)(B), 1435(a)(10), 1439(a))

Sec.  303.521  System of payments and fees.

    (a) General. If a State elects to adopt a system of payments in 
Sec.  303.500(b), the State's system of payments policies must be in 
writing and specify which functions or services, if any, are subject to 
the system of payments (including any fees charged to the family as a 
result of using one or more of the family's public insurance or 
benefits or private insurance), and include--
    (1) The payment system and schedule of sliding or cost 
participation fees that may be charged to the parent for early 
intervention services under this part;
    (2) The basis and amount of payments or fees;
    (3) The State's definition of ability to pay (including its 
definition of income and family expenses, such as extraordinary medical 
expenses), its definition of inability to pay, and when and how the 
State makes its determination of the ability or inability to pay;
    (4) An assurance that--
    (i) Fees will not be charged to parents for the services that a 
child is otherwise entitled to receive at no cost (including those 
services identified under paragraphs (a)(4)(ii), (b), and (c) of this 
section);
    (ii) The inability of the parents of an infant or toddler with a 
disability to pay for services will not result in a delay or denial of 
services under this part to the child or the child's family such that, 
if the parent or family meets the State's definition of inability to 
pay, the infant or toddler with a disability must be provided all part 
C services at no cost.
    (iii) Families will not be charged any more than the actual cost of 
the part C service (factoring in any amount received from other sources 
for payment for that service); and
    (iv) Families with public insurance or benefits or private 
insurance will not be charged disproportionately more than families who 
do not have public insurance or benefits or private insurance;
    (5) Provisions stating that the failure to provide the requisite 
income information and documentation may result in a charge of a fee on 
the fee schedule and specify the fee to be charged; and
    (6) Provisions that permit, but do not require, the lead agency to 
use part C or other funds to pay for costs such as the premiums, 
deductibles, or co-payments.
    (b) Functions not subject to fees. The following are required 
functions that must be carried out at public expense, and for which no 
fees may be charged to parents:
    (1) Implementing the child find requirements in Sec. Sec.  303.301 
through 303.303.
    (2) Evaluation and assessment, in accordance with Sec.  303.320, 
and the functions related to evaluation and assessment in Sec.  
303.13(b).
    (3) Service coordination services, as defined in Sec. Sec.  
303.13(b)(11) and 303.33.
    (4) Administrative and coordinative activities related to--
    (i) The development, review, and evaluation of IFSPs and interim 
IFSPs in accordance with Sec. Sec.  303.342 through 303.345; and
    (ii) Implementation of the procedural safeguards in subpart E of 
this part and the other components of the statewide system of early 
intervention services in subpart D of this part and this subpart.
    (c) States with FAPE mandates, or that use funds under Part B of 
the Act to serve children under age three. If a State has in effect a 
State law requiring the provision of FAPE for, or uses part B funds to 
serve, an infant or toddler with a disability under the age of three 
(or any subset of infants and toddlers with disabilities under the age 
of three), the State may not charge the parents of the infant or 
toddler with a disability for any services (e.g., physical or 
occupational therapy) under this part that are part of FAPE for that 
infant or toddler and the child's family, and those FAPE services must 
meet the requirements of both parts B and C of the Act.
    (d) Family fees. (1) Fees or costs collected from a parent or the 
child's family to pay for early intervention services under a State's 
system of payments are program income under 34 CFR 80.25. A State may 
add this program income to its part C grant funds, rather than 
deducting the program income from the amount of the State's part C 
grant. Any fees collected must be used for the purposes of the grant 
under part C of the Act.

[[Page 60278]]

    (2) Fees collected under a system of payments are considered 
neither State nor local funds under Sec.  303.225(b).
    (e) Procedural Safeguards. (1) Each State system of payments must 
include written policies to inform parents that a parent who wishes to 
contest the imposition of a fee, or the State's determination of the 
parent's ability to pay, may do one of the following:
    (i) Participate in mediation in accordance with Sec.  303.431.
    (ii) Request a due process hearing under Sec.  303.436 or 303.441, 
whichever is applicable.
    (iii) File a State complaint under Sec.  303.434.
    (iv) Use any other procedure established by the State for speedy 
resolution of financial claims, provided that such use does not delay 
or deny the parent's procedural rights under this part, including the 
right to pursue, in a timely manner, the redress options described in 
paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through (e)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (2) A State must inform parents of these procedural safeguard 
options by either--
    (i) Providing parents with a copy of the State's system of payments 
policies when obtaining consent for provision of early intervention 
services under Sec.  303.420(a)(3); or
    (ii) Including this information with the notice provided to parents 
under Sec.  303.421.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1432(4)(B), 1439(a), 1440)

Subpart G--State Interagency Coordinating Council

Sec.  303.600  Establishment of Council.

    (a) A State that desires to receive financial assistance under part 
C of the Act must establish a State Interagency Coordinating Council 
(Council) as defined in Sec.  303.8.
    (b) The Council must be appointed by the Governor. The Governor 
must ensure that the membership of the Council reasonably represents 
the population of the State.
    (c) The Governor must designate a member of the Council to serve as 
the chairperson of the Council or require the Council to do so. Any 
member of the Council who is a representative of the lead agency 
designated under Sec.  303.201 may not serve as the chairperson of the 
Council.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1441(a))

Sec.  303.601  Composition.

    (a) The Council must be composed as follows:
    (1)(i) At least 20 percent of the members must be parents, 
including minority parents, of infants or toddlers with disabilities or 
children with disabilities aged 12 years or younger, with knowledge of, 
or experience with, programs for infants and toddlers with 
disabilities.
    (ii) At least one parent member must be a parent of an infant or 
toddler with a disability or a child with a disability aged six years 
or younger.
    (2) At least 20 percent of the members must be public or private 
providers of early intervention services.
    (3) At least one member must be from the State legislature.
    (4) At least one member must be involved in personnel preparation.
    (5) At least one member must--
    (i) Be from each of the State agencies involved in the provision 
of, or payment for, early intervention services to infants and toddlers 
with disabilities and their families; and
    (ii) Have sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and 
implementation on behalf of these agencies.
    (6) At least one member must--
    (i) Be from the SEA responsible for preschool services to children 
with disabilities; and
    (ii) Have sufficient authority to engage in policy planning and 
implementation on behalf of the SEA.
    (7) At least one member must be from the agency responsible for the 
State Medicaid and CHIP program.
    (8) At least one member must be from a Head Start or Early Head 
Start agency or program in the State.
    (9) At least one member must be from a State agency responsible for 
child care.
    (10) At least one member must be from the agency responsible for 
the State regulation of private health insurance.
    (11) At least one member must be a representative designated by the 
Office of the Coordination of Education of Homeless Children and Youth.
    (12) At least one member must be a representative from the State 
child welfare agency responsible for foster care.
    (13) At least one member must be from the State agency responsible 
for children's mental health.
    (b) The Governor may appoint one member to represent more than one 
program or agency listed in paragraphs (a)(7) through (a)(13) of this 
section.
    (c) The Council may include other members selected by the Governor, 
including a representative from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) 
or, where there is no school operated or funded by the BIE in the 
State, from the Indian Health Service or the tribe or tribal council.
    (d) No member of the Council may cast a vote on any matter that 
would provide direct financial benefit to that member or otherwise give 
the appearance of a conflict of interest under State law.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1231d, 1441(b), 1441(f))

Sec.  303.602  Meetings.

    (a) The Council must meet, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis, and 
in such places as it determines necessary.
    (b) The meetings must--
    (1) Be publicly announced sufficiently in advance of the dates they 
are to be held to ensure that all interested parties have an 
opportunity to attend;
    (2) To the extent appropriate, be open and accessible to the 
general public; and
    (3) As needed, provide for interpreters for persons who are deaf 
and other necessary services for Council members and participants. The 
Council may use funds under this part to pay for those services.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1441(c))

Sec.  303.603  Use of funds by the Council.

    (a) Subject to the approval by the Governor, the Council may use 
funds under this part to--
    (1) Conduct hearings and forums;
    (2) Reimburse members of the Council for reasonable and necessary 
expenses for attending Council meetings and performing Council duties 
(including child care for parent representatives);
    (3) Pay compensation to a member of the Council if the member is 
not employed or must forfeit wages from other employment when 
performing official Council business;
    (4) Hire staff; and
    (5) Obtain the services of professional, technical, and clerical 
personnel as may be necessary to carry out the performance of its 
functions under part C of the Act.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, Council 
members must serve without compensation from funds available under part 
C of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1441(d))

Sec.  303.604  Functions of the Council--required duties.

    (a) Advising and assisting the lead agency. The Council must advise 
and assist the lead agency in the performance of its responsibilities 
in section 635(a)(10) of the Act, including--
    (1) Identification of sources of fiscal and other support for 
services for early intervention service programs under part C of the 
Act;
    (2) Assignment of financial responsibility to the appropriate 
agency;

[[Page 60279]]

    (3) Promotion of methods (including use of intra-agency and 
interagency agreements) for intra-agency and interagency collaboration 
regarding child find under Sec. Sec.  303.115 and 303.302, monitoring 
under Sec.  303.120 and Sec. Sec.  303.700 through 303.708, financial 
responsibility and provision of early intervention services under 
Sec. Sec.  303.202 and 303.511, and transition under Sec.  303.209; and
    (4) Preparation of applications under this part and amendments to 
those applications.
    (b) Advising and assisting on transition. The Council must advise 
and assist the SEA and the lead agency regarding the transition of 
toddlers with disabilities to preschool and other appropriate services.
    (c) Annual report to the Governor and to the Secretary. (1) The 
Council must--
    (i) Prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and to the 
Secretary on the status of early intervention service programs for 
infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families under part C 
of the Act operated within the State; and
    (ii) Submit the report to the Secretary by a date that the 
Secretary establishes.
    (2) Each annual report must contain the information required by the 
Secretary for the year for which the report is made.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1441(e)(1))

Sec.  303.605  Authorized activities by the Council.

    The Council may carry out the following activities:
    (a) Advise and assist the lead agency and the SEA regarding the 
provision of appropriate services for children with disabilities from 
birth through age five.
    (b) Advise appropriate agencies in the State with respect to the 
integration of services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and 
at-risk infants and toddlers and their families, regardless of whether 
at-risk infants and toddlers are eligible for early intervention 
services in the State.
    (c) Coordinate and collaborate with the State Advisory Council on 
Early Childhood Education and Care for children, as described in 
section 642B(b)(1)(A)(i) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 
9837b(b)(1)(A)(i), if applicable, and other State interagency early 
learning initiatives, as appropriate.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(10), 1441(e)(2))

Subpart H--State Monitoring and Enforcement; Federal Monitoring and 
Enforcement; Reporting; and Allocation of Funds

Federal and State Monitoring and Enforcement

Sec.  303.700  State monitoring and enforcement.

    (a) The lead agency must--
    (1) Monitor the implementation of this part;
    (2) Make determinations annually about the performance of each EIS 
program using the categories identified in Sec.  303.703(b);
    (3) Enforce this part consistent with Sec.  303.704, using 
appropriate enforcement mechanisms, which must include, if applicable, 
the enforcement mechanisms identified in Sec.  303.704(a)(1) (technical 
assistance) and Sec.  303.704(a)(2) (imposing conditions on the lead 
agency's funding of an EIS program or, if the lead agency does not 
provide part C funds to the EIS program, an EIS provider), Sec.  
303.704(b)(2)(i) (corrective action or improvement plan) and Sec.  
303.704(b)(2)(iv) (withholding of funds, in whole or in part by the 
lead agency), and Sec.  303.704(c)(2) (withholding of funds, in whole 
or in part by the lead agency); and
    (4) Report annually on the performance of the State and of each EIS 
program under this part as provided in Sec.  303.702.
    (b) The primary focus of the State's monitoring activities must be 
on--
    (1) Improving early intervention results and functional outcomes 
for all infants and toddlers with disabilities; and
    (2) Ensuring that EIS programs meet the program requirements under 
part C of the Act, with a particular emphasis on those requirements 
that are most closely related to improving early intervention results 
for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
    (c) As a part of its responsibilities under paragraph (a) of this 
section, the State must use quantifiable indicators and such 
qualitative indicators as are needed to adequately measure performance 
in the priority areas identified in paragraph (d) of this section, and 
the indicators established by the Secretary for the State performance 
plans.
    (d) The lead agency must monitor each EIS program located in the 
State, using quantifiable indicators in each of the following priority 
areas, and using such qualitative indicators as are needed to 
adequately measure performance in those areas:
    (1) Early intervention services in natural environments.
    (2) State exercise of general supervision, including child find, 
effective monitoring, the use of resolution sessions (if the State 
adopts part B due process hearing procedures under Sec.  
303.430(d)(2)), mediation, and a system of transition services as 
defined in section 637(a)(9) of the Act.
    (e) In exercising its monitoring responsibilities under paragraph 
(d) of this section, the State must ensure that when it identifies 
noncompliance with the requirements of this part by EIS programs and 
providers, the noncompliance is corrected as soon as possible and in no 
case later than one year after the State's identification of the 
noncompliance.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0578)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(a), 1442)

Sec.  303.701  State performance plans and data collection.

    (a) General. Each State must have in place a performance plan that 
meets the requirements described in section 616 of the Act; is approved 
by the Secretary; and includes an evaluation of the State's efforts to 
implement the requirements and purposes of part C of the Act, a 
description of how the State will improve implementation, and 
measurable and rigorous targets for the indicators established by the 
Secretary under the priority areas described in Sec.  303.700(d).
    (b) Review of State performance plan. Each State must review its 
State performance plan at least once every six years and submit any 
amendments to the Secretary.
    (c) Data collection. (1) Each State must collect valid and reliable 
information as needed to report annually to the Secretary under Sec.  
303.702(b)(2) on the indicators established by the Secretary for the 
State performance plans.
    (2) If the Secretary permits States to collect data on specific 
indicators through State monitoring or sampling, and the State collects 
data for a particular indicator through State monitoring or sampling, 
the State must collect and report data on those indicators for each EIS 
program at least once during the six-year period of a State performance 
plan.
    (3) Nothing in part C of the Act or these regulations may be 
construed to authorize the development of a nationwide database of 
personally identifiable information on individuals involved in studies 
or other collections of data under part C of the Act.

[[Page 60280]]

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0578)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(b), 1442)

Sec.  303.702  State use of targets and reporting.

    (a) General. Each State must use the targets established in the 
State's performance plan under Sec.  303.701 and the priority areas 
described in Sec.  303.700(d) to analyze the performance of each EIS 
program in implementing part C of the Act.
    (b) Public reporting and privacy. (1) Public report. (i) Subject to 
paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the State must--
    (A) Report annually to the public on the performance of each EIS 
program located in the State on the targets in the State's performance 
plan as soon as practicable but no later than 120 days following the 
State's submission of its annual performance report to the Secretary 
under paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and
    (B) Make the State's performance plan under Sec.  303.701(a), 
annual performance reports under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, and 
the State's annual reports on the performance of each EIS program under 
paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section available through public means, 
including by posting on the Web site of the lead agency, distribution 
to the media, and distribution to EIS programs.
    (ii) If the State, in meeting the requirements of paragraph 
(b)(1)(i)(A) of this section, collects data through State monitoring or 
sampling, the State must include in its public report on EIS programs 
under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section the most recently 
available performance data on each EIS program and the date the data 
were collected.
    (2) State performance report. The State must report annually to the 
Secretary on the performance of the State under the State's performance 
plan.
    (3) Privacy. The State must not report to the public or the 
Secretary any information on performance that would result in the 
disclosure of personally identifiable information about individual 
children, or where the available data are insufficient to yield 
statistically reliable information.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0578)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(b)(2)(B)-(C), 1442)

Sec.  303.703  Secretary's review and determination regarding State 
performance.

    (a) Review. The Secretary annually reviews the State's performance 
report submitted pursuant to Sec.  303.702(b)(2).
    (b) Determination. (1) General. Based on the information provided 
by the State in the State's annual performance report, information 
obtained through monitoring visits, and any other public information 
made available, the Secretary determines if the State--
    (i) Meets the requirements and purposes of part C of the Act;
    (ii) Needs assistance in implementing the requirements of part C of 
the Act;
    (iii) Needs intervention in implementing the requirements of part C 
of the Act; or
    (iv) Needs substantial intervention in implementing the 
requirements of part C of the Act.
    (2) Notice and opportunity for a hearing. (i) For determinations 
made under paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) and (b)(1)(iv) of this section, the 
Secretary provides reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing 
on those determinations.
    (ii) The hearing described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section 
consists of an opportunity to meet with the Assistant Secretary for 
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to demonstrate why the 
Secretary should not make the determination described in paragraph 
(b)(1)(iii) or (b)(1)(iv) of this section.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(d), 1442)

Sec.  303.704  Enforcement.

    (a) Needs assistance. If the Secretary determines, for two 
consecutive years, that a State needs assistance under Sec.  
303.703(b)(1)(ii) in implementing the requirements of part C of the 
Act, the Secretary takes one or more of the following actions:
    (1) Advises the State of available sources of technical assistance 
that may help the State address the areas in which the State needs 
assistance, which may include assistance from the Office of Special 
Education Programs, other offices of the Department of Education, other 
Federal agencies, technical assistance providers approved by the 
Secretary, and other federally funded nonprofit agencies, and requires 
the State to work with appropriate entities. This technical assistance 
may include--
    (i) The provision of advice by experts to address the areas in 
which the State needs assistance, including explicit plans for 
addressing the areas of concern within a specified period of time;
    (ii) Assistance in identifying and implementing professional 
development, early intervention service provision strategies, and 
methods of early intervention service provision that are based on 
scientifically based research;
    (iii) Designating and using administrators, service coordinators, 
service providers, and other personnel from the EIS program to provide 
advice, technical assistance, and support; and
    (iv) Devising additional approaches to providing technical 
assistance, such as collaborating with institutions of higher 
education, educational service agencies, national centers of technical 
assistance supported under part D of the Act, and private providers of 
scientifically based technical assistance.
    (2) Identifies the State as a high-risk grantee and imposes special 
conditions on the State's grant under part C of the Act.
    (b) Needs intervention. If the Secretary determines, for three or 
more consecutive years, that a State needs intervention under Sec.  
303.703(b)(1)(iii) in implementing the requirements of part C of the 
Act, the following apply:
    (1) The Secretary may take any of the actions described in 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) The Secretary takes one or more of the following actions:
    (i) Requires the State to prepare a corrective action plan or 
improvement plan if the Secretary determines that the State should be 
able to correct the problem within one year.
    (ii) Requires the State to enter into a compliance agreement under 
section 457 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended (GEPA), 
20 U.S.C. 1234f, if the Secretary has reason to believe that the State 
cannot correct the problem within one year.
    (iii) Seeks to recover funds under section 452 of GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 
1234a.
    (iv) Withholds, in whole or in part, any further payments to the 
State under part C of the Act.
    (v) Refers the matter for appropriate enforcement action, which may 
include referral to the Department of Justice.
    (c) Needs substantial intervention. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) 
or (b) of this section, at any time that the Secretary determines that 
a State needs substantial intervention in implementing the requirements 
of part C of the Act or that there is a substantial failure to comply 
with any requirement under part C of the Act by the lead agency or an 
EIS program in the State, the Secretary takes one or more of the 
following actions:
    (1) Recovers funds under section 452 of GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1234a.
    (2) Withholds, in whole or in part, any further payments to the 
State under part C of the Act.
    (3) Refers the case to the Office of Inspector General of the 
Department of Education.
    (4) Refers the matter for appropriate enforcement action, which may 
include referral to the Department of Justice.

[[Page 60281]]

    (d) Report to Congress. The Secretary reports to the Committee on 
Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate within 30 days 
of taking enforcement action pursuant to paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of 
this section, on the specific action taken and the reasons why 
enforcement action was taken.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(e)(1)-(3), 1416(e)(5), 1442)

Sec.  303.705  Withholding funds.

    (a) Opportunity for hearing. Prior to withholding any funds under 
part C of the Act, the Secretary provides reasonable notice and an 
opportunity for a hearing to the lead agency involved, pursuant to the 
procedures in Sec. Sec.  303.231 through 303.236.
    (b) Suspension. Pending the outcome of any hearing to withhold 
payments under paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary may suspend 
payments to a recipient, suspend the authority of the recipient to 
obligate funds under part C of the Act, or both, after the recipient 
has been given reasonable notice and an opportunity to show cause why 
future payments or authority to obligate funds under part C of the Act 
should not be suspended.
    (c) Nature of withholding. (1) Limitation. If the Secretary 
determines that it is appropriate to withhold further payments under 
section 616(e)(2) or (e)(3) of the Act, the Secretary may determine--
    (i) That such withholding will be limited to programs or projects, 
or portions of programs or projects, that affected the Secretary's 
determination under Sec.  303.703(b)(1); or
    (ii) That the lead agency must not make further payments of funds 
under part C of the Act to specified State agencies, EIS programs or, 
if the lead agency does not provide part C funds to the EIS program, 
EIS providers that caused or were involved in the Secretary's 
determination under Sec.  303.703(b)(1).
    (2) Withholding until rectified. Until the Secretary is satisfied 
that the condition that caused the initial withholding has been 
substantially rectified--
    (i) Payments to the State under part C of the Act must be withheld 
in whole or in part; and
    (ii) Payments by the lead agency under part C of the Act must be 
limited to State agencies and EIS providers whose actions did not cause 
or were not involved in the Secretary's determination under Sec.  
303.703(b)(1).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(e)(4), 1416(e)(6), 1442)

Sec.  303.706  Public attention.

    Whenever a State receives notice that the Secretary is proposing to 
take or is taking an enforcement action pursuant to Sec.  303.704, the 
State must, by means of a public notice, take such measures as may be 
necessary to bring the pendency of an action pursuant to section 616(e) 
of the Act and Sec.  303.704 of the regulations to the attention of the 
public within the State, including by posting the notice on the Web 
site of the lead agency and distributing the notice to the media and to 
EIS programs.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(e)(7), 1442)

Sec.  303.707  Rule of construction.

    Nothing in this subpart may be construed to restrict the Secretary 
from utilizing any authority under GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1221 et seq., and 
its regulations in 34 CFR parts 76, 77, 80, and 81, including the 
imposition of special conditions under 34 CFR 80.12, to monitor and 
enforce the requirements of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(g), 1442)

Sec.  303.708  State enforcement.

    Nothing in this subpart may be construed to restrict a State from 
utilizing any other authority available to it to monitor and enforce 
the requirements of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(1)(C), 1442)

Reports--Program Information

Sec.  303.720  Data requirements--general.

    (a) The lead agency must annually report to the Secretary and to 
the public on the information required by section 618 of the Act at the 
times specified by the Secretary.
    (b) The lead agency must submit the report to the Secretary in the 
manner prescribed by the Secretary.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0557)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1418, 1435(a)(14), 1442)

Sec.  303.721  Annual report of children served--report requirement.

    (a) For the purposes of the annual report required by section 618 
of the Act and Sec.  303.720, the lead agency must count and report the 
number of infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services on 
any date between October 1 and December 1 of each year. The report must 
include--
    (1) The number and percentage of infants and toddlers with 
disabilities in the State, by race, gender, and ethnicity, who are 
receiving early intervention services (and include in this number any 
children reported to it by tribes, tribal organizations, and consortia 
under Sec.  303.731(e)(1));
    (2) The number and percentage of infants and toddlers with 
disabilities, by race, gender, and ethnicity, who, from birth through 
age two, stopped receiving early intervention services because of 
program completion or for other reasons; and
    (3) The number and percentage of at-risk infants and toddlers (as 
defined in section 632(1) of the Act), by race and ethnicity, who are 
receiving early intervention services under part C of the Act.
    (b) If a State adopts the option under section 635(c) of the Act 
and Sec.  303.211 to make services under this part available to 
children ages three and older, the State must submit to the Secretary a 
report on the number and percentage of children with disabilities who 
are eligible for services under section 619 of the Act but whose 
parents choose for those children to continue to receive early 
intervention services.
    (c) The number of due process complaints filed under section 615 of 
the Act, the number of hearings conducted and the number of mediations 
held, and the number of settlement agreements reached through such 
mediations.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0557)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1418(a)(1)(B), (C), (F), (G), and (H), 
1435(a)(14), 1435(c)(3), 1442)

Sec.  303.722  Data reporting.

    (a) Protection of identifiable data. The data described in section 
618(a) of the Act and in Sec.  303.721 must be publicly reported by 
each State in a manner that does not result in disclosure of data 
identifiable to individual children.
    (b) Sampling. The Secretary may permit States and outlying areas to 
obtain data in section 618(a) of the Act through sampling.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0557)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1418(b), 1435(a)(14), 1442)

Sec.  303.723  Annual report of children served--certification.

    The lead agency must include in its report a certification signed 
by an authorized official of the agency that the information provided 
under Sec.  303.721 is an accurate and unduplicated count of infants 
and toddlers with disabilities receiving early intervention services.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0557)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1418(a)(3), 1435(a)(14), 1442)

[[Page 60282]]

Sec.  303.724  Annual report of children served--other responsibilities 
of the lead agency.

    In addition to meeting the requirements of Sec. Sec.  303.721 
through 303.723, the lead agency must conduct its own child count or 
use EIS providers to complete its child count. If the lead agency uses 
EIS providers to complete its child count, then the lead agency must--
    (a) Establish procedures to be used by EIS providers in counting 
the number of children with disabilities receiving early intervention 
services;
    (b) Establish dates by which those EIS providers must report to the 
lead agency to ensure that the State complies with Sec.  303.721(a);
    (c) Obtain certification from each EIS provider that an 
unduplicated and accurate count has been made;
    (d) Aggregate the data from the count obtained from each EIS 
provider and prepare the report required under Sec. Sec.  303.721 
through 303.723; and
    (e) Ensure that documentation is maintained to enable the State and 
the Secretary to audit the accuracy of the count.

(Approved by Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1820-0557)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1418(a), 1435(a)(14), 1442)

Allocation of Funds

Sec.  303.730  Formula for State allocations.

    (a) Reservation of funds for outlying areas. From the sums 
appropriated to carry out part C of the Act for any fiscal year, the 
Secretary may reserve not more than one percent for payments to 
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, 
and the United States Virgin Islands in accordance with their 
respective needs for assistance under part C of the Act.
    (b) Consolidation of funds. The provisions of the Omnibus 
Territories Act of 1977, Pub. L. 95-134, permitting the consolidation 
of grants to the outlying areas, do not apply to the funds provided 
under part C of the Act.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1443(a))

Sec.  303.731  Payments to Indians.

    (a) General. (1) The Secretary makes payments to the Secretary of 
the Interior under part C of the Act, which the Secretary of the 
Interior must distribute to tribes or tribal organizations (as defined 
under section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act, as amended, 25 U.S.C. 450b), or consortia of those 
entities, for the coordination of assistance in the provision of early 
intervention services by States to infants and toddlers with 
disabilities and their families on reservations served by elementary 
and secondary schools for Indian children operated or funded by the 
Secretary of the Interior.
    (2) A tribe, tribal organization, or consortium of those entities 
is eligible to receive a payment under this section if the tribe, 
tribal organization, or consortium of those entities is on a 
reservation that is served by an elementary or secondary school 
operated or funded by the Secretary of the Interior.
    (3) The amount of the payment to the Secretary of the Interior 
under this section for any fiscal year is 1.25 percent of the aggregate 
amount available to all States under part C of the Act.
    (b) Allocation. For each fiscal year, the Secretary of the Interior 
must distribute the entire payment received under paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section by providing to each tribe, tribal organization, or 
consortium an amount based on the number of infants and toddlers 
residing on the reservation, as determined annually, divided by the 
total number of those children served by all tribes, tribal 
organizations, or consortia.
    (c) Information. To receive a payment under this section, the 
tribe, tribal organization, or consortium must submit the appropriate 
information to the Secretary of the Interior to determine the amounts 
to be distributed under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) Use of funds. (1) The funds received by a tribe, tribal 
organization, or consortium must be used to assist States in child 
find, screening, and other procedures for the early identification of 
Indian children under three years of age and for parent training. The 
funds also may be used to provide early intervention services in 
accordance with part C of the Act. These activities may be carried out 
directly or through contracts or cooperative agreements with the Bureau 
of Indian Education, local educational agencies, and other public or 
private nonprofit organizations. The tribe, tribal organization, or 
consortium is encouraged to involve Indian parents in the development 
and implementation of these activities.
    (2) The tribe, tribal organization, or consortium must, as 
appropriate, make referrals to local, State, or Federal entities for 
the provision of services or further diagnosis.
    (e) Reports. (1) To be eligible to receive a payment under 
paragraph (b) of this section, a tribe, tribal organization, or 
consortium must make a biennial report to the Secretary of the Interior 
of activities undertaken under this section, including the number of 
contracts and cooperative agreements entered into, the number of 
infants and toddlers contacted and receiving services for each year, 
and the estimated number of infants and toddlers needing services 
during the two years following the year in which the report is made. 
This report must include an assurance that the tribe, tribal 
organization, or consortium has provided the lead agency in the State 
child find information (including the names and dates of birth and 
parent contact information) for infants or toddlers with disabilities 
who are included in the report in order to meet the child find 
coordination and child count requirements in sections 618 and 643 of 
the Act.
    (2) The Secretary of the Interior must provide a summary of this 
information (including confirmation that each tribe, tribal 
organization, or consortium has provided to the Secretary of the 
Interior the assurance required under paragraph (e)(1) of this section) 
on a biennial basis to the Secretary along with such other information 
as required of the Secretary of the Interior under part C of the Act. 
The Secretary may require additional information from the Secretary of 
the Interior.
    (3) Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year the Secretary 
of the Interior must provide the Secretary with a report on the 
payments distributed under this section. The report must include--
    (i) The name of each tribe, tribal organization, or combination of 
those entities that received a payment for the fiscal year;
    (ii) The amount of each payment; and
    (iii) The date of each payment.
    (f) Prohibited uses of funds. None of the funds under this section 
may be used by the Secretary of the Interior for administrative 
purposes, including child count and the provision of technical 
assistance.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1443(b))

Sec.  303.732  State allotments.

    (a) General. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section, for each fiscal year, from the aggregate amount of funds 
available under part C of the Act for distribution to the States, the 
Secretary allots to each State an amount that bears the same ratio to 
the aggregate amount as the number of infants and toddlers in the State 
bears to the number of infants and toddlers in all States.
    (b) Minimum allocations. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of 
this section, no State may receive less than

[[Page 60283]]

0.5 percent of the aggregate amount available under this section or 
$500,000, whichever is greater.
    (c) Ratable reduction. (1) If the sums made available under part C 
of the Act for any fiscal year are insufficient to pay the full amount 
that all States are eligible to receive under this section for that 
year, the Secretary ratably reduces the allotments to those States for 
such year.
    (2) If additional funds become available for making payments under 
this section, allotments that were reduced under paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section will be increased on the same basis the allotments were 
reduced.
    (d) Definitions. For the purpose of allotting funds to the States 
under this section--
    (1) Aggregate amount means the amount available for distribution to 
the States after the Secretary determines the amount of payments to be 
made to the Secretary of the Interior under Sec.  303.731, to the 
outlying areas under Sec.  303.730, and any amount to be reserved for 
State incentive grants under Sec.  303.734;
    (2) Infants and toddlers means children from birth through age two 
in the general population, based on the most recent satisfactory data 
as determined by the Secretary; and
    (3) State means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, 
and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1443(c))

Sec.  303.733  Reallotment of funds.

    If a State (as defined in Sec.  303.35) elects not to receive its 
allotment, the Secretary reallots those funds among the remaining 
States (as defined in Sec.  303.732(d)(3)), in accordance with Sec.  
303.732(c)(2).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1443(d))

Sec.  303.734  Reservation for State incentive grants.

    (a) General. For any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated 
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under section 644 of 
the Act exceeds $460,000,000, the Secretary reserves 15 percent of the 
appropriated amount exceeding $460,000,000 to provide grants to States 
that are carrying out the policy described in section 635(c) of the Act 
and in Sec.  303.211 (including a State that makes part C services 
available under Sec.  303.211(a)(2)), in order to facilitate the 
implementation of that policy.
    (b) Amount of grant. (1) General. Notwithstanding section 643(c)(2) 
and (c)(3) of the Act, the Secretary provides a grant to each State 
under this section in an amount that bears the same ratio to the amount 
reserved under paragraph (a) of this section as the number of infants 
and toddlers in the State bears to the number of infants and toddlers 
in all States receiving grants under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) Maximum amount. No State may receive a grant under paragraph 
(a) of this section for any fiscal year in an amount that is greater 
than 20 percent of the amount reserved under that paragraph for the 
fiscal year.
    (c) Carryover of amounts pursuant to section 643(e)(3) of the 
Act. (1) First succeeding fiscal year. Pursuant to section 421(b) of 
GEPA, 20 U.S.C. 1221 et seq., amounts under a grant provided under 
paragraph (a) of this section that are not obligated and expended 
prior to the beginning of the first fiscal year succeeding the 
fiscal year for which those amounts were appropriated must remain 
available for obligation and expenditure during the first succeeding 
fiscal year.
    (2) Second succeeding fiscal year. Amounts under a grant 
provided under paragraph (a) of this section that are not obligated 
and expended prior to the beginning of the second fiscal year 
succeeding the fiscal year for which those amounts were appropriated 
must be returned to the Secretary and used to make grants to States 
under section 633 of the Act (from their allotments identified in 
Sec. Sec.  303.731 through 303.733) during the second succeeding 
fiscal year.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1443)

Appendix A to Part 303--Index for IDEA Part C Regulations

ABILITY TO PAY (State definition)  303.521(a)(3).
ABROGATION OF STATE SOVEREIGN      303.103.
 IMMUNITY.
ABUSE or NEGLECT:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
     Referral of specific  303.303(b).
     at-risk infants and toddlers.
ACCESS (TO); ACCESSING (A-O):
     Access rights (of     303.405.
     parents).
     Culturally competent  303.227(b).
     services (Traditionally
     underserved groups).
     Early Intervention    303.403(b).
     records (definition).
     Early Intervention    303.34(b)(1).
     services.
     See also ``Service
     Coordination (Services)''.
ACCESS (TO); ACCESSING (P-Z):
     Personally            303.415(d).
     identifiable information
     (Employees with access).
     Private insurance     303.520(b)(1)(i).
     (Parental consent prior to
     using or accessing).
     Public Insurance      303.520(a).
     (Written notification prior
     to using or accessing.
     Records (Keep and     303.224(b).
     afford access to the
     Secretary).
     Safeguards            303.415(d).
     (Employees with access to
     personally identifiable
     information).
ACCESSIBLE; ACCESSIBILITY:
     Central directory     303.117.
     (Accessible to general
     public).
     Individualized        303.342(d).
     family service plan (IFSP)
     meetings (Accessibility and
     convenience of).
     See also              303.602(b)(2).
     ``Convenience (of hearings;
     meetings)''.
     Meetings (Of
     Council).
ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS
 (Construction or Alteration):
     Americans with        303.104(b)(1).
     Disabilities Act
     Accessibility Guidelines for
     Buildings and Facilities.
     Uniform Federal       303.104(b)(2).
     Accessibility Standards.
ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT
 (Construction):
     Appropriate           303.104.
     equipment and construction
     or alteration of facilities.
     See also
     ``Accessibility standards''.
ACT:
     Definition            303.4.
     (Individuals with
     Disabilities Education Act
     (IDEA)).
ADAPTIVE DEVELOPMENT:
     Developmental delay   303.21(a)(1)(v).
     in.
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(4)(v).
     services (Definition).
        [cir] See also in          303.13(b)(8).
         ``Occupational therapy''.
     Evaluation and        303.321(b)(3).
     assessment (Of the child).

[[Page 60284]]

 
     Individualized        303.344(a).
     family service plan (IFSP)
     content (Child's status).
     Infant or toddler     303.21(a)(1)(v).
     with a disability
     (Definition).
ADVOCATE (Noun):
     Individualized        303.343(a)(1)(iii).
     family service plan (IFSP)
     Team.
AGGREGATE AMOUNT:
     Payments to Indians.  303.731(a)(3).
     State allotments      303.732(d)(1).
     (Definition).
        [cir] See also ``State     303.732(a),(b).
         allotments''.
AMENDMENTS (To a State's
 application):
     Functions of the      303.604(a)(4).
     Council (Advise and assist
     lead agency with).
     Modifications         303.228(c)(1).
     required by the Secretary.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:
     Civil Action........  303.448(e).
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS...........  303.3.
APPLICATION:
     See ``State
     Application''.
ASSESSMENT:
     Assessment of child   303.321(a)(2)(ii).
     and family (Definition).
     Early Intervention    303.13(b)(6)(i), (b)(7)(i),
     services (Types of services).  (b)(8)(i), (b)(9)(i), (b)(10)(i)-
                                    (b)(10)(ii), (b)(13)(ii),
                                    (b)(17)(i).
     Procedures for        303.321(c)(1).
     assessment of the child.
     Procedures for        303.321(c)(2).
     assessment of the family.
     Voluntary on part of  303.321(c)(2)(i).
     the family.
     See also
     ``Evaluation (And
     Assessment)''.
ASSISTANTS (In personnel
 standards):
     Use of..............  303.119(c).
     See also
     ``Paraprofessionals''.
ASSISTIVE and ORTHOTIC DEVICES:
     Occupational therapy  303.13(b)(8)(ii).
     (Fabrication of).
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT):
     Assistive Technology  303.13(b)(1)(i).
     (AT) device.
     Assistive Technology  303.13(b)(1)(ii).
     (AT) service.
AT NO COST:
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(3).
     services.
     Initial copy of       303.409(c).
     Early Intervention record.
     Parental rights at    303.444(c)(2).
     hearings (Record of hearing).
     System of payments    303.521(a)(4)(i)-(a)(4)(ii).
     and fees.
AT-RISK:
     Annual report of      303.721(a)(3).
     children served.
     Audiology services    303.13(b)(2)(i).
     (At-risk criteria).
     Council (Authorized   303.605(b).
     activities).
     Definition (Infant    303.5.
     or toddler).
     Description of Early  303.204(b).
     Intervention services to.
     Infant or toddler     303.21(b).
     with a disability.
     Permissive use of     303.501(e).
     funds by lead agency.
     Referral of specific  303.303(b).
     at-risk infants and toddlers.
     State's definition    303.204(a).
     of (Application
     requirements).
AUDIOLOGY SERVICES:
     Definition..........  303.13(b)(2).
     Qualified personnel   303.13(c)(1).
     (Audiologists).
AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES:
     Council.............  303.605.
AWARD:
     Eligible recipients.  303.2(a).
     See also ``Grants''.
BIE:
     See ``Bureau of
     Indian Education''.
BLINDNESS; BLIND:
     Native language.....  303.25(b).
     Special educators     303.13(c)(11).
     (Teachers of children with
     visual impairments
     (Including blindness)).
BRAILLE:
     Native language.....  303.25(b).
BRAIN HEMORRAGE:
     At-Risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition)..
BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION (BIE):
     Bureau of Indian      303.23(c).
     Education (BIE)-funded
     schools.
     Council Composition   303.601(c).
     (Other members selected by
     the Governor).
     Payments to Indians.  303.731(d).
BUSINESS DAY (In Individuals with
 Disabilities Education Act
 (IDEA) Part B):
     Resolution process    303.442(e).
     (Agreement review period).
     Hearing rights......  303.444(a)(3), (b)(1).
CALENDAR DAY:
     See ``Day''           303.9.
     (Definition).
CHILD ABUSE, PREVENTION, AND
 TREATMENT ACT (CAPTA):

[[Page 60285]]

 
     Child protection and  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(G).
     welfare programs under CAPTA.
CASE MANAGEMENT:
     In ``Service          303.34.
     coordination services''.
     Medicaid reference    303.34(c).
     to.
CENTRAL DIRECTORY:
     Public awareness      303.301(b)(3).
     program.
     State system          303.117.
     requirement.
CERTIFICATION (In
 Administration):
     Annual report of      303.723.
     children served.
     Annual report of      303.724(c).
     children served (Other
     responsibilities of the lead
     agency).
     Public participation  303.208(a).
     application.
     Regarding financial   303.202.
     responsibility.
     State application     303.200(a).
     requirement.
CERTIFICATION (Of personnel):
     Personnel             303.119(b).
     qualification standards.
     Qualified personnel   303.31.
     (Definition).
    CHILD (Definition)...........  303.6.
CHILD ABUSE, PREVENTION, AND
 TREATMENT ACT:
     See ``CAPTA''.
CHILD COUNT:
     Accurate and          303.723.
     unduplicated count (Annual
     report of children served--
     certification).
     Count and report      303.721(a).
     (Annual report of children
     served--report requirement).
     Other
     responsibilities of lead
     agency:
        [cir] Aggregate count      303.724(d).
         data.
        [cir] Ensure               303.724(e).
         documentation of count
         is maintained.
        [cir] Obtain               303.724(c).
         certification (Of
         unduplicated and
         accurate count).
     Prohibited uses of    303.731(f).
     funds (By Secretary of the
     Interior).
CHILD'S ELIGIBILITY:
     Evaluation and        303.320(a)(2)(i).
     assessment of child.
     No single procedure   303.321(b).
     as sole criterion.
     Not eligible (Agency  303.322.
     determination).
     Parental consent      303.420(a)(1)-(2).
     before determining a child's
     eligibility.
     Status of child       303.430(e)(2).
     during pendency of a due
     process complaint.
     Transition to         303.209(b)(1).
     preschool.
CHILD FIND (A-E):
     At public expense     303.521(b)(1).
     (Functions not subject to
     fees).
     Comprehensive child
     find system:
        [cir] State system         303.115.
         requirement.
        [cir] Substantive          303.302.
         requirement.
     Consistent with Part  303.302(a)(1).
     B.
     Content of an         303.344(h)(2)(iii).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)
     (Transmission of child find
     information).
     Coordination with     303.302(c)(1)-(c)(2).
     other Federal and State
     efforts.
CHILD FIND (F-PO):
     Financial             303.511(a).
     responsibility for.
     Functions of the      303.604(a)(3).
     Council (Intra-agency and
     interagency collaboration).
     Payments to Indians   303.731(d).
     (Use of funds).
     Payor of last resort  303.510(b).
     (Interim payments and
     reimbursement).
CHILD FIND (PR-Z):
     Primary referral      303.303(c).
     sources.
     Public awareness      303.301(b).
     program (Information to be
     provided to parents).
     Referral procedures   303.303(a)(1).
     (In general).
     Scope of child find.  303.302(b).
     Screening procedures  303.320.
     State monitoring and  303.700(d)(2).
     enforcement.
     State system          303.115.
     requirement.
CHILD WITH A DISABILITY:
     Composition of the    303.601(a)(1)(ii).
     Council.
     Infant or toddler     303.21(c).
     with a disability
     (Definition).
     State option to make  303.211(e)(1).
     Early Intervention services
     available to children three
     and older (Rules of
     construction).
CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES:
     Diagnosed physical    303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition.
CIVIL ACTION (Part B):
     Civil action (In      303.448(a).
     general).
     Finality of review    303.446(d).
     decision.
     Rule of construction  303.448(e).
     Time limitation.....  303.448(b).
CIVIL ACTION (Part C)............  303.438.
CLEFT PALATE; CLUB FOOT (Surgery
 for):
     Health services (Not  303.16(c)(1)(i).
     included).
COCHLEAR IMPLANT:
     Assistive technology  303.13(b)(1)(i).
     device (Not included).
     Health services (Not  303.16(c)(1)(iii).
     included).
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT:
     Content of an         303.344(a).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) (Child's
     status).
     Developmental delay   303.21(a)(1)(i).
     in.

[[Page 60286]]

 
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(4)(ii).
     services (Definition).
     Evaluation and        303.321(b)(3).
     assessment (Of child).
     Infant or toddler     303.21(a)(1)(i).
     with a disability
     (Definition).
COLOSTOMY COLLECTION BAGS:
     Health services       303.16(b)(1).
     (Included).
COMMINGLING:
     Prohibition against.  303.225(a)(1).
COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT:
     Content of            303.344(a).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) (Child's
     status).
     Developmental delay   303.21(a)(1)(iii).
     in.
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(4)(iii).
     services (Definition).
     Evaluation and        303.321(b)(3).
     assessment (Of child).
     Infant or toddler     303.21(a)(1)(iii).
     with a disability
     (Definition).
COMPLAINTS:
     Annual report of      303.721(c).
     children served (Number of
     due process complaints).
     Confidentiality       303.401(b)(2).
     procedures.
     Minimum State         303.433(c).
     complaint procedures
     (Comparison with due process
     complaints).
        [cir] See also ``State
         Complaint Procedures''.
     State dispute
     resolution options:
        [cir] Due process hearing  303.430(d).
         procedures.
        [cir] In general.........  303.430(a).
        [cir] State complaint      303.430(c).
         procedures.
COMPLIANCE:
     Compliance agreement  303.704(b)(2)(ii).
     (Enforcement).
     Compliance with       303.104(b).
     certain regulations
     (Construction or alteration
     of facilities).
     Corrective action     303.704(b)(2)(i).
     plans to achieve compliance
     (Enforcement).
     Modifications of      303.228(c).
     State application required
     by the Secretary (For
     compliance).
     Reports and records   303.224(b).
     (To ensure compliance with
     Part C).
COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL  303.118.
 DEVELOPMENT (CSPD).
CONFIDENTIALITY (A-D):
     Access rights.......  303.405.
     Confidentiality and   303.401(a)-(c).
     opportunity to examine
     records.
     Consent prior to      303.414.
     disclosure or use.
     Definitions:
        [cir] Destruction........  303.403(a).
        [cir] Early Intervention   303.403(b).
         records.
        [cir] Participating        303.403(c).
         agency.
     Destruction of        303.416.
     information.
CONFIDENTIALITY (E-N):
     Enforcement by lead   303.417.
     agency.
     Family Educational    303.401(b).
     Rights and Privacy Act
     (FERPA).
     Fees for records....  303.409.
     Hearing procedures..  303.413.
     List of types and     303.408.
     locations of information.
     Notice to parents...  303.404.
CONFIDENTIALITY (O-Z):
     Opportunity for a     303.411.
     hearing.
     Parental authority    303.405(c).
     to inspect and review
     records.
     Record of access....  303.406.
     Records on more than  303.407.
     one child.
     Result of hearing...  303.412.
     Safeguards..........  303.415.
     Secretary's action    303.402.
     (To protect).
CONGENITAL DISORDERS:
     Diagnosed physical    303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition (Infant
     or toddler with a
     disability).
CONGENITAL HEART AILMENTS:
     Health services (Not  303.16(c)(1)(ii).
     included).
CONGENITAL INFECTIONS:
     Diagnosed physical    303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition (Infant
     or toddler with a
     disability).
CONSENT (A-H):
     Continue Early        303.501(d).
     Intervention services from
     age three to kindergarten,
     with consent.
     Definition..........  303.7.
     Due process           303.441(d)(3)(i).
     complaint (Sufficiency to
     amend).
     Early Intervention    303.420(a)(3).
     services.
     Early Intervention    303.501(d).
     services in lieu of Free
     Appropriate Public Education
     (FAPE) from age three to
     kindergarten.
     Evaluation and        303.420(a)(2).
     assessment of a child.
     Granting of consent   303.7(c)(1).
     is voluntary.
     Hearing rights        303.444(b)(2).
     (Additional disclosure).
CONSENT (I-Q):
     Individualized        303.20(c).
     family service plan (IFSP)
     (Definition).
     Insurance:
        [cir] Private insurance..  303.520(b).
        [cir] Public insurance...  303.520(a).
     Interim               303.345(a).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP).
     Lead agency           303.400(a).
     responsible for procedural
     safeguards (Consent and
     notice, etc.).

[[Page 60287]]

 
     Lead agency role if   303.420(b).
     consent not given.
     Parental consent and  303.420.
     ability to decline services.
     Permissive use of     303.501(d).
     funds by lead agency
     (Continue Early Intervention
     services in lieu of Free
     Appropriate Public Education
     (FAPE)).
     Prior to disclosure   303.414.
     or use of personally
     identifiable information.
     Provision of Early    303.345(a).
     Intervention services before
     evaluation and assessment
     are completed.
CONSENT (R-Z):
     Required before:
        [cir] Administering        303.420(a)(1).
         screening procedures.
        [cir] Conducting an        303.420(a)(2).
         evaluation and
         assessment of a child.
        [cir] Providing Early      303.420(a)(3).
         Intervention services.
        [cir] Using private        303.520(b).
         insurance.
     Revocation of         303.7(c)(2).
     consent (Not retroactive).
     State option for
     Early Intervention services
     after age three:
        [cir] Available funds for  303.211(d).
        [cir] Continuation of      303.211(b)(5).
         Early Intervention
         services.
        [cir] Referral to Part C   303.211(b)(7).
         (Trauma due to exposure
         to family violence,
         under age three).
     Status of child       303.430(e).
     during due process complaint.
     Timelines for         303.310(b)(2).
     screening, initial
     evaluation, or assessments.
CONSTRUCTION or ALTERATION (Of
 facilities):
     Compliance with       303.104(b).
     certain regulations.
     Use of funds for....  303.104(a).
CONSTRUCTION CLAUSES (A-M):
     Civil action          303.448(e).
     (Nothing restricts rights,
     except that procedures under
     Sec.  Sec.   303.440 and
     303.446 must be exhausted
     before filing a civil
     action).
     Hearing decisions--
     Nothing:
        [cir] Affects the right    303.445(b).
         of a parent to appeal a
         hearing decision.
        [cir] Precludes a hearing  303.445(a)(3).
         officer from requiring
         compliance with Sec.
         Sec.   303.440-449.
        [cir] Precludes a parent   303.445(c).
         from filing a separate
         due process complaint.
     Indian tribe          303.19(c).
     (Nothing requires services
     or funding to a State Indian
     Tribe not in the Federal
     Register list pursuant to
     the Federally Recognized
     Indian Tribe List Act of
     1994).
CONSTRUCTION CLAUSES (N-Z):
     Nationwide database   303.701(c)(3).
     of personally identifiable
     information on individuals
     involved in studies, etc.
     (Nothing construed to
     authorize).
     Non-reduction of      303.510(c).
     benefits (Payor of last
     resort).
     Personnel standards   303.119(c).
     (Nothing prohibits the use
     of paraprofessionals and
     assistants).
     Secretary's           303.707.
     authority to monitor
     enforcement of General
     Education Provisions Act
     (GEPA).
     State option to make
     services available after age
     three:
        [cir] If Early             303.211(e)(1).
         Intervention services
         provided to a child
         eligible under Sec.
         619, Free Appropriate
         Public Education (FAPE)
         not required.
        [cir] Service provider     303.211(e)(2).
         under Part C not
         required to provide Free
         Appropriate Public
         Education (FAPE).
CONSULTATION:
     By physicians         303.16(b)(2).
     (Health services).
     On child development  303.13(b)(10)(iv).
     (Psychological services).
CONTENT OF INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY   303.344.
 SERVICE PLAN (IFSP).
     See also
     ``Individualized Family
     Service Plan (IFSP)
     Content''.
CONTRACTS:
     Certification         303.202.
     regarding financial
     responsibility (Lead
     agency's contracts with
     Early Intervention service
     providers).
     Payments to Indians:
        [cir] Biennial report to   303.731(e)(1).
         Secretary of the
         Interior (Number of
         contracts, etc.).
        [cir] Use of funds for     303.731(d)(1).
         Early Intervention
         services through
         contracts or cooperative
         agreements.
     Mediation (Meeting    303.431(d)(1).
     to encourage).
     Parent (Definition).  303.27(a)(2).
     Policy for            303.121.
     contracting for services.
CONVENIENCE (OF HEARINGS;
 MEETINGS):
     Convenience of        303.437.
     hearings and timelines (Part
     C).
     Individualized        303.342(d).
     family service plan (IFSP)
     meetings (Accessibility and
     convenience of).
     Timelines and         303.447.
     convenience of hearings and
     reviews (Part B).
     See also
     ``Accessible;
     Accessibility''.
COORDINATION (A-O):
     Child find            303.302(c)(1).
     (Coordination of lead
     agency's efforts with the
     assistance of Council).
     Establishing          303.511(e).
     financial responsibility
     for, and methods of,
     ensuring services
     (Additional components).
     Head Start, Early     303.210(a).
     Head Start, early education,
     and child care.
     Individualized
     family service plan (IFSP):
        [cir] Content of (Service  303.344(g)(1).
         coordinator).
        [cir] Statewide system     303.114.
         requirement (Including
         service coordination
         services).
     Lead agency role in   303.120(b), (f).
     interagency coordination,
     etc..
     Methods for           303.511.
     financial interagency
     coordination.
COORDINATION (P-Z):
     Payor of last resort  303.500(a)(2).
     (Coordination of funding
     resources).
     Purpose of Early      303.1(b).
     Intervention program
     (Facilitate coordination of
     payment).
     Service coordination  303.13(b)(11).
     services (In definition of
     ``Early Intervention
     services'').
        [cir] See ``Service        303.34.
         coordination services
         (Case management).''.
        [cir] See also ``Service
         Coordination''.
     Services before       303.345(b)(1).
     evaluations and assessments
     completed (Service
     coordinator).

[[Page 60288]]

 
     Statewide system and  303.203(b).
     description of services.
     Use of funds and      303.500(a)(2).
     payor of last resort
     (Coordination of funding
     resources).
CO-PAYMENTS; CO-PAYS:
     Policies related to
     use of insurance for payment
     for services:
        [cir] Private insurance..  303.520(b).
        [cir] Public insurance...  303.520(a).
     System of payments    303.521(a)(6).
     and fees.
     See also ``System of
     Payments''; ``Fees''.
COST PARTICIPATION FEES:
     System of payments    303.521(a)(1).
     and fees.
COUNCIL:
     Definition..........  303.8.
     See ``State           303.600-303.605.
     Interagency Coordinating
     Council''.
CRITERIA:
     Assessment of the     303.321(c).
     child and family.
     At-risk criteria....  303.5, 303.204.
     Content of            303.344(c).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) (Results
     or outcomes).
     Early Intervention    303.13(b)(2)(i).
     services (Audiology
     services).
     Early Intervention    303.13(d).
     services (Other services).
     State definition of   303.111(b).
     developmental delay.
     Surrogate parents     303.422(d).
     (Selection of).
CSPD (COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF      303.118.
 PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT).
CULTURALLY COMPETENT SERVICES....  303.227(b).
CURRICULUM PLANNING:
     In ``Early            303.13(b)(14)(ii).
     Intervention services''
     definition (Special
     instruction).
DATA (A-H):
     Annual report of      303.724(d).
     children served (Aggregate
     data).
     Confidentiality       303.402.
     (Personally identifiable
     data).
     Data collection       303.701(c)(3).
     (Construction clause).
     Data collection       303.124.
     (Statewide system).
     Data reporting:
        [cir] Protection of        303.722(a).
         identifiable data.
        [cir] Sampling...........  303.722(b).
     Data requirements     303.720.
     (In general).
     Exit data             303.416(b).
     (Destruction of information).
DATA (I-Z):
     Infants and toddlers  303.732(d)(2).
     (Definition).
     Insufficient data     303.702(b)(3).
     (State use of targets and
     reporting).
     State performance     303.701.
     plans and data collection.
        [cir] Construction clause  303.701(c)(3).
         (Nationwide data base).
        [cir] Data collection....  303.701(c).
        [cir] Data on specific     303.701(c)(2).
         indicators.
     State use of targets  303.702(b)(1)(ii).
     and reporting..
     Statistically         303.702(b)(3).
     reliable information
     (Insufficient data).
DAY:
     Definition..........  303.9.
     See also
     ``Timelines''
DEAF; DEAFNESS:
     Council Meetings      303.602(b)(3).
     (Interpreters for).
     Early Intervention    303.13(c)(11).
     services (Special educators).
     Native language.....  303.25(b).
DEFINITIONS (A-D):
     Ability to pay        303.521(a)(3).
     (State's definition).
     Act.................  303.4.
     Aggregate amount      303.732(d)(1).
     (State allotments).
     Assessment of the     303.321(a)(2)(ii), 303.321(c)(1)-
     child and the family.          (c)(2).
     Assistive technology  303.13(b)(1).
     devices and services.
     Audiology services..  303.13(b)(2).
     Child...............  303.6.
     Consent.............  303.7.
     Council.............  303.8.
     Day.................  303.9.
     Destruction (Of a     303.403(a).
     record).
     Developmental delay.  303.10.
     Duration (Content of  303.344(d)(2)(iv).
     an individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)).
DEFINITIONS (E-H):
     Early Intervention    303.3(b)(2), 303.403(b).
     record.
     Early Intervention    303.11.
     service program.
     Early Intervention    303.12.
     service provider.
     Early Intervention    303.13.
     services.
     Education records...  303.3(b)(2).
     Elementary school...  303.14.
     Evaluation..........  303.321(a)(2)(i).
     Family training,      303.13(b)(3).
     counseling, and home visits.
     Free Appropriate      303.15.
     Public Education (FAPE).

[[Page 60289]]

 
     Frequency and         303.344(d)(2)(i).
     intensity (Content of an
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)).
     Health services.....  303.16.
     Homeless children...  303.17.
DEFINITIONS (I-M):
     Impartial...........  303.435(b).
     Include; including..  303.18.
     Indian; Indian tribe  303.19.
     Individualized        303.20.
     family service plan (IFSP).
     Infants and toddlers  303.732(d)(2).
     (State allotments).
     Infant or toddler     303.21.
     with a disability.
     Lead agency.........  303.22.
     Length (Content of    303.344(d)(2)(iii).
     an individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)).
     Local educational     303.23.
     agency (LEA).
     Location (Content of  303.344(d)(3).
     an individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)).
     Medical services....  303.13(b)(5).
     Method (Content of    303.344(d)(2)(ii).
     an individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)).
     Multidisciplinary...  303.24.
DEFINITIONS (N-R):
     Native language.....  303.25.
     Natural environments  303.26.
     Nursing services....  303.13(b)(6).
     Nutrition services..  303.13(b)(7).
     Occupational therapy  303.13(b)(8).
     Parent..............  303.27.
     Participating agency  303.403(c).
     (Personally identifiable
     information).
     Parent training and   303.28.
     information center.
     Personally            303.29, 303.401.
     identifiable information.
     Physical Therapy....  303.13(b)(9).
     Primary referral      303.303(c).
     sources.
     Psychological         303.13(b)(10).
     services.
     Public agency.......  303.30.
     Qualified personnel.  303.31.
DEFINITIONS (S-Z):
     Scientifically based  303.32.
     research.
     Screening procedures  303.320(b).
     Secretary...........  303.33.
     Service coordination  303.34.
     services (Case management).
        [cir] See also ``Early     303.13(b)(11).
         Intervention services''
         definition.
     Sign language and     303.13(b)(12).
     cued language.
     Social work services  303.13(b)(13).
     Special instruction.  303.13(b)(14).
     Speech-language       303.13(b)(15).
     pathology services.
     State...............  303.35.
     State (State          303.732(d)(3).
     allotments).
     State educational     303.36.
     agency (SEA).
     Transportation and    303.13(b)(16).
     related costs.
     Vision services.....  303.13(b)(17).
     Ward of the State...  303.37.
DEPARTMENT PROCEDURES:
     State application     303.231-303.236.
     and assurances.
DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
     Definition..........  303.10.
     Infant or toddler     303.21(a)(1), (a)(2)(i).
     with a disability
     (Definition).
     Purpose of the Early  303.1(e).
     Intervention program.
     Statewide system      303.203(c).
     (State's rigorous
     definition).
     State definition....  303.111.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
 ASSISTANCE and BILL OF RIGHTS
 ACT:
     Child find            303.302(c)(1)(ii)(D).
     coordination.
DIAGNOSED PHYSICAL OR MENTAL
 CONDITION:
     Infant or toddler     303.21(a)(2).
     with a disability
     (Definition).
DIETICIANS:
     Early Intervention    303.13(c)(9).
     services (Qualified
     personnel).
DIRECT SERVICES:
     Description of use    303.205(d).
     of funds.
        [cir] See also ``Use of
         Funds''.
DISORDERS:
     Infant or toddler     303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     with a disability
     (Definition).
     Speech-language       303.13(b)(15).
     pathology services
     (Definition).
     Vision services       303.13(b)(17).
     (Definition).
DISPUTES; DISPUTE RESOLUTION:
     Impartial due         303.443(a).
     process hearing.
     Intra-agency or       303.511(c)(1).
     interagency disputes.
     Lead agency role in   303.120(d)-(f).
     resolving disputes.
     Mediation
        [cir] In general.........  303.431.

[[Page 60290]]

 
        [cir] State dispute        303.430(b).
         resolution.
     Procedures for        303.511(c).
     resolving disputes (Methods
     of ensuring services).
     Resolution process
     (Part B).
        [cir] Due process          303.430(d).
         procedures (Comparison
         of Part B and C).
        [cir] Resolution meeting.  303.442(a).
        [cir] Written settlement   303.442(d).
         agreement.
     State dispute
     resolution options:
        [cir] Mediation..........  303.430(b).
        [cir] Status of child      303.430(e).
         during pendency of a due
         process complaint.
DRESSINGS; COLOSTOMY BAGS
 (Changing of):
     Health services       303.16(b)(1).
     (Definition).
DUE PROCESS HEARING PROCEDURES--
 Options:
     Part B procedures...  303.430(d)(2).
     Part C procedures...  303.430(d)(1).
DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES--Part B:
     Adopting Part B       303.430(d)(2).
     procedures (By lead agency).
     Civil action........  303.448.
     Due process           303.441.
     complaint.
     Filing a due process  303.440.
     complaint.
     Finality of           303.446.
     decision; appeal; impartial
     review.
     Hearing decisions...  303.445.
     Hearing rights......  303.444.
     Impartial due         303.443.
     process hearing.
     Resolution process..  303.442.
     State enforcement     303.449.
     mechanisms.
     Timelines and         303.447.
     convenience of hearings and
     reviews.
DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES-Part C:
     Appointment of        303.435.
     impartial hearing officer.
        [cir] Definition of        303.435(b).
         ``impartial''.
        [cir] Qualifications and   303.435(a).
         duties.
     Civil action........  303.438.
     Convenience of        303.437.
     hearings and timelines.
     Parental rights in    303.436.
     due process hearings.
     See ``Status of       303.430(e).
     child during pendency of a
     due process hearing
     request''.
     See also
     ``Procedural Safeguards''.
EARLY HEAD START:
     Child find            303.302(c)(1)(ii)(E).
     Coordination.
     Content of an         303.344(h)(1)(ii).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)
     (Transition from Part C).
     Coordination with     303.210(a).
     Head Start and Early Head
     Start, early education, and
     child care programs.
     Comprehensive system  303.118(a)(3).
     of personnel development
     (CSPD) (Transition from Part
     C).
EARLY HEARING DETECTION AND
 INTERVENTION (EHDI):
     Child find system...  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(J).
EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES:
     Definitions:
        [cir] General............  303.13(a).
        [cir] Other services.....  303.13(d).
        [cir] Qualified personnel  303.13(c).
        [cir] Types of Early       303.13(b).
         Intervention services.
EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICE (EIS)
 PROGRAM:
     Definition..........  303.11.
     State monitoring and  303.700.
     enforcement.
     State performance     303.701.
     plans and data collection.
     State use of targets  303.702.
     and reporting.
EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICE (EIS)
 PROVIDER:
     Applicability of      303.2(b)(1)(i).
     this part.
     Definition..........  303.12(a).
     Participating agency  303.403(c).
     (Definition).
     Requirement to        303.343(a)(1)(vi).
     attend individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) meetings.
     Responsibility and    303.12(b), 303.346.
     accountability.
     State ability to      303.700(a)(3).
     impose funding conditions
     (State's monitoring and
     enforcement).
     State dispute         303.430.
     resolution options.
     State requirement to  303.120.
     monitor.
EARLY PERIODIC DIAGNOSIS,
 SCREENING, AND TREATMENT
 (EPSDT):
     Child find            303.302 (c)(1)(ii)(C).
     (Coordination).
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY:
     Local educational     303.23(b)(1).
     agency (LEA) (Definition).
EHDI--Early Hearing Detection and  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(J).
 Intervention.
ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS OF AN AWARD..  303.2.
ELIGIBILITY (CHILD):
     See ``Child
     Eligibility''
ELIGIBILITY (STATE):
     Requirements for a    303.101.
     grant.
ENVIRONMENTAL or BIOLOGICAL
 FACTORS:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
EPSDT:
     See ``Early Periodic
     Screening, Diagnosis, and
     Treatment''.

[[Page 60291]]

 
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO, AND EQUAL     303.212(a).
 PARTICIPATION IN, THE PART C
 STATEWIDE SYSTEM.
ESTABLISHING FINANCIAL             303.511.
 RESPONSIBILITY and METHODS OF
 ENSURING SERVICES.
EVALUATION, ASSESSMENT, and        303.113.
 NONDISCRIMINATORY PROCEDURES.
EVALUATION (AND ASSESSMENT) (A-
 E):
     Assessment of child   303.321(c)(1).
     (Definition).
     Assessment of family  303.321(c)(2).
     (Definition).
     Confidentiality       303.401(b)(2).
     procedures.
     Consent before        303.420(a)(2).
     evaluations and assessments
     are conducted.
     Determination that a  303.322.
     child is not eligible.
     Due process           303.441(e)(1)(iii).
     complaint.
     Early Intervention
     services:
        [cir] Qualified personnel  303.13(c)(6).
         (Pediatricians, etc, for
         diagnosis and
         evaluation).
        [cir] Types of services..  303.13(b)(1)(ii)(A), (b)(2)(ii),
                                    (b)(5), (b)(9)(i), (b)(17)(i).
     Evaluation            303.321(a)(2)(i).
     (Definition).
EVALUATION (AND ASSESSMENT) (F-
 L):
     Family assessment...  303.321(c)(2), 303.344(b).
     Family information..  303.344(b).
     Filing a due process  303.440(a)(1).
     complaint (Part B).
     Financial             303.511(a).
     responsibility.
     Functions not         303.521(b)(2).
     subject to fees.
     Hearing officer       303.445(a)(2)(i)-(ii).
     decision.
     Hearing rights......  303.444(b).
     Individualized
     family service plan (IFSP):
        [cir] Annual meeting to    303.342(c).
         evaluate the
         individualized family
         service plan (IFSP).
        [cir] Child's status.....  303.344(a).
        [cir] Definition.........  303.20(a).
     Initial and annual    303.343(a)(1)(v).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) Team
     meetings.
EVALUATION (AND ASSESSMENT) (M-
 PO):
     Multidisciplinary:
        [cir] Definition.........  303.24.
        [cir] Early Intervention   303.12(b)(1).
         service (EIS) provider.
        [cir] Evaluation and       303.321(a)(1)(i).
         assessment of the child.
        [cir] Statewide system...  303.113(a)(1).
     Native language       303.25(a)(2).
     (Definition).
     Nondiscriminatory:
        [cir] Evaluation of the    303.321(a)(4).
         child (No single
         procedure used).
        [cir] Nondiscriminatory    303.113.
         procedures (Title).
     Parental consent....  303.420(a)(2), (b)(1)-(b)(2), (c)(1).
     Payor of last resort  303.510(b).
     (Interim payments).
     Post-referral         303.310.
     timeline (45 days).
        [cir] Exceptional          303.310(b)(1).
         circumstances (Not
         within 45 days).
EVALUATION (AND ASSESSMENT) (PR-
 Z):
     Prior written notice  303.421(a).
     Prior written notice  303.421(c).
     (Must be in native language).
     Provision of          303.345.
     Services before evaluations
     and assessments are
     completed.
     Public awareness      303.301(b)(2).
     program.
     Referral procedures.  303.303.
     Screening procedures  303.320(a), (c).
     Service coordination  303.34(b)(3).
     services (Case management).
     Timelines (45 days).  303.310(a).
        [cir] Exception to 45-day  303.310(b).
         timeline.
     Transition from Part  303.344(h)(2)(iii).
     C services.
     See also
     ``Assessment''.
EVALUATION, ASSESSMENT, AND        303.113.
 NONDISCRIMINATORY PROCEDURES.
EXCEPTION(S):
     Consent prior to      303.414(b).
     disclosure (Except to lead
     agency and Early
     Intervention service (EIS)
     providers).
     Filing a due process  303.440(a)(2).
     complaint.
     Post-referral         303.310(b)(1).
     timeline (Exceptional
     circumstances).
     Timeline for          303.443(f).
     requesting a hearing
     (Exceptions).
     Ward of the State     303.37(b).
     (Definition).
FAMILY; FAMILIES (A-E):
     Ability to pay        303.521(a)(3).
     (State's definition).
     Assessment of the     303.321(a)(1)(ii)(B).
     family.
     Availability of       303.112.
     Early Intervention services.
     Comprehensive system  303.118(b)(3).
     of personnel development
     (CSPD) (Training personnel
     to support families).
     Due process.........  303.435(a)(1), 303.440(a)(1).
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(3)-(a)(4), (b)(1)(ii)(E),
     services.                      (b)(3), (b)(10)(iii), (b)(10)(iv),
                                    (b)(13)(iii)-(b)(13)(v),
                                    (b)(14)(iii), (b)(16).
     Evaluation and
     assessment of child and
     family:

[[Page 60292]]

 
        [cir] In native language.  303.321(a)(5)-(6).
        [cir] Post-referral        303.310(a).
         timeline.
FAMILY; FAMILIES (F-H):
     Family-directed       303.113(a)(2), (b).
     identification of needs.
     Family therapists...  303.13(c)(2).
     Family training,      303.13(b)(3).
     counseling, and home visits.
     Family Violence       303.211(b)(7), 303.302(c)(1)(ii)(I).
     Prevention and Services Act.
     Homeless family       303.303(c)(10).
     shelters (Primary referral
     sources).
FAMILY; FAMILIES (INDIVIDUALIZED
 FAMILY SERVICE PLAN (IFSP)):
     Content of an         303.344(b), (c).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) (Family
     information).
     Individualized
     family service plan (IFSP)
     Team meetings:
        [cir] Accessibility and    303.342(d)(1)(i), (d)(2).
         convenience.
        [cir] Advocate outside     303.343(a)(1)(iii).
         the family.
        [cir] Native language      303.342(d)(1)(ii).
         (Meeting conducted in).
        [cir] Other family         303.343(a)(1)(ii).
         members as requested by
         parent.
        [cir] Written notice to    303.342(d)(2).
         family.
FAMILY; FAMILIES (IN-R):
     Interim               303.345.
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP).
     Parents determine     303.420(d)(1).
     whether to accept or decline
     service (For other family
     members).
     Payor of last resort  303.510(b).
     (Interim payments).
     Permissive use of     303.501(a)-(b).
     funds by lead agency.
     Prior written notice  303.421(a).
     Private insurance...  303.520(b)(2)(i)-(b)(2)(iii).
FAMILY; FAMILIES (SE-ST):
     Service coordination
     services (Case management):
        [cir] Specific service     303.34(b)(1), (b)(5).
         coordination services.
        [cir] Definition.........  303.34(a).
     State complaint       303.432(b).
     procedures.
     State eligibility     303.101(a)(1)(i)-(a)(1)(ii).
     requirements (Assurance
     regarding Early Intervention
     services).
     State option to make
     Early Intervention services
     available for children three
     and older:
        [cir] Possible costs to    303.211(b)(1)(ii)(C).
         families.
        [cir] Referral of a child  303.211(b)(7).
         (Substantiated case of
         trauma due to family
         violence).
FAMILY; FAMILIES (SU-Z):
     Surrogate parents...  303.422(d).
     Traditionally
     underserved groups:
        [cir] Access to            303.227(b).
         culturally competent
         services.
        [cir] Minority, low-       303.227(a).
         income, homeless, and
         rural families and wards
         of the State.
     Transition to
     preschool:
        [cir] Conference to        303.209(c).
         discuss services.
        [cir] Notification of      303.209(b).
         local educational agency
         (LEA).
        [cir] Transition plan....  303.209(d)(3).
FAMILY ASSESSMENT:
     Assessment of the     303.321(c)(2).
     family (Definition).
     Content of an         303.344(b).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) (Family
     information).
     Evaluation and        303.321(c).
     assessment of child and
     family.
     Post-referral         303.310(a).
     timeline.
FAMILY-DIRECTED:
     Assessment of         303.12(b)(1).
     resources.
     Identification of     303.113(a)(2), (b).
     needs.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND
 PRIVACY ACT (FERPA):
     Confidentiality       303.401(b)(1).
     procedures.
FAMILY THERAPISTS:
     Qualified personnel   303.13(c)(2).
     (Early Intervention
     services).
FAMILY TRAINING, COUNSELING, AND
 HOME VISITS:
     Early Intervention    303.13(b)(3).
     services (Definition).
FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND     303.211(b)(7), 303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A).
 SERVICES ACT.
FAPE
     See ``Free
     Appropriate Public
     Education.''
FEDERAL COURT:
     Civil action (Part    303.438.
     C).
     Impartial hearing     303.443(c)(1)(ii).
     officer.
     Mediation             303.431(b)(7).
     (Discussions not used in
     court).
     State application     303.228(c)(2).
     (Modifications to).
FEDERAL FUNDS:
     Expenditure of funds  303.221.
     Fiscal control......  303.226.
     Indirect costs        303.225(c)(2).
     (Cognizant Federal agency).
     Proceeds from public  303.520(d).
     or private insurance.
     Requirement to        303.225(a).
     supplement and not supplant.
FEDERAL LAW(S):
    1.  Alaska Native      303.19(b).
     Claims Settlement Act.
    2.  Americans With     303.448(e).
     Disabilities Act (ADA) of
     1990.
    3.  Child Abuse
     Prevention and Treatment Act
     (CAPTA), see CAPTA.
    4.  Confidentiality..  303.401(a), (c)(2).

[[Page 60293]]

 
    5.  Developmental      303.302(c)(1)(ii)(D).
     Disabilities Assistance and
     Bill of Rights Act.
    6.  Early              303.13(a)(3).
     Intervention services
     (Services at no cost unless
     Federal or State law
     requires fees).
    7.  Family             303.401(b).
     Educational Rights and
     Privacy Act (FERPA).
    8.  Family Violence    303.211(b)(7), 303.302(c)(1)(ii)(A).
     Prevention & Services Act.
    9.  Federally          303.19(c).
     Recognized Indian Tribe List
     Act of 1994 (section 104).
    10.  Head Start Act,
     see Head Start.
    11.  Indian Self-      303.731(a)(1).
     Determination and Education
     Assistance Act.
    12.  Individuals with  303.4.
     Disabilities Education Act
     (IDEA).
    13.  Rehabilitation    303.448(e).
     Act of 1973 (title V).
    14.  Social Security
     Act (MCHB/Title V, SSI/XVI,
     and Medicaid/Title XIX,),
     see Social Security Act.
    15.  State             303.228(c)(3).
     application (Modifications).
FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED INDIAN TRIBE  303.19(c).
 LIST ACT OF 1994.
FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
     Amendment to Act or   303.228(c)(1).
     a Federal regulation.
     Knowledge of          303.443(c)(1)(ii).
     impartial hearing officer.
FEES (A-R):
     Ability to pay        303.521(a)(3).
     (State's definition).
     Assurance (Fees will  303.521(a)(4)(i).
     not be charged for services
     entitled to at no cost).
     Co-payments or        303.521(a)(6).
     deductible amounts.
     Cost participation    303.521(a)(1).
     fees.
     Fees (Under           303.409.
     confidentiality).
     Functions not         303.521(b).
     subject to fees.
     Income and family     303.521(a)(3).
     expenses (State's
     definition).
     Inability to pay--    303.521(a)(3).
     State's definition.
FEES (S-Z):
     State option to make  303.211(b)(1)(ii)(C), (d).
     services available to
     children ages three and
     older.
     Sliding fees
     (Schedule of):
        [cir] Early Intervention   303.13(a)(3).
         services.
        [cir] System of payments   303.521(a)(1).
         and fees.
     State's definition    303.521(a)(3).
     of ability to pay.
     State system of       303.203(b).
     payments and fees.
     See also
     ``INSURANCE.''
FERPA (Family Educational Rights   303.401(b)(1).
 and Privacy Act).
FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME:
     Diagnosed physical    303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition.
FILING (FILED) REQUIREMENTS:
     Adoption of State     303.432(a)(1).
     complaint procedures.
     Civil action (Rule    303.448(e).
     of construction).
     Due process           303.441(a)(2), (d)(4).
     complaint.
     Due process hearing   303.430(d)(1)(ii).
     procedures.
     Filing a due process  303.430(d)(1)(ii), 303.440(a)(2).
     complaint.
     Filing a State        303.434(d).
     complaint.
     Filing requirements   303.235.
     regarding a State
     application.
     Impartial due         303.443(f).
     process hearing (Exception
     to timeline).
     Mediation...........  303.431(a).
     Resolution process..  303.442(b)(3).
     Separate due process  303.445(c).
     complaint.
FISCAL CONTROL (AND FUND           303.226.
 ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES).
FORMULA:
     For State             303.730.
     allocations.
FOSTER CARE:
     Child find:
        [cir] Scope..............  303.302(b)(1)(ii).
        [cir] Coordination.......  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(G).
     Confidentiality       303.405(c).
     (Access rights).
     Council               303.601(a)(12).
     (Composition).
     Primary referral      303.303(c)(9).
     sources.
     Purpose of Early      303.1(d).
     Intervention Program.
FOSTER PARENT:
     Parent (Definition).  303.27(a)(2).
     Ward of the State     303.37(b).
     (Exception).
FREE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION
 (FAPE):
     Definition..........  303.15.
     Permissive use of     303.501(c)-(d).
     funds by lead agency.
     State option to make  303.211(e)(1)-(2).
     services available to
     children ages three and
     older.
     States with Free      303.521(c).
     Appropriate Public Education
     (FAPE) mandates to serve
     children under age three.
FREQUENCY and INTENSITY:
     Content of an         303.344(d)(1)(i).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP).
     Definition..........  303.344(d)(2)(i).
FUNCTIONS NOT SUBJECT TO FEES:
     Administrative and    303.521(b)(4).
     coordinative activities.
     Child find            303.521(b)(1).
     requirements.
     Evaluation and        303.521(b)(2).
     assessment.
     Service coordination  303.521(b)(3).
     services.

[[Page 60294]]

 
FUNDING SOURCES:
     Service coordination  303.34(b)(9).
     services.
FUNDS (A-D):
     Acquisition of        303.104(a).
     equipment and construction
     or alteration of facilities.
     Allocation of funds
     (Outlying areas):
        [cir] Consolidation of     303.730(b).
         funds.
        [cir] Reservation of       303.730(a).
         funds.
     Control of funds and  303.223.
     property.
     Council:
        [cir] Funds for            303.602(b)(3).
         interpreters.
        [cir] Use of funds by....  303.603.
     Designation of lead   303.201.
     agency.
     Description of use    303.205.
     of funds.
     Direct services.....  303.205(d).
FUNDS (E-FA):
     Early Intervention    303.12(a).
     service provider.
     Enforcement (By the
     Secretary):
        [cir] Needs intervention   303.704(b)(2)(iii).
         (Seeks to recover funds).
        [cir] Needs substantial    303.704(c)(1).
         intervention.
        [cir] Opportunity for      303.705(a).
         hearing.
        [cir] Suspension (Of       303.705(b).
         payments).
        [cir] Withholding funds..  303.705.
     Expenditure of        303.221.
     (Federal) funds.
     Family fees.........  303.521(d).
FUNDS (FE-O):
     Federal funds to      303.225(a)(2).
     supplement.
     Fiscal control......  303.226.
     Funds under a         303.521(a)(6), (d).
     State's system of payments.
     Inability to pay....  303.520(e), 303.521(a)(3).
     Lead agency           303.22.
     (Receives Federal funds to
     administer Part C).
     Non-substitution of   303.510(a).
     funds (Payor of last resort).
     Outlying areas        303.730.
     (Formula for State
     allocations).
FUNDS (PA-R):
     Payments to Indians:
        [cir] Prohibited uses of   303.731(f).
         funds.
        [cir] Use of funds.......  303.731(d)(1).
     Payor of last resort  303.510(a).
     (Non-substitution of funds).
     Permissive use of     303.501.
     funds.
     Proceeds or funds     303.520(d).
     from public or private
     insurance.
     Prohibition against   303.225(a)(1).
     commingling.
     Prohibition against   303.225(a)(2).
     supplanting.
     Reallotment of        303.733.
     (State) funds.
     Reimbursement         303.122.
     procedures.
     Reports and records.  303.224.
     Reservation of funds  303.730(a).
     for outlying areas.
FUNDS (S-Z)
     State allotments....  303.732(a), (c)(2), (d).
     State conformity      303.102.
     with Part C.
     State educational     303.36(b).
     agency (SEA).
     State monitoring and  303.700(a)(3), 303.704(b)(2)(iii),
     enforcement.                   303.704(c)(1), 300.705(a)-(b).
     State option to make  303.211(d).
     services available to
     children ages three and
     older (Available funds).
     States with Free      303.521(c).
     Appropriate Public Education
     (FAPE) mandates.
     State's definition    303.521(a)(3), (a)(4)(ii).
     (Inability to pay).
     Suspension (Of        303.705(b).
     payments).
     System of payments    303.521(a)(6), (c), (d).
     and fees.
     Unable to pay.......  303.520(d), 303.520(c),
                                    303.521(a)(6).
     Use of funds (Payor   303.510(a).
     of last resort).
     Withholding funds...  303.705.
     See also ``Grants''
     and ``Payments''.
FUNDS (PART B):
     States with Free      303.521(c).
     Appropriate Public Education
     (FAPE) mandates or that use
     Part B funds for children
     under age three.
FUNDS (PART C):
     Early Intervention    303.12(a).
     service provider.
     State conformity      303.102.
     with Part C.
     Withholding funds:
        [cir] Opportunity for a    303.705(a).
         hearing.
        [cir] Suspension.........  303.705(b).
GENETIC or CONGENITAL DISORDERS:
     Diagnosed physical    303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition (Infant
     or toddler with a
     disability).
GOVERNOR; GOVERNOR'S DESIGNEE:
     Council:

[[Page 60295]]

 
        [cir] Appointed by         303.600(b).
         Governor.
        [cir] Chairperson........  303.600(c).
        [cir] Composition........  303.601(b)-(c).
        [cir] Functions (Annual    303.604(c).
         report to Governor).
        [cir] Use of funds by      303.603(a).
         Council (Approval).
     Financial
     responsibility and methods
     of ensuring services:
        [cir] Other methods        303.511(b)(3).
         determined by Governor.
        [cir] Procedures for       303.511(c)(1).
         resolving disputes.
     Lead agency:
        [cir] Designated by        303.22.
         Governor.
        [cir] Role in              303.120.
         supervision, etc..
     State educational     303.36(a).
     agency (SEA).
GRANDPARENT:
     Parent (Definition).  303.27(a)(4).
GRANTS; GRANTS TO STATES:
     Consolidation of      303.730(b).
     grants (Outlying areas).
     Reservation for       303.734.
     State incentive grants.
     Secretary's           303.100.
     authority to make grants.
     See also ``Award''
     and ``Payments to Indians''.
GUARDIAN:
     Parent (Definition).  303.27(a)(3).
GUARDIANSHIP:
     Confidentiality       303.405(c).
     (Access rights).
HEAD START; HEAD START ACT:
     Child find system     303.302(c)(1)(ii)(E).
     (Coordination).
     Council               303.601(a)(8).
     (Composition).
     Comprehensive system  303.118(a)(3), (b)(4).
     of personnel development
     (CSPD) (Training to
     coordinate transition
     services and personnel).
     Early Head Start:
        [cir] Coordination with..  303.210(a).
        [cir] Content of an        303.344(h)(1)(ii).
         individualized family
         service plan (IFSP)
         (Transition from Part C).
     Head Start Act        303.210(a), 303.302 (c)(1)(ii)(E),
     (References).                  303.601(a)(8).
HEALTH INSURANCE.................  303.520(b)(2), 303.601 (a)(10).
HEALTH SERVICES:
     Definition..........  303.16.
     Early Intervention    303.13(b)(4).
     services (Definition).
     Interim payments--    303.510(b).
     Reimbursement (Payor of last
     resort).
     Non-covered services  303.16(c).
     and devices.
     Services included...  303.16(b).
HEALTH STATUS (MEDICAL HISTORY):
     Evaluation and        303.321(a)(3)(i).
     assessment.
     Content of an         303.344(a).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)
     (Information about child's
     status).
HEARING AID:
     Health services       303.16(c)(1)(iii)(B).
     (Nothing prevents routinely
     checking).
HEARING IMPAIRED; HEARING
 IMPAIRMENTS:
     Special educators     303.13(c)(11).
     including teachers of
     children with hearing
     impairments.
HEARING LOSS:
     Audiology services..  303.13(b)(2)(ii), (b)(2)(v).
HEARING OFFICER:
     Appointment of......  303.443(c), 303.435.
     Dismissal of          303.442(b)(4).
     complaint.
     Duties and            303.435(a), 303.443(c).
     qualifications.
     Hearing decisions...  303.445.
     Impartial             303.435(b), 303.443(c).
     (Definition).
     Sufficiency of        303.441(d).
     complaint.
HEART AILMENTS:
     Health services (Non- 303.16(c)(1)(ii).
     covered services).
HISTORY OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED
 POPULATIONS:
     Purpose of Early      303.1(d).
     Intervention program.
     See ``Inner-city,''
     ``Low-income,''
     ``Minority,'' and ``Rural''
     (Children), and ``Foster
     care.''
     See also              303.227.
     ``Traditionally underserved
     groups.''.
HOMELESS CHILDREN:
     Assurances regarding  303.101(a)(1)(ii).
     Early Intervention services
     and a statewide system.
     Child find system...  303.302(b)(1)(ii).
     Council               303.601(a)(11).
     (Composition)
     (Representative designated
     by Office of the
     Coordination and Education
     of Homeless Children and
     Youth).
     Definition..........  303.17.
     Due process           303.441(b)(4).
     complaint (Content).
     Traditionally         303.227(a).
     underserved groups.
HOMELESS FAMILY SHELTERS:
     Primary referral      303.303(c)(10).
     sources.

[[Page 60296]]

 
HOSPITALS:
     Primary referral      303.303(c)(1).
     sources.
     Public awareness      303.301(a)(1)(ii).
     program.
HOSPITALIZATION (For management
 of congenital heart ailments):
     Non-covered health    303.16(c)(1)(ii).
     services.
HYDROCEPHALUS (Shunting of):
     Non-covered health    303.16(c)(1)(i).
     services.
IDEA (INDIVIDUALS WITH
 DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT):
     Act (Definition)....  303.4.
IEP (INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION
 PROGRAM):
     Free appropriate      303.15(d).
     public education (FAPE)
     (Definition).
IEU (INTERMEDIATE EDUCATIONAL
 UNIT):
     Local educational     303.23(b)(3).
     agency (LEA) (Definition).
IFSP (INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY
 SERVICE PLAN) (A-F):
     Acceptable time to    303.342(b)(2).
     meet for parents and others.
     Accountability and    303.346.
     responsibility.
     Annual meeting to     303.342(c).
     evaluate.
     Component of          303.114.
     statewide system.
     Content of an
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)
        [cir] See ``IFSP
         (Individualized family
         service plan) Content''.
     Dates and duration    303.344(f).
     of services.
     Definition..........  303.20.
     Development of......  303.342(a).
     Early Intervention    303.344(d).
     services.
        [cir] See also ``IFSP
         (Individualized family
         service plan) Content''.
     Educational           303.344(d)(4).
     component (For children at
     least three years old).
     Family information..  303.344(b).
IFSP (INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY
 SERVICE PLAN) (I-N):
     Individualized
     family service plan (IFSP)
     Team.
        [cir] See ``IFSP
         (Individualized family
         service plan) Team''.
     Information about     303.344(a).
     child's status.
     Initial               303.342(a).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) Meeting.
     Interim               303.345.
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP).
     Justification         303.344(d)(1)(ii).
     (Natural environments)...
     Lead agency           303.340.
     responsibility.
     Location of services  303.344(d)(1)(ii)-(iii), (d)(3).
     Meeting(s):
        [cir] Accessibility and    303.342(d).
         convenience of.
        [cir] Annual meeting to    303.342(c).
         evaluate individualized
         family service plan
         (IFSP).
        [cir] To develop initial   303.342(a).
         individualized family
         service plan (IFSP).
     Natural environments  303.344(d)(1)(ii).
        [cir] See also ``Natural
         Environments''.
     Numeracy skills.....  303.344(d)(4).
IFSP (INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY
 SERVICE PLAN) (O-Q):
     Other services......  303.344(e).
     Outcomes or results.  303.344(c).
        [cir] See also
         ``Outcomes''.
     Parental consent      303.342(e).
     before providing services.
        [cir] Services before      303.345(a).
         evaluation completed.
     Periodic review.....  303.342(b).
     Pre-literacy,         303.344(d)(4).
     language, and numeracy
     skills.
     Procedures for        303.342.
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP)
     development, review, and
     evaluation.
IFSP (INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY
 SERVICE PLAN) (R-Z):
     Responsibility and    303.346.
     accountability.
     Results or outcomes.  303.344(c).
     Review and revision   303.342(b).
     (Periodic).
     Service coordinator.  303.344(g).
     Services before       303.345.
     evaluation completed.
     Statewide system      303.114.
     component.
     Transition from Part  303.344(h).
     C services.
IFSP (INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY
 SERVICE PLAN) CONTENT (A-E):
     Child's status        303.344(a).
     (Information about).
     Dates and duration    303.344(f).
     of services.
     Early Intervention
     services:
        [cir] Definition.........  303.13(a).
        [cir] Duration,            303.344(d)(1)(i).
         frequency, intensity,
         length, and method of
         services.
        [cir] Educational          303.344(d)(4).
         component that promotes
         school readiness, and
         incorporates pre-
         literacy, language, and
         numeracy skills.
        [cir] Location of          303.344(d)(1)(iii), (d)(3).
         services.
        [cir] Payment              303.344(d)(1)(iv).
         arrangements, if any.
        [cir] Natural              303.344(d)(1)(ii).
         environments, including
         a justification, if
         applicable.
        [cir] See also ``Natural
         Environments''.
IFSP (INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY
 SERVICE PLAN) CONTENT (F-Z):
     Family information..  303.344(b).
     Information about     303.344(a).
     child's status.

[[Page 60297]]

 
     Other services......  303.344(e).
     Results or outcomes.  303.344(c).
     Service coordinator.  303.344(g).
     Transition from Part  303.344(h).
     C services.
IFSP (INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY
 SERVICE PLAN) TEAM:
     Composition           303.343(a)(1).
     (Meetings and periodic
     reviews).
     Due process           303.441(e)(1)(ii).
     complaint (Other options
     considered by individualized
     family service plan (IFSP)
     Team).
     Early Intervention    303.126.
     services in natural
     environments.
     IFSP Team meetings    303.343.
     and periodic reviews.
     Initial and annual    303.343(a).
     individualized family
     service plan (IFSP) Team
     meetings.
     Multidisciplinary...  303.24(b).
     Natural environments  303.344(d)(1)(ii)(B)(1),
                                    (d)(1)(ii)(B)(3).
     Resolution meeting..  303.442(a)(4).
     Transition from Part  303.344(h)(2)(iv).
     C services.
ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler.
     Referral of specific  303.303(b)(2).
     at-risk infants and toddlers.
IMMUNIZATIONS AND REGULAR WELL-
 BABY CARE:
     Non-covered medical-  303.16(c)(3).
     health services.
IMPARTIAL:
     Appointment of        303.435, 303.443(c).
     impartial hearing officer.
     Definition..........  303.435(b)(1), 303.443(c).
     Hearing procedures    303.233(c).
     (Impartial proceeding).
     Mediator (Qualified   303.431(b)(1)(iii), (b)(2)(ii), (c).
     and impartial).
INABILITY TO PAY:
     Assurance that        303.521(a)(4)(ii).
     ``inability to pay'' will
     not delay or deny services
     if parent or family meets
     State's definition.
     Lack of consent (And  303.520(c).
     inability to pay) may not
     delay or deny services.
     Private insurance...  303.520(c).
     State's definition..  303.521(a)(3).
     System of payments    303.521(a)(3)-(a)(4).
     and fees.
INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM:
     Diagnosed physical    303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition (Infant
     or toddler with a
     disability).
INDIAN CHILDREN:
     Payments to Indians.  303.731(a)(1), (d)(1).
     See ``Indian infants
     and toddlers''.
INDIAN; INDIAN TRIBE:
     Definition..........  303.19.
     See ``Tribe; Tribal
     organization''.
INDIAN INFANTS AND TODDLERS:
     Assurances regarding  303.101(a)(1)(i).
     Early Intervention services.
     Availability of       303.112(a).
     Early Intervention services.
     Scope of child find.  303.302(b)(1)(i).
INDIAN SELF-DETERMINATION AND      303.731(a)(1).
 EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT.
INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE
 PLAN (IFSP):
     See ``IFSP''; ``IFSP
     Content''; ``IFSP Team.''
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
 EDUCATION ACT (IDEA):
     Act (Definition)....  303.4.
INFANT(S) and/or TODDLER(S):
     Annual report of      303.721(a).
     children served.
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
     Authorized            303.605(b).
     activities of the Council.
     Definition (In State  303.732(d)(2).
     allotments).
     Permissive use of     303.501(e).
     funds.
     Payments to Indians.  303.731(b), (e).
     Primary referral      303.303(c)(3).
     sources.
     Public awareness      303.301(a)(1)(ii).
     program.
     Reservation for       303.734(b)(1).
     State incentive grants.
     Screening procedures  303.320(b)(1).
INFANT OR TODDLER WITH A
 DISABILITY:
     Definition..........  303.21.
INFECTION; CONGENITAL INFECTIONS:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
     Infant or toddler     303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     with a disability
     (Definition).
INFORMED CLINICAL OPINION:
     Procedures for        303.321(a)(3)(ii).
     assessment of child.
INFORMED WRITTEN CONSENT:
     Individualized        303.342(e).
     family service plan (IFSP)
     (Informed written consent
     before providing services).
     State option to make  303.211(b)(5).
     services available to
     children ages three and
     older.
     See also
     ``Consent''.
INNER-CITY:
     Comprehensive system  303.118(b)(1).
     of personnel development
     (CSPD) (Training personnel
     to work in rural and inner-
     city areas).
     Purpose of Early      303.1(d).
     Intervention program
     (Enhance capacity to meet
     needs of inner-city
     children).

[[Page 60298]]

 
INSURANCE (A-E):
     Consent regarding:
        [cir] Private insurance..  303.520(b)(1), (b)(2).
        [cir] Public insurance...  303.520(a)(3)(i).
     Co-payments.
     Composition of        303.601(a)(10).
     Council (Agency responsible
     for State regulation of
     health insurance).
     Construction clause   303.510(c).
     (Non-reduction of Medicaid
     benefits).
     Cost participation    303.521(a)(1).
     fees or sliding fees.
     Costs to parents      303.520(a)(4), 303.520(b)(1)(ii),
     (Use of private insurance to   303.520(b)(1)(ii)-(b)(1)(iii).
     pay for Part C services).
     Deductible amounts    303.521(a)(6).
     or co-payments.
     Enrollment in public  303.520(a)(2)(i).
     insurance or benefits
     program (May not require
     parent to enroll).
INSURANCE (F-O):
     Family or parent
     funds:
        [cir] Not treated as       303.520(d)(1).
         ``program income''.
        [cir] Used for Part C      303.520(d)(2).
         services.
     Funds received under  303.520(e).
     a State's system of payments.
     Health insurance....  303.520(b)(2), 303.601(a)(10).
     Lack of consent may   303.520(b).
     not delay or deny services.
     Medicaid (Payor of    303.510(c).
     last resort).
INSURANCE (P-PR):
     Parental consent and  303.420(a)(4).
     ability to decline services.
     Parent or family      303.520(d)(1).
     funds to State not
     considered ``program
     income''.
     Policies related to   303.520(a), 303.520(b).
     use of insurance to pay for
     services.
     Private insurance...  303.520(b).
     Proceeds from public
     or private insurance:
        [cir] Not treated as       303.520(d)(1).
         income.
        [cir] Reimbursements       303.520(d)(2).
         (Medicaid, etc.) for
         Early Intervention
         services are not State
         or local funds.
INSURANCE (PU-Z):
     Public insurance....  303.520(a).
     Purpose of Early      303.1(b).
     Intervention program.
     Schedule of sliding
     fees:
        [cir] Early Intervention   303.13(a)(3).
         services (Definition).
        [cir] System of payments   303.521(a)(1).
         and fees.
     State, local, or      303.521(a).
     private programs of
     insurance.
     State statute         303.520(b)(2).
     regarding private health
     insurance (Impact on consent
     requirements).
     System of payments    303.520(a), 303.521(a).
     and fees.
     See also ``Fees''
     and ``Inability to pay''.
     Use of public         303.520(a).
     insurance to pay for
     services.
     Written notification  303.520(a)(3).
     (prior to use of public
     insurance).
     See also ``Fees''
     and ``Inability to pay''.
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS:
     Functions of the      303.604(a)(3).
     Council (Promotion of
     methods for intra-agency and
     interagency collaboration).
     Lead agency role (In  303.120(f).
     funding, inter-agency
     agreements, etc.).
     Transition to         303.209(a)(3).
     preschool.
INTERAGENCY COORDINATION:
     See
     ``Coordination.''
INTERIM INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY
 SERVICE PLAN (IFSP):
     Services before       303.345.
     evaluations and assessments
     completed.
INTERMEDIATE EDUCATIONAL UNIT
 (IEU):
     Local educational     303.23(b)(3).
     agency (LEA) (Definition).
JURISDICTION(S) (Geographic
 location):
     Eligible recipients   303.2(a).
     of an award.
     State (Definition)..  303.35.
LACK OF CONSENT (INABILITY TO      303.520(c).
 PAY).
     See also ``Inability
     to Pay''.
LACK OF OXYGEN:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
LEAD AGENCY:
     Definition..........  303.22.
     Designation of......  303.201.
     Lead agency role in   303.120.
     supervision, etc..
     Public agency         303.30.
     (Definition).
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
 (LEP):
     Native language       303.25(a).
     (Definition).
        [cir] See ``Native
         language''.
LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY (LEA):
     Definition..........  303.23.
     Notification of       303.209(b).
     child transitioning to.
LOW BIRTH WEIGHT:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
LOW-INCOME (Children and
 families):
     Purpose of Early      303.1(d).
     Intervention program
     (Historically
     underrepresented
     populations).

[[Page 60299]]

 
     Traditionally         303.227(a).
     underserved groups (Low-
     income families).
MAPPING:
     Of surgically         303.13(b)(1)(i), 303.16(c)(1)(iii).
     implanted medical devices.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH:
     Child find            303.302(c)(1)(ii)(B).
     (Coordination).
     Payor of last         303.510(c).
     resort--Non-reduction of
     benefits (Construction).
MEDIATION (A-L):
     Annual report of      303.721(c).
     children served (Number of
     mediations held).
     Benefits of (Meeting  303.431(d)(1).
     to explain).
     Confidential          303.431(b)(5)(i), (b)(7).
     discussions.
     Cost of (Borne by     303.431(b)(3).
     State).
     Disputes (Resolve     303.431(a).
     through mediation).
     Disinterested party   303.431(d).
     (to encourage).
     Impartiality of       303.431(c).
     mediator.
     Lead agency           303.431(a).
     procedures (to resolve
     disputes through mediation).
     Legally binding       303.431(b)(5).
     agreement (if parties
     resolve dispute through
     mediation).
MEDIATION (M-O):
     Mediator(s):
        [cir] Impartiality of....  303.431(c).
        [cir] List of............  303.431(b)(2)(i).
        [cir] Qualified and        303.431(b)(1)(iii).
         impartial.
        [cir] Random selection of  303.431(b)(2)(ii).
        [cir] Trained in           303.431(b)(1)(iii).
         effective mediation
         techniques.
     Meeting to encourage  303.431(d).
     mediation.
     Not used as evidence  303.431(b)(7).
     in hearing or civil
     proceeding.
     Not used to delay/    303.431(b)(1)(ii).
     deny right of hearing.
MEDIATION (P-Z):
     Parent training and   303.431(d)(1).
     information center.
     Prior written         303.421(b).
     notice--Content.
     Requirements........  303.431(b)(1)-(b)(7).
     Sessions scheduled--  303.431(b)(4).
     Timely manner and convenient
     location.
     State dispute         303.430.
     resolution options.
     State monitoring and  303.700(d)(2).
     enforcement.
     Voluntary...........  303.431(b)(1)(i).
     Written mediation     303.431(b)(6).
     agreement (Enforceable in
     court).
MEDICAID:
     Council--Composition  303.601(a)(7).
     (Member from State Medicaid
     program).
     Non-reduction of      303.510(c).
     benefits (Payor of last
     resort)--Construction.
     Proceeds from public- 303.520(d)(2).
     private insurance for Part
     C--Neither State nor local
     funds under ``nonsupplant''
     (Sec.   303.325(b)).
     ``Service             303.34(c).
     coordination''--Use of term
     not intended to affect
     seeking Medicaid.
MEDICAL SERVICES:
     In Early              303.13(b)(5).
     Intervention Services
     definition.
     Interim payments--    303.510(b).
     reimbursement (Payor of last
     resort).
MEDICAL SERVICES FOR DIAGNOSTIC
 OR EVALUATION PURPOSES:
     See ``Medical         303.13(b)(5).
     services'' (Definition).
MEDICINE OR DRUGS:
     Prescribing for any   303.16(c)(1)(ii).
     purpose--Not covered.
METHOD (Of delivering Individual   303.344(d)(1)(i).
 Family Service Plan (IFSP)
 services).
     Definition..........  303.344(d)(2)(ii).
METHODS OF ENSURING SERVICES.....  303.511.
METABOLISM (Inborn errors of):
     Diagnosed physical    303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition.
MINORITY (Children, Families,
 Parents):
     Council--Composition  303.601(a)(1)(i).
     (Minority parents).
     Purpose of Early      303.1(d).
     Intervention Program.
     Traditionally         303.227(a).
     underserved groups.
MONITOR; MONITORING:
     Council--Functions..  303.604(a)(3).
     Financial             303.511(e).
     responsibility and methods
     of ensuring services--Added
     components.
     Lead agency role in   303.120(a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(iv).
     monitoring.
     Rule of               303.707.
     construction--Nothing
     restricts Secretary's
     authority under General
     Education Provisions Act
     (GEPA) to monitor-enforce
     requirements of the Act.
     Secretary's review &  303.703(b).
     determination regarding
     State performance.
     State monitoring and  303.700(a)(1), (b), (d)(2).
     enforcement.
     State performance     303.701(c)(2).
     and data collection.
     State use of targets  303.702(b)(1)(ii).
     and reporting.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY:
     Definition..........  303.24.
     Evaluation and        303.321(a)(1)(i).
     assessment.
     Evaluation,           303.113(a)(1).
     assessment, and
     nondiscriminatory procedures.
     Purpose of Early      303.1(a).
     Intervention program.
     State eligibility     303.100.
     (General authority).
NATIVE LANGUAGE:
     Consent.............  303.7(a).

[[Page 60300]]

 
     Definition..........  303.25.
     Evaluation and        303.321(a)(5), (a)(6).
     assessment.
     Individualized        303.342(d)(1)(ii).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     meetings--Accessibility and
     convenience.
     Notice regarding      303.404.
     confidentiality and
     availability of notice in
     native language.
     Prior written         303.421(c).
     notice--Native language.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS:
     Definition..........  303.26.
     Determination of      303.344(d)(1)(ii)(A)-(B).
     appropriate setting for
     Early Intervention services.
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(8).
     services (Definition).
     Early Intervention    303.126.
     services in natural
     environments (Component of
     statewide system).
     Individualized        303.344(d)(1)(ii)(A)-(B).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     content--Early Intervention
     services in.
     State monitoring and  303.700(d)(1).
     enforcement.
NEGLECT or ABUSE:
     See ``Abuse or
     neglect''.
NERVOUS SYSTEM (``Disorders
 reflecting disturbance of
 development of''):
     Diagnosed physical    303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition (Infant
     or toddler with a
     disability).
NONCOMMINGLING...................  303.225(a).
NONDISCRIMINATORY:
     Evaluation,           303.113, 303.321(a)(4).
     assessment and
     nondiscriminatory procedures.
     Evaluation and        303.321(a)(4).
     assessment--in a
     nondiscriminatory manner.
NON-REDUCTION OF BENEFITS........  303.510(c).
NONSUBSTITUTION OF FUNDS.........  303.510(a).
NONSUPPLANT:
     Requirement to        303.225(b).
     supplement not supplant.
     Requirement           303.225(c)(2)(ii).
     regarding indirect costs.
NOTICE & HEARING BEFORE            303.231.
 DETERMINING A STATE NOT ELIGIBLE.
NOTICES (State administration):
     Public participation  303.208(b)(2).
     policies--Lead agency notice
     of hearings.
     State applications,
     eligibility determinations,
     etc.:
        [cir] Determination by     303.229.
         Secretary that a State
         is eligible (Secretary
         notifies State).
        [cir] Disapproval of an    303.230.
         application--Standard
         for.
        [cir] Initial decision;    303.234(a), (c).
         final decision.
        [cir] Judicial review....  303.236.
        [cir] Notice and hearing   303.231(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(b).
         before determining a
         State not eligible.
        [cir] Standard for         303.230.
         disapproval of an
         application.
NOTICES (State monitoring &
 enforcement):
     Public attention by   303.706.
     State--If Secretary
     proposing enforcement.
     Secretary's review    303.703(b)(2)(i).
     and determination regarding
     State performance.
     Withholding funds:
        [cir] Opportunity for a    303.705(a).
         hearing.
        [cir] Suspension.........  303.705(b).
NOTICES (To parents; family) (A-
 O):
     Confidentiality and   303.401(a).
     opportunity to examine
     records.
     Due process
     procedures--Part B:
        [cir] Filing a due         303.440(c).
         process complaint (Time-
         line for resolution).
        [cir] Lead agency          303.441(e)(1).
         response to a due
         process complaint.
        [cir] Notice required      303.441(c).
         before a hearing.
        [cir] Resolution process.  303.442(a)(1), (b)(5).
     Individualized        303.342(d)(2).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     meetings--Written notice to
     family, etc.
     Lead agency--General  303.400(a).
     responsibility for
     procedural safeguards.
     Native language.....  303.404(d).
     Notice to parents Re- 303.404.
     confidentiality.
NOTICES (To parents; family) (P-
 Z):
     Parental consent and  303.420.
     ability to decline service.
     Prior written notice  303.421.
     and procedural safeguards
     notice.
        [cir] Content of notice..  303.421(b).
        [cir] General............  303.421(a).
        [cir] Native language....  303.421(c)(1), (c)(2)(i)-(c)(2)(ii).
     Procedural            303.400(a).
     safeguards--General
     responsibility of lead
     agency for.
     Screening procedures  303.320(a)(1)(i), (2).
     State option--        303.211(b)(1).
     Services to children three
     and older (Annual notice to
     parents).
NUMERACY SKILLS:
     Infant or toddler     303.21(c)(1).
     with a disability.
     Individualized        303.344(d)(4).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP).
     State option--        303.211(b)(2).
     Services to children ages
     three and older.
NURSES:
     Early Intervention    303.13(c)(3).
     services (Definition)--
     Qualified personnel.
NURSING SERVICES:
     Definition..........  303.13(b)(6).
NUTRITION SERVICES:
    Definition...................  303.13(b)(7).
NUTRITIONAL DEPRIVATION:
     At risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY:
     Definition..........  303.13(b)(8).

[[Page 60301]]

 
     Occupational          303.13(c)(4).
     therapists.
OPTIMIZATION (Relating to          303.13(b)(1)(i), 303.16(c)(1)(iii).
 Cochlear Implants, etc.).
ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY
 TRAINING:
     Early Intervention    303.13(b)(17)(iii).
     services (Definition)--In
     ``Vision services.''.
     Orientation and       303.13(c)(5).
     mobility specialists.
OTHER SERVICES:
     Early Intervention    303.13(d).
     services (Definition).
     Individualized        303.344(e).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     content.
OUTCOMES:
     Early Intervention    303.12(b)(1).
     services provider
     (Definition).
     Health services--     303.16(c)(1)(iii)(A).
     Developmental outcomes.
     Individualized
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)--
     Content:
        [cir] Duration...........  303.344(d)(2)(iv).
        [cir] Early Intervention   303.344(d)(1).
         services.
        [cir] Early Intervention   303.344(d)(1)(ii)(B)(3).
         services in natural
         environments.
        [cir] Results or outcomes  303.344(c).
     Individualized        303.342(b)(1)(i)-(b)(1)(ii).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)--
     Periodic review.
     Individualized        303.346.
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)--
     Responsibility and
     accountability.
     Special instruction   303.13(b)(14)(ii).
     (Definition).
PARAPROFESSIONALS:
     Comprehensive System  303.118.
     of Personnel Development
     (CSPD) (Training of).
     Use of..............  303.119(c).
PARENT:
     Biological or         303.27(a)(1), (a)(4).
     adoptive parent of a child.
     Definition..........  303.27.
     Foster parent.......  303.27(a)(2).
     Grandparent.........  303.27(a)(4).
     Guardian............  303.27(a)(3).
     Dissemination of      303.301(a)(1)(ii).
     Information (Public
     awareness program).
     Stepparent..........  303.27(a)(4).
     Surrogate parent....  303.27(a)(5).
        [cir] See also
         ``Surrogate Parent(s).''
PARENTAL RIGHTS (A-C):
     Confidentiality:
        [cir] Access rights......  303.405.
        [cir] Amendment of         303.410.
         records at parent's
         request.
        [cir] Consent prior to     303.414.
         disclosure or use.
        [cir] Council--            303.601(a)(1).
         Composition.
        [cir] Destruction of       303.416.
         information.
        [cir] List of types and    303.408.
         locations of information.
        [cir] Notice to parents..  303.404.
        [cir] Opportunity for a    303.411.
         hearing on records.
        [cir] Opportunity to       303.401(b)(2).
         inspect-review records.
        [cir] Right to             303.401(a).
         confidentiality of
         personally identifiable
         information.
     Consent (Definition)  303.7.
PARENTAL RIGHTS (D--Part B):
     Due process
     hearings--Part B:
        [cir] Construction--       303.445(b).
         parent's right to file
         an appeal.
        [cir] Construction--       303.445(c).
         filing a separate due
         process complaint.
        [cir] Filing a due         303.440(a)-(b).
         process complaint.
        [cir] Findings of fact     303.444(a)(5), 303.446(b)(2)(vi).
         and decisions.
        [cir] Hearing officer      303.445(a)(2)(ii).
         finding--matters
         alleging procedural
         violations.
        [cir] Hearing rights.....  303.444.
        [cir] Impartial due        303.443(a), (e), (f)(2).
         process hearing.
        [cir] Lead agency          303.441(e).
         response to a due
         process complaint.
        [cir] Parental rights at   303.444(c).
         hearings.
        [cir] Resolution process.  303.442.
        [cir] Separate request     303.445(c).
         for a due process
         hearing.
PARENTAL RIGHTS (D--Part C to
 IF):
     Due process
     hearings--Part C:
        [cir] Convenience of       303.437.
         hearings & timelines.
        [cir] Parental rights in   303.436.
         due process hearings.
     Functions not         303.521(b).
     subject to fees.
     Individualized
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)--
     Consent provisions:
        [cir] Parental consent     303.342(e).
         regarding IFSP contents.
        [cir] Services before      303.345(a).
         evaluation completed
         (Parental consent).
     Individualized
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     Team meeting participants:
        [cir] An advocate or       303.343(a)(1)(iii).
         person outside the
         family--If parent
         requests.
        [cir] Other family         303.343(a)(1)(ii).
         members, if requested by
         the parent.
        [cir] The parent or        303.343(a)(1)(i).
         parents.
        [cir] See also ``Family
         (Families) (IFSP)''.
PARENTAL RIGHTS (IN-O):
     Inability of parents  303.521(a)(4)(ii).
     to pay will not delay-deny
     services.
     Mediation:

[[Page 60302]]

 
        [cir] Binding agreement    303.431(b)(5)(ii).
         to resolve a dispute--
         signed by parents &
         agency.
        [cir] Meeting to           303.431(d).
         encourage.
        [cir] Not used to deny or  303.431(b)(1)(ii).
         delay a parent's right
         to a hearing.
     Native language:
        [cir] Consent              303.7(a).
         (definition).
        [cir] Definition.........  303.25.
        [cir] Prior notice--       303.421(c).
         Native language.
PARENTAL RIGHTS (P-Z):
     Parental consent and  303.420.
     ability to decline service.
     Payments to Indians-- 303.731(d)(1).
     Use of funds (Encouraged to
     involve Indian parents).
     Pendency............  303.430(e).
     Prior notice........  303.421.
     State complaint
     procedures:
        [cir] Adoption of (and     303.432(a).
         widely disseminating
         procedures to parents).
        [cir] Opportunity to       303.433(a)(3)(ii).
         engage in mediation.
        [cir] Time extension.....  303.433(b)(1)(ii).
     States with Free      303.521(c).
     Appropriate Public Education
     (FAPE) mandates may not
     charge parents for services
     under Part B.
     Status of child       303.430(e).
     during pendency of due
     process hearing.
     State system of       303.520(a)(4), 303.520(b)(1)(iii).
     payments copy for parents.
     See also ``Due
     Process Procedures,''
     ``Family (Families),'' and
     ``Procedural Safeguards''.
PARENT TRAINING:
     Payment to Indians--  303.731(d).
     Use of funds.
     Psychological         303.13(b)(10)(iv).
     services (Definition).
PARENT TRAINING & INFORMATION
 CENTER(S):
     Definition..........  303.28.
     Mediation--Meeting    303.431(d)(1).
     to encourage.
     State complaint       303.432(a)(2).
     procedures--Widely
     disseminated to Parent
     Training and Information
     Centers.
PART B (IDEA) (A-O):
     Child find--          303.302(a)(1), (c)(1)(ii)(A).
     Coordination with.
     Confidentiality.....  303.401(d)(2).
     Comprehensive System  303.118(a)(3).
     of Personnel Development
     (CSPD) (Training personnel
     relating to transition).
     Due process hearing   303.430(d)(2).
     procedures (Dispute
     resolution options).
     Free Appropriate      303.15(b).
     Public Education (FAPE)
     (Definition).
     Financial             303.511(b).
     responsibility and methods
     of ensuring services.
     Individualized        303.209(d)(3).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     Content-Transition to
     preschool.
     Monitoring and        303.700(d).
     enforcement.
PART B (IDEA) (P-Z):
     Permissive use of     303.501(c)(1), (d).
     funds.
     State educational     303.36(b).
     agency (Definition).
     State option-         303.211(b)(1)(i)-(b)(1)(ii), (b)(3).
     Services to children three
     and older.
        [cir] Construction--If     303.211(e)(1).
         child receives Part C
         services, free
         appropriate public
         education (FAPE) not
         required.
     States with free      303.521(c).
     appropriate public education
     (FAPE) mandates.
PARTICIPATING AGENCY:
     Definition of.......  303.403(c).
     See also
     ``Confidentiality'' (A-D)
     and Personally
     ``Identifiable Information''
     (A-C).
PAYMENT(S) FOR EARLY INTERVENTION
 SERVICES:
     Coordination of.....  303.1(b).
     Individualized        303.344(d)(1)(iv).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     content--Payment
     arrangements, if any.
     Interim payments--    303.510(b).
     reimbursement (payor of last
     resort).
     Policies Re use of    303.520.
     insurance for payment for
     services.
     Timely resolution of  303.511(c).
     disputes about payments
     (Methods of ensuring
     services).
     To outlying areas...  303.730(a).
     To Secretary of the   303.731(a)(1).
     Interior.
PAYMENTS TO INDIANS..............  303.731.
     Allocation..........  303.731(b).
     Information.........  303.731(c).
     Prohibited use of     303.731(f).
     funds.
     Reports.............  303.731(e).
     Use of funds........  303.731(d).
PAYOR OF LAST RESORT:
     Assurance regarding.  303.222.
     General requirement.  303.500.
     Interim payments--    303.510(b).
     reimbursement.
     Non-reduction of      303.510(c).
     benefits.
     Nonsubstitution of    303.510(a).
     funds.
PEDIATRICIANS & OTHER PHYSICIANS:
     Qualified personnel.  303.13(c)(6).
PENDENCY:
     Enforcement action--  303.706.
     Public attention.
     Status of child       303.430(e)(1).
     during pendency of a due
     process hearing request.
PERIODIC REVIEW (Individualized    303.342(b).
 Family Service Plan (IFSP)).
PERMISSIVE USE OF FUNDS BY LEAD
 AGENCY:

[[Page 60303]]

 
     At risk infants or    303.501(e).
     toddlers (strengthen
     statewide system).
     Continue Early        303.501(d).
     Intervention services in
     lieu of FAPE.
     Expand and improve    303.501(b).
     on services.
     For direct services.  303.501(a).
     Provide FAPE (See     303.501(c).
     also ``Use of Funds'').
PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE
 INFORMATION (A-C):
     Confidentiality.....  303.401(a).
        [cir] Applicability and    303.401(c).
         timeframe of procedures.
        [cir] Consent prior to     303.414(a).
         disclosure or use.
        [cir] Definitions of       303.403(a), (c).
         ``destruction'' and
         ``participating agency''.
        [cir] Destruction of       303.416(a).
         information.
        [cir] Disclosure of        303.401(d)(1).
         information.
        [cir] Notice to parents..  303.404.
        [cir] Safeguards.........  303.415.
        [cir] Secretary ensures    303.402.
         protection of.
PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE
 INFORMATION (D-Z):
     Data collection--     303.701(c)(3).
     Construction (Nationwide
     database not authorized).
     Definition..........  303.29.
     Finality of hearing   303.446(c).
     decision--Findings of fact &
     decisions (to public).
     Hearing decisions--   303.445(d).
     Part B (to public).
     Parental consent--    303.420(a)(5).
     Exchange of.
     Public reporting and  303.702(b)(3).
     privacy.
     Transition to         303.209(b)(2).
     preschool--State policy
     (Parents may object to
     disclosure).
PERSONNEL (Shortage of):
     Personnel standards-- 303.119(d).
     Policy to address.
PERSONNEL STANDARDS:
     Policies and          303.119(a).
     procedures relating to.
     Qualified personnel   303.31.
     (definition).
     Qualification         303.119(b).
     standards.
     Policy to address     303.119(d).
     shortage of personnel.
     Use of                303.119(c).
     paraprofessionals and
     assistants.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT, including
 vision and hearing:
     Developmental delays  303.21(a)(1)(ii).
     in.
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(4)(i).
     Services (Definition).
     Evaluation of         303.321(b)(3).
     child's level of functioning
     in.
     In definition of      303.21(a)(1)(ii).
     ``Infants and toddlers with
     disabilities''.
     In Individualized     303.344(a).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     content (Information about
     child's status).
PHYSICAL THERAPY:
     Definition..........  303.13(b)(9).
     Physical therapists.  303.13(c)(7).
PHYSICIANS:
     Early intervention    303.13(c)(6).
     services (Qualified
     personnel--Pediatricians and
     other).
     Health services       303.16(b)(2).
     (Consultation by).
     Medical services      303.13(b)(5).
     (Definition).
     Public awareness      303.301(a)(1)(ii).
     program (Dissemination to
     all primary referral
     sources).
     Referral procedures-- 303.303(c)(2).
     Primary referral sources.
POLICIES (AND PROCEDURES) [P&P]
 (A-D):
     Confidentiality:
        [cir] Enforcement (To      303.417.
         ensure requirements are
         met).
        [cir] Consent prior to     303.414(c).
         disclosure--P&P to be
         used when parent refuses
         consent.
        [cir] Notice to parents--  303.404(b).
         summary of P&P regarding
         disclosure.
        [cir] Option to inform     303.401(e).
         parent about intended
         disclosure.
        [cir] Safeguards--         303.415(c).
         Training regarding State
         P&P.
     Due process--Part B:
        [cir] 30 or 45 day         303.440(c).
         timeline for resolution
         (Specify in P&P).
        [cir] Timelines and        303.447(a).
         convenience of hearings.
POLICIES (AND PROCEDURES) [P&P]
 (E-Q):
     Early Intervention    303.126.
     services in natural
     environments.
     Financial             303.511(a).
     responsibility and methods
     of ensuring services--
     Delivery of services in a
     timely manner.
     Personnel standards.  303.119.
     Policies related to   303.520.
     use of insurance for
     services.
     Public participation  303.208.
     P&P.
POLICIES (AND PROCEDURES) [P&P]
 (R-Z):
     Referral policies     303.206.
     for specific children.
     State application     303.200.
     and assurances.
     State conformity      303.102.
     with IDEA-Part C.
     Statewide system and  303.203(b).
     description of services.
     System of payments    303.521(a).
     and fees--State's policies
     to specify functions subject
     to fees.
     Traditionally         303.227.
     underserved groups.
     Transition to         303.209(a)(1).
     preschool, etc..
     Use of funds--Payor   303.500.
     of last resort.
POLICIES RELATED TO USE OF PUBLIC  303.520.
 OR PRIVATE INSURANCE OR PUBLIC
 BENEFITS TO PAY FOR PART C
 SERVICES.
POSITIVE EFFORTS TO EMPLOY AND     303.105.
 ADVANCE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS
 WITH DISABILITIES.
POST-REFERRAL PROCEDURES:
     Types of post-        303.300(c).
     referral procedures.

[[Page 60304]]

 
     See also
     ``screening'' (Sec.
     303.320), ``evaluation and
     assessment'' (Sec.
     303.321), ``IFSP
     development'' (Sec.  Sec.
     303.342-303.345).
PRELITERACY, LANGUAGE, & NUMERACY
 SKILLS:
     Infant or toddler     303.21(c)(1).
     with a disability.
     Individualized        303.344(d)(4).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)--
     Educational component.
     State option--        303.211(b)(2).
     Services to children ages
     three and older.
PRENATAL DRUG EXPOSURE:
     At-risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler.
     Referral of specific  303.303(b)(2).
     at-risk children.
PRE-REFERRAL PROCEDURES:
     Types of pre-         303.300(a).
     referral procedures.
     See also ``public
     awareness'' (Sec.
     303.301), ``child find''
     (Sec.   303.302).
PRIMARY REFERRAL SOURCE(S):
     Child find--          303.302(a)(2)(ii).
     Participation by.
     Comprehensive System  303.118.
     of Personnel Development
     (CSPD)--Training of.
     Definition..........  303.303(c).
     Public awareness
     program
        [cir] Component of a       303.116(b).
         statewide system.
        [cir] Dissemination of     303.301(a)(1)(ii).
         information to sources.
     Referral procedures.  303.303(a)(1).
     Screening procedures  303.320(b).
     (Definition of).
PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE:
     See Notice (To
     parents; Family) (P-Z).
PRIVATE INSURANCE:
     See ``Insurance''.
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS (A-C):
     Appointment of an     303.435.
     impartial hearing officer.
     Child's status        303.430(e).
     during proceedings.
     Civil action--Part B  303.448.
     Civil action--Part C  303.438.
     Confidentiality and   303.401.
     opportunity to examine
     records.
        [cir] Additional
         requirements (see Sec.
         Sec.   303.402-303.417).
        [cir] See also
         ``Confidentiality''.
     Consent (Definition)  303.7.
        [cir] See also
         ``Consent''.
     Convenience of        303.437.
     proceedings & timelines.
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS (D-N):
     Due process           303.430(d).
     procedures.
        [cir] Part B procedures..  303.440-303.449.
        [cir] Part C procedures..  303.435-303.438.
     Implementation of     303.521(b)(4)(ii).
     (Functions not subject to
     fees & carried out at public
     expense).
     Lead agency           303.400.
     responsibility for.
     Mediation...........  303.431.
     Native language       303.421(c).
     (Prior written notice).
        [cir] See ``Native
         Language''.
     Nondiscriminatory     303.113.
     evaluation and assessment
     procedures.
        [cir] No single procedure  303.321(b).
         used as sole criterion.
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS (O-Z):
     Opportunity to        303.401(b)(2).
     examine records (i.e., to
     inspect & review records).
     Parental consent and  303.420.
     ability to decline service.
        [cir] See also
         ``Consent''.
     Parental rights in    303.436.
     due process hearings.
        [cir] See also ``Due
         Process Rights--Part
         B.''
     Pendency (Status of   303.430(e).
     child).
     Prior written notice  303.421.
     Procedural            303.421(b)(3).
     safeguards notice.
     State dispute         303.430.
     resolution options.
     Surrogate parents...  303.422.
     System of payments..  303.521(e).
PROTECTION & ADVOCACY AGENCIES:
     State complaint       303.432(a)(2).
     procedures.
PROVISION OF SERVICES BEFORE       303.345.
 EVALUATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS
 COMPLETED.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES:
     Early Intervention    303.13(b)(10).
     services (Definition).
     Psychologists         303.13(c)(8).
     (Qualified personnel).
PUBLIC AGENCY:
     Confidentiality--     303.401(e)(1).
     Option to inform parent
     about intended disclosure.
     Definition..........  303.30.
     IFSP Team--Service    303.343(a)(1)(iv).
     coordinator designated by
     public agency.
     Impartial hearing     303.443(c)(3).
     officer (Public agency--List
     of hearing officers).
     Parent (Definition).  303.27(b)(2).
     Prior written         303.421(c)(2).
     notice--Native language.
     State complaint
     procedures:
        [cir] Filing a complaint.  303.434(b)(1).
     Surrogate parents...  303.422(a)(2).
PUBLIC HEARINGS:

[[Page 60305]]

 
     Public participation  303.208(b)(1).
     policies and procedures.
     See ``Public
     Participation''.
PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAM:
     Component of          303.116.
     statewide system.
     Public awareness      303.301(b).
     program--Information for
     parents.
PUBLIC INSURANCE:
     See ``Insurance''...
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.............  303.208.
     Requirements for      303.208(a).
     State applications.
     Requirements for      303.208(b).
     State policies and
     procedures.
PURPOSE OF EARLY INTERVENTION      303.1.
 PROGRAM.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL:
     All evaluations and   303.321(a)(2).
     assessments of child and
     family conducted by
     qualified personnel.
     Definition..........  303.31.
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(7), (b)(3), (c), (d).
     Services (Definition).
     Evaluations and       303.321(a)(2).
     assessments of child and
     family--All conducted by
     qualified personnel.
     Informed clinical     303.321(a)(3)(ii).
     opinion.
     Procedures for        303.321(c)(1), (c)(2).
     assessment of child and
     family.
RECORDS:
     Evaluation of child-- 303.321(b)(5).
     Review of records.
     Civil action--Part B  303.448(c)(1).
     (records of administrative
     proceedings).
     Confidentiality.....  303.401-303.417.
     Consent               303.7(b).
     (Definition)--Lists records
     to be released.
     Records used to       303.321(a)(3)(i).
     establish eligibility
     (without conducting an
     evaluation).
     Individualized        303.343(a)(2)(iii).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     Team (Making pertinent
     records available at the
     meeting).
     Parents right to      303.405(a).
     inspect and review.
     References in         303.3(b)(2).
     applicable regulations.
     Reports and records   303.224(b).
     (Assurance--Application
     requirement).
REFERRAL PROCEDURES..............  303.303.
REFERRALS:
     Child find--System    303.302(a)(2).
     for making referrals to lead
     agencies or Early
     Intervention service
     providers.
     Permissive use of     303.501(e)(2)-(3).
     funds--At risk children.
REFERRAL SOURCES:
     See ``Primary
     Referral Sources''.
REGISTERED DIETICIANS:
     Qualified Personnel.  303.13(c)(9).
REHABILITATION (As part of Early   303.13(b)(1)((ii)(D), (b)(2)(iii),
 Intervention services).            (b)(15)(ii)-(b)(15)(iii),
                                    (b)(17)(ii)).
REIMBURSEMENT:
     Financial             303.511(a).
     responsibility & methods of
     ensuring services.
     Payor of last resort  303.510(b).
     (Interim payments--
     Reimbursement).
     Proceeds from public  303.520(d).
     and private insurance.
     Reimbursement         303.122.
     procedures (Component of
     statewide system).
REPORTS (A-P):
     Annual report of
     children served:
        [cir] Certification......  303.723.
        [cir] Other                303.724(b), (d).
         responsibilities of lead
         agency.
        [cir] Report requirement.  303.721.
     Council--Annual       303.604(c).
     report to Governor and
     Secretary.
     Data reporting......  303.722(a).
     Data requirements--   303.720.
     general.
     Payments to Indians.  303.731(e).
REPORTS (R-Z):
     Reports and records   303.224.
     (Assurance--Application
     requirement).
     Reports--Program      303.720, 303.721, 303.722, 303.723,
     information.                   303.724.
     State monitoring &
     enforcement:
        [cir] Enforcement--        303.704(d).
         Secretary's Report to
         Congress.
        [cir] Lead agency--Annual  303.700(a)(4).
         report on performance of
         State.
        [cir] Public reporting     303.702(b).
         and privacy.
        [cir] Secretary's review   303.703(a)-(b).
         & determination.
        [cir] State performance    303.701(c)(1)-(c)(2).
         plans & data collection.
        [cir] State use of         303.702(b).
         targets and reporting
         (Public reporting &
         privacy).
RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES:
     See ``Disputes-
     Dispute Resolution''.
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS:
     At risk infant or     303.5.
     toddler (Definition).
ROUTINE MEDICAL SERVICES:
     Not covered.........  303.16(c)(3).
RURAL (AREAS, CHILDREN,
 FAMILIES):
     Assurance regarding   303.227(a).
     traditionally underserved
     groups (Rural families,
     etc.).
     Comprehensive System  303.118(b)(1).
     of Personnel Development
     (CSPD) (Training personnel
     to work in).
     Purpose of Early      303.1(d).
     Intervention program.
STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE  303.302(c)(1)(ii)(K).
 PROGRAM (CHIP).
SCHOOL READINESS:

[[Page 60306]]

 
     Infant or toddler     303.21(c)(1).
     with a disability.
     Individualized        303.344(d)(4).
     Family Service Plan) IFSP.
     State option--Serve   303.211(a)(2).
     age three to five.
SCREENING PROCEDURES.............  303.320.
SEA:
     See ``State
     educational agency''.
SECRETARY (of Education):
     Definition..........  303.33.
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR:
     Eligible recipients   303.2.
     of an award.
     Indian--Indian tribe  303.19(c).
     (Definition--Construction
     clause).
     Payments to Indians.  303.731.
     State allotments      303.732(d)(1).
     (Definitions ``Aggregate
     amount'').
SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS:
     Infant or toddler     303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     with a disability (Diagnosed
     condition).
SERVICE COORDINATION (Services):
     Definition..........  303.13(b)(11), 303.34.
     Functions not         303.521(b)(3).
     subject to fees.
     Individualized        303.114.
     Family Service Plans (IFSP)
     (Early Intervention system
     component).
     Early Intervention    303.13(b)(11).
     Services.
     Term ``case           303.34(c).
     management'' not precluded.
     Service coordinator-- 303.344(g)(2).
     IFSP content (``Profession''
     includes ``service
     coordination'').
     Specific Service      303.34(b).
     Coordination Services.
SERVICE COORDINATOR:
     Entitlement to......  303.34(a).
     Named in              303.344(g)(1).
     Individualized Family
     Service Plan (IFSP).
        [cir] In interim IFSP....  303.345(b)(1).
     On Individualized     303.343(a)(1)(iv).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     Team.
SERVICE PROVIDER(S):
     General role of.....  303.12(b).
     See ``Qualified       303.13(c).
     personnel''.
SEVERE ATTACHMENT DISORDERS:
     ``Diagnosed physical  303.21(a)(2)(ii).
     or mental condition''.
SHORTAGE OF PERSONNEL (Policy to   303.119(d).
 address).
SIGN LANGUAGE AND CUED LANGUAGE
 SERVICES:
     Definition..........  303.13(b)(12).
SLIDING FEE SCALES:..............
     Definition of         303.13(a)(3).
     ``Early Intervention
     services''.
     System of payments..  303.500(b), 303.521(a)(1).
SOCIAL OR EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
     Developmental delays  303.21(a)(1)(iv).
     in.
     Early Intervention    303.13(a)(4)(iv).
     Services (Definition).
     Evaluation of         303.321(b)(3).
     child's level of functioning
     in.
     In definition of      303.21(a)(1)(iv).
     ``Infants and toddlers with
     disabilities''.
     In Individualized     303.344(a).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     content (Information about
     child's status).
SOCIAL SECURITY ACT:
     Title V--Maternal     303.302(c)(1)(ii)(B).
     and Child Health.
     Title XVI:
        [cir] Supplemental         303.302(c)(1)(ii)(F).
         Security Income (SSI).
     Title XIX:
        [cir] EPSDT (Early         303.302(c)(1)(ii)(C).
         Periodic Screening,
         Diagnosis, and
         Treatment).
        [cir] Medicaid...........  303.510, 303.520.
SOCIAL WORK SERVICES (Definition)  303.13(b)(13).
     Social workers......  303.13(c)(10).
SPECIAL INSTRUCTION (Definition).  303.13(b)(14).
     Special educators...  303.13(c)(11).
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY:
     Definition..........  303.13(b)(15).
     Speech and language   303.13(c)(12).
     pathologists.
SSI (Supplemental Security
 Income):
     Child find            303.302(c)(1)(ii)(F).
     (Coordination).
     See ``Social
     Security Act''.
STATE (Definition)...............  303.35.
     Special definition -  303.732(d)(3).
     State allocations.
STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON EARLY
 EDUCATION AND CARE.
     Comprehensive system  303.118(b)(4).
     of personnel development
     (CSPD) (Coordination).
     Participation of      303.210(b).
     State lead agency.
STATE AGENCIES:
     Child find            303.302(c)(1)(i).
     (Coordination).
     ICC (Composition of   303.601(a)(5)(i).
     Council).
     Interagency           303.511(b)(2).
     agreements.
STATE APPLICATION:
     Amendments to         303.208(a).
     (public participation).
     Conditions of         303.200.
     assistance.
     Components of a       303.110-303.126.
     statewide system.
     Council function      303.604(a)(4).
     (Advise-assist lead agency
     with).

[[Page 60307]]

 
     General requirements  303.201-303.212.
     Public participation  303.208.
        [cir] Reviewing public     303.208(a).
         comments received.
STATE APPROVED OR RECOGNIZED       303.31.
 CERTIFICATION (Qualified
 Personnel).
STATE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES:
     Adoption of.........  303.432.
        [cir] (See also Sec.
         Sec.   303.432-303.434)
     Filing a complaint..  303.434.
     Lead agency must      303.430(c).
     adopt.
     Minimum State         303.433.
     complaint procedures.
        [cir] Time extension;      303.433(b).
         final decision;
         implementation.
        [cir] Time limit (60       303.433(a).
         days).
     Remedies for denial   303.432(b).
     of appropriate services.
     State dispute         303.430(a), (c).
     resolution options.
     State complaints &    303.433(c).
     due process hearing
     procedures.
STATE DEFINITION OF ``INABILITY
 TO PAY'':
     Private insurance...  303.520(c).
     System of payments..  303.521(a)(3), (4)(ii).
STATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCY (SEA):
     Applicable            303.3(b)(1).
     regulations (SEA means the
     lead agency).
     Confidentiality       303.401(d).
     procedures--Disclosure of
     information.
     Council--Composition  303.601(a)(6)(i).
     Council--Functions..  303.604(b), 303.605(a).
     Definition..........  303.36.
     Free Appropriate      303.15(b).
     Public Education (FAPE)
     (Definition)--Standards of
     the SEA.
     State option--        303.211(a)(1).
     Services for children 3 and
     older.
     Transition to         303.209(a)(3)(i)(A)-(a)(3)(i)(B),
     preschool.                     (a)(3)(ii), (b)(2)(i)-(b)(2)(ii).
STATE ELIGIBILITY:
     Conditions of         303.101.
     assistance.
STATE INTERAGENCY COORDINATING
 COUNCIL (Council):
     Advising & assisting  303.604(a).
     the lead agency.
     Advising & assisting  303.604(b).
     on transition.
     Annual report to      303.604(c).
     Governor & Secretary.
     Authorized            303.605.
     activities by the Council.
     Composition.........  303.601.
     Conflict of interest  303.601(d).
     Establishment.......  303.600.
     Functions of          303.604.
     Council--Required duties.
     Meetings............  303.602.
     Use of funds by the   303.603.
     Council.
STATE MONITORING and ENFORCEMENT.  303.700.
STATE OPTION--EARLY INTERVENTION   303.211.
 SERVICES TO CHILDREN AGES THREE
 and OLDER.
STATE PERFORMANCE PLANS--DATA      303.701.
 COLLECTION.
STATE USE OF TARGETS AND           303.702.
 REPORTING.
STATEWIDE SYSTEM (of Early
 Intervention services):
     Assurances regarding  303.101(a).
     Early Intervention services
     and a statewide system.
     Individualized        303.114.
     Family Service Plans (IFSP)
     (Component of).
     Minimum components    303.110.
     of a statewide system (See
     also Sec.   303.111-303.126).
     Required pre-         303.300.
     referral, referral, and post-
     referral components.
     Statewide system &    303.203.
     description of services.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE (Illegal)........  303.5, 303.303(b)(2).
SYSTEM OF PAYMENTS AND FEES:
     See ``Fees.''
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
 (SSI):
     Child find--
     Coordination (see
     303.302(c)(1)(ii)(F)).
     See ``Social
     Security Act.''
SURGERY (Non-covered health        303.16(c)(1)(i).
 service).
SURGICALLY IMPLANTED DEVICE......  303.13(b)(1)(i),
                                    303.16(c)(1)(iii)(A),
                                    (c)(1)(iii)(B).
SURROGATE PARENT(S):
     Assignment by lead    303.422(b)(1).
     agency.
     30 day timeline.....  303.422(g).
     Criteria for          303.422(d).
     selecting.
     In definition of      303.27(a)(5).
     ``parent''.
     Non-employee          303.422(e).
     requirement.
     Rights or             303.422(f).
     responsibilities of.
     When a surrogate      303.422(a)(1)-(a)(3).
     parent is needed.
SYSTEM OF PAYMENTS:
     Copy to parents.....  303.520(a)(4), 303.520(b)(1)(iii).
     Family fees.........  303.521(d).
     Funds received under  303.520(d).
     a State's system of payments.
     In definition of      303.13(a)(3).
     ``Early Intervention
     services''.

[[Page 60308]]

 
     Policies related to   303.520(a)(4), 303.520(b)(1)(ii)-
     use of insurance.              (b)(1)(iii).
     Procedural            303.521(e).
     safeguards.
     Statewide system and  303.203(b).
     description of services.
     System of payments    303.521(a), (d).
     and fees.
     See also ``Fees;''
     ``Co-payments; Co-pays.''
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (TA):
     Assistive technology  303.13(b)(1)(ii)(E)-(b)(1)(ii)(F).
     service.
     Lead agency role in   303.120(a)(2)(iii).
     monitoring, etc..
     Minimum State         303.433(b)(2)(i).
     Complaint procedures (Lead
     agency use of TA).
     Payments to Indians   303.731(f).
     (Not to be used for TA).
     State monitoring and  303.700(a)(3).
     enforcement.
        [cir] Enforcement--Needs   303.704(a)(1)(iii)-(a)(1)(iv)).
         assistance.
TIMELINES (A-O):
     Child find--General.  303.302(a)(2)(i).
     Confidentiality--     303.405(a).
     Access rights.
     Department hearing    303.231(b)(3), 303.233(b),
     procedures on State            303.234(d), (e), (g), (k), 303.236.
     eligibility.
     Due process
     procedures--Part B (see
     ``Timelines--Due Process
     (Part B)'')
     Enforcement--         303.704(d).
     Secretary report to Congress
     w/in 30 days of taking
     enforcement action.
     Evaluation and        303.310.
     Assessment & initial
     Individualized Family
     Service Plan (IFSP) meeting.
        [cir] Exceptional          303.310(b)(1).
         circumstances.
TIMELINES (PA-PU):
     Part C due process
     hearings; parental rights:
        [cir] Decision not later   303.437(b).
         than 30 days after
         receipt of complaint.
        [cir] Prohibit             303.436(b)(3).
         information not
         disclosed (at least five
         days before hearing).
     Payments to Indians-- 303.731(e)(1)(3).
     reports.
     Primary referral      303.303(a)(2)(i).
     sources.
     Public reporting and  303.702(b)(1)(i)(A).
     privacy (State performance
     reports on targets).
     Public participation  303.208.
     (Application, etc.).
        [cir] See also ``Public
         Participation''.
TIMELINES (R-Z):
     Report to Secretary   303.702(b)(2).
     on State performance.
     State complaint       303.433(a).
     procedures (Time limit of 60
     days).
     Transition--          303.209(c).
     Conference to discuss
     services.
     Transition--LEA       303.209(b).
     notification.
     Transition plan.....  303.209(d).
        [cir] Transition           303.211(b)(6).
         timelines for child
         receiving services under
         section 303.211.
TIMELINES-DUE PROCESS (PART B) (A-
 Q):
     Adjustments to 30-    303.442(c).
     day resolution period.
     Agreement review      303.442(e).
     period (w/in three business
     days of executing a
     settlement agreement).
     Civil action (90      303.448(b).
     days from date of decision).
     Hearing decision (30  303.447(a).
     or 45 days after expiration
     of 30-day period or
     adjustments to that period
     in Sec.   303.442(b) or (c)).
     Hearing rights:
        [cir] Additional           303.444(b).
         disclosure (At least
         five business days
         before hearing).
        [cir] Prohibit new         303.444(a)(3).
         evidence (Not disclosed
         at least five business
         days before hearing).
     Lead agency response  303.441(e).
     to complaint (within ten
     days of receiving complaint).
     Other party response  303.441(f).
     (within ten days of
     receiving complaint).
TIMELINES-DUE PROCESS (PART B)
 (RE):
     Resolution meeting    303.442(a).
     (w/in 15 days).
        [cir] If no meeting in 15  303.442(b)(5).
         days, parent may seek
         intervention--hearing
         officer.
     Resolution period:
        [cir] If lead agency not   303.442(b)(1).
         resolved complaint w/in
         30 days, hearing may
         occur.
        [cir] If no parent         303.442(b)(4).
         participation in 30
         days, complaint may be
         dismissed.
     Review decision (30   303.447(b).
     days after request for
     review).
TIMELINES--DUE PROCESS (PART B)
 (S-Z):
     Sufficiency of
     complaint:
        [cir] Amended complaint    303.441(d)(3)(ii).
         (Hearing officer
         permits--Not later than
         five days before
         hearing).
        [cir] Complaint            303.441(d)(1).
         sufficient--unless party
         notifies hearing officer
         w/in 15 days.
        [cir] Hearing officer      303.441(d)(2).
         determination (within
         five days of notice).
     Timelines--           303.447(a)-(c).
     convenience of hearings and
     reviews and exceptions to
     timelines.
     Timeline for          303.443(e).
     requesting a hearing (two
     years).
        [cir] Exception to         303.443(f).
         timeline.
TRACHEOSTOMY CARE (see Health      303.16(b)(1).
 services).
TRADITIONALLY UNDERSERVED GROUPS.  303.227.
     Purpose of Early      303.1(d).
     Intervention program
     (``Historically
     underrepresented
     populations'').
        [cir] See also
         ``Homeless,'' ``Low
         Income,'' ``Minority,''
         & ``Rural'' (children &/
         or families), and ``Ward
         of the State''.
     Scope of child find   303.302(b)(1)(ii).
     regarding selected groups.
     State policies and    303.227.
     practices.
TRAINING:

[[Page 60309]]

 
     Comprehensive System  303.118.
     of Personnel Development
     (CSPD).
     In definition of
     ``Early Intervention
     services'' (see Sec.
     303.13(b)(1)(ii)(E)
     (specific to AT services),
     (2)(iv) (specific to
     audiology services), (10)
     (specific to psychological
     services).
     Personnel standards.  300.119.
TRANSITION TO PRESCHOOL & OTHER
 PROGRAMS:
     Application           303.209(a).
     requirements.
     Conference to         303.209(c).
     discuss services.
     Council functions--   303.604(b).
     Advising & assisting on
     transition.
     Family involvement;   303.209(b).
     notification of local
     educational agency (LEA).
     Individualized        303.344(h).
     Family Service Plan (IFSP)
     content--Transition from
     Part C.
     Interagency           303.209(a)(3)(i)-(ii).
     agreement.
     Policies and          303.209(a)(1).
     procedures regarding.
     Program options &     303.209(d).
     transition plan.
     Service coordination  303.34(b)(10).
     services (Facilitating
     development of transition
     plan).
     Transition plan       303.209(d)(2).
     (Establish not fewer than 90
     days, not more than nine
     months).
TRANSPORTATION & RELATED COSTS...  303.13(b)(16).
TRAUMA DUE TO EXPOSURE TO FAMILY   303.211(b)(7).
 VIOLENCE.
TRIBE (TRIBAL ORGANIZATION):
     Child find--          303.302(c)(1)(i).
     Coordination (tribes).
     Council--Composition  303.601(c).
     Indian; Indian tribe  303.19.
     (Definition).
     Payments to Indians)  303.731(a)(1), (2), (b), (c), (d),
                                    (e).
TUBE FEEDING (Health service)....  303.16(b)(1).
UNDERREPRESENTED POPULATIONS.....  303.1(d).
     See also
     ``Traditionally underserved
     groups.''
USE OF FUNDS:
     Council (Use of       303.603.
     funds by).
     Description of use    303.205.
     of funds (Application
     requirement).
     Payments to Indians   303.731(d).
     (Use of funds).
     Payor of last resort  303.510.
     Permissive use of     303.501.
     funds by lead agency.
     See ``Permissive use
     of funds by lead agency.''
     States with FAPE      303.521(c).
     mandates or that use Part B
     funds.
     See also ``Funds''
     ``Funds--Part B,'' ``Funds
     Part C,'' and ``Permissive
     use of funds by lead
     agency.''
USE OF FUNDS AND PAYOR OF LAST     300.500.
 RESORT.
VISION SERVICES:
     Early Intervention    303.13(b)(17).
     services (Definition).
VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS (or
 BLINDNESS):
     Special educators     303.13(c)(11).
     including teachers of
     children with visual
     impairments.
VISION SPECIALISTS...............  303.13(c)(13).
WARD OF THE STATE:
     Assurances regarding  303.101(a)(1)(iii).
     Early Intervention services.
     Child find--Scope...  303.302(b)(1)(ii).
     Definition..........  303.37.
        [cir] Exception (If child  303.37(b).
         has a foster parent
         under ``Parent'' Sec.
         303.27).
     Parent (Definition)   303.27(a)(3).
     ``Guardian'' (but not State,
     if child is a ward of State).
     Surrogate parents...  303.422(a)(3), (b)(2).
     Traditionally         303.227(a).
     underserved groups.
``WELL-BABY'' CARE and
 IMMUNIZATIONS:
     Non-covered medical   303.16(c)(3).
     services.
WITHHOLDING:
     State monitoring and  303.700(a)(3).
     enforcement.
     Withholding funds...  303.705.
        [cir] Nature of            303.705(c).
         withholding.
        [cir] Withholding until    303.705(c)(2)
         rectified.
 

[FR Doc. 2011-22783 Filed 9-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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