Early Childhood Stakeholder Group Applications
IDOE is seeking participants for an ongoing early childhood special education stakeholder group to build a large, diverse community of individuals involved, in various capacities, with children ages birth to five with and without disabilities who can provide input on early childhood initiatives. If interested, submit this form by Sunday, March 31. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education monitoring team with any questions.
Parent Involvement Survey (Indicator 8)
Corporations are reminded that the parent involvement survey should be offered to all families of students who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) at least once per school year, typically at the annual case review (ACR). Families can complete an online (English, Spanish, Burmese) or paper survey (English, Spanish, Burmese). Corporations can request parent survey results through this Jotform. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Annual State Application
All states applying for funding under IDEA Part B are required to allow public review and comment on the application and proposed budget. The application, developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED’s) Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) includes a summary of assurances, certifications, and fund usage descriptions that Indiana will use to fulfill IDEA Part B requirements. Access the application on IDOE’s Special Education webpage for review, and submit feedback here through Tuesday, April 23. Upon OSEP's approval of Indiana's Part B application, the state will receive a federal grant award to implement necessary services for students with disabilities from Friday, July 1, through September 30, 2026. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education Part B team with any questions.
Required Part B Proportionate Share Office Hours
IDOE’s Office of Special Education Part B fiscal team will be hosting mandatory office hours to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) that have proportionate share balances or are planning to complete a Proportionate Share Release (Waiver). The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 611 and 619 grants will close on Monday, September 30. This forum will answer questions and provide support for LEAs to expend funds for students with disabilities parentally placed in a non-public or homeschool setting.
Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
Indiana Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Program
Students with disabilities who are eligible for special education and related services may be eligible for an ESA, under IC 20-51.4. If a student has an ESA, the parent may choose to have special education and related services provided by the public school under a service plan (SP), or the parent may choose to have special education funds added to the ESA so that the parent may choose which services to provide and the service providers to provide those services under an Education Scholarship Account Education Service Plan (ESA-SP).
-
Who works with the parent to develop an ESA-SP? The school corporation of legal settlement (SCOLS) is responsible for working with parents to develop an ESA-SP. The parent is entitled to seek an offer of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) from the student’s SCOLS. The SCOLS shall convene the case conference committee (CCC) upon the parent’s request. An offer of FAPE is documented in a proposed individualized education program (IEP). If the parent declines the IEP, then the SCOLS presents the ESA-SP Activation document to the parent for review and signature. The ESA-SP consists of the proposed IEP and the ESA-SP Activation document. The SCOLS should provide the parent a copy of the proposed IEP and the signed ESA-SP Activation document. The parent is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the ESA-SP.
-
Is an ESA-SP needed if the parent elects to have special education and related services provided by the public school corporation where the non-public school is located under a SP? An ESA-SP is not needed if the parent decides to accept services under a SP from the public school corporation where the non-public school is located. If the parent elects a SP from the local corporation, then the local corporation convenes a CCC meeting to develop the SP. The local corporation is responsible for implementing the SP. Annual CCC meetings are required for an ESA student who receives services under a SP.
-
What are the funding sources for the ESA? Funding for the ESA comes from a percentage of the state tuition support funding formula, which is based on average daily membership (ADM), and per pupil allocation for special education - state funds only (APC). ESA funds and the accounts associated with them are administered by the Indiana Treasurer of State (TOS). A parent may elect to have special education services provided under a SP. In this situation, the TOS will direct APC funds to the local corporation responsible for developing and implementing the SP. If the parent chooses an ESA-SP and contracts with participating entities/provider(s) for some or all services in the ESA-SP, then APC funds will flow from the TOS to the ESA account.
Strategies to Support Students with Disabilities Webinar
Join IDOE’s Office of Special Education for a 30-minute webinar about evidence-based strategies to support students with disabilities on Wednesday, March 27, at 4 p.m. ET. Participants will be provided with resources and practical tips to assist in implementation. Register here. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
Upcoming PREPaRE Workshops
IDOE, in collaboration with Project AWARE, is providing training opportunities for school personnel using the National Association of School Psychologists’ PREPaRE model. These workshops will provide school personnel with comprehensive training on how to establish and serve on school crisis response teams.
-
PREPaRE Workshop 1: Two regional one-day workshops will be offered to school mental health professionals, administrators, and security officers from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time, on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, August 15. Workshop 1 emphasizes the unique needs and functions of school safety and crisis response teams and the important steps needed to develop cohesive and sustainable teams that integrate school personnel and community service provider roles. The focus of the workshop will explore how to prepare for school crises by developing, exercising, and evaluating crisis preparedness plans. Register here. Space is limited.
-
PREPaRE Workshop 2: Three regional two-day workshops will be offered to all professionals within districts who provide mental health crisis intervention services from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time. Workshop 2 teaches participants how to prevent and prepare for psychological trauma, help to reaffirm both the physical health of members of the school community and students’ perceptions that they are safe and secure, evaluate conduct psychological triage, respond to the psychological needs of the school community utilizing a multitiered approach, and examine the effectiveness of school crisis intervention and recovery efforts. Participants must be able to attend both days. The first will be held in Indianapolis on Monday, May 6, and Friday, May 10, the second in La Porte on Tuesday, June 11, and Wednesday, June 12, and the third in Bedford on Wednesday, August 28, and Thursday, August 29. Learn more here and register here. Space is limited.
Contact Terri Miller or IDOE's Office of Student, School, and Family Engagement with any questions.
Indiana IIEP (IIEP) Virtual Office Hours
The statewide IEP contractor, Public Consulting Group (PCG), hosts a monthly office hours webinar on the third Wednesday of each month. Session topic examples include IIEP system updates, potential issues, and frequently asked questions. Registration is required, and sessions are recorded for those unable to attend. Access the sessions here:
Contact PCG’s Xelpha Profancik with any questions.
Literacy Endorsement Professional Development
Indiana Educators with an existing Pre-Kindergarten (PreK) through grade six or special education license are invited to register for a Keys to Literacy training cohort at no cost, to work towards a Literacy Endorsement on their license. Additionally, eligible educators who participate in a Keys to Literacy training cohort can receive up to $1,200 in stipends as they progress through requirements. Learn more and register here. Please contact the Literacy Center with any questions.
LVIS360 Update
Educators applying for initial licenses or renewals in the next few months should log in to the updated LVIS360 system soon to link their LVIS legacy licensure data to their LVIS360 account. The new system requires users to create an Access Indiana account prior to accessing LVIS360. The Office of Educator Licensing recommends getting acquainted with the new login process and linking your new LVIS360 login to your legacy account now before the busy season for licensing starts in May. Administrators, please encourage your teachers to log in soon. Access the user portal here. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Licensing with any questions.
Nominate an Educator for Teacher of the Year
The Indiana Teacher of the Year Program works to inspire, rejuvenate, and celebrate the teaching profession by recognizing outstanding teachers from across the state. Local schools are encouraged to participate in an annual selection process and local Teacher(s) of the Year are encouraged to complete the state application process by Friday, July 5. More Information on the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year selection process can be found here. Contact intoy@doe.in.gov with any questions.
Aspiring Statewide Special Education Teacher (ASSET) Cohort 3 Applications Now Open
ASSET is an approved alternative licensure program for educators who hold an initial license under the Transition to Teaching umbrella. Teachers can add the Mild or Intense Interventions endorsement to their current license by completing the ASSET program successfully and passing the relevant licensing tests. Applications are now available for Cohort 3 of this program, and additional information can be found on the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) ASSET webpage. Contact Dr. Jay Arthur with additional questions.
Federal Transition Planning Guidance & Resources
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services published a new post about transition planning to prepare students for success, including a transition guide and information for promoting sustained engagement in state vocational rehabilitation services programs. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Resources and Data Snapshot
OCR has released four new resources with information for students, parents and families, and schools addressing civil rights of students with disabilities, as well as a data snapshot about education access for students with disabilities drawn from OCR’s 2020-2021 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC). OCR issued these new resources to inform students with disabilities and their families and schools about their legal rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
Applications for New Awards: Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education issued a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year 2024 for Model Demonstration Projects to Develop Equitable Family Engagement with Underserved Families of Children with Disabilities, Assistance Listing Number 84.326M. The purpose of the Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program, of which 84.326M is part, is to promote academic achievement and to improve results for children with disabilities by providing technical assistance, supporting model demonstration projects, disseminating useful information, and implementing activities that are supported by scientifically based research.
FROM THE FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (FSSA): Head Start Needs Assessment Survey
FSSA's Indiana Head Start State Collaboration Office seeks feedback on community partner knowledge of and relationships with local Head Start programs. Submit this survey to inform future work to build stronger relationships that support Hoosier families and children. Contact Tonia Carriger, Indiana Head Start State Collaboration Director, with any questions.
FROM THE IEP TA CENTER: Upcoming No-Cost Trainings
The IEP TA Center has a variety of upcoming, no-cost workshops for educators in Indianapolis. Review upcoming opportunities on the training catalog. Contact the IEP TA Center with any questions.
FROM THE CEEDAR CENTER: High-Leverage Practices for Students with Disabilities
Revisions and updates were made to High-Leverage Practices for Students with Disabilities that address challenges in modern classrooms. Learn more here. Contact the CEEDAR Center with any questions.
Upcoming Dates |
|
 |
|
Wednesday, March 27, at 4 p.m. ET
|
Secondary Strategies
|
|
Sunday, March 31
|
Early Childhood Stakeholder Group Application Deadline
|
|
Wednesday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to noon, ET
|
PCG Office Hours
|
|
Wednesday, April 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET
|
Required Part B Proportionate Share Office Hours
|
|
Tuesday, April 23
|
IDEA Part B State Application Feedback Due
|
|
Thursday, April 25, from 10 to 11 a.m. ET
|
Required Part B Proportionate Share Office Hours
|
|
Wednesday, May 15 from 11 a.m. to noon, ET
|
PCG Office Hours
|
|
Friday, May 24
|
Distinguished Educators Recognition nominations due
|
|
Friday, July 5
|
Indiana Teacher of the Year application deadline
|
|
