Student Attendance Accounting Handbook Update 2024-25 School Year
The Student Attendance Accounting Handbook (SAAH) has been updated for the 2024-25 school year. There are some significant changes in Section 3.3.9 related to enrolling infants and toddlers who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired in their local education agency (LEA). The new requirements are as follows:
3.3.9 Infants and Toddlers Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or Have Visual Impairments or Both
Infants and toddlers birth through two years of age who are deaf or hard of hearing or have visual impairments or both and an individualized family services plan indicating a need for services by the district must be enrolled in the local district or regional day school program for the deaf (RDSPD). If district services are to be provided through the RDSPD, the RDSPD must involve the home district. Local education agencies should collaborate with the RDSPD to ensure that appropriate services are provided.
The following information is required to enroll an infant or toddler in the district or RDSPD that will be providing the appropriate services as described in the IFSP:
- Parent or guardian name
- Family’s home address
- Legal name of the child
- Child’s date of birth
- Child’s identified disability/disabilities for which district services will be provided
- Copy of current IFSP (Services are required to start within 28 days of the signed IFSP)
Districts do not need proof of age or identity or current immunization records. Infants and toddlers receiving services under an IFSP, which is through the early childhood intervention (ECI) program coordinated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) generally do not receive services at an actual school building; therefore, immunization records are not needed until the child transitions to IDEA Part B (school-age) services at age three or older. If an infant or toddler is attending a school-based program, the family will have to present the same enrollment documentation as is expected for any child who is attending school.
This is a significant change for the 2024-25 school year. Please begin notifying your districts of these changes as your teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing and teachers of students with visual impairments prepare to assist families with enrolling their children under age 3. It may be helpful for teachers working in early intervention keep a copy of the SAAH 24-25 handy to share with district personnel.
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