Clear documentation of processes and procedures helps facilitate consistent practice over time, encourages communication among partners, and supports the reporting of valid and reliable IDEA fiscal data. A series of three CIFR practice guides … [Read more...]
News
New Jersey Strengthens Foundations with Written Procedures
With comprehensive written procedures, states can better ensure the timely completion of fiscal compliance and data reporting activities under the IDEA. Written procedures can help smooth collaboration across state divisions, streamline processes, … [Read more...]
CEIS Practice Guide Prepares States and LEAs to Track CEIS Funds and Students
As more LEAs implement coordinated early intervening services (CEIS), LEAs and states are faced with questions about documenting the funds used for CEIS and children served by CEIS. The CEIS Practice Guide, developed jointly by the IDEA Data Center … [Read more...]
Updated Pre-submission Edit Check Tool for IDEA Part B LEA MOE and CEIS Data
IDC, in collaboration with CIFR, has updated the 618 Data Pre-submission Edit Check Tool - Part B MOE and CEIS to help states prepare their data for submission. The tool has been updated to reflect the new LEA MOE data elements and revised edit … [Read more...]
CIFR Practice Guide Details Calculations for Making Base Payment Adjustments
A number of circumstances can trigger the requirement that states adjust the IDEA subgrant base amount, such as the creation of new LEAs including charter school LEAs, LEA closures, or changes in administrative responsibilities. CIFR’s Practice … [Read more...]
What Is Intensive Technical Assistance? A Story from South Carolina
In 2016, the South Carolina Office of Special Education Services (OSES) engaged CIFR to provide intensive TA to help it meet its IDEA fiscal requirements, most critically in the high-stakes area of maintenance of state financial support (MFS). Read … [Read more...]
Key Differences Between IDEA Local Educational Agency Maintenance of Effort and Excess Cost Requirements
IDEA contains two separate requirements to ensure local educational agencies are funding special education programs sufficiently: maintenance of effort and excess cost. While the requirements have similarities, they are calculated differently. This … [Read more...]
CEIS Tracker Helps States and LEAs Track Data at Multiple Levels
The Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) Fiscal and Student Data Tracker was created jointly by IDC and CIFR to help states and LEAs report on CEIS in accordance with IDEA regulations. The tool allows users to track across years whether an … [Read more...]
Registration Now Open for the IDEA Fiscal Forum 2018 in Atlanta
CIFR’s IDEA Fiscal Forums provide in-person opportunities for state directors of special education and IDEA fiscal specialists to build knowledge and capacity on critical IDEA fiscal issues by connecting and sharing with peers. CIFR will host its … [Read more...]
Critical Resource for SEA Staff Allocating IDEA Part B Subgrants
CIFR’s newest quick reference guide assists SEA staff responsible for allocating IDEA Part B section 611 and section 619 subgrants to LEAs. State special education staff and finance directors as well as traditional and charter school LEA staff will … [Read more...]