This OSEP manual provides states with guidance on the Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS) process used to monitor state implementation of and compliance with IDEA Part B and Part C. It describes OSEP’s monitoring framework, including the DMS cycle and phases, expectations for state participation, monitoring timelines, and the priority areas examined as part of OSEP’s review of state general supervision systems. States can use the manual to understand OSEP’s monitoring process, prepare for monitoring activities, and identify the information and documentation that may be reviewed throughout the DMS process.
IDEA Funding Navigator
This interactive graphic shows how IDEA funds flow from the federal government to states and local programs. It helps fiscal specialists, administrators, educators, and families understand the allocation of federal dollars and related IDEA fiscal requirements.
Quick Reference Guide on Subgranting IDEA Part C Funds
This guide helps state lead agency staff understand how subgranting differs from contracting. It reviews the regulatory basis, state oversight responsibilities, and key considerations.
IDEA Part B Local Educational Agency Maintenance of Effort: Calculations and Exceptions
This TA On Demand video explains how the calculations for the LEA MOE eligibility and compliance standards work. It provides examples to help identify the correct comparison year and reviews exceptions and the LEA MOE adjustment for reducing required levels.
For an introduction to LEA MOE, watch IDEA Part B Local Educational Agency Maintenance of Effort: The Basics.
Developing Written Procedures for IDEA Part B State Set-Aside Funds
States may reserve a portion of their IDEA Part B funds—called state set-aside funds—for state-level administration and other activities. With guiding questions and sample language, this guide helps state educational agencies develop clear written procedures for budgeting and tracking these funds to ensure compliance and consistency.
IDEA Part B Local Educational Agency Maintenance of Effort: The Basics
This TA On Demand video explains the IDEA requirement that LEAs budget and spend the same amount or more in state and/or local funds on the education of children with disabilities from year to year. It covers the two standards that an LEA is required to meet each year, how to meet the requirements, and what happens if the LEA does not maintain effort.
IDEA Part C Timeline Tool Demonstration
The IDEA Part C Fiscal Timeline helps Part C coordinators plan and track their yearly tasks to meet federal funding deadlines on time. This video demonstration covers how to set up a customized overview of your state’s funding activities across four key areas: IDEA Part C state grants, use of funds, indirect costs, and maintenance of effort requirements.
IDEA Part B State Set-Aside Calculator Demonstration
States set aside some of their special education funding for state-level programs, and CIFR’s State Set-Aside Calculator helps you keep track of how you spend these funds. When you track your spending, you can make better budget decisions and fill out OSEP’s Interactive Spreadsheet more easily. This video shows state fiscal staff how to use the calculator to record and monitor these expenses.
NOTE: Some sections of this video are not fully accessible to the blind and visually impaired. If you need assistance understanding any of its content, please contact CIFR.
Using IDEA Part C Funds: How the First In, First Out Method Works
States should spend older IDEA Part C funds first, before they expire, using the “first in, first out” (FIFO) accounting method. This guide explains the FIFO approach for strategically using funds within the period of performance, helping states avoid reverting funds back to the federal government.
For more information on the period of performance, see Understanding the IDEA Part C State Grant Funding Cycle and Different Fiscal Years.
IDEA Part B Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Reduction and Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) File Specifications
This document contains instructions for building files to submit IDEA Part B MOE Reduction, CEIS, and Comprehensive CEIS data through EDPass, the system for transmitting data from state agencies to the U.S. Department of Education.
Note that EDPass file specs are revised each year to reflect the current data collection; please check that the downloaded document aligns with your specific data collection year.