OSEP uses this protocol to provide differentiated monitoring and support to states with unitary systems, or which utilize internal controls and systems centralized within a state educational agency or state lead agency to ensure compliance with federal fiscal requirements. The protocol has an overarching question for each of the following fiscal topics: fiscal management, fiscal support and guidance, procurement, personnel, budgeting and activities, records and information management, period of performance and carryover, equipment and supplies management, and Part B parentally-placed private school children with disabilities. Each overarching question includes general information, possible follow-up questions, and areas (or issues) for follow-up.
Part B – State Set-Aside
Resources for Grantees Website – Grants
This U.S. Department of Education web page contains resources pertaining to the three OSEP-administered IDEA formula grants that are awarded annually to provide services to 1) infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, 2) preschool children ages 3-5, and 3) special education for children and youth with disabilities.
The site includes Part B and Part C grant award letters, annual grant application templates, application instructions and procedures, public participation topic briefs, and checklists.
Letter to Batson
This OSEP letter addresses the use of state set-aside funds under Part B of the IDEA for professional development related to Louisiana’s Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) Initiative. OSEP explains that under 34 CFR §300.704(b)(4)(i), (iii) and (viii), state set-aside funds can be used for support and direct services, which may include assisting LEAs in providing positive behavioral interventions.
Letter to DeTemple
This OSEP letter addresses whether state set-aside funds under 34 CFR §300.704 can be used, in conjunction with other state and federal funds, to provide technical assistance to schools and LEAs identified for corrective action or improvement under No Child Left Behind (NCLB), due to their failure to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP). OSEP notes that the authority under 34 CFR §300.704(b)(4)(xi) is limited to schools and LEAs identified for improvement on the sole basis of the assessment results for the disaggregated subgroup of children with disabilities. The letter discusses other relevant provisions and confirms that funds reserved by a state under 34 CFR §300.704(b)(1) can be used without regard to the prohibitions on commingling or state-level supplanting, as described in 34 CFR §300.704(d).
Letter to Flinter
This OSEP letter responds to a question about the use of state set-aside funds under Section 619 of the IDEA for a statewide training system for early childhood teachers and care givers. OSEP concludes that funding the project with state set-aside funds would not be inconsistent under Section 619(f)(5) because the project would be supplemented with other funds and is a part of a statewide, coordinated services system designed to improve results for children and families. It notes that the total amount used under Section 619(f)(5) may not exceed one percent of the amount received under Section 619 for the fiscal year.
[Note: Since this letter’s publication in 2001, the regulations have changed. Section 619(f)(5) is now Section 619(f)(4).]
IDEA Part B Allocations At A Glance
This graphic-based resource presents a foundational view of how states reserve state funds and allocate IDEA Part B subgrants to LEAs. It describes the key formula components, such as state set-aside, base payments and base payment adjustments, as well as population and poverty calculations. The one-page at-a-glance format can be used to communicate with key stakeholders and policymakers as well as orient new state fiscal staff to the process of allocating IDEA Section 611 and Section 619 grants.
IDEA Part B Fiscal Timeline 1.3
Developed by CIFR, IDC, and NCSI, the IDEA Part B Fiscal Timeline helps SEA staff plan and monitor the work they need to do to meet the fiscal requirements of IDEA Part B. The tool helps special education directors and supervisors of IDEA fiscal work customize an overview of state-level IDEA fiscal activities with links to external resources on fiscal topics. The IDEA Part B Fiscal Timeline is accompanied by customization instructions and an explanation of the IDEA Part B state grant funding cycle.
Version 1.3 includes changes to local educational agency (LEA) maintenance of effort (MOE) and coordinated early intervening services (CEIS) data reporting requirements and updated resource links. Users of the timeline should replace older versions with v1.3. Please note that the EDFacts data submission process will change for reporting 2022–23 school year data. The timeline will be updated when OSEP finalizes the process.
Understanding the IDEA Part B State Grant Funding Cycle and Different Fiscal Years
Developed by CIFR, this document reviews the life cycle of an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) state grant and how that cycle corresponds to federal and state fiscal years. It includes an illustrated overview, with definitions and examples, of the forward funding period, the award year funding period, the Tydings period, the period of performance, and the liquidation period. Understanding these periods and the relationships among fiscal years will be particularly important for users of the IDEA Fiscal Timeline, a tool designed to help state staff manage IDEA section 611 and section 619 grants.
This publication is an update to the original resource published in 2019. We recommend replacing the original resource in your records with this version. This resource has been updated to reflect changes to 2 CFR §200.344 concerning the liquidation timeline for federal awards.
Letter to Manasevit
This OSERS letter addresses several questions related to the high cost fund established under 34 CFR §300.704(c) and the reallocation of IDEA funds before the beginning of the last year of availability for obligation of those funds. OSERS concludes, in the majority of the questions, that many of the responses are dependent on the content of the state’s high cost fund plan. For states that have a high cost fund, this letter highlights specific reallocation provisions related to the fund, specifically at 34 CFR §300.704(c)(9).
