ARDITH FERGUSON
A CIFR Community of Practice is a peer-to-peer learning opportunity for states.
LESLIE FOX
To participate in one or as many of the four communities of practice as possible, but we have them broken into regions basically based on time zone.
BETH COLE
The people who show up can be Part C coordinators, they can be fiscal people.
ANNE LUCAS
Part C data manager, Part C fiscal folks.
ARDITH FERGUSON
And we choose different topics that are decided upon by the priorities of the states as well as our scope of work.
LESLIE FOX
For overarching areas of restricted, indirect rate costs and use of funds, maintenance of effort. We do a lot now around sub granting and understanding the sub granting option that states may have.
ARDITH FERGUSON
They are a safe space for states to discuss their challenges and successes. OSEP doesn’t participate in the calls and there’s no judgment about what is shared.
LESLIE FOX
Repeatedly it comes up that states seek opportunities to learn from one another to discuss problems of practice within the context of they want to be able to say what’s working in their state, what their challenges are.
ARDITH FERGUSON
Sometimes they feel pretty isolated in their job. Their job responsibilities are quite unique to other folks working with data or financial matters in their state lead agency.
BETH COLE
It was very eye opening for them just how complex Part C funding is.
ANNE LUCAS
Maybe they weren’t fully aware of what the requirement meant.
LESLIE FOX
They also get to know our technical assistance liaisons.
ANNE LUCAS
To see faces with names of the various TA staff at CIFR that can provide support to them.
LESLIE FOX
And these are great individuals that get to know the specifics of a given state, but we draw upon the collective expertise.
BETH COLE
There are people out there who can help them when they have questions.
ARDITH FERGUSON
It’s a great opportunity for people to feel connected.
