Subject:  Parent Advisor Services for Families of Children Enrolled in ECSE with VI or HI

Source:  Megan Thompson, Supervisor, Effective Practices

Intended Audience:  Special Education Directors

Date:  May 20, 2005

LEAs who have ECSE children with visual or hearing impairments whose families receive Parent Advisor services from the Missouri School for the Blind (MSB) or the Missouri School for the Deaf (MSD) will be receiving a letter notifying them of a change in funding for these programs.  This letter will be sent by May 20, 2005. 

Previously, DESE provided funds via grants to MSB and MSD for direct payment of Parent Advisors.  Starting July 1, 2005, LEAs will contract with and pay Parent Advisors directly.  Those costs then will be reimbursed through the district's ECSE budgets.  This change in funding is occurring in an effort to coordinate the services and funding sources for all children enrolled in ECSE.