Subject:  Reauthorization of IDEA
Source:  Debby Parsons, Coordinator Special Education Services
Audience:  SICC, SPOEs, Providers, Service Coordinators
Date:  February 25, 2005

I am pleased to be able to provide to you with two resources highlighting the changes to Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.  The Act was signed by President George W. Bush on December 3, 2004.  The new law will become effective on July 1, 2005.

A summary of the changes made to Part C by IDEA Reauthorization of 2004 and a PowerPoint presentation, both prepared by the IDEA Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA), are available on the First Steps web site.  The summary can be accessed at /divspeced/FirstSteps/pdfs/WashingtonUpdateReauthorization.pdf and the PowerPoint presentation can be accessed at /divspeced/FirstSteps/pdfs/IDEAPartCReauthorization.pdf.  The PowerPoint provides an overview of the changes to Part C and I would encourage all First Steps providers to review these changes.

It is our understanding that the OSEP has planned a series of technical assistance activities for states during the next few months including the National EC conference being conducted in February and the OSEP Leadership Conference scheduled for the end of March.  Staff from the Division of Special Education will be attending these meetings and developing further training for SPOEs, providers, and services coordinators.  All information about our technical assistance will be distributed via the First Steps listserv.