PUBLIC NOTICE INFO: Public Notice, Comment, and Hearing Period for the FFY 2022 IDEA Part B State Application and Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Transition Policy and Procedures

Special Education Directors,

Please see the following public notice, comment, and hearing period information for the IDEA Part B State Application and Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Transition Policy and Procedures.

Federal Fiscal Year 2022 IDEA Part B State Application

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) will apply soon for federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. This application document serves as the basis for the operation and administration of activities to carry out the requirements of Part B of the IDEA.  As part of the public participation process set forth in the IDEA Part B regulations at 34 CFR § 300.165 and in section 441(b)(7) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) ((20 U.S.C. 1232d(b)(7)), the State must publish its Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022 IDEA Part B Application and allow public comment.

The application document sets forth policies and procedures that Arizona will undertake:

1. to ensure that all eligible children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that includes special education and related services to meet their unique needs
2. to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected
3. to assist public education agencies in providing for the education of all children with disabilities
4. to assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate those children

Early Childhood Special Education Transition Policies and Procedures

With input from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, the Arizona Department of Education/Exceptional Student Services (ADE/ESS) has developed policies and procedures for Early Childhood Special Education Transition that are aligned with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As part of the public participation process set forth in the IDEA Part B regulations at 34 CFR § 300.165 and in section 441(b)(7) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) (20 U.S.C. 1232d(b)(7)), the State must publish its proposed policies and procedures related to IDEA Part B, conduct public hearings, and make provision for public comment.

The primary goal of the proposed Early Childhood Special Education Transition Policy and Procedure document is to enhance outcomes for young children with disabilities who transition from IDEA Part C to IDEA Part B services by monitoring public education agencies’ (PEA) compliance with the requirements of IDEA through general supervisory authority and providing training and technical assistance to PEAs statewide to enhance their capacity and systems.

Notice of Public Hearings

The ADE will hold two public hearings, one geared primarily toward education professionals and a second aimed toward parents and family members of children with disabilities. Any individual or organization may register and attend either public hearing opportunity. Select an option below to join the event via Zoom.

Professionals

March 17, 2022: Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Register in advance for the professionals' meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Parents and family members

March 30, 2022: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Register in advance for the parents' and family members' meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Notice of Public Comment Period

Any individual or organization may submit written comments. Written comments shall be accepted through April 15, 2022.

The 30-day public comment period for both the FFY 2022 IDEA Part B Application and the proposed Early Childhood Special Education Transition Policy and Procedures will be open from March 17, 2022 through April 15, 2022. The State will review and consider all public comments and make any necessary modifications to the application or policy and procedures, as appropriate.

Special education stakeholders may submit comments in writing beginning March 17, 2022 using the following methods:

• Submit electronically via the ADE/ESS Public Comment webpage
• Submit electronically to Exceptional Student Services, via email
• Submit handwritten comment directly to Exceptional Student Services via the USPS to: Arizona Department of Education, 1535 West Jefferson St. Bin #24, Phoenix, AZ 85007.