Project Overview

Project Overview
The following Module was developed in response to requests from CADRE's Part C dispute resolution work group. This is a training template intended to help Lead Agencies (LA) prepare their dispute resolution practitioners (i.e., hearing officers, administrative law judges). It is expected that states will customize the content to bring it in alignment with their state regulations, policies, and procedures. Placeholder slides are included throughout this Module, to suggest where LAs might insert and address key state-specific information relating to procedural safeguards, such as confidentiality, parental consent, and dispute resolution.
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*CADRE is the National Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education

The following individuals and organizations contributed to the development of this resource:
Acknowledgements
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Amy Whitehorne & Marshall Peter, CADRE Sharon Walsh, Walsh Taylor Consulting Megan Vinh, Western Regional Resource Center Joicey Hurth, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center Hillary Tabor & Tina Diamond, US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs CADREs Part C Dispute Resolution Workgroup: Aileen McKenna & Linda Goodman, Connecticut Birth to Three System Kay Lambert, Kathy Bentz, & April Griffin, Texas Early Childhood Intervention Services Lenita Hartman, Early Intervention Colorado Mary Dennehy-Colorusso, Massachusetts Early Intervention Program Susan Boone, Mississippi First Steps Early Intervention Susan Ord, Utah Baby Watch Early Intervention Maureen Greer, Infant Toddlers Coordinators Association

Visiting Part C of IDEA:Early Intervention (EI) Procedural Safeguards For Part B Hearing Officers[Module C]
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Purpose and Disclaimer
The purpose of this Module is to orient hearing officers who are familiar with Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) with the Part C procedural safeguards. A more comprehensive collection of resources on Part C requirements may be found on the IDEA 2004: Building the Legacy website.

This Module is a technical assistance product intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor is it intended to interpret law or regulation.
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Federal Statutes & Regulations
IDEA: 20 USC Chapter 33

Part B:IDEA Subchapter II (sections14111419)Federal Regulations: 34 CFR Part 300

Part C: IDEA Subchapter III (sections14311444)Federal Regulations: 34 CFR Part 303
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General Responsibility of Each Lead Agency

Confidentiality & Records Parental Consent

Prior Written Notice

Surrogate Parents

Dispute Resolution Options
Module C: Procedural Safeguards
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303.400

Subject to paragraph (c) of this section, each LA must:Establish and adopt procedural safeguards that meet the requirements of this subpart, including the provisions on confidentiality in 303.401-417, parental consent and notice in 303.420-421, surrogate parents in 303.422, and dispute resolution procedures in 303.430Ensure their effective implementation by each participating agency (including the LA and EI service providers) in the statewide system that is involved in the provision of EI services under Part CMake available to parents an initial copy of the child's EI record, at no cost to the parents

[Compare to Part B: 300.500-537 and 300.610-627]
General Responsibility of Each Lead Agency
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303.401(a)

General. Each state must ensure that the parents of a child referred under this part are afforded the right to confidentiality of personally identifiable information (PII), including the right to written notice of, and written consent to, the exchange of that information among agencies, consistent with Federal and state laws
Confidentiality& Opportunity to Examine Records
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303.401(b)

Confidentiality procedures. As required under sections 617(c) and 642 of the Act, the regulations in 303.401-417 ensure the protection of the confidentiality of any personally identifiable data, information, and records collected or maintained pursuant to this part by the US Secretary of Education and by participating agencies, including the State LA and EIS providers, in accordance with the protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in 20 U.S.C. 1232g and 34 CFR Part 99
Confidentiality& Opportunity to Examine Records (contd)
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303.401(b) contd

Each state must have procedures in effect to ensure that:

Participating agencies (including the LA and EIS providers) comply with the Part C confidentiality procedures

The parents of infants or toddlers who are referred to, or receive services under this part, are afforded the opportunity to inspect and review all Part C EI records about the child and the child's family that are collected, maintained, or used under Part C, including records related to evaluations and assessments, screening, eligibility determinations, development and implementation of IFSPs, provision of EI services, individual complaints involving the child, or any part of the child's EI record under Part C
Confidentiality& Opportunity to Examine Records (contd)
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303.401(c)

Applicability and timeframe of procedures. The confidentiality procedures described in paragraph (b) of this section apply to the PII of a child and the child's family thatIs contained in EI records collected, used, or maintained under this part by the LA or an EIS providerApplies from the point in time when the child is referred for EI services under this part until the later of when the participating agency is no longer required to maintain or no longer maintains that information under applicable Federal and state laws
Confidentiality& Opportunity to Examine Records (contd)
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303.401(d)Disclosure of information.Subject to paragraph (e) of this section, the LA must disclose to the SEA and the LEA where the child resides, in accordance with 303.209(b)(1)(i) and (ii), the following PII under the Act:A child's nameA child's date of birthParent contact information (including parents names, addresses, and telephone numbers)The information described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is needed to enable the LA, as well as LEAs and SEAs under Part B, to identify all children potentially eligible for services under 303.211 and Part B
Confidentiality& Opportunity to Examine Records (contd)
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303.401(e)

Option to inform a parent about intended disclosure.An LA, through its policies and procedures, may require EIS providers, prior to making the limited disclosure described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, to inform parents of a toddler with a disability of the intended disclosure and allow the parents a specified time period to object to the disclosure in writingIf a parent (in a state that has adopted the policy described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section) objects during the time period provided by the State, the LA and EIS provider are not permitted to make such a disclosure under paragraph (d) of this section and 303.209(b)(1)(i) and (ii)
Confidentiality& Opportunity to Examine Records (contd)
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303.402-409

303.402: Confidentiality

303.403: Definitions

303.404: Notice to Parents

303.405: Access Rights

303.406: Record of Access

303.407: Records on More than One Child

303.408: List of Types and Locations of Information

303.409: Fees for Records
ConfidentialityPII & EI Records
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303.410-417

303.410: Amendment of Records at a Parents Request

303.411: Opportunity for a Hearing

303.412: Result of Hearing

303.413: Hearing Procedures

303.414: Consent Prior to Disclosure or Use

303.415: Safeguards

303.416: Destruction of Information

303.417: Enforcement

[Compare to Part B: 300.123, 300.501, and 300.610-627]
ConfidentialityPII & EI Records (contd)
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ConfidentialityPII & EI Records State Specifics
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May include:Description of the States confidentiality statutes, regulations, policies, procedures, etc., including any role that the Part B system playsInfo on how the LA maintains records on parties that access EI records (child-specific)If applicable, any policies and procedures relating to the sharing of electronic information, signature and the transmission of dataOther information a hearing officer should know relating to the use of PII by the LA and other public agencies (including EI providers)

[Insert a link here to compare to the States Part B system]

303.404

The LA must give notice when a child is referred under Part C of the Act that is adequate to fully inform parents about the requirements in 303.402, including:

(a) A description of the children on whom PII is maintained, the types of information sought, the methods the State intends to use in gathering the information (including the sources from whom information is gathered), and the uses to be made of the information

(b) A summary of the policies and procedures that participating agencies must follow regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention, and destruction of PII

(c) A description of all the rights of parents and children regarding this information, including their rights under the Part C confidentiality provisions in 303.401-417

(d) A description of the extent that the notice is provided in the native languages of the various population groups in the State
ConfidentialityNotice to Parents
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ConfidentialityNotice to Parents State Specifics
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Describe how Notice of Rights ( 303.404) is provided to the family at point of referralInclude any links to information available to the public generally (e.g., online, brochures available in public places)

303.7

Consent means that:

The parent has been fully informed of all information relevant to the activity for which consent is sought, in the parents native language, as defined in 303.25The parent understands and agrees in writing to the carrying out of the activity for which consent is sought, the consent form describes the activity, and lists any EI records to be released in relation to the activity, and to whom the records will be releasedThe parent understands that the consent is voluntary, may be revoked at any time, and revocation is not retroactive

[Compare to Part B: 300.9 Consent]
Parental Consent
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303.420(a)

The LA must ensure parental consent is obtained before:Administering screening procedures under 303.320 that are used to determine whether a child is suspected of having a disabilityAll evaluations and assessments of a child are conducted under 303.321EI services are provided to the child under this partPublic benefits or insurance or private insurance is used if such consent is required under 303.520Disclosure of PII consistent with 303.414

[Compare to Part B: 300.300 Parental Consent]
Parental Consent
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303.420(b)

If a parent does not give consent under paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this section, the LA must make reasonable efforts to ensure that the parent:

Is fully aware of the nature of the evaluation and assessment of the child or EI services that would be availableUnderstands that the child will not be able to receive the evaluation, assessment, or EI service unless consent is given

[Compare to Part B: 300.300 Parental Consent]
Parental ConsentAbility to Decline Services
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303.420(c) & (d)

(c) The LA may not use the due process hearing procedures under this part or Part B of the Act to challenge a parent's refusal to provide any consent that is required under paragraph (a) of this section

(d) The parents of an infant or toddler with a disability:

Determine whether they, their infant or toddler with a disability, or other family members will accept or decline any EI service under this part at any time, in accordance with state lawMay decline a service after first accepting it, without jeopardizing other early intervention services under this part

[Compare to Part B: 300.300(b)(4) Parental Consent for Svcs]
Parental ConsentAbility to Decline Services (contd)
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Parental ConsentState Specifics
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Describe how Parental Consent is obtained and maintained, including details on when it is required, any sample signature forms, and how often it must be renewedInclude links to any information available to the public generally (e.g., online, brochures available in public places)

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Prior Written NoticeGeneral
303.421(a)

Prior written notice must be provided to parents areasonable time before the LA or an EIS providerproposes, or refuses, to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or placement of their infant or toddler, or the provision of EI services to the infant or toddler with a disability and that infant's or toddler's family

[Compare to Part B: 300.503 Prior Notice by Public Agency]

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Prior Written NoticeContent
303.421(b)

The notice must be in sufficient detail to inform parents about:The action that is being proposed or refusedThe reasons for taking the actionAll procedural safeguards that are available under this subpart, including a description of mediation in 303.431, how to file a State complaint in 303.432-434 and a due process complaint in the provisions adopted under 303.430(d), and any timelines under those procedures

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Prior Written NoticeState Specifics
Insert an example of the States standard form for providing Prior Written Notice, if applicable

Include any additional information a hearing officer would need regarding state regulations, policies, or procedures on Prior Written Notice

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Prior Written NoticeNative Language
303.421(c)

(1) The notice must beWritten in language understandable to the general publicProvided in the native language, as defined in 303.25, of the parent or other mode of communication used by the parent, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so

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Prior Written NoticeNative Language (contd)
303.421(c)(2) If the native language or other mode of communication of the parent is not a written language, the public agency or designated EIS provider must take steps to ensure that:The notice is translated orally or by other means to the parent in the parent's native language or other mode of communicationThe parent understands the noticeThere is written evidence that the requirements of this paragraph have been met

[Compare to Part B: 300.503 Prior Notice by Public Agency]

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Surrogate ParentsGeneral
303.422

Each LA or other public agency must ensure that the rights of a child are protected whenNo parent (as defined in 303.27) can be identifiedThe LA or other public agency, after reasonable efforts, cannot locate a parent, orThe child is a ward of the State under the laws of that State

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Surrogate ParentsAdditional Provisions
303.422

(b) Duty of LA and Other Public Agencies(c) Wards of the State(d) Criteria for Selection of Surrogate Parents(e) Non-employee Requirement; Compensation(f) Surrogate Parent Responsibilities(g) LA Responsibilities

[Compare to Part B: 300.519 Surrogate Parents]

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Surrogate ParentsState Specifics
Insert here any state-specific information on Surrogate Parents, including info relating to transition to Part B

303.430

Each statewide system must include written procedures for the timely resolution of disputes through:

Mediation

State Complaint Procedures

Due Process Hearing Procedures
Dispute Resolution Options
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303.430(b): Each LA must make available to parties to disputes involving any matter under this part the opportunity for mediation that meets the requirements in 303.431

303.431(a): Each LA must ensure that procedures are established and implemented to allow parties to disputes involving any matter under this part, including matters arising prior to the filing of a due process complaint, to resolve disputes through a mediation process at any time

See also: 303.431(b) Requirements303.431(c) Impartiality of Mediator303.431(d) Meeting to Encourage Mediation

[Compare to Part B: 300.506 Mediation]
Dispute Resolution OptionsMediation
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303.430(c)

Each LA must adopt written State complaint procedures to resolve any State complaints filed by any party regarding any violation of this part that meet the requirements in 303.432-434

[Compare to Part B: 300.151-153 State Complaints]
Dispute Resolution OptionsState Complaints
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303.430(d)Each LA must adopt written due process hearing procedures to resolve complaints with respect to a particular child regarding any matter identified in 303.421(a) by either adopting: The Part C hearing procedures under 20 U.S.C. 1439 that meet the requirements of 303.435-438 and provide a means of filing a due process complaint regarding any matter listed in 303.421(a), orThe Part B hearing procedures under 20 U.S.C. 1415 that meet the requirements of 303.440-449, with either a 30-day or 45-day timeline for resolving due process complaints, as provided in 303.440(c)

[Compare to Part B: 300.507-518 Due Process Complaints]
Dispute Resolution OptionsDue Process
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Dispute Resolution OptionsDue Process Matters for Complaints
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303.421(a): The LA or an EI service provider proposes or refuses to initiate or change:Identification EvaluationPlacementProvision of services to infant or toddlerProvision of services to childs family 303.411: EI records 303.521(e): System of payments and fees

[Compare to Part B: 300.507 Filing a Due Process Complaint]

303.430(e)During the pendency of any proceeding involving a due process complaint under paragraph (d) of this section, unless the LA and parents of an infant or toddler with a disability otherwise agree, the child must continue to receive the appropriate EI services in the setting identified in the IFSP that is consented to by the parentsIf the due process complaint under paragraph (d) of this section involves an application for initial services under Part C of the Act, the child must receive those services that are not in dispute

[Compare to Part B: 300.518 Childs Status During Proceedings]
Dispute Resolution OptionsChilds Status During Pendency of Due Process Complaint
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Insert the States due process statutes, regulations, policies, and proceduresInclude timelines & administrative resourcesInsert links to any state resources available online Appeal rights in the State
Dispute Resolution OptionsDue Process Procedures State Specifics
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And were hereto help
when you need us
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OSEP Policy Letters of Clarification Related to Part C

Analysis of Comments & Changes to Part C Federal Regulations(September 28, 2011)
OSEP Resources*
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*OSEP is the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.

CADREwww.directionservice.org/cadre/

ECTAwww.ectacenter.org/

NICHCYnichcy.org/laws/idea/legacy/partc

ITCAwww.ideainfanttoddler.org/

DEC/CECwww.dec-sped.org
Technical Assistance & Other EI Resources
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