Public Comment Period Regarding Early Steps Proposed Policies and Annual Part C Application

The Early Steps State Office (ESSO) has published a Proposed Policy Handbook and Operations Guide and the annual renewal application for funds under IDEA, Part C for public review.  The proposed policies to implement changes in the Early Steps system are found at http://www.cmskids.com/resources/es_policy/proposed_policy.htm and the application at http://www.cms-kids.com/resources/es_policy/PartCApplicationFFY2009.htm.  Both can be accessed via the Web site for 60 days beginning March 1^st, 2009, through April 30^th, 2009, and the opportunity for public comment will be available for 30 days beginning March 16^th, 2009, through April 15^th, 2009.  We encourage you to take this opportunity to review and provide comment on the proposed policies, including changes in eligibility criteria for Part C and Developmental Evaluation and Intervention (DEI) that would have an impact on our current State Board of Education Rules 6A- 6.03030, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), Special Programs for Children Birth Through Two Years Who Have Established Conditions and 6A-6.03031, FAC., Special Programs for Children Birth Through Two Years Who Are Developmentally Delayed.  These changes may be found in the Policy Handbook for Component 3, First Contact, Evaluation, Assessment and Component 13, DEI.  A flyer outlining details regarding submission of comments is available at http://www.cms-kids.com/resources/es_policy/PublicParticipationNotice2009.pdf.  You may post or forward the flyer to let others know about the public participation period.  Please provide information during the comment period regarding implementation issues or any recommendations that would assist ESSO in maintaining a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of early intervention supports and services for infants and toddlers and their families.