Q&A on Use of Part B and Part C Funds During COVID-19

(2020, June 25) | Useful to Parent Centers, school districts, state lead agencies and education agencies about use of IDEA funds

On June 25, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education issued several Q&A guidances on the use of IDEA funds in a COVID-19 environment. These are:

IDEA Part B Use of Funds in COVID-19 Environment Q&A Documents (5 pages)
Answers questions such as:

• How can local educational agencies (LEAs) utilize IDEA Part B subgrant funds to address conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic?
• What options are available to State educational agencies (SEAs) in using IDEA Part B funds to address additional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Are SEAs and LEAs able to use IDEA Part B funds to purchase equipment necessary to increase their capacity to support remote learning for students with disabilities?

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IDEA Part C Use of Funds in COVID-19 Environment Q&A Documents (4 pages)
Answers questions such as:

• What activities can be funded using IDEA Part C to address conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Can State LAs and EIS providers use IDEA Part C funds to ensure the continuity of early intervention services through telecommunications or other methods during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• What are other ways that State LAs and EIS providers can ensure continuity of
  services using IDEA Part C funds during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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Flexibility in Implementation of IDEA Part B Fiscal Requirements (4 pages)
Answers questions such as:

• In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are anticipating that State revenues will be reduced and that there may be budget cuts in education generally, and special education specifically. Is there any flexibility in meeting the requirements for the maintenance of State financial support (MFS)?
• Because of the potential budget cuts and school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, our LEAs are concerned they may not meet the excess cost requirement. Is there any flexibility in meeting this requirement under IDEA?

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