Grinding The Beans: Who, What,

When & How: Advising & Assisting &

the SICC’s role An Orientation to the

Role of the SICC

Sharon Ringwalt & Darla Gundler

National ICC Meeting

August 2010

1975 – Congressed passed PL 94-142 (Education of All

Handicapped Children Act)

1986 - PL 99-457

◦ Section 619 (added preschool)

◦ Part H (became Part C)

1997 IDEA (most current regulations)

IDEA 2004 – passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education

Improvement Act 2004

04/21/23 2

To develop and implement a

◦ statewide

◦ comprehensive,

◦ coordinated,

◦ multidisciplinary

◦ system of support and services

◦ for infants and toddlers with disabilities

◦ and their families

04/21/23 3

Federal

◦http://www.nectac.org/idea/idea.asp

State

04/21/23 4

Adds new members to the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) and eliminates the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council (FICC).

The SICC shall be composed as follows: ◦ Not less than one member shall be from the agency responsible for the

state Medicaid program;

◦ Not less that one member shall be a representative designated by the Office of Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths;

◦ Not less than one member shall be a representative from the state child welfare agency responsible for foster care; and

◦ Not less that one member shall be a representative from the state agency responsible for children’s mental health.

◦ The authority for the FICC at 644, IDEA 1997, has been deleted.

[641(b)(1)(G), (K)-(M) and deletion of the FICC at 644, IDEA 1997]

04/21/23 5

In general.--The council shall be composed as follows: Parents.--Not less than 20 percent of the membersService providers.--Not less than 20 percent of the membersState legislature.--Not less than 1 memberPersonnel preparation.--Not less than 1 memberAgency for early intervention services.--Not less than 1 memberAgency for preschool services.--Not less than 1State Medicaid agency.--Not less than 1 memberHead start agency.--Not less than 1 memberChild care agency.--Not less than 1 memberAgency for health insurance.--Not less than 1 memberOffice of the coordinator of education of homeless children and

youth.--Not less than 1 memberState foster care representative.--Not less than 1 memberMental health agency.--Not less than 1 memberOther members.--The council may include other members

04/21/23 6

Advise and assist the Lead Agency in the development of policies

Assist in achieving full participation, coordination, and cooperation of all appropriate private and public agencies

Assist in the effective implementation of the statewide system, by establishing a process that includes:

◦ Seeking information about any federal, state, or local policies that impede timely service delivery;

◦ Taking steps to ensure that any policy problems identified are resolved;

◦ To the extent appropriate, assisting the Lead Agency in the resolution of disputes.

04/21/23G. Harbin & J. Van Horn, 1990 7

Challenge to maintain

an appropriate balance

between quality and

compliance in context

of major fiscal crisis

Clarify the purpose of the interagency council (does your ICC have a mission or vision statement?)

Determine the geographical boundaries or service area (is it representative?)

Define the target population

Identify the agencies that are critical to delivery of services

Identify the representatives who should be invited to represent the agencies

Select the appropriate method for inviting agency representatives (who has been appointed and who will do the outreach to potential members?)

Select the site and time for meetings

Plan the agenda for the meeting (is there an executive committee or a steering committee to develop the agenda?)

04/21/23 10

For your SICC: Which of these are complete? Which remain? Which can this group accomplish? Which “belong” to someone else?

Stage 1: Cooperation◦ Focus of Formal Structure

Meeting schedules Meeting locations Role and function Program specific concerns

◦ Personnel Limitations Isolated in positions No experience with group Insecure, take no risks No informal networking Council functions in name, not in practice Share information, not resources Suspicious of others

◦ Operating style Formal, get acquainted Focused on programs, no on shared children/families Cautious cooperation Learning about structure of other programs

04/21/23Based on Foster, 1986, from Jo

Shackelford’s files 11

Stage 2: Coordination◦ Turnovers followed by smaller, more stable group◦ New members have authority to commit resources◦ First case reviews lead to focus on children and

families, not programs◦ Group organizes around child/family-specific issues◦ Informal networking and teamwork develop,

problems are defined differently◦ Group risk-taking low, but developing, funds may be

blended or braided◦ Success in work leads to trust of group members and

in the progress the council can make

04/21/23Based on Foster, 1986, from Jo

Shackelford’s files 12

Stage 3: Collaboration◦ Further success leads to greater trust◦ Council members learn to “cut deals” to “make the

system work”◦ Informal networking supplants formal structure for

action◦ Hidden leadership emerges, roles established, trust

and deeper relationships formed◦ Resources held in common, goal is optimal mix of

services for programs/children/families using a “game board” strategy

◦ Tracking and case management emerge as essential parts of the coordination and accountability processes

04/21/23Based on Foster, 1986, from Jo

Shackelford’s files 13

Represent your stakeholder group – bring and share information

Be aware of potential collaborative opportunities Attend and participate in meetings – this is critical!

Inform the Council chairperson or SICC staff if you will be unable to attend

Participate in committees or task groups established by the Council

Sign a conflict of interest statement yearly – No member of the Council shall cast a vote on any matter that is likely to provide a direct financial benefit to that member or otherwise give the appearance of a conflict of interest

04/21/23 14

04/21/23Adapted from J. Copenhaver,

2006 15

Yes Yes No

To Advise To Assist To Advocate

• To give advice• To inform• To counsel• To recommend• To suggest• To guide

• To help• To support• To second• To attend• To aid

• To support something• To plead your case or position• To favor a position• To argue• To “wear” only the “hat” of your agency/family/ constituency group

04/21/23G. Harbin & J. Van Horn, 1990 16

Policy Development

Policy Approval Policy Implementation

Develop Written Policies

Get Plans/Policies Accepted and Adopted

Facilitate Smooth Operation of Service

System

•Needs Assessors•Gatherers of information regarding which policies impede timely delivery of services•Policy Analysts•Identify fiscal and other sources of support

•Endorsers of Part C policies•Endorsers of policies/efforts of other children’s initiatives•Part C grant administrators•Policy approvers•Seekers of support from other influential groups

•Gatekeepers of policies as developed•Monitors of interagency agreements•Monitoring and

•Program quality•Consumer satisfaction•Timely service delivery

04/21/23G. Harbin & J. Van Horn, 1990 17

Policy Development

Policy Approval

Policy Implementation

•Conceptualizers of service system•Study designers/conductors•Disseminators of information•Policy Writers•Proposal readers/ project recommendations•Developers of guidelines for service system

•Informing policy approvers of need for and value of policies•Creators and maintainers of climate conductive to policy approval

•Information gatherers re: status of service system•Service system coordination•Part C grant administrators•Overseers of local ICCs (if applicable)•Preparers of annual report

04/21/23Adapted from G. Harbin & J. Van

Horn, 1990 18

Policy Development More Policy Developmen

t

Policy Implementation

•Informing/explaining the vision of service system•Representatives of constituencies•Creators of climate conducive to coordination/collaboration within ICC and among affected constituencies•Promoters of Interagency Agreements

•Obtainers of private funds for projects•Data analysts of existing programs•Data analysts of existing fiscal policies and procedures•Stakeholders to provide input to Lead Agency

•Funders of projects, studies, pilots and/or programs•Obtainers of private funds for implementation•Assisting locals•Evaluators of effectiveness of policies and programs•Representatives of constituencies•Ongoing planning and review of service system

04/21/23 19

Supports the SICC in carrying out their functions and responsibilities

Serves in an ad hoc capacity – non-voting member Assists with developing the agenda Reports on topical issues and priorities Provides a State-of-State/LA report at SICC meetings Reports on and seeks input for State Performance Plan and

Annual Performance Report Reports on Level of Determination for State and local

programs Reviews and comments on the SICC annual report Updates the SICC on State, regional, and Federal issues Assists in identifying SICC priorities and goals Provides administrative support and/or funds for the SICC

Interagency collaboration is an unnatural act committed by non-consenting adults.

Frank Heron

04/21/23From L. Edelman, 2001. 20

04/21/23 21

Assess the Environment

Create Clarity

Build Trust and Safety

Share Power and Influence

Develop People

Self-Reflect

Community Goals FocusEducation Community

To enhance intellectual development; to enhance pre-school performance and social development

Pre-academics, school readiness.

Health Community To reduce chronic illness; to enhance overall health; to reduce utilization of high-cost health resources.

Maximize sound neurological development; teach optimal nutritional and health habits.

Mental Health Community

To transform parent-child relationships; to improve emotional functioning; to reduce at-risk behaviors; to stop cycles of dysfunctional interactions

Parenting classes; home visiting.

Special Education Community

To enhance development in distinct domains; to reduce impact of disability; to foster education in inclusive settings.

1:1 or group education or therapy skills acquisition

04/21/23From E. Feinberg (1999), courtesy

of L. Edelman, 2001. 22

These general meeting procedures should be implemented by all ICCs◦ The council shall meet at least quarterly and in

such places as it deems necessary. The meetings must – Be publicly announced sufficiently in advance of the

dates they are to be held to ensure that all interested parties have an opportunity to attend

Be open and accessible to the public◦ Interpreters for persons who are deaf or hard of

hearing and other necessary services must be provided at council meetings, both for council members and participants. The council may use funds under this part to pay for these services.

04/21/23J. Copenhaver, 2006 23

◦ All council meetings and agenda items must be announced enough in advance of the meeting to afford interested parties a reasonable opportunity to attend. Meetings must be open to the public

◦ Official minutes must be kept of all council. meetings and must be made available on request.

◦ By July 1 of each year, the Interagency Coordinating council shall submit an annual report of advice and suggestions to the Governor and/or Lead Agency.

04/21/23J. Copenhaver, 2006 24

Are these procedures in line with how your ICC functions?

04/21/23 25

Treat others with respect Build trust – to know you are trusted and

trust others◦ We are less likely to change a position when we

are asked to defend it. Successful interagency coordination,

cooperation, collaboration requires a commitment to make it work and a willingness to try new ideas, to be creative, and to share

Provide notice to the public in advance of the ICC meeting. Specify a consistent time on the agenda for public comment. Set aside approximately 30 minutes on the agenda for public comments. Limit public comment to no more than 5 minutes/individual. Public comment can be verbal or sent in written form to be read by the

council chairperson. Caution individuals giving public comment to be factual and objective.

Avoid using names of children or program/agency staff. Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards.

Mention to those providing comments that their input will be taken under advisement as the council addresses its priority issues.

Do not interrupt the speaker during his/her 5 minutes. Ask clarifying questions after the speaker is finished.

Provide a verbal or visual cue 1 minute before the speaker’s time is up. Provide an opportunity for individuals who cannot be physically present to

call in on an cost-free teleconference line during the 30-minute comment period.

04/21/23J. Copenhaver, 2006 26

Committee Examples◦ Membership◦ Child Find/Public Awareness◦ Personnel Development◦ Advocacy◦ Fiscal

What committees do you currently have?

And

What committees do you believe your ICC needs?

04/21/23 27

Dual focus – policies and services Problem-solving or action group Includes:

◦ Family members◦ Primary service providers◦ Management representatives

Consistent attendance/representation Equal partnership among all members Consistent leadership Well-defined goals Group cohesiveness Established meeting procedures and times Set agenda

04/21/23Adapted from Jo Shackelford’s

files 28

Information exchange

Public awareness

Screening and

identification

Case management

Referral and

transition

Program delivery

Parent involvement

Staff development

Program evaluation

04/21/23Adapted from Jo Shackelford’s

files 29

SPP = State Performance Plan◦ 6 year plan, developed by each state in 2005

APR = Annual Performance Review◦ Completed yearly by each state, submitted in

February◦ Covers data from the previous FFY (Federal

Fiscal Year) – e.g., the APR due February 2011 will report data from FFY 2009 – 2010 (July 2009 through June 2010)

04/21/23 30

04/21/23 31

C1 – Timely Service Delivery

C7 – Timeliness of IFSP

C8 – Early Childhood Transition (A, B, C)

C9 – Part C Monitoring System

C10 – Administrative Complaints

C11 – Due Process Hearings

C14 – Data Accuracy

C2 – Settings

C3 – Child Outcomes (A, B, C)

C4 – Family Outcomes

C5 – Child Find, Ages Birth to 1

C6 – Child Find, Ages Birth to 3

C12 – Resolution Agreements

C 13 – Mediations

State’s target MUST be 100%

Affects State’s “Determination”

◦ Meets requirements

◦ Needs assistance

◦ Needs intervention

◦ Needs substantial intervention

State must report all non-compliance

State sets its own targets, based upon

stakeholder input

Has not affected State’s “Determination”

State must report all non-compliance

OSEP makes states’ determinations◦ Announced in early June

States must make determinations of local programs, considering:◦ Performance on compliance indicators;◦ Whether data submitted by LEAs/EIS

programs is valid, reliable, and timely;◦ Uncorrected noncompliance from other

sources; and◦ Any audit findings.

Providers whose agencies receive Part C funds are responsible for implementing all IDEA requirements.

◦ Compliance Indicators

◦ Results Indicators

◦ Related Requirements

Accountability◦ Data – systems, quality, validity, reliability

Finance◦ MOE (maintenance of effort)◦ FAF (Federal Allocation Formula)/FMAP (Federal

Medical Assistance Percentage)◦ Reimbursement – Insurance, Medicaid, Family Co-

Pay, other sources◦ ARRA funds

Quality services◦ Evidence-based practices◦ Family and provider satisfaction

04/21/23 37

NING Website for ICC

http://siccchairs.ning.com/

State ICC Overview

http://www.nectac.org/~pdfs/pubs/SICCoverview.pdf

Interagency Coordination (Includes laws and Memorandums of Agreements)

http://www.nectac.org/topics/intercoord/intercoord.asp

OSEP Policy Letters of Clarification Related to Part C and Section 619 http://www.nectac.org/idea/clarfctnltrs.asp

04/21/23 38

04/21/23 39

8:00-8:30 Breakfast & Networking

8:30-8:45 Welcome, conference overview, agenda review

8:45-9:45 Grinding the Beans: Who, What, When & How: Advising & Assisting & the SICC’s role Darla Gundler & Sharon Ringwalt

9:45-10:00 BREAK

10:00-11:00 Do you hear what I hear? Connecting with constituency groups represented on the ICC & insuring the ICC is relevant beyond itself - Sheila Zickfoose

Something Old, Something New: Early Learning Councils & Part C - How will they intersect? - Roxane Romanick

Data, analysis, reporting. SPP/APR State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Review – what it means to you? - Maureen Casey

Engaging Family Partners; provide meaningful information – Margaret Sampson

11:00-11:30 From Here to There: ESEA and Part C - How will reauthorization affect Part C? What is your SICC doing about it? Carmen Sanchez

11:30–1:00 LUNCH on your own

04/21/23 40

1:00-3:00 Joint meeting with the Infant Toddlers Coordinators Association & the 619 Coordinators

3:00–3:15 BREAK

3:15–3:45 Let’s Ning It (and other technology): Communicating within your SICC and with each other

3:45–4:30 Percolating—how to take what we’ve discussed and translate it into action; Debrief & discussion