State Early Childhood Technical Assistance Systems

Idaho

• Section 619 State TA System Description
• 06/01/02

Basic design features

In Idaho, the technical assistance to local programs related to preschool is incorporated into a technical assistance system for all of Part B of the IDEA. This system is maintained in cooperation with three state universities. The state is divided into three regions and technical assistance is provided in each region through contracted State Education Agency (SEA) staff members (regional consultants) located on the state university main campuses and satellite campuses. Idaho’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) also is considered a technical assistance resource, including the use of trained parents as co-presenters in joint training efforts.

Primary clients/recipients of technical assistance services

In each region the SEA regional consultants provide TA services to local schoolteachers, local school administrators, and also to local Head Start programs. Families of eligible preschoolers are also given some technical assistance by the regional consultants, and also through the PTI.

Ways technical assistance are provided

Technical assistance is provided most often through onsite consultation with specific local programs, and providing information via telephone and email. Regional workshops are also offered frequently, and both print and non-print materials have been developed in response to local needs. Statewide conferences and in-service training courses are offered occasionally, and peer to peer information exchange is sometimes facilitated to address local needs. As a predominantly rural state, distance-learning strategies are sometimes employed including a lending library, interactive video and/or audio conferencing, and use of the Internet.

TA system operations

As stated earlier, Idaho’s TA system covers all of Part B, not just preschool. Central office staff meets bi-monthly with the three regional teams to coordinate planning. Central and regional teams develop a yearly TA plan and revisit it at each bi-monthly meeting. A master calendar of TA events is maintained. Needs assessment and planing is based on the ongoing experience of the staff, which are part of the teams that monitor local school districts. Needs assessment and annual planning occurs during the spring and the calendar of events is prepared during June and July.

Evaluation of the TA system

Individual TA events are evaluated and the results are reviewed as a part of annual planning. Also evaluation of TA services has been incorporated into Idaho’s OSEP funded State Implementation Grant (SIG). Regional consultants also submit quarterly reports to the central office.

Individual TA events are evaluated and the results are reviewed as a part of annual planning. Also evaluation of TA services has been incorporated into Idaho’s OSEP funded State Implementation Grant (SIG). Regional consultants also submit quarterly reports to the central office.

Relationship of the TA system to the monitoring/supervision of local programs

The regional TA consultants are members of the monitoring team that is assembled to carry out the monitoring of local school districts. Other members of the monitoring team include central office staff and peers from other school districts. The scope of local monitoring includes all aspects of Part B, including preschool programs and services. The regional consultants are available to assist the local school district in conducting a self-assessment, preparing for the monitoring site visit, developing the plan for improving results, and delivering follow-up technical assistance. Most needs and priorities addressed by the state TA system are determined through the monitoring process.

Relationship of TA system to the state’s Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD)

CSPD is considered a part of the state TA system. Idaho now has a State Implementation Grant (SIG) from OSEP, and CSPD is incorporated into the SIG. CSPD efforts specific to preschool personnel are not identified distinctly. Beginning July 1, 2002 Idaho is replacing the early childhood endorsement and the early childhood special education endorsement with an early childhood/early childhood special education blended certificate (birth through Grade 3).

Relationship with Part C’s TA system

Part B and Part C worked closely together on the state self-assessment and the development of the Idaho state improvement plan. Additionally, Idaho (Part B and Part C jointly) was awarded a General Supervision Enhancement Grant in 2001. A component of this grant focuses on jointly developing quality indicators of early childhood transition with follow-up joint B-C dissemination and training activities.

For further information, contact:

• Jana Jones, State Director
• Bureau of Special Education
• Idaho Department of Education
• 650 West State Street
• PO Box 83720
• Boise, ID 83720-0027
• Phone: (208) 332-6917
• Fax: (208) 334-4664
• E-mail: jjones@sde.state.id.us
• Web site: http://www.sde.state.id.us/SpecialEducation/default.asp