Effective 28 Aug 2007

160.910. Lead agency to maintain Part C early intervention system — compilation of data — monitoring of expenditures — bidding process to be established — centralized system of enrollment. — 1. The lead agency shall maintain a state Part C early intervention system under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 1431, et seq., for eligible children and families of such children which shall be administered through the regional Part C early intervention system.

2. The lead agency shall compile data in the system on the number of eligible children in the state in need of early intervention services, the number of eligible children and their families served, the types of services provided, and other information as deemed necessary by the agency.

3. The state Part C early intervention system shall include a comprehensive child-find system and public awareness program to ensure that eligible children are identified, located, referred to the system, and evaluated for eligibility.

4. The lead agency shall monitor system expenditures for administrative services and regional offices to ensure maximum utilization of state funds for all children determined to be eligible for early intervention services. The lead agency or its designee shall provide regional offices with the necessary financial data to assist regional offices in monitoring their expenditures and the cost of direct services. Such data shall include the number of children eligible from the most recent child count from that region and monthly data reports on the costs spent by providers in their network.

5. The lead agency shall establish a bidding process for determining regional offices across the state. The bidding process shall establish criteria for allowing regions to implement models that will serve the unique needs of their community. Such process shall encourage organizations bidding for a center to demonstrate agreements:

(1) With other state and local government entities that provide services to infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities including regional centers as defined in section 633.005 and boards established under sections 205.968 to 205.973; and

(2) To collaborate with established, quality early intervention providers in the region to establish a network for early intervention services.

6. The lead agency shall establish a centralized system of provider enrollment to assure that all Part C early intervention system providers meet requirements of Part C regulations and the Missouri state plan.

7. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 23.253 to the contrary, the provisions of this section shall not sunset.

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(L. 2005 S.B. 500, A.L. 2007 S.B. 112)