2011 OSEP Leadership Mega Conference

Collaboration to Achieve Success from Cradle to Career 2.0

The SICC: Connecting Agencies, People & Ideas through Advising & Assisting
An Orientation to the Role of the SICC

Darla Gundler & Sharon Ringwalt Pre-Conference PC 4

Historical Overview of IDEA

1975 Congress 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 maybe not)

IDEA 2004 passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education

Improvement Act 2004 (most current regulations maybe so)
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Purpose of Part C of IDEA

To develop and implement a
statewide
comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary system of support and services

for infants and toddlers with disabilities

and their families
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Law and Regulations Pertaining to SICCs

Federal

State

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Changes in the SICC Membership IDEA 2004

Added new members to the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) and eliminated 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 childrens mental health. The authority for the FICC at 644, IDEA 1997, was deleted.
[641(b)(1)(G), (K)-(M) and deletion of the FICC at 644, IDEA 1997]
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SICC Membership
In general.--The council shall be composed as follows:
Parents.--Not less than 20 percent of the members Service providers.--Not less than 20 percent of the members State legislature.--Not less than 1 member Personnel preparation.--Not less than 1 member Agency for early intervention services.--Not less than 1 member Agency for preschool services.--Not less than 1 State Medicaid agency.--Not less than 1 member Head start agency.--Not less than 1 member Child care agency.--Not less than 1 member Agency for health insurance.--Not less than 1 member Office of the coordinator of education of homeless children and youth.--Not less than 1 member State foster care representative.--Not less than 1 member Mental health agency.--Not less than 1 member Other members.--The council may include other members
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ICC Roles and Responsibilities: Advise and Assist the Lead Agency with certain functions
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.

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G. Harbin & J. Van Horn, 1990

Unlocking the Power of Partnership

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LEAD AGENCIES NEED SICC SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP MORE THAN EVER

Challenge to maintain an appropriate balance between

quality and compliance in

context of states fiscal situations

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Does your state have an active SICC? If not .

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Steps in organizing an interagency council

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 (0-3, 0-5, 0-8?) Identify the agencies that are critical to delivery of services (in addition to the mandated SICC positions)

Identify the agency representatives to invite (in your state, is the a role of the SICC or of the Governor/Governors office?) 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 (are they convenient?) Plan the agenda for the meeting (is there an executive committee or a steering committee to develop the agenda?)

For your SICC: Which of these are complete? Which remain? Which can this group accomplish? Which belong to someone else?
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Working towards collaboration

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Stages of Organizational Development

Stage 1: Cooperation
Focus of Formal Structure

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Meeting schedules Meeting locations Role and function Program specific concerns 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 Formal, get acquainted Focused on programs, no on shared children/families Cautious cooperation Learning about structure of other programs
Based on Foster, 1986, from Jo Shackelford's files
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Personnel Limitations

Operating style

Stages of Organizational Development

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

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Based on Foster, 1986, from Jo Shackelford's files

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Stages of Organizational Development

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

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Based on Foster, 1986, from Jo Shackelford's files

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Possible Member Roles and Responsibilities

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 Considering signing a yearly conflict of interest statement
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 under State law. IDEA - Building The
Legacy of IDEA 2004
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Representing a stakeholder group

Yes To Advise To give advice To inform To counsel To recommend Yes To Assist To help To support To second To attend No or Maybe depends upon your SICCs bylaws and norms To Advocate To support something To plead your case or position To favor a position Definitely Not To argue To wear only the hat of

To suggest
To guide

To aid

your agency/family/
constituency group
5/11/2012 Adapted from J. Copenhaver 2006 17

Possible ICC roles

Policy Development
Develop Written Policies Needs Assessors Gatherers of information regarding which policies impede timely delivery of

Policy Approval
Get Plans/Policies Accepted and Adopted Endorsers of Part C policies Endorsers of policies/efforts of other childrens initiatives Part C grant administrators

Policy Implementation
Facilitate Smooth Operation of Service System Gatekeepers of policies as developed Monitors of interagency agreements

services
Policy Analysts Identify fiscal and other sources of support

Policy approvers
Seekers of support from other influential groups

Monitoring and
Program quality Consumer satisfaction Timely service delivery

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G. Harbin & J. Van Horn, 1990

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Possible ICC roles

Policy Development
Conceptualizers of service system Study designers/conductors Disseminators of information

Policy Approval
Informing policy

Policy Implementation
Information gatherers re: status Service system coordination Part C grant administrators

approvers of need for and of service system value of policies Creators and

Policy Writers
Proposal readers/ project recommendations Developers of guidelines for service system

maintainers of climate
conductive to policy approval

Overseers of local ICCs (if

applicable) Preparers of annual report

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G. Harbin & J. Van Horn, 1990

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Possible ICC roles

Policy Development More Policy Development
funds for projects Data analysts of

Policy Implementation
Funders of projects, studies, pilots and/or programs Obtainers of private funds for

Informing/explaining the vision of Obtainers of private service system Representatives of constituencies

Creators of climate conducive to

coordination/collaboration within ICC and among affected constituencies Promoters of Interagency Agreements

existing programs
Data analysts of existing fiscal policies and procedures Stakeholders to provide input to Lead Agency

implementation
Assisting locals Evaluators of effectiveness of policies and programs Representatives of constituencies Ongoing planning and review

of service system
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Potential Roles of the Part C Coordinator/Lead Agency Administrator

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

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Collaboration and connections are essential elements of success

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

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From Larry Edelman, 2001

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Interagency Collaboration CAN be achieved through strong leadership and active member participation

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6 Practices of Collaborative Leadership

Assess the Environment Create Clarity Build Trust and Safety Share Power and Influence

Develop People
Self-Reflect
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Why is interagency collaboration sometimes confusing or difficult? Sometimes because of differing goals and focus.
Community
Education Community

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

Focus
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. Parenting classes; home visiting.

Mental Health Community

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

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

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From E. Feinberg (199), courtesy of Larry Edelman

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Procedures for the ICC

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.
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IDEA - Building The Legacy of IDEA 2004 and J. Copenhaver, 2006

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Procedures for the ICC, cont.

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.

Are these procedures in line with how your ICC functions?

J. Copenhaver, 2006 27

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Ground Rules for SICC Meetings

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, and collaboration requires a commitment to make it work and a willingness to try new ideas, to be creative, and to share
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Stakeholder input is important

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Ground Rules for Public Comment

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 speakers 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.

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J. Copenhaver, 2006

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Structure is important

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SICC Committees
Committee Examples
Executive Membership Child Find/Public Awareness Personnel Development Advocacy Fiscal What committees do you currently have? And What committees do you believe your ICC needs?
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Characteristics of Effective ICCs

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
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Areas of ICC involvement what are some activities your ICC might undertake?

Information exchange Public awareness

Referral and transition Program delivery Parent involvement Staff development

Screening and
identification

Case management

Program evaluation
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Adapted from Jo Shackelford's files

 The focus should always be on advising and assisting the Lead Agency. An additional current focus is

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SPP/APR
2010 2011 (July 20SPP = State Performance Plan

6 year plan, developed by each state in 2005, now continued through 2012

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 2012 will report data from FFY 10 through June 2011)

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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
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Results (Performance) Indicators

C2 Settings
C3 Child Outcomes (A, B, C)
C4 Family Outcomes (A, B, C)

C5 Child Find, Ages Birth to 1

C6 Child Find, Ages Birth to 3

C12 Resolution Agreements

C 13 Mediations
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What does compliance mean?

States target MUST be 100%

Affects States Determination

Meets requirements

Needs assistance
Needs intervention

Needs substantial intervention

State must report all non-compliance

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What does results mean?

State sets its own targets, based upon stakeholder input

Has not affected States Determination

State must report all non-compliance

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Determinations
OSEP makes states determinations Announced in early summer States must make determinations of local programs, considering: Performance on compliance indicators; Whether data submitted by LEAs or EIS programs are valid, reliable, and timely; Uncorrected noncompliance from other sources; and Any audit findings.
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Accountability
Providers whose agencies receive Part C funds are responsible for implementing all IDEA requirements.
Compliance Indicators Results Indicators Related Requirements

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States Focus
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 (ending later in 2011) Quality services Evidence-based practices Family and provider satisfaction
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Additional resources:
NING Website for SICC Chairs, Members, and Staff http://tadnet.ning.com/group/siccchairsmembersandstaff 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

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Meeting of State ICC Chairs, Parents and Staff

8:00-8:30 8:30-8:45
Breakfast & Networking Welcome, conference overview, agenda review The SICC: Connecting Agencies, People & Ideas through Advising & Assisting Darla Gundler & Sharon Ringwalt BREAK Open Space topics, including: role of the SICC in funding issues; ICC "operations [How do we ensure by-laws are up to date and functional? Do states have by-laws and also Operating Standards? How do we ensure that we are following appropriate procedures (i.e., voting, recommendations to lead agency (making and following for implementation or rejection), membership (adding or removing), communications, laws impacting operations (sunshine), etc.)?]; How do we ensure that ICC "voice" is at the early childhood table?; The role of, and restrictions on, advocacy for and by SICC members; Understanding Open Meeting Laws and the ICC; Utilizing Social Media for the ICC - Thoughts and things to consider; Increasing visibility of SICC/LICC Parents in the Early Intervention Community; SICC/LICC roles in Verification and Results Visits from OSEP understanding your role and the process including state determinations and what that means; Innovative Ways to Share Family Stories utilizing Technology; Utilizing Technology (e.g., Webcasting) for ICC meetings; The ICC's role in Public Hearings for changes to the Part C Application - when and why to hold LUNCH on your own
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8:45-9:45
9:45-10:00 10:00-10:45 and 10:45 11:30

11:301:00
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Meeting of State ICC Chairs, Parents and Staff, continued

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

3:00 3:15

3:15 4:00

Reports from the Open Space Groups

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