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Presenters and participants discussed strategies that SEAs can use to help LEAs in collecting section 618 and other state-required data that is of high-quality. They explored IDC’s Knowledge Lab that lists various resources around different data collections. The Knowledge Lab contains many resources designed to help SEAs and LEAs gather, collect, validate, and report high-quality data. The discussion allowed for state input on how the state uses or can use these resources.

Using the Part C IDEA Data Processes Toolkit to document data processes for all 616 and 618 data collections will establish a well-managed process for data collection, validation, and submission. In collaboration with IDC State Liaisons, states can use the toolkit to create and maintain a culture of high-quality data and establish and support consistent practices that produce valid and reliable data, while building the capacity of state staff. The toolkit contains an overview of the toolkit, Data Collection Protocols, SPP/APR Indicator Protocols, a State Landscape Protocol, a Local EI Program Determinations Protocol, a Data Collections Calendar, and additional resources that provide a structure for documenting data processes. The Data Collection Protocols are in Word, and states can tailor them meet their states' specific documentation needs.

The CEIS Practice Guide provides two scenarios each for voluntary CEIS and comprehensive CEIS. Each scenario describes an LEA’s implementation of voluntary or comprehensive CEIS and how the LEA or state could track the amount LEAs reserved for voluntary or comprehensive CEIS, the activities conducted using IDEA funds for voluntary or comprehensive CEIS, the target group of students, and ongoing student-level data about special education services. IDC and CIFR collaborated to develop the practice guide.

This session covered the requirements to report the data, challenges for collecting the data, and resources available to help states with their MOE and CEIS data collection and submission. Presenters introduced several resources that states and LEAs can use to enhance the data collection and submission process.