As many of your districts are getting ready for a Thanksgiving Break, it is VERY important for all to be aware (or be reminded of) the December 1 Child Count. 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires school administrators to conduct an annual count of all children receiving special education services. Here are key points that school administrators should be aware of regarding the IDEA requirements for the December 1 child count:

1. Purpose of the Count: The December 1 child count is essential for ensuring states receive appropriate federal funding to support special education services. It provides a snapshot of the number of children with disabilities receiving services under IDEA.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Administrators must understand the eligibility criteria for counting a child under IDEA. This includes children aged 3-21 who are receiving special education and related services under either an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
3. Data Accuracy and Verification: Accurate data collection is crucial. Administrators should establish procedures for verifying the accuracy of the data, including cross-checking with school records, and ensuring compliance with IDEA definitions.
4. Confidentiality and Privacy: Administrators must ensure the child count is conducted in a manner that respects the confidentiality of student information as outlined in IDEA and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
5. Reporting Requirements: Understand the specific reporting requirements of your state and district. This includes the format of the count, deadlines for submission, and any additional information that may be required.
6. Training and Support: Ensure staff involved in the count are adequately trained and understand the importance and requirements of the count. This may involve training on data collection systems, eligibility criteria, and confidentiality.
7. Identification of Children: Administrators should have a system in place to identify all children who are receiving services under IDEA, including those in public and private schools, and those who are homeschooled.
8. Collaboration with Other Agencies: In some cases, collaboration with other state agencies or educational institutions may be necessary to ensure all eligible children are counted, particularly for children in state care or those receiving services outside of the traditional public school system.
9. Addressing Discrepancies: Have procedures in place to address any discrepancies in the count, such as children who are newly identified or those who have exited the program since the last count.
10. Continuous Monitoring: While the December 1 count is an annual requirement, maintaining ongoing awareness and monitoring of the population of students receiving special education services can help ensure accuracy and ease the process of the annual count.

Administrators should set up policies throughout the year to ensure every student is counted, and the process is smooth, not overburdening staff at the end of November.