210 R.I. Code R. 210-RICR-30-15-1.5

Current through October 15, 2024

Section 210-RICR-30-15-1.5 - Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC)

1.5.1COMPOSITION OF ICC

A. The lead agency shall establish a State Interagency Council and shall provide assistance and resources to the council. The composition of the Council is specifically determined by criteria set forth in Part C of IDEA and in accordance with bylaws. Members of the Council are appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall ensure that the membership of the Council reasonably represents the population of the state.

B. The Governor shall designate a member of the Council to serve as the chairperson of the Council. Any member of the Council who is a representative of the Department may not serve as the chairperson.

C. Appointments to the Council are for a two-year term. Composition of the Council shall include, but not be limited to:

1. At least twenty percent (20%) of parents of infants or toddlers including minority parents who have been enrolled in the Early Intervention Program within the past three (3) years [minimum 20%];

2. At least twenty percent (20%) of providers of early intervention services [minimum 20%];

3. One (1) representative from the legislature;

4. One (1) college or university member involved in personnel preparation;

5. One (1) pediatrician;

6. One (1) representative from each of the state human service agencies involved in the provision of or payment for EIS to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families (Children, Youth and Families; Education; Health; Human Services; Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals) having sufficient authority to do policy planning or implementation on behalf of the agency;

7. One (1) representative from the advocacy community for children with special needs and their families;

8. At least one (1) representative from the Department of Business Regulation, the agency responsible for state governance of health insurance;

9. At least one (1) representative from the Rhode Island Department of Education, Director of Special Education, responsible for preschool services to children with disabilities. This may or may not be the same representative of the Department of Education as required in subsection (f);

10. At least one (1) member from Head Start / Early Head Start;

11. At least one (1) member from a state agency responsible for child care. This may or may not be the same representative of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families as required in subsection (f);

12. At least one (1) member from the State Medicaid Agency;

13. At least (1) member from the Office of the Coordinator of Education for Homeless Children and Youth;

14. At least one (1) member from the state child welfare agency responsible for foster care. This may or may not be the same representative of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families as required in subsection (f);

15. At least one (1) member from the state agency responsible for children's mental health.

D. The Council may include other members selected by the Governor.

E. Council shall assume the following responsibilities consistent with the provisions of Part C of IDEA:

F. The Council will meet at least quarterly as stated in the by-laws;

G. The Council shall announce meetings in sufficient time as to ensure attendance;

H. Council meetings shall be open and accessible to the general public;

I. Interpreters for the deaf and other services needed to support participation of all interested parties will be provided as necessary;

J. No member of ICC may vote on any matter providing direct financial benefit to self or give appearance of conflict, and must conform to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 36-14, as amended, entitled "Code of Ethics";

K. Advise and assist the EOHHS in the development and implementation of the policies that constitute the statewide system;

L. Assist the EOHHS in achieving the full participation, coordination, and cooperation of all appropriate public agencies in the state;

M. Assist EOHHS in implementation of the statewide system by establishing a process that includes seeking information from service providers, service coordinators, parents, and others about any federal or state or local policies that impede timely service delivery, and taking steps to ensure that policy problems are identified and resolved;

N. Assist EOHHS in resolution of disputes to the extent deemed appropriate;

O. Advise and assist EOHHS and state education agency (SEA) in obtaining appropriate services for children ages birth-5 inclusive;

P. Advise and assist SEA regarding transition of toddlers with disabilities to services under Part B to preschool and other appropriate services;

Q. Advise or assist EOHHS in the preparation of applications and amendments for applications;

R. Assist EOHHS in the identification of fiscal sources of support for early intervention programs;

S. Assist in the assignment of financial responsibility to the appropriate agency;

T. Assist in the promotion of interagency agreements;

U. Submit an annual report to the Governor and to the Secretary of Education on the status of early intervention programs within the state.

210 R.I. Code R. 210-RICR-30-15-1.5