Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) contains a new provision, 20 U.S.C. 1413 (f), which permits local educational agencies (LEAs) to use up to 15 percent of their Part B funds for any fiscal year to develop and implement coordinated, early intervening services (CEIS). This provision became effective July 1, 2005.

Coordinated early intervening services are intended for students who have not been identified as students with disabilities under IDEA but who are determined to need additional academic and behavioral supports to succeed in general education. Coordinated early intervening services may be used for students in kindergarten through grade 12, with a particular emphasis on students in kindergarten through grade three.

IDEA 2004 requires the LEA to reserve 15% of Part B funds for coordinated early intervening services when it has been determined to be a district with significant disproportionality.

IDEA 2004 describes coordinated early intervening services as activities that include:

• Professional development for teachers and other school staff for the delivery of scientifically based academic instruction and behavioral interventions.
• Professional development for the delivery of scientifically based literacy instruction and instruction in the use of adaptive and instructional software.
• Provision of educational and behavioral evaluations, services and supports.

Any LEA that uses Part B funds for coordinated early intervening services must annually report to the state education agency on:

• The number of students served by coordinated early intervening services, and
• The number of students served by coordinated early intervening services who subsequently receive special education and related services during the preceding two-year period.

Coordinated early intervening services can supplement but not supplant services aligned with and activities funded and implemented under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). CEIS funds may be used to develop a multi-tiered system of prevention/intervention options.

IDEA Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) Resources

• EIS Budget Training: PowerPoint Slide Show PDF Version
• Interim Guidance to Local Educational Agencies - Early Intervening Services - April 2005
• CEIS Budget Allowables & Non-Allowables
• CEIS Narrative Plan Worksheet
• CEIS Narrative Plan Instructions

Use of IDEA CEIS Funds for Disproportionality

The final regulations for the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) were published in the Federal Register on August 14, 2006, and became effective on October 13, 2006. This question and answer document has been prepared by the department to address some of the most important issues raised by request for clarification on the topic of Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Generally, the questions and corresponding answers, presented in this Q and A document are guidance representing the department's interpretation of applicable state and federal legal requirements in the context of general guidance. The Q and A's are not intended to be a replacement for careful study of IDEA 2004 and the regulations. Federal law and important documents related to IDEA can be found at http://idea.ed.gov.

Resources regarding the use of IDEA CEIS Funds for Disproportionality

• Questions and Answers
• Early Intervening Services RtI, Documents, Resources, Definitions
• Relationship Between Use of Funds for MOE and EIS

For questions concerning CEIS software contact the Special Education Data Helpline, (608) 267-9164. For questions on the use of CEIS and Disproportionality contact Courtney Reed Jenkins. For questions specifically related to your district's use of CEIS funds, contact your LPP Consultant.

For questions about this information, contact Rachel D. Zellmer (608) 266-1787

Last updated on 12/1/2008 1:23:56 PM