MOU-Head Start

July 2009

Printable Version (34 KB)

To:	District Superintendents Superintendents of Schools Presidents of Boards of Education New York City Board of Education Principals of Public Schools Organizations, Parents and Individuals Concerned with Special Education Impartial Hearing Officers Commissioner’s Advisory Panel for Special Education Services RSE-TASC Regional Coordinators Regional School Support Centers Municipality Representatives for Preschool Special Education Early Intervention Officials Approved Preschool Special Education Programs Special Education Quality Assurance Regional Offices
From:	James P. DeLorenzo
Subject:	Revised Memorandum of Mutual Understanding

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has finalized a revised Memorandum of Mutual Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Office of Head Start (Regions II, IX, XII) representing Head Start Programs in New York State (NYS). This revision replaces the 1999 agreement and continues to support the coordination of services between local educational agencies and Head Start programs for the benefit of preschool children throughout NYS. This agreement enables NYSED and the Office of Head Start to maintain a collaborative relationship which has been in place for almost 30 years, while moving forward with the implementation of current regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 and the Head Start Performance Standards. It serves as a guide for developing local interagency agreements focusing on the empowerment of parents of young children with disabilities and the provision of preschool special education and related services in inclusive settings such as Head Start programs.

A copy of the agreement is attached for your information. For questions regarding the provision of special education to young children, contact the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), Special Education Policy Unit at 518-473-2878 or vesidspl@mail.nysed.gov. Further information about inclusion of preschool students with disabilities in early care and education programs may be directed to Mr. Robert Frawley, Director of the Head Start Collaboration Project at 518-473-8081 or bob.frawley@ccf.ny.us.

Attachment -

Memorandum of Mutual Understanding (366 KB) - New York State Education Department and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (Regions II/XI/XII)