Project Description:
Cornerstone is a 12-month project funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. WestEd/Learning Innovations in Vermont is the lead agency in this collaborative project. The Institute on Disability is a subcontractor with primary responsibility for evaluation activities. The purpose of the project is to develop outcomes, sub-outcomes, and evidence statements for children aged birth to five years and their families served by Part C (early intervention) and Part B/619 (preschool special education) of the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and to develop a data collection, analysis, and tracking system so that the impact and effectiveness of NH’s early intervention system and preschool services can be assessed, documented, and improved.
Expected outcomes include:
1) the ability to determine the impact of Part C services on infants and toddlers with disabilities (and those who are at-risk for developmental delays) and their families at the state and local levels;
2) the ability to determine whether preschool-aged children with disabilities served under Part B, Section 619 of the IDEA are meeting appropriate academic achievement and developmental standards at the state and local levels;
3) improved, more responsive and data-based services to children and families; and
4) the ability to document, and track over time, the impact of Part C and Part B preschool services on outcomes for children with disabilities and their families, birth through five. The long term, end outcome for the project will be improved results for children, birth through five, and enhanced family capacity.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Limited English
