Interagency Coordinating Council/SoonerStart
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Each state has its own Interagency Coordinating Council for assuring that needed services are available to eligible infants and toddlers and their families. The ICC for infants and toddlers is comprised of Governor-appointed member's representing families,' providers of early intervention, agencies, and the community. The ICC is an important component of Oklahoma's early intervention system, providing active and meaningful collaboration among a wide variety of public and private agencies. The ICC provides advice and assistance to the State Department of Education,
which is the lead agency responsible for the administration of SoonerStart under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA).
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The ICC has a major role in planning and promoting the implementation of a coordinated and family-centered service system in order to address the needs of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. |
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Oklahoma's ICC for early childhood intervention was established by a gubernatorial executive order in 1987. Members are appointed by the Governor. The ICC is required by the Public Law 99-457, Part C as amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 and the Oklahoma Early Intervention Act. Administered by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, the ICC provides coordination for the planning, development and implementation of the statewide comprehensive delivery system of services to Oklahoma's infants and toddlers with development delays and disabilities. In order to carry out this function, the Council advises and assists the lead agency, the State Department of Education, and other participating state agencies on the broad range of policy and coordination issues. |
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A unique feature of Part C is the mandate for developing service systems built on interagency collaboration and family-centered practices to be integrated into each state's existing service system. The federal regulations governing the ICC, 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 303.601, prescribe the overall composition of the ICC and define specific percentages of membership. The ICC is comprised of Governor-appointed members representing families of young children with developmental delays or disabilities, representatives of state agencies, public and private providers, and the state legislature. |
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Council meetings are held quarterly, are open to the public, and anyone may share information or opinions during the public comment period held at each meeting. To add your name to the ICC meeting notice mailing list, please call 1-866-335-9288 or email dsimms@okkids.org. You will receive detailed information about the meeting, location and agenda.
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The ICC does the majority of its work through committees. Standing committees and task forces address issues of funding, policy, personnel development, public awareness, program implementation and evaluation, family support, membership and child care. Standing
committees and task force membership is not limited to ICC members and can be expanded as necessary to include additional parents and professionals whose expertise and perspectives are valuable additions to ICC planning efforts. There are four standing committees that have been established to assist the Council in accomplishing its responsibilities and focus on specific components of SoonerStart.
Policy and Funding Committee - develops and makes recommendations to the full Council; submits advisory input or recommendations on issues concerning policy, budget, program administration and management, joint funding plan to
Governor/Legislature; ongoing study of funding resources; and appoint ad hoc committees as needed
Program Evaluation Committee - An on-going investigation and recommendation regarding data collection and design; and program evaluation efficacy
Leadership and Personnel Development Committee - Plan and coordinate in-service personnel training for the SoonerStart program; conduct/coordinate annual personnel needs assessment; coordinate and monitor the development of preservice training, and
Public Awareness/Child Find Committee - develop, obtain, and disseminate public awareness materials; coordinate with OASIS for dissemination.
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There are many ways that you can get involved with the ICC. If you are interested in using your perspective to advise and assist state agencies regarding early intervention for young children with developmental delays or disabilities
and their families, contact the ICC Coordinator toll free at 1-866-335-9288 or Oklahoma City Metro area at 405-606-4918. |
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Opportunities for participation in the ICC also include various committees and workgroups, as they are established. You do not have to be an ICC member to join a standing committee or workgroup. If you would like more information or would like to participate as a SoonerStart stakeholder, please contract the ICC Coordinator.
Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be:
Mailed to:
Interagency Coordinating Council
Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
500 North Broadway, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
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