This bill mandates that providers of early intervention services submit specific information to both the child's district of residence and the Department of Education (DOE). Annually, by September 1, these providers must provide a list of names and ages of all eligible infants and toddlers receiving services. Additionally, no later than 120 days before a child's third birthday, the provider must notify the district and the DOE that the child will soon be eligible for services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This notification must include documentation necessary for ensuring continuity of services, the most recent evaluations and assessments, and the child's individualized family service plan.
To ensure compliance, the bill also requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the DOE, to establish penalties for providers that fail to adhere to these requirements. Potential penalties include revocation of state funding, nullification of contracts with state entities, restrictions on future funding applications, and loss of status as an approved provider under the New Jersey Early Intervention System. The bill emphasizes that all notifications must comply with state and federal laws regarding parental consent and the opt-out policy for disclosing personally identifiable information.