Special Education Child Count data

due Feb. 21

States must count and report an unduplicated number of children with disabilities receiving special education and related services between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1 of each year, according to the Code of Federal Regulations that govern Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (See 34 CFR Sections 300.640 and 300.641.) Per Section 2-3.30 of the School Code, Illinois uses Dec. 1 to compile an unduplicated count of students with disabilities reported annually to the federal government. Final Dec. 1, 2023, Child Count data must be entered in the IEP-Student Tracking and Reporting (I-Star) System by Feb. 21.

In addition, 34 CFR Section 300.645 requires the state to obtain a certification from each Local Education Agency that an unduplicated and accurate count of the number of students with disabilities receiving special education services has been made. The Dec. 1, 2023, Child Count certification must be performed in I-Star by the district superintendent or an authorized district representative with District Administrator access in IWAS. Special education cooperatives cannot perform certification on behalf of their member districts. District certification will be open in I-Star from approximately March 8-22. After March 22, IDEA Part B Flow Through and Preschool grant funds will be frozen until district certification is completed.

There will be ample time to review the Child Count data prior to the certification period in I-Star. Any district user with a District Administrator IWAS account can currently access and view preliminary child count data. ISBE will collect and post weekly “Data Snapshots” that will be updated each Friday until the final snapshot on Feb. 21.

Steps to certify Special Education Child Count:

Log in to IWAS.
Click “System Listing.”
Click "Reporting" -> "Special Education" -> "I-Star – (Special Education)."
Click “Current Child Count Status” located on the main page of I-Star.
Click on “District Name.”
Review data statistics and differences.
Once examined, click “Verify Child Count Numbers.”
- Note: Clicking this button is certifying that the Dec. 1 special education student data to be submitted to ISBE pursuant to IDEA has been thoroughly examined and reviewed. In addition, it is certifying that the said data is true, accurate, and complete based upon information and belief formed after due inquiry. No changes shall be made to these data unless required by law or agreed to by ISBE.

Harrisburg Project staff will provide webinars with printed instructions to assist in the certification process. The webinars will be recorded and posted to the Harrisburg Project website as well for convenient access and sharing. Go to the Harrisburg Project Events webpage to register for a training. Questions regarding I-Star operation and access should be directed to Harrisburg Project at 800-635-5274 or support@hbug.k12.il.us.