As a special education director, you understand the value of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in helping struggling students before they require special education services. But a common concern I hear from directors is: “How do we fund these crucial interventions without burdening our already stretched general education budget?”

This is a valid concern. MTSS traditionally falls under general education since it serves all students. However, there are strategic approaches to fund these services while minimizing the impact on your general education dollars.

Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) might be the solution you’re looking for. CEIS allows you to use up to 15% of your IDEA Part B funds to support students who aren’t currently identified as needing special education but require additional support to succeed.

There are two types of CEIS:

1. Voluntary CEIS: You can choose to use up to 15% of IDEA Part B funds for K-12 students (with emphasis on K-3) who need extra help but aren’t identified as having a disability.
2. Comprehensive (Mandatory) CEIS: If your district has significant disproportionality in special education identification, placement, or discipline, you must reserve 15% of IDEA funds for CEIS. These services can serve children with or without disabilities from age 3 through grade 12.

CEIS funds can be used for various MTSS components:

• Professional development for teachers on evidence-based interventions
• Educational and behavioral evaluations, services, and supports
• Literacy instruction and intervention programs
• Expansion of existing MTSS or RTI frameworks

The key advantage? These activities can be funded with IDEA Part B dollars instead of drawing from your general education fund.

To properly implement CEIS funding for MTSS:

1. Clear Documentation: Track which students receive CEIS-funded services (those not currently in special education).
2. Proper Reporting: Document all CEIS expenditures and students served, as required by IDEA.
3. Transition Planning: If a student receiving CEIS later qualifies for special education, stop using CEIS funds and transition to special education funding.
4. Remember the Boundaries: For students already identified for special education, their interventions must be funded from special education sources, not CEIS.

If CEIS isn’t sufficient or appropriate for your situation, consider these alternatives:

Federal Funding Sources

• Title I, Part A: Particularly useful for schools with high percentages of students from low-income families
• Title II, Part A: Can fund professional development for MTSS implementation
• Title IV, Part A: Supports efforts to improve school climate and mental health services
• Title V (SRSA/RLIS): Available for rural and low-income schools

Other Sources

• State and Local Grants: Many states offer specific grants for MTSS initiatives
• Private/Corporate Grants: Local businesses and foundations often support innovative school programs

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment: Identify which students would benefit from MTSS but aren’t currently in special education.
2. Calculate Available Funding: Determine how much of your IDEA Part B allocation (up to 15%) you can dedicate to CEIS.
3. Develop Clear Protocols: Create systems for identifying, serving, and tracking students receiving CEIS-funded interventions.
4. Train Your Team: Ensure all stakeholders understand the funding sources and proper documentation requirements.
5. Implement Braided Funding: Combine multiple funding sources to create a comprehensive, sustainable MTSS framework.

While the financial advantages are significant, using CEIS to fund MTSS offers additional benefits:

• Early Intervention: Provides support to struggling students before they require more intensive services
• Reduced Referrals: Potentially decreases inappropriate special education referrals
• Improved Outcomes: Addresses learning and behavioral challenges earlier, leading to better student success

By strategically leveraging CEIS funds and other alternative funding sources, you can implement robust MTSS services without placing the financial burden on your general education budget. This approach not only helps your budget but also ensures struggling students receive the support they need when they need it—potentially reducing the need for more intensive (and expensive) interventions later.

Remember, proper documentation and clear communication with all stakeholders are essential to successful implementation. With careful planning, your district can build a sustainable MTSS framework that serves students effectively while maintaining fiscal responsibility.