Office of Special Education - Our Purpose
To lead the improvement of outcomes for preparing all children and students with disabilities and their families for learning, earning and living through effective use of data, collaboration, communication, and a framework of differentiated support.
Part B Federal Application
Public Commenting open 3.19.2021 - 4.7.2021
Part C Federal Application
Public Commenting open 3.5.2021 - 4.4.2021
Eligibility Guidelines
Eligibility Guidelines – Autism
Eligibility Guidelines – Deaf-Blindness
Eligibility Guidelines – Developmental Delay
Eligibility Guidelines – Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Eligibility Guidelines – Emotional Disturbance (3/2021)
Eligibility Guidelines – Intellectual Disability
Eligibility Guidelines – Multiple Disabilities
Eligibility Guidelines – Orthopedic Impairment
Eligibility Guidelines – Other Health Impairment
Eligibility Guidelines – Speech-Language Impairment
Eligibility Guidelines – Specific Learning Disabilities
Coronavirus Resources - IDEA Guidance
The NDE is committed to assisting school communities during public health emergencies. We support school districts in their decisions to keep student and staff safety their top priority. Should a crisis arise, NDE will work closely with other state and federal agencies to ensure continuation of critical services to students, families, and educators and the restoration of the teaching and learning environment.
NDE RESOURCES FOR THE CORONAVIRUS
Below is communication released by the Office of Special Education Programs to support you as you implement IDEA during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please reach out to our office should you have any further questions.
Questions and Answers on Implementation of IDEA Part C Provision of Services (OSEP Oct 2020)
Questions and Answers on IDEA Part B Provision of Services (OSEP Sept 2020)
Questions and Answers for K-12 Public Schools in the Current COVID-19 Environment (OCR Sept 2020)
OSEP – IDEA Part B Use of Funds
OSEP – IDEA Part C Use of Funds
OSEP Q & A – Implementation of IDEA Part B Dispute Resolution Procedures
OSEP Q & A – Implementation of IDEA Part C Dispute Resolution Procedures
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS SCHOOL CLOSURES CLARIFICATION
Data Collection Process During Covid-19 School Closures/In-Home Visit Suspensions – GOLD
Communication for Families/Parents of Students with Disabilities during this Covid-19 epidemic
Extended School Year Guidance Document
Learning Guidance for Students with Disabilities for Summer Programming and Beyond
Additional Covid-19 Special Education Resources
Teaching Special Education Online Resource Toolbox
SPECIAL EDUCATION – PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities Resources Guide
Home-school Services During Covid-19
Electronic Consent OK During Covid-19
NSPA Testing Considerations Document
Rethinking Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessibility in Post-COVID-19 Classrooms
Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Letter regarding Clear Masks
Remember Accessibility in the Rush to Online Instruction: 10 Tips for Educators
How to Be a Better Online Teacher – Advice Guide
Supporting Students with Disabilities in K-12 Online and Blended Learning
KSB School Law Coronavirus Blog
NCDHH Communications NCDHH Communications
4 Ways to Help Kids Relax as the Coronavirus Upends Everyday Life
How to Talk to a Child who is Deaf/Blind About COVID19
Remote Use of Paraprofessional Supports for Students with Disabilities During the Covid-19 Pandemic
MHTTC Resources around Mental Health
National Association of School Psychologists COVID-19 Resources
Supports for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Guidance and Resources for Para-educators During Remote Learning
Upcoming SPED Events

2021 ASD Network State Conference
Registration is now open!
See the 2021 ASD Network Conference Flyer and the conference webpage for updates and more information.
Recent SPED Updates
Clarification on guidance for 92 NAC 51 – 009.04 and IDEA 60 Day Timeline for School Age Children
45 school day vs 60 day guidance (PDF)
Guidance on Special Education Certification – April 2019
Guidance on Special Education Certification – Reimbursable under IDEA (PDF)
Technical Assistance/Guidance Documents
Equity Guidance – Nebraska – CEIS
Extended School Year (ESY) Guidance Document – Aug 2018
GMS Flex Funding Application Preschool and School-Age District Procedures Guidance Document
IEP Facilitation Guide 2020
*2020-2021 IEP Facilitators & Trainer of Trainers Contact List
Improving Learning for Children with Disabilities (ILCD) Guidance Document – Aug 2018
5-Year-Old Preschool IEP Nebraska Guidance Document
Kindergarten Eligibility in an Early Childhood Education Program Nebraska Guidance Document
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Guidance Document – Aug 2018
Medicaid in Public Schools (MIPS) Guidance Document
NETA B Preschool Guidance Document
Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities Guide – January 2020
Prior Written Notice Guidance Document
Shortened Days Guidance Document
Tips for Working with a Licensed Sign Language Interpreter
*Webinar with captioning to support the TA Doc on Guidelines for Educational Interpreters.
Department Information
Public Reporting and Determination Guides
Public Reporting
Part B Levels of Determination 2017
Early Childhood Inter-Agency Coordinating Council
ECICC Biennial Report to the Governor
Guidance from the U.S. Dept. of Education – Office for Civil Rights
Colleague Letter – Resource Guide on Students with ADHD
Know Your Rights – Students with ADHD
Maintenance of Effort
Federal Proposed Regulations on Significant Disproportionality
Federal Study and State Analysis of Disproportionality