IDEA Monitoring Process
States have a responsibility under federal law to establish a system of general supervision to monitor the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 by educational agencies.
The Office for Exceptional Children's monitoring system includes four review processes. Each review involves a different level of support and resources from the Department and regional state support teams.
- Compliance and Performance Indicator Reviews – conducted every year for all educational agencies
- Special Education Desk Reviews – conducted for all educational agencies once every six years
- Supportive Technical Assistance Reviews – conducted for educational agencies identified with a special education rating of Needs Intervention or Needs Substantial Intervention
- IDEA Comprehensive Monitoring Review – educational agencies may be selected for this review based on multiple risk factors:
- Special Education Ratings of Needs Intervention or Needs Substantial Intervention
- Education Management Information System (EMIS) and other data that suggest irregularities in the educational agency’s special education process
- Patterns of repeated and/or systemic complaints and due process hearing requests regarding special education services
- Referral from other agencies or entities, such as the Ohio Auditor of State’s office, the office of the Ohio Attorney General, or Department internal offices
- Analysis of other data and information suggesting the need for a closer review
Career-Technical Centers, Educational Service Centers, Urban districts, Detention Centers, and County Boards of Developmental Disabilities will be randomly selected for a comprehensive monitoring review each year.
For Preschool IDEA Monitoring Process Guides and related resources, please click here.
Supports And Monitoring Informational Session (SAMIS)
The Office for Exceptional Children's Supports and Monitoring Team will hold monthly Informational Sessions. These monthly meetings will occur the first Thursday of every month at 1pm and will be geared to Special Education Directors. The team will highlight IDEA Monitoring Resources and Tools and frequently asked questions regarding compliance.
Click here for recorded and up coming meeting information.
Professional Learning Community Event (PLC)
The Office for Exceptional Children hosted a Professional Learning Community Event on October 1, 2025. The meeting event provided participants with information regarding the IDEA Monitoring Review process. Educational agencies that recently completed or are currently participating in an IDEA monitoring review shared their experiences and how they have enhanced their special education programs. Participants gained valuable insights and practical knowledge that can benefit their own practices.
2025 PLC Recorded Session
2024 PLC Recorded Session
Last Modified: 10/7/2025 9:35:13 AM