01/07/2026
Repost—ICYMI:
📣 Share Your Input to Make an Impact 🗣️ Two Public Comment Opportunities
The California Department of Education (CDE) is proposing changes to special education regulations in two areas. These proposals are not final, and families, educators, and community members are encouraged to share input during the public comment periods.
👶 Early Start (Birth–Age 3)
Proposed changes would:
✔️ Align eligibility criteria used by school districts and regional centers
✔️ Update terminology by replacing “emotional disturbance” with “emotional disability”
🗓️ Virtual Public Hearing
📅 January 20, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. (PT)
💻 Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89551734411
🔐 Passcode: 501129
✍️ Written comments due by January 20, 2026
More details here: Early Start Proposed Rulemaking & Regulations: https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/lr/rr/earlystart.asp
🎒 Extended School Year (ESY)
Proposed changes would:
✔️ Allow alternate ESY schedules of at least 15 instructional days
✔️ Maintain required instructional hours by grade level
🗓️ Virtual Public Hearing
📅 January 27, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. (PT)
💻 Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84587001075
🔐 Passcode: 672070
✍️ Written comments due by January 27, 2026
More details here: ESY Proposed Rulemaking & Regulations: https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/lr/rr/extendedschoolyear.asp
💬 Your voice helps shape policies that affect students with disabilities and their families.