Education & Human Services News October 20, 2020
Earlier this month, Governor Cuomo announced that the state would now be monitoring COVID-19 hot spots through the “Cluster Action Initiative” where certain activities will be restricted in the three zones:
- Red Zone – Cluster Itself
- Orange Zone – Warning Zone
- Yellow Zone – Precautionary Zone
To increase compliance with this new Initiative, the Department of Health sent a letter warning local governments in cluster zones that they will lose state funding if they fail to enforce state limits on gatherings and the closure of schools. Governor Cuomo also announced that DOH will send an additional letter warning public and private schools in cluster zones that they will lose state funding if they do not comply with state requirements on closure and testing.
A chart outlining the restrictions within the Clusters can be found here:
In addition, recent guidance and updates are as follows:
Lower Education
- The State Education Department issued a FAQ regarding the provision of services to students with disabilities during the 2020-21 school year. October 15, 2020
- Additional guidance from NYSED’s Office of Special Education can be found here.
- The Department of Health hosted a COIVD-19 School Report Card webinar for BOCES. October 14, 2020
- The Department of Health issued guidance for school administrators regarding limited temporary enforcement of student immunization requirement. October 12, 2020
- The Department of Health issued interim guidance on mandatory COVID-19 testing in public and non-public schools located in areas designated as “yellow zones” under the New York State Cluster Action Initiative. October 9, 2020
- The Department of Health hosted a second COIVD-19 School Report Card webinar. September 11, 2020
- The Department of Health hosted a COIVD-19 School Report Card webinar. September 8, 2020
- The Department of Health issued a Prek-K to Grade 12 COVID-19 Toolkit. September 2020
Higher Education
- The State Education Department issued a memo extending distance education flexibility previously offered during the Spring, Summer and Fall 2020 semesters to include the Spring 2021 semester. October 5, 2020
- Additional guidance from NYSED’s Office of Higher Education can be found here.
- The U.S. Department of Education (Department) hosted a webinar on Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) reporting requirements. October 14, 2020
- The U.S. Department of Education (Department) released a FAQ on the CARES Act’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). October 14, 2020
- The U.S. Department of Education rescinded the 2016 Clery Act Handbook and issued a new 13 page appendix to the Federal Student Aid Handbook. October 9, 2020
Professions
- Governor Cuomo has issued a number of Executive Orders (EOs) that impact licensed professionals. A summary of these Orders can be found on the State Education Department’s website here.
- Additional guidance from NYSED’s Office of Professionals can be found here.
Child Care Centers
- The Office of Children and Family Services issued guidance for child care programs located in schools that are in red, orange or yellow zones. October 19, 2020
- Additional COVID-19 information from OCFS can be found here.
Essential Businesses
Empire State Development (ESD), in consultation with the Department of Health, issued the following guidance intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business, if they are located in areas with designated cluster activity. Where permitted to operate within the cluster action initiative, businesses and other entities must continue to follow the relevant industry-specific guidelines provided by Department of Health as available on the New York Forward website for their applicable operations and activities. October 7, 2020
Highlights
OASAS and OMH Begin Listening Sessions to Explore Integration
Earlier this month, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) jointly announced a series of public listening sessions to examine the potential integration of OASAS and OMH into a new single agency. The first listening session was held on Friday and focused on Western and Central NY. The Commissioners of OASAS and OMH stated that the agencies would be working under the following foundational principles in creating integrated services mission:
- Provide integrated prevention, treatment and recovery services meeting the needs of the whole person, including mental health, substance use disorder, and physical health needs. Initial work will be focused on creation of the state agency.
- OASAS and OMH state budget appropriations will be separate. Current program financing structures (i.e. direct contracts vs. local allocation) will be maintained.
- Current certifications/licenses, reimbursement structures and unique programming (e.g. OASAS residential treatment, prevention, recovery) will be maintained.
- After the new office is created, work on certifications/licenses, reimbursement structures and unique programming will occur with stakeholder workgroup input and guidance.
Around 15 individuals’ representing different professionals (clinicians, program managers) in different settings (local government, non-profits) made public comment. Overall, the feedback was supportive of integrating the two agencies since integration would provide an opportunity for “no wrong door”. In addition, breaking down silos between the agencies would bring a long list of regulatory relief. The remaining listening sessions will be held as follows:
- October 26: Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Capital
- October 30: New York City
- November 2: Southern Tier, Tug Hill, North Country, Mohawk Valley
Governor Cuomo Announces SNAP Eligibility for Students Enrolled in a Program of Career and Technical Education or Qualified Educational Opportunity Center Program
Governor Cuomo announced actions aimed at reducing food insecurity among community college students. Specifically, income-eligible students enrolled at least half-time in a career or technical education program offered at a SUNY, CUNY, comprehensive, technical, or community college will now be eligible for SNAP. Additionally, income-eligible individuals attending any of the 10 Educational Opportunity Centers in New York State and enrolled at least half-time in a career and technical education program, remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language will be also be included in this new policy. Previously, these students did not qualify for SNAP assistance, unless they met certain criteria such as working at least 20 hours per week, or caring for a child, or were unable to work, among others. Click here for more information.
Maximum SNAP Extended for Eligible Individuals Through October
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced more than $100 million in additional emergency food assistance to help New Yorkers avoid food insecurity during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. About 700,000 low-income individuals and families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive additional food benefits this month to bring them up to the maximum allowable amount for October. This will mark the eighth consecutive month all SNAP recipients in New York State have received the maximum benefit.
SUNY Launches a Comprehensive Plan to Expand Access to Mental Health Services to Every Student
State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras announced a comprehensive plan to expand access to mental health services to every student at SUNY’s 64 campuses. As part of this new plan, SUNY is partnering with Thriving Campus to provide every student from SUNY’s colleges and universities with access to a network of more than 6,000 licensed mental health service providers.
New Program Announced that Focuses on the Future of Pandemic Response
SUNY has created a new seed grant program that will provide up to $10,000 for students and faculty working with innovative technology to improve the design and accelerate the production solutions to COVID-19 challenges. Proposals are invited from multidisciplinary SUNY teams of faculty and staff and should focus on exploring and creating solutions, including but not limited to: novel and alternative personal protective equipment (PPE); creative devices, technologies or designs to reduce the use of high-touch areas; environmentally sustainable sanitization; and arts, messages and technologies for effective implementation of social distancing, mask wearing, and hand sanitizing.
NYS Register
- Children and Family Services, Office of
- To Implement and Enforce Emergency Health Guidance As Put Forward by the Executive Chamber and DOH (A)
- State University of New York
- Tuition, Fees and Charges (A)
- Education Department
- Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis and the Reopening of Schools (EP)
- Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis (ERP)
- Eligibility for Participation of Students With IEPs, Section 504 or ADA Plans in Interschool Competition & Inclusive Athletics (ERP)
- Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis and Planning for the Reopening of Schools (ERP)
- Alternative High School Equivalency Preparation and Alternative Transition Programs (A)
- Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis (A)
- Licensing Examinations in the Profession of Public Accountancy (A)
- Professional Study of Nursing (A)
- Financial Transparency Requirement Reporting Deadlines (P)
- Continuing Education Requirements for Psychologists (P)
- Authorize NY Higher Education Institutions to Participate in SARA and the Approval of Out-of State Institution to Provide Distance Education (P)
- Health, Department of
- Development of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Compliance Programs (A)
- People with Developmental Disabilities, Office for
- Operating Certificates (E)
- State University of New York
- Proposed Amendments to the Traffic and Parking Regulations at State University of New York College at Old Westbury (A)
- Temporary and Disability Assistance, Office of
- Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (EP)
- Aging, Office for the
- Limits on Administrative Expenses and Executive Compensation (A)
- Education Department
- Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis (E)
- Licensing Examinations in the Profession of Public Accountancy (E)
- Professional Study of Nursing (E)
- Eligibility for Participation of Students With Section 504 or ADA Plans in Interschool Competition and Inclusive Athletics (E)
- State University of New York
- Student Assembly Elections, Student Assembly Officers, Campus Government Elections, Student Activity Fees (E)
- Taxation and Finance, Department of
- Property Tax Levy Limits for School Districts in Relation to Certain Costs Resulting from Capital Local Expenditures (E)
- Children and Family Services, Office of
- To Implement and Enforce Emergency Health Guidance As Put Forward by the Executive Chamber and DOH (E)
- Maintenance Reimbursement for Residential CSE Programs When a Student has been Absent from the Program for More Than 15 Days (E)
- Medical Reviews for Child Placement (A)
- Health, Department of
- Confirmatory COVID-19 and Influenza Testing (E)
- People with Developmental Disabilities, Office for
- Day Habilitation Duration (EP)
- State University of New York
- Appointment of Employees’ Eligibility (EP)
Public Hearing Calendar
Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Chair: Senator José M. Serrano
October 21, 2020
https://www.nysenate.gov/events
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Oral Testimony by Invitation Only
Roundtable: To discuss Maternal and Child Health in Upstate New York
Joint — Senate Standing Committee on Women’s Issues
Chair: Senator Julia Salazar
Co-Sponsor: Senator Rachel May
November 19, 2020
https://www.nysenate.gov/events
Time: 1:30 P.M.
Oral Testimony by Invitation Only
Funding Opportunities
New York State Center for School Health
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of Student Support Services is seeking proposals for The New York State Center for School Health. The Center will work in collaboration with the New York State Education Department as a resource center to provide professional development and ongoing technical assistance to all school health personnel employed in all schools throughout the State (inclusive of both health and mental health personnel), and all school personnel involved in coordinating and/or delivering school health education.
Due November 3, 2020 by 3:00 PM
Statewide LGBTQ+ Trainings for the Developmental Disabilities Field
The New York Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) announced availability of grant funds to fund one grantee up to $450,000 ($150,000 per year, for 3 years) to develop and deliver a statewide training for staff in the developmental disabilities field on supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Questioning (LGBTQ+) people with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD).
Due November 23, 2020 at 03:00 PM
Continuation of the Development of the Grades 3–8 English Language Arts and Mathematics Tests, computer-based and paper-based, and Provision of a Computer-based Testing Platform for the Grades 5 & 8 Science Tests
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of State Assessment is seeking proposals from highly qualified respondents with expertise in the development and administration of Statewide tests in both paper- and computer-based testing platforms. Services required by this RFP include ongoing development and administration of tests, both computer- and paper-based, in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (3–8) for multiple school years, as defined in this RFP.
Due November 25, 2020 by 3:00 PM
Scaling and Scale Maintenance, Standard Setting, and Reliability/Validity Analyses of the New York State Regents Examinations and Elementary/Intermediate-level Science Testing Programs
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of State Assessment is seeking proposals to conduct three psychometric components: (1) scaling and scale maintenance (2) post-operational score collection and standard setting; and, (3) analyses to provide evidence regarding reliability and validity for selected High School Regents Examinations in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, and the elementary and intermediate-level Science tests. The successful bidder will provide psychometric services and prepare technical documentation for the 2021 22, 2022 23, 2023 24, 2024 25, and 2025-26 school years.
Due December 8, 2020 by 3:00 PM
Comprehensive Family Planning and Reproductive Health Program
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Women, Infant and Adolescent Health (BWIAH), announces the availability of up to $49.3 million annually to support the provision of comprehensive family planning and reproductive health services. Organizations funded through this RFA will comprise the New York State Comprehensive Family Planning and Reproductive Health Program (NYSFPP) and support the program’s overarching goals to improve sexual and reproductive health and birth outcomes, partner with individuals to support their reproductive health goals, and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Due December 17, 2020 by 4:00 PM
Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG- 2) Request for Applications (RFA)
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is making up to $3.7 million in funding available under the Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG-2) Request for Applications (RFA). The purpose of this RFA is to expand Registered Apprenticeship (RA) training by increasing employment opportunities for approximately 800 apprentices with a focus on underrepresented populations. These apprentices will enter into trades in high-demand occupations, with a focus on the emerging fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Information Technology, as well as other in-demand occupations.
Due March 26, 2021 at 04:00 PM
Homeless Housing and Assistance Program
The Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation (HHAC) and the New York State (NYS) Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) invite applicants to apply for funding under the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP). The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, enacted by Chapter 61 of the Laws of 1983 and set out in Sections 41 through 44 of the Social Services Law, authorizes a program of State-funded grants or loans to acquire, construct or rehabilitate housing to expand the supply of housing for low-income persons who are, or would otherwise be, homeless. A homeless person is defined as an undomiciled person (whether alone or as a member of a family) who is unable to secure permanent and stable housing without special assistance, as determined by the Commissioner of OTDA. Non-profit corporations and their subsidiaries, charitable organizations, municipalities and public corporations are eligible to be funded.
This is an open-ended RFP, meaning proposals will be accepted for consideration on a continuous basis until funds are no longer available for award or until HHAC suspends or terminates the open-ended RFP.