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    School-Based ACCESS Program Guidelines

    Directions for Preparing PDE-352

    Funding Source: Federal

    Grant Program Name: ACCESS

    Deadline: On-going

    Application: ACCESS Form PDE-352 (PDF)

    Digital copies should be emailed to: RA-EDSBAPFUNDING@pa.gov

    • Eligible agencies may contact Sivic Solutions Group (SSG) at 1-877-916-3222 or via email at pasupport@sivicsolutionsgroup.com for information regarding the ACCESS program.
    • Participating agencies may contact the Bureau of Special Education, Carla Alfieri, 717-346-0724 or via email at
      RA-EDSBAPFUNDING@pa.gov for information concerning draw down of funds.

    Program Description

    • Supports Local Education Agency health and special educational programs.
    • Authorized by the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 which made State Educational Agencies eligible for federal reimbursement for the related services they provide to students who have Medical Assistance.
    • Is a streamlined process to gain MA reimbursements for the cost of providing related services to students.
    • Is a cooperative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW), the Health Care Financing Agency (HCFA), and Sivic Solutions Group (SSG).
    • Funds may be used to enhance or enlarge special education and health services.
    • Training, support services, and data processing are supplied through the contractor, SSG.

    Restrictions on Funding

    Funding may not be used:

    • For programs or services outside the LEA special education program
    • To make capital improvements to property
    • To supplant programs or personnel

    Eligible Entities and/or Partners

    Formula Grants Only

    Intermediate Units, School Districts, Charter Schools, State Owned Schools, and MAWA Early Intervention Programs.

    Method of Distribution

    • Formula grant program; 50% of amount billed for direct services is returned to the Local Education Agency and 25% of Administrative Claims Computable Claim is returned to the Local Education Agency.
    • Reimbursements for Direct Services are deposited by the Department of Education into restricted accounts for each LEA.
    • Each LEA may request draw down of these funds by submitting form PDE-352 and a short narrative describing the ways in which the money will be used to enlarge or enhance their special education program.
    • Reimbursements for Administrative Time Studies are paid quarterly directly to each LEA.

    PDE Bureau/Agency Responsible:
    Bureau of Special Education
    Carla Alfieri, 717-346-0724
    RA-EDSBAPFUNDING@pa.gov