ED Announces Funding for Students with Disabilities
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced an additional $144 million in funding to be distributed this year through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act formulas to support infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. States and local education agencies (LEAs) may use the funds this fiscal year to support programs under the IDEA Part B grants to states program and preschool program, and the IDEA Part C infants and toddlers’ program.
The press release also announced new guidance on expanded flexibility in the use of IDEA Part C funds to assist expecting parents of infants with disabilities. Appropriations language in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill gave states greater discretion in the use of funds, and the guidance therefore includes examples of how states and LEAs may flexibly apply those funds to support eligible services and programs. The expanded flexibility is allowed but not required.