IDEA at Risk: Move to HHS Still Expected

On Tuesday, November 18, the U.S. Department of Education announced six agreements to transfer key functions to other agencies, including one to move the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education to the U.S. Department of Labor. To date, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has not been relocated. However, we understand from sources that an agreement has been drafted, and the move is very likely to be forthcoming.

CEC has stood firm since the first proposal to move special education to the Department of Health and Human Services surfaced. We believe that segregating our field into HHS and supporting the education of children with disabilities using a health model would weaken and undermine the purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Yesterday, I spent time on Capitol Hill talking with key offices about why it’s so important to protect, support, and oversee IDEA. This work matters deeply, and CEC will continue to lead the charge in advocating for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities who rely on IDEA.

I have been heartened by the way our members have shown up and spoken up to advocate for the children we serve. Thank you for your continued commitment and for all you have done thus far to support our efforts. Please continue to follow our social media and read the weekly Policy Insider to find out how you can engage.

Chad Rummel

CEC Executive Director