According to a May 13, 2026 announcement by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), states and school districts will receive an additional $144 million this year for services to infants, toddlers, children and young adults with disabilities,.
In the same announcement, the USDE released guidance on how states can use funds from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to help expectant parents of children with disabilities prepare for their child’s birth and plan for services after the birth. This represents a major departure from traditionally allocated early intervention funding, which supports children with disabilities and their families after a child’s birth.
Language included in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations legislation allows states to expand IDEA Part C services to people expecting to become a parent to a child with disabilities. The appropriations language did not, however, create any new requirements for Part C programs.
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