Increased support for children with disabilities.

Every child with a disability should have access to the high-quality early intervention, special education services and personnel needed to thrive in school and graduate ready for college or a career. The Budget invests $16.8 billion in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), grants to support special education and related services for more than 7 million students with disabilities in grades Pre-K through 12, an increase of $2.1 billion above the 2023 enacted level. The Budget also invests $932 million in IDEA Part C grants, an increase of $392 million above the 2023 enacted level, which support early intervention services for infants and families with disabilities that are critical to supporting children’s developmental and academic outcomes.

The increased funding would support States in implementing important reforms to expand enrollment of underserved children, including children of color, children from low-income families and children living in rural areas. The increase includes $200 million to expand and streamline enrollment of children at risk of developing disabilities, such as children born with very low-birth weight or who have been exposed to environmental toxins, which would help mitigate the need for more extensive services later in childhood and further expand access to the program for underserved children.

Budget allocation.

To address persistent special educator shortages States are facing, the Budget also invests $304 million to train and retain special education teachers, related service providers and early intervention personnel. In addition, the Budget invests $20 million to ensure military-connected children with disabilities and other highly mobile children with disabilities maintain services when they change school districts.