WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education will distribute an additional $144 million this year to expand programs serving students with disabilities while allowing states, for the first time, to use certain federal disability funds to support expectant parents preparing for children with developmental needs.
The funding increase applies to programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, which supports special education and early intervention services for children and young adults with disabilities.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the funding alongside new federal guidance permitting states to use IDEA Part C funds to assist expectant parents of children with disabilities before birth.
The policy change follows fiscal year 2026 appropriations language expanding allowable uses of IDEA Part C funding, which covers early intervention services for infants and toddlers from birth through age 2.
According to the department, the updated guidance is intended to help families access developmental information, support services, and care planning resources before a child is born.
Children and young adults ages 3 through 21 receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B, while infants and toddlers receive services through IDEA Part C programs.
The department indicated the additional $144 million will be distributed across both IDEA Part B and Part C funding streams.
McMahon described the change as an effort to provide earlier support for families navigating developmental disabilities and related care needs.
“For the first time, states can allocate funds to help parents receive support even before their child with disabilities is born,” McMahon said in a statement.
Federal officials characterized the move as part of broader administration efforts focused on state flexibility and expanded support services for families of children with disabilities.
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