# Plain Language Summary: Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act

This bill would significantly increase federal funding for two special education programs that serve young children with disabilities. The first program, called Part C, provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities from birth to age three. The second program, Section 619, funds preschool special education services for children ages three to five. Both programs help children with disabilities develop skills and prepare for school, and they also support their families.

The bill addresses a real funding problem. Over the past two to three decades, the amount of money spent per child in these programs has dropped dramatically when adjusted for inflation. For example, Part C funding fell from about $1,768 per child in 1999 to just $645 per child in 2017. Section 619 funding dropped from $1,484 per child in 1992 to $529 per child in 2017. This means that even though more children need services and costs have risen, the programs have actually received less money to work with.

To fix this, the bill would gradually increase funding for both programs over five years, starting in 2024. For Section 619 (preschool services), funding would grow from $503 million in 2024 to $1.22 billion by 2028. For Part C (infant and toddler services), funding would increase from $932 million in 2024 to $1.73 billion by 2028. This extra money would help states and school districts provide better quality services, hire more specialists, and reach more children who need help. Families with young children who have disabilities would likely see improved access to services and more comprehensive support for their child's development.

Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act

Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act This bill authorizes through FY2028 specified provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for early childhood education. Specifically, the bill authorizes Part B, Section 619 (grants to states for preschool programs serving children with disabilities ages three to five) and Part C (grants to aid states in implementing early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families).