Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

Federal Funding for VA: $26,456,077 (Part C) (FY18)

What Are the Main Requirements?

How do Federal Funds Flow?

Purpose:

Part C has a broader role to assist (state agencies) in implementing statewide systems of coordinated, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, interagency programs and making early intervention services available to children with disabilities, and their families, from birth through age 2.

Eligibility:

Part C serves eligible infants birth through age 2 and their families.

Cost to Families:

Fees for some services are based on the ability to pay.  Some costs are billed to insurance and other sources.

Providers:

Infant and Toddler Connection is the service provider for IDEA Part C. Services are provided in a child’s “natural environment” (home, child care).

Quality Standards:

Federal regulations provide specific requirements for state implementation of IDEA. Part C requirements may be found here: http://ectacenter.org/partc/componen.asp

and regulations here:
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2011-09-28/pdf/2011-22783.pdf

Federal funds are awarded according to formula grants to state agencies.

To receive Part C, a state must serve all eligible children. The governor must appoint an Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC), including parents of young children with disabilities, to advise and assist the lead agency.

Part C is managed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).

Funds flow through to Infant and Toddler Connection and then to 40 local systems: 29 are Community Service Boards; 11 are other entities (school divisions, universities, local health departments; other local governmental agencies). While the agencies can change, they have been relatively stable.