IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Provides funding to help states and districts deliver special education and related services to children with disabilities. Part B covers ages 3–21; Part C covers infants and toddlers.
How to access it: Teachers do not apply to the U.S. Department of Education. Ask your district's federal programs office how the district plans to use these funds and how to propose an activity.
- Federal agency
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSERS)
- State / local administration
- State education agency (Part B) allocates to districts; a state lead agency runs Part C.
- Intended beneficiaries
- Children with disabilities.
- Eligible applicants
- School districts via the state. Separate discretionary grants exist for states, universities and nonprofits.
- Funding mechanism
- Formula funding — Allocated through established federal and state formulas — districts receive it automatically when eligible; no open competition.
- Automatic or competitive
- Part B and Part C are formula grants. Some IDEA Part D grants are competitive.
- Application process
- Contact your district's special education office.
- Current status
- Ongoing formula programme
- Funding year
- Federal fiscal year 2026 funds, used mainly in school year 2026–27. Allocation amounts are set each year — confirm yours with your state agency or district.
What this funding could pay for
Potential uses only. Whether a cost is allowable depends on current federal rules, your state's requirements and your district's plan. Confirm with your district or state before spending.
Special education and related services.
Training for special education staff.
Preschool special education (Part B, Section 619) and early intervention (Part C).