Recommendations for Stakeholders: Offering Advice on the Use of IDEA ARP Funds - Updated July 2021

DEC offers this resource to those who are planning for or view themselves as stakeholders to decisions on spending the early childhood IDEA funds included in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP). This document was developed by the DEC Policy Advocacy Committee. DEC will provide additional updates on ARP as more information becomes available.

The ARP was signed into law on March 11, 2021, offering the first COVID-19 related targeted IDEA resources to address the challenges faced in ensuring services for children with disabilities and their families. While there are additional general education and IDEA Part B section 611 special education funds allocated under the ARP, this document specifically addresses the two early childhood programs under IDEA. Some of the ideas are also relevant to the early elementary years.

Clarifications on the use of the funds, the application process, reporting requirements as well as how long the funds will remain available is expected shortly from the federal Office of Special Education Program (OSEP). Additional implementation information will be posted at an OSEP IDEA ARP webpage at: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/leg/arp/index.html

Download the recommendations below.

DEC Recommendations on the Use of IDEA ARP Funds.pdf

Download PDF • 274KB

Note: These recommendations were revised July 2021 to reflect the most recent guidance.