finance Topic Editor: Katy McCullough
(See also our related IDEA Part C Web page)
An adequate, stable funding base is required to insure effective and responsive systems of services and supports for young children with or at-risk of disabilities and their families. Resources from the national, state, and community levels must be combined to support these systems of early intervention and preschool services. Careful attention needs to be given when assembling or modifying such an interagency funding system.
System planners and program administrators face challenges in understanding and using these resources, combining them for the benefit of children and families, and fully funding their systems of services and supports. The NECTAC Finance topical page provides information on funding resources, tools to aid in combining as many of these resources as necessary in states and communities, and the specific financing provisions in IDEA, Parts B and C, legislation and regulations.
We will continue to add information to this site to enable program managers and family advocates to meet the individualized needs of young children and their families. NECTAC welcomes your feedback and suggestions to make the site responsive to your needs.
Under 34 CFR §303.520(3)(b), a state may use the private insurance of a parent to pay for services under this part only if the parent provides consent to do so in accordance with 34 CFR § 303.7 (parental consent), 303.420(a)(3) (consent prior to provision of services) and 303.420(a)(4) (use of private insurance).
It is important to remember that under 34 CFR §303.521(c) if a State has in effect a State law requiring the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities from birth, the State may not charge parents for any services (e.g., physical or occupational therapy) that are part of FAPE for that infant or toddler and family.
Some states have enacted legislation, regulations, and policies concerning aspects of financing their Early Intervention programs. This section will provide examples of specific financing provisions.
These links will take you to Funding Early Childhood Mental Health Services and Supports which was created by the Georgetown University Child Development Center. The NECTAC Matrix aligns with that provided in the Georgetown document but is more specific to Part C.