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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

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December 10, 2025

Updates from the ECTA Center

Crosswalk Comparisons of FFY 2024 to FFY 2023 Part B and Part C SPP/APR Templates

Crosswalk Comparisons detail the changes in the Part B and C State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) FFY 2024 Templates in comparison to FFY 2023. The analysis of the changes was developed by the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center and the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy). Contact your ECTA State Contact or DaSy Liaison with any questions. The FFY 2024 APR Package is also now posted and includes a memo, instructions, measurement table, and related requirements.

Read more: https://dasycenter.org/crosswalk-comparison-of-ffy-2024-to-ffy-2023-part-b-part-c-spp-apr-templates/

News from the Field

Implementation Dates for 2025 Budget Reconciliation Law

This timeline for the 2025 budget reconciliation bill gives a brief overview of the specific provisions and their effective dates. Programs affected in January and February 2026 are:

  • Affordable Care Act (ACA)
  • Medicaid
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Medicare
Source: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/implementation-dates-for-2025-budget-reconciliation-law/

Sensory-Friendly Santa Coming to Hundreds of Malls

Malls across the nation are set to welcome individuals with disabilities and their families to meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. The Santa Cares events are held outside of regular shopping hours to minimize chaos. They feature reduced sound, adjusted lighting, smaller crowds, and shorter wait times.

Source: https://www.cdlsusa.org/sensory-friendly-santa-coming-to-hundreds-of-malls/

New Definition for Dyslexia

An updated definition for dyslexia reflects how dyslexia develops, what causes it, and how it affects teachers, parents, and children around the world. This is the first major update by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) in more than twenty years. One of the differences is that the 2025 definition emphasizes the impact of early support and literacy before and during early grades. The 2002 definition does not mention early intervention. A team of researchers, practitioners, and community members developed the new wording, and presented it at IDA's 2025 conference.

Source: https://literacyforjustice.com/2025/11/07/theres-a-new-definition-for-dyslexia-what-does-this-mean-for-teachers-parents-and-students/

A Sibling's Holiday Survival Guide: How to Support Every Child During the Season

The holidays can be a time of joy for many families; however, it can also be a stressful time, particularly families that have a child with a disability. This guide offers common scenarios and tips to help take all family members' needs into account. Tips include:

  • Plan for holiday quality time with your neurotypical child.
  • Set clear expectations about roles.
  • Encourage compassion and flexibility.
Source: https://www.cdlsusa.org/a-siblings-holiday-survival-guide-how-to-support-every-child-during-the-season/

HHS Launches $2M AI Initiative to Transform Caregiving

A $2 million initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) addresses staffing shortages in direct care work by supporting caregivers through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The program will identify technologies that support caregivers by reducing stress, enhancing training programs, and assisting with daily tasks, such as managing medical appointments. It targets caregivers, which includes family, friends, and the direct care workforce. According to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these populations face increased risks of mental health strain and physical health risks. Interventions include activities such as skills training and care coordination which can relieve caregiver strain.

Source: https://homehealthcarenews.com/2025/11/hhs-launches-2m-ai-initiative-to-transform-caregiving-address-staffing-challenges/

Research

Exploring Advocacy Among Caregivers of Children Receiving Early Intervention Services

While parents are expected to advocate for their children with disabilities throughout their lifespans, little is known about the beginning advocacy experiences for parents of young children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the advocacy experiences of caregivers of children with disabilities during early intervention (EI). Altogether, 24 caregivers of children with disabilities gave interviews sharing their experiences with advocacy in EI. The findings presented in Exploring Advocacy Among Caregivers of Children Receiving Early Intervention Services highlight the crucial role that advocacy plays in EI, and its impact on caregivers and their children. There were four main findings.

  • Caregivers start advocating for their children early in their child’s life and continue to do so while receiving EI services.
  • Similar and different advocacy strategies were used during time in EI and school-based services.
  • Access to a support network was critical for advocacy, while the absence of support was seen as a barrier.
  • Greater knowledge about rights and services helped participants advocate.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1177/10538151241298662