Improving Systems, Practices and Outcomes

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Extended Part C Option (for Services Beyond Age 3)

The FY 2018 Omnibus spending bill, signed by President Trump on March 23, 2018, included a $470 million appropriation for Part C, which was an $11.4 million increase from 2017. Under IDEA section 643(e), in any fiscal year where the appropriation exceeds $460 million, the Secretary shall reserve 15% of the appropriated amount to provide incentive grants to States that elect to offer Part C services beyond age three under IDEA sections 632(5)(B)(ii) and 635(c). (See also 34 CFR §303.211.)
IDEA 2004 Regulations – 619 State Administration and Other State-level Activities
Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Final Regulations, Nonregulatory Guidance (2011)
Maryland Infants & Toddlers Program (MITP) Regulations (2013). Policies and procedures for Maryland's Extended IFSP Option are incorporated into their regulations for the Infants & Toddlers Program (COMAR 13A.13.01 and 13A.13.02). Under this option, the child and family would continue to receive early intervention services with an educational component that promotes school readiness and incorporates pre-literacy, language, and numeracy skills through an IFSP until the child's 4th birthday. See also, Technical Assistance Bulletin on Effective Transition Practices: Supporting Family Choice at Age 3 (2016), Maryland State Department of Education.
Issues and Questions to Consider for States Exploring the Part C Option: Discussion Tool (2005)

The ECTA Center is a program of the FPG Child Development Institute of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, funded through cooperative agreement number H326P170001 from the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the Department of Education's position or policy.