Introduction to the IDEA 1

The Structure and Funding of the IDEA 1

Part A—General Provisions 2

Part B—Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities 2

Part C—Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities 3

Part D—National Activities to Improve Education of Children with Disabilities 3

Current IDEA Funding 4

IDEA Funding Trends 4

Historical Review of Funding Provisions in the IDEA and Related Acts 7

The Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA) 8

Education for All Handicapped Children Act 9

Conference Action 10

President Ford Signs the Bill 11

Funding Formula Changes 11

IDEA 2004 Formula Changes 13

Procedures Used to Allocate IDEA Funds 14

Part B Grants to States 14

Level or Increased Federal IDEA Part B Funding 16

Decreased Federal IDEA Part B Funding 22

Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) 22

Grants for IDEA Early Childhood Programs 23

Preschool Grants Program (Part B Section 619) 23

Infants and Families Program (IDEA Part C) 23

IDEA Funding Issues 24

Full Funding 24

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) 25

Reduction of MOE Requirements: States 26

Reduction of MOE Requirements: LEAs 27

High-Cost Pools/Risk Pools 28