If you've been scrolling through social media or catching the evening news lately, you've probably seen the headlines about the Department of Education being on the chopping block. It sounds like a total "burn it all down" scenario. But if you’re a parent of a kid with an IEP or a teacher who spends their Sundays prepping sensory bins, you aren't looking for political drama. You're looking for answers. You want to know if the bus is still coming and if the speech therapist is still on the payroll.
The reality of what will happen to special education under trump is a bit more complicated than a simple "it’s going away" or "it’s getting better." Honestly, we’re looking at a massive structural renovation, not just a fresh coat of paint.
The $15 Billion Question: Is the Money Vanishing?
Let’s talk about the money first. Basically, the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal keeps the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at about $15.5 billion. On the surface, that sounds like a win—or at least a "phew, no cuts." But here’s the kicker: the way that money moves is changing.
For decades, the federal government has sent chunks of cash to states with very specific strings attached. You do X, Y, and Z, and we give you the money. The new "Special Education Simplified Funding Program" wants to cut those strings. The idea is to bundle everything into a block grant.
The administration argues this removes "bureaucratic red tape." They say it lets local districts decide if they need another specialized reading coach or a new ramp more than they need to fill out a 50-page federal report. Critics, however, are biting their nails. They worry that without those federal strings, some states might "simplify" their budgets right into other areas, leaving special ed programs thin.
Shifting Special Ed to Health and Human Services?
This is the one that's kept advocates up at night. There's a serious push to move the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) out of the Department of Education and over to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Why does a change of address matter?
- The "Medical Model" vs. the "Educational Model": Education experts like Lindsey Burke and various disability rights groups argue that special ed belongs in schools because it’s about learning.
- The Shift: Moving it to HHS could shift the focus toward a "medical" view of disability—treating it like a condition to be managed rather than a student to be taught.
- The Logistics: If the Department of Education actually closes, someone has to hold the keys to IDEA. HHS is the most likely candidate, but that transition would be a logistical nightmare.
School Choice and the "Voucher" Dilemma
Trump’s biggest education platform is "universal school choice." He wants parents to be able to take their child’s share of federal tax dollars—roughly $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the state and the child's needs—and use it at a private or religious school.
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For some parents, this is a godsend. If the local public school isn't meeting their kid's needs, they can take that Education Savings Account (ESA) and go somewhere else. But—and this is a huge "but"—private schools aren't always required to follow the same IDEA rules as public schools.
In a public school, an IEP is a legal contract. If the school doesn't provide the services, you can sue. In a private school, if the tuition doesn't cover the cost of a full-time aide, the school might just say, "Sorry, we can't accommodate you." You've basically traded your legal protections for a check that might not cover the full cost of specialized care.
What About the "Special Education Simplified Funding Program"?
The administration's 2026 plan introduces something called the "Special Education Simplified Funding Program." It’s a fancy way of saying they want to combine different pots of money—like preschool grants and school-age grants—into one.
One specific change that’s flying under the radar is the proposed elimination of "Part D" funding under IDEA. This is the money that pays for:
- Parent Training and Information Centers (the people who help you understand your rights).
- Research on new interventions for kids with autism or dyslexia.
- Development of educational technology.
The plan is to roll this money into the general "Part B" pot that goes to districts. On paper, it looks like the districts get more money. In reality, the support system that helps parents and teachers stay informed could start to dry up.
Real Talk: The Impact on Your IEP
If you have a child with an IEP today, the law hasn't changed. IDEA is still a federal law passed by Congress. A President can’t just "delete" it with an Executive Order. Your child is still entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
However, the enforcement of those rights might feel different. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has seen significant staffing changes. If you feel your child’s rights are being violated, the wait times for investigations might get longer.
Also, watch the Medicaid cuts. Many schools rely on Medicaid to pay for school nurses, therapists, and even specialized equipment. If federal Medicaid funding gets capped, schools will have to find that money somewhere else—likely from their general fund—which puts a strain on every classroom.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Educators
Don't wait for a news alert to tell you what's happening in your specific town. Here is what you should actually do right now:
- Review Your IEP Today: Ensure your current IEP is as specific as possible. Don't accept vague terms like "access to a counselor." Demand specifics: "30 minutes of 1-on-1 counseling per week." If protections weaken at the federal level, your written contract is your strongest shield.
- Check Your State’s "Voucher" Laws: If you are considering a move to a private school using a state ESA or voucher, ask the private school in writing if they will honor the full IEP. Most won't. You need to know exactly what you’re giving up before you sign over that funding.
- Connect with your Parent Training and Information Center (PTI): There is at least one in every state. These centers are currently facing the most direct threat of losing federal funding. Use their resources now while they are fully staffed to learn how to advocate for your child during this transition.
- Watch the Local School Board: With more "flexibility" coming from the federal level, your local school board will have more power over how special education dollars are spent. Show up to the meetings. Ask where the IDEA Part B funds are going.
The landscape for special education under trump is shifting toward a model of "flexibility and choice." Whether that's a "freedom" or a "risk" depends entirely on your state, your district, and how much you're willing to advocate at the local level. The federal safety net isn't disappearing, but it's definitely getting some wider holes in the mesh. Stay informed, stay loud, and keep those IEP meetings on your calendar.