The Illinois Department of Early Childhood and the Illinois Department of Human Services announced on Mar. 20 that the Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is now available for public review.
Part C of IDEA covers services for children from birth to age three who have developmental disabilities or delays, as well as their families. The application process is an important step in securing federal funding and ensuring continued support for early intervention programs across Illinois.
According to the announcement, the application will be posted for at least 60 days starting March 20, 2026. Public comment on the application will be accepted for a period of 30 days, beginning April 1, 2026. All comments must be submitted in writing by close of business on May 1, 2026. Comments can be sent via email, fax, or mail to the Bureau of Early Intervention at the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Individuals who need the application in a different format or have questions are encouraged to contact Katie Jacobs at the Bureau of Early Intervention by phone or email. The draft annual state application and related documents are available online and include references to relevant sections of Illinois law and administrative code governing early childhood services.
This process allows stakeholders and members of the public to provide input on how early intervention services are administered in Illinois. The feedback collected during this period may influence final decisions regarding program implementation and funding priorities.
