An Act to Fund the Delivery of Educational Services to Children with Special Needs as Required by State and Federal Law in Special Purpose Private Preschools
Impact
By ensuring that special purpose private preschools receive adequate funding, LD2120 seeks to maintain essential educational programming for children who require specialized instruction and therapeutic services. The bill addresses potential gaps in education services that could arise if funding was not appropriated in a timely manner. This is particularly crucial in light of previously established state directives that mandate collaboration between the Child Development Services System and private preschools to set a comprehensive funding formula, which has not yet materialized. The support aimed at these institutions highlights the state's commitment to complying with its obligations under education law while preserving the rights of children with special needs to access necessary services.
Summary
LD2120 aims to secure funding for the delivery of special education services to children with special needs in private preschools that offer medically necessary therapeutic services. Specifically, the bill allocates a one-time transfer of $15,000,000 from the state's General Fund to support payments for these educational services. It establishes a daily rate of $125 for each child enrolled in private preschools that follow a child's individualized education program (IEP) as dictated by both state and federal law. The urgency and necessity of this bill are framed as an emergency to ensure that children can continue to receive essential educational support services without disruption going into the 2024-2025 school year.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding LD2120 appears to be positive, particularly among proponents who view it as a critical measure to support children with special needs. Lawmakers advocating for the bill emphasize its importance in safeguarding the educational rights of vulnerable populations within preschools. However, the discussions may reflect a sense of urgency and concern regarding the potential implications of delayed funding in terms of accessibility to educational resources for these children. The immediate action reflects legislative intent to bridge gaps in educational funding, ensuring that children can receive uninterrupted support.
Contention
One notable point of contention in the legislative discussions might arise from the funding method. Critics may question the sustainability of the one-time funding allocation and the long-term fiscal implications for the state's budget. Questions about the adequacy of the established rate and potential disparities in the funding formula needed for future years may also surface as points for further debate. Additionally, the bill’s designation as an emergency measure could prompt discussion on the criteria that warrant such designations, especially in the context of ongoing and comprehensive funding strategies for education.
An Act to Clarify Requirements for Payment of Tuition for Children with Disabilities by the Department of Education's Child Development Services System
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.
An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.
Makes various changes to provision of preschool aid and facilities requirements; establishes Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee; requires full-day kindergarten in all school districts.