What a Federal Government Shutdown Means for Special Education
- Jake Fishbein
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The federal government is currently in a shutdown, a situation where many federal offices and programs pause because Congress has not passed a budget. While headlines often focus on politics in Washington, the ripple effects can reach schools, and for parents of children with disabilities, it raises urgent questions: Will my child’s IEP services stop? Will supports be delayed? Who will answer my special education-related questions if problems come up?
The short answer: most special education services continue as usual in a short-term shutdown. But there are hidden risks if a shutdown drags on — and parents should know where to keep watch.
Special Education Services That Keep Going
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is funded on a forward basis.
That means:
Schools can still access IDEA funds already awarded.
IEP services should continue without interruption.
Related services like speech therapy or occupational therapy remain in place if they’re part of your child’s IEP.
For a shutdown that lasts days or weeks, most families should not see immediate changes in their child’s special education support.
Where Risks in Special Education Start to Show
If the shutdown continues, cracks can appear... not in the law itself, but in how it’s enforced and supported:
Delays in federal oversight: The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights pauses complaint investigations. That means if you’ve filed a complaint about IEP implementation or discrimination, it may not move forward until after the shutdown.
Technical assistance on hold: States and districts can’t get new federal guidance, making it harder to resolve tricky compliance questions quickly.
New grants frozen: Competitive grants that often support innovative special education programs won’t move forward.
Staff furloughs: With most federal education staff furloughed, there are fewer people to answer questions or provide clarity on disputes.
None of this changes your child’s rights. But it can affect how quickly problems get addressed if something isn’t working.
Why Families Should Pay Attention
For many children, consistent support is the difference between progress and regression. Even short interruptions in special education can matter — especially for students who rely on daily or weekly services.
When the government shuts down, the system’s guardrails weaken. Oversight slows, responses stall, and families may find themselves carrying more of the burden to hold schools accountable.
What Parents Can Do
Here are practical steps to protect your child during a shutdown:
Stay proactive. Ask your child’s teachers and service providers directly: “Will any part of my child’s services be affected by the shutdown?”
Watch for changes. Keep an eye out for delayed services, missed sessions, or sudden communication gaps.
Document everything. If a service is skipped or support is reduced, write it down. Dates, times, and details matter if you need to push for make-up services later.
Know your rights. Your child’s IEP remains legally binding. A shutdown does not erase a school’s obligation to provide services.
Lean on your support network. Connect with your PTA, local advocacy groups, or other parents. If something shifts, collective voices carry weight.
The Bottom Line
A government shutdown doesn’t take away your child’s rights under IDEA. But it can weaken the systems designed to enforce those rights and support schools in meeting them.
Parents are the first line of defense. By staying informed, asking direct questions, and documenting carefully, you can ensure your child keeps receiving the education they deserve — no matter what happens in Washington.
Highlighter is here to help you cut through the noise, track your child’s IEP, and know exactly when to follow up.