Infant, toddlers & families (part c)

The State of Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging received a formula grant award of $13.7 million from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Special Education-Grants for Infants and Families program (CFDA 84.181). The award, effective July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, supports the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary early intervention system serving infants and toddlers with disabilities aged birth to three years and their families. The funding enables the state lead agency to provide developmental screenings, assessments, individualized family service plans, specialized instruction, therapies including speech, physical, and occupational services, assistive technology, and family support services designed to enhance child development and mitigate the impacts of disabilities during critical developmental periods.

The Department of Disability and Aging administers these services through a collaborative network of sub-awardees including local education agencies, health departments, universities, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. This coordinated, interagency approach ensures comprehensive service delivery across the state system. The grant aligns with the federal requirement for states to develop and maintain statewide systems that make early intervention services accessible to eligible populations, with all grant administration and program implementation subject to standard federal compliance, recordkeeping, and audit requirements under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.