Parents, service providers urge $5.72M for Infant Learning Program, broaden eligibility

Members of the public told the Alaska Senate Finance Committee on Feb. 27 that expanding early intervention funding and eligibility should be a top budget priority.

"I'm calling to speak to the necessity of the $5,720,000 allocation to the Infant Learning Program and the increase in eligibility ... from the current ... 50% disabled criteria to the broader criteria of 25% disability," said Carrie Nash, president of the ACCA board of directors and a Fairbanks parent. Nash said aligning eligibility with most other states would expand access for children ages 0–3 and reduce future special‑education costs.

Heidi Haas, executive director of the Alaska Center for Children and Adults, told senators she supports increasing FY27 ILP funding to $5,720,000 and said aligning ILP eligibility with school‑based special‑education thresholds "will improve outcomes for Alaskan students and greater access to early intervention services." Deborah Foster, a Fairbanks parent and guardian of two sons with special needs, also urged preservation of the proposed FY27 funding.

Proponents said early intervention produces long‑term savings by reducing the number of children who require intensive special‑education services later. In testimony, Nash asserted that the state can save "up to $229,000" per child by providing early supports; committee members did not dispute the claim on the record but did not take action during the session.

The committee took public testimony only; no vote or formal motion to change the budget occurred during the morning session. Senators told callers the public testimony record would continue in the afternoon and that final budget decisions remain pending.

Next steps: public testimony continues this afternoon at 1:30 p.m.; budget deliberations and any appropriations changes will be decided later in the Finance Committee process.