Understanding the Costs of Early Childhood Special Education and How to Save

Estimates suggest that raising a child with special needs from birth to adulthood can cost upwards of $2.5 million. Thankfully there are publicly funded programs, grants, and other types of assistance that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. For example, state-run early childhood special education programs can help babies and toddlers with developmental delays build language and motor skills. Children who receive early intervention are less likely to need support services later on, potentially saving you thousands down the line. Here’s how to get your child the help they need without breaking the bank.

How to Save on Early Childhood Special Education 

If your child isn’t hitting important developmental milestones, they may need additional support to catch up, such as physical or speech therapy. Starting interventions early before your child enters school can set them up for academic success. However, the cost of private services is out of reach for many families. Private providers may charge $100 to $200 per hour or more. If you have insurance, it may help cover the cost of medically necessary services. Below are some additional avenues to explore.

Publicly Funded Early Childhood Special Education Programs

According to the CDC, early childhood special education programs are currently available in every state. Children with special needs can receive support services for free or at a reduced cost. Some states charge nothing, while others may require you to pay a sliding scale fee based on your income. 

To determine your child’s eligibility, you can either speak to their pediatrician or arrange a developmental evaluation through the state. If your child is under the age of three, you can call your state’s early childhood education program to get an assessment. Kids older than three can be evaluated by the local school district even if they don’t attend classes there.

Apply for Grants 

Many nonprofit organizations offer grants to help parents cover their child’s healthcare costs. Although you won’t have to repay these funds, you may be required to use them for specific purposes, such as assistive devices or medical bills. Keep in mind that some grants may only be available to children with certain conditions or families with limited incomes. Before you spend time filling out an application, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the grant. Below are a few organizations that may provide aid, but keep in mind that funds are limited.

• The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project
• The Federation for Children with Special Needs
• Autism Speaks and Autism Care Today
• Disabled Children’s Relief Fund
• Different Needz Foundation

Research Community Resources 

There may also be nonprofits in your local community that provide various services to kids with special needs. For example, Extra Special People in Georgia runs affordable summer camps and after-school care programs for kids with disabilities. Some churches have food pantries, transportation services, and respite care programs to help members in need. Many communities also have assistive device exchange programs to make it easier to afford medical equipment. Googling “resources for disabled children” followed by your location can yield helpful search results and services.

Take Advantage of Tax Credits 

Parents of disabled children may qualify for certain tax credits or deductions. You may be able to deduct the cost of prescriptions, travel to and from appointments, medical equipment, and necessary home modifications on your taxes. There are also tax credits you might be eligible for, such as the EITC for Parents of Children with Disabilities or Child or Dependent Care Credit, which helps offset childcare costs.

Consider Applying for Benefits 

There’s no shame in applying for benefits if you need them. Caretaking responsibilities often make it difficult for parents of disabled children to earn sufficient income. Depending on your salary, you may qualify for programs like Medicaid and CHIP, which provide free or low-cost health coverage. If your child is considered disabled, you may be eligible to receive SSI payments from the Social Security Administration as well. Other programs to look into include food stamps and TANF, which provides emergency financial assistance. These programs can reduce the strain on your budget and help you afford the therapies your child needs.

Early childhood special education can be expensive, but luckily assistance is available. Grants, state-run programs, and community resources can help you cover the cost of the support services your child needs. Do you have any strategies for saving money on medical costs? Share your tips below!

Vicky Monroe

Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance writer who enjoys learning about and discussing the psychology of money. In her free time, she loves to cook and tackle DIY projects.