DE HB454

Increases the age of eligibility for special education services from age 21 to age 22, extending coverage through the end of the school year in which a child turns 22.

Aligns Delaware law with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires states to provide free appropriate public education to children with disabilities through age 21, inclusive (meaning through their 22nd birthday).

Makes changes effective on staggered dates: August 31, 2022 for definitions in Chapter 31, July 1, 2022 for initial funding unit changes in Chapter 17, and July 1, 2023 for consolidated funding unit calculations.

Modifies special education funding unit ratios for basic special education services, effective July 1, 2022, changing the kindergarten through grade 3 ratio from 1 unit for 12.2 students to 1 unit for 10.2 students.

Consolidates basic special education funding units for kindergarten through 12th grade to 1 unit for 8.4 students effective July 1, 2023, maintaining consistency across grade levels.