Parents of children with disabilities rely on a system designed to protect their kids’ right to learn. But that system just lost hundreds of the people who help make that happen.
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced layoffs affecting nearly 20% of its staff (about 466 employees) during a sweeping reduction in force across federal agencies. Among the hardest-hit divisions are those that protect and support some of the nation’s most vulnerable students: children with disabilities, students from low-income families, and those who depend on civil rights protections in schools.
While the numbers might sound abstract, the impact is personal. These cuts affect the very offices that oversee special education services, investigate discrimination, and ensure funding reaches the students who need it most. Here’s what parents should know, and what they can do to stay informed and involved.
What’s changing: The offices and programs affected
Several key Education Department offices are facing steep reductions in staff:
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS):
This office enforces the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees children with disabilities access to a free and appropriate education. It also monitors states’ compliance with special education laws and supports educators and families through resources and training. According to reports, staffing may drop from roughly 200 employees to only a handful—an unprecedented loss in oversight capacity.
Office for Civil Rights (OCR):
OCR investigates discrimination complaints related to race, gender, or disability in schools. With fewer investigators, families could face longer wait times for complaints to be reviewed or resolved, leaving urgent issues unresolved.
Title I and afterschool programs:
These programs direct federal funding to schools serving low-income families and provide vital enrichment for students outside regular classroom hours. Reduced staffing may slow down funding approvals, data collection, and program oversight.
TRIO and HBCU support programs:
Federal programs that promote college access for underrepresented students and funding for historically Black colleges and universities could also see administrative slowdowns and reduced guidance from the federal level.
In simple terms, these offices make sure schools follow the law and provide equitable services. With fewer people ensuring accountability, those protections may weaken—and families could feel the ripple effects in their local classrooms.
Related: Almost 1 in 3 kids are chronically absent from school—and they can’t catch up
Why this matters for families
For many families, especially those navigating special education or advocating for accommodations, federal oversight isn’t abstract—it’s the reason their child gets timely evaluations, therapies, and support.
Here’s what these cuts could mean in real life:
- Delayed IEP reviews or reimbursements. Families may experience longer waits for their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) updates or funding for approved services.
- Slower civil rights investigations. Complaints about discrimination or denial of services could take months longer to resolve, leaving families without clear answers or recourse.
- More pressure on states and school districts. With fewer federal staff monitoring compliance, more responsibility will fall on local agencies—meaning parents may have to advocate more persistently for their child’s needs.
Glenna Wright-Gallo, a former assistant secretary for OSERS, told USA Today, “The system is designed to happen at the school level, with oversight from the district, with oversight from the state, and then with oversight from the federal level. Now we’re losing that checks and balances system.”
For parents, that could translate to longer wait times, fewer resources, and more uncertainty—especially for families who already spend hours navigating complex systems just to ensure their children get the education they’re entitled to.
Related: 5 tips for homeschooling a child with special needs, according to a special ed teacher
What parents can do right now
It’s easy to feel powerless when decisions in Washington affect classrooms across the country, but parents still play a crucial role in protecting their children’s rights and services.
Here’s how to stay proactive:
1. Contact your state education department.
Ask about potential delays in special education oversight, IEP reviews, or funding changes. Many states have helplines or ombudsman programs specifically for special education concerns.
2. Lean on advocacy organizations.
Groups like The Arc, the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) offer toolkits, webinars, and sample letters for parents advocating on behalf of their children.
3. Stay engaged locally.
Attend school board meetings, join your district’s special education advisory committee, and keep open communication with your child’s teachers and administrators. Local advocacy often drives the fastest results.
4. Monitor program updates.
Keep an eye on your school’s announcements regarding Title I, TRIO, or afterschool programs. Transparency may vary across districts, and your questions help ensure accountability.
Staying hopeful and informed
The loss of federal oversight is concerning, but it doesn’t erase parents’ collective power. Every conversation with a teacher, every question asked at a board meeting, every letter sent to a local representative matters.
Behind every line of policy is a child who just wants to learn and a parent determined to make sure they can. Even as these systems shrink, families’ voices and advocacy remain essential.By staying informed, connected, and engaged, parents can help ensure that every child, regardless of disability, income, or background, has access to the education they deserve.