Subcommittee advances bill to expand early-intervention Part C services to older infants and toddlers

Delegate Ballard presented HB 103, asking the subcommittee to direct the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to take steps to implement Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so that early-intervention services extend to children through age 4.

Sponsor and counsel discussion clarified the current structure: IDEA Part C in Virginia typically covers infants and toddlers up to age 3; Part B services begin when a child enters school. The bill seeks to extend the window so children would continue to receive Part C services through their year prior to school enrollment (effectively covering children up to age 4), which proponents said would reduce service gaps.

Supporters included Bergen Nelson, a Richmond pediatrician, and community providers who said early intervention is highly effective. Providers and members raised practical questions: are there enough trained providers to meet increased demand, and are reimbursement rates sufficient to grow capacity? Delegate Henson said she planned a "no" vote in Appropriations until those operational questions are answered, underlining the committee’s emphasis on capacity and funding.

The subcommittee voted to report and refer HB 103 to Appropriations by a recorded vote of 5 to 1.