Analysis of 2024 IDEA Data Shows Increase in Students Served

The Advocacy Institute has analyzed the most recent data released by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on students with disabilities served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under Section 618 of IDEA, states must annually report data on infants and toddlers from birth through age 2 who receive early intervention services under Part C, as well as children ages 3 through 21 who receive special education and related services under Part B. According to the Advocacy Institute’s “Our Kids Count” report, the latest ED figures indicate that the number of IDEA-eligible children ages 3–21 rose substantially in 2024 compared to 2023. The number of students ages 3–21 increased by 3.8 percent, adding 301,991 students and bringing total enrollment to 8,194,424. 

In contrast, the number of infants and toddlers served under IDEA Part C (birth through age 2) declined slightly in 2024, by 1 percent, from 462,847 to 458,920. In the absence of a 2025 report from ED to Congress, the Advocacy Institute has assembled charts and graphs that present comparative data from 2023 and 2024, broken down by state, student characteristics, disability categories, and educational settings.

Access the “Our Kids Count” report here.