I think panic is appropriate at this point. While some people cheer the elimination of the department because they want parents (non-educators) to determine curriculum content, I don’t think they realize that they will now be paying for it. Federal dollars support public schools, and every state depends on that. Red states, ironically, get far more federal aid, so many people who voted for this are just realizing that it actually affects them very personally. Teachers are already underpaid in most districts and work far more hours a week than just the hours school is open. They also work and attend professional development programs during vacations and the summer break, so it’s not a casual, part-time job at all. They also often have two jobs to pay off grad school loans (because many schools require masters degrees) and to pay for school supplies, books and even lunches for hungry kids.
The Dept. of Education as you say, has long been responsible for educational adjustments for all kinds of disabilities in children. A parallel array of assistance programs for kids with disabilities comes from Medicaid, which more than half the children with disabilities use to get vital medical care. With that on the chopping block as well, those parents are equally freaked out.
I would see if there is a local group of parents (perhaps in your state or including other school districts) that offers advocacy seminars and updates. Sometimes they lobby individual reps, sometimes they give you talking points, sometimes they organize a large protest or a small visit to the rep’s office. Join everything you can.
I’d also say that each of us needs to contact our State reps (legislature and state senate) as well as our federal reps (Senate and House). Call every day if you can (there’s even a group called “5 Calls” which is what they urge you to do. They will ask for your zip code to verify that you have the correct rep). Be specific in your concerns. List the individual programs that are vital for your child, and how she relies on them to have access to what others may take for granted.
They tally phone calls but not emails, and they don’t really pay attention to how many times you call on the same issue. Do not feel you are being “a nuisance” - remember that these reps work for you, regardless of whether you voted for them or not. It’s your right to ask how they are voting, what they are doing about this, what bills they might be sponsoring or co-sponsoring, etc., that will protect the state’s students.
I have a friend with two kids, one of whom has significant educational issues and multiple disabilities. She has been a tireless advocate for him since age 10 (he’s now 20 and in a special school). My friend has worked with her state rep (has her on speed dial!) and calls her with issues in the school system or anywhere else that affect her son and, frankly, save his life. You, too, can channel your very understandable panic into actions. Do not wait to see what the Dept. of Ed cuts - work proactively, with a team of more experienced and activist parents if you wish, to start advocating NOW.