Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that supports infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families (Part C), as well as supporting special education and related services for students with disabilities (Part B).

IDEA includes four parts:

• Part A (General Provisions)
• Part B (Special Education Services (ages 3-21)
  • In California, Part B covers ages 3-22
  • IDEA calls for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for every student with an identified disability.
  • Education must be delivered in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
  • Requires that students with disabilities be educated in general education settings, alongside students without disabilities, as long as this setting is proven to be appropriate.
  • Promotes concepts of inclusion
• Part C (Early Intervention Services) (0-36 months)
• Authorizes a grant program for each state to implement a system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
• Implementation of public awareness and Child Find activities to identify infants and toddlers who may be eligible for early intervention services.
• Provides services in the natural environment.
• Part D (National Activities to Improve Education of Children with Disabilities)