Developmental delay
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Developmental delay is an IDEA eligibility option for young children with delays in physical, cognitive, communication, social or adaptive development.
Topic: Disability categories and conditions
In plain terms
States may use developmental delay for children ages 3 through 9, or any subset of that range, such as 3 through 5. It lets teams serve a young child without assigning a more specific category too early, when development is still changing quickly. The state defines how much delay qualifies and how it is measured. Not every state uses the category, and districts must follow the state's choice.
How it shows up in an IEP
Goals for young children with developmental delay are often functional and play-based, written for routines like circle time, snack and centers. Before the age limit, the team reevaluates to decide whether the child qualifies under another category.
Example
A 4-year-old with delays in language and fine motor skills qualifies under developmental delay. Goals target two-word requests during snack and holding a crayon with a tripod grasp.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.8(b), 34 CFR §300.111(b).
Rules vary by state. Check your state's regulations and your district's procedures.
Related terms
- Preschool special educationPreschool special education is special education and related services for eligible children ages 3 through 5 under IDEA Part B.
- Early interventionEarly intervention is the set of services for infants and toddlers, from birth to age 3, who have developmental delays or disabilities, and for their families.
- Eligibility determinationEligibility determination is the team decision, made after an evaluation, about whether a child has a disability under IDEA and needs special education.
- Part C to Part B transitionPart C to Part B transition is the planned move of a child from early intervention to preschool special education around the child's third birthday.
- Reevaluation (triennial)A reevaluation is a new look at a student's needs and eligibility, required at least every three years unless the parent and school agree it is not needed.
On IEP Atlas
- Preschool & Kindergarten Readiness IEP goals
- Expressive Language IEP goals
- IEP goals for developmental delay
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.