IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
Last updated
IDEA is the federal law that guarantees eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education and sets the rules for IEPs.
Topic: IDEA, law and procedure
In plain terms
IDEA is the main US special education law. Part B covers children and youth ages 3 through 21 who are eligible for special education, and it is the part that requires an IEP. Part C covers infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 and their families, through an IFSP. The law also sets out how children are evaluated, what the IEP must contain, and the rights parents have when they disagree.
How it shows up in an IEP
Almost every required part of an IEP traces back to the IDEA regulations at 34 CFR Part 300: present levels, measurable annual goals, how progress is measured and reported, services, and placement. States add rules on top, so district forms often have extra fields.
Example
A parent asks why the IEP must say how often progress reports will come home. The case manager explains that IDEA requires every IEP to state when periodic progress reports will be provided (34 CFR §300.320(a)(3)).
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.1, 20 U.S.C. §1400.
Rules vary by state. Check your state's regulations and your district's procedures.
Related terms
- FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)FAPE is the right of every eligible child with a disability to special education and related services, at no cost, designed around the child's needs.
- LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)LRE is the IDEA requirement that students with disabilities learn alongside peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate for each student.
- IEP (Individualized Education Program)An IEP is the written plan, developed by a team that includes the parents, describing the special education and services an eligible student will receive.
- Procedural safeguardsProcedural safeguards are the rights IDEA gives parents and students, and the steps schools must follow, to keep special education decisions fair.
- Section 504Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that bans disability discrimination in programs that receive federal funds, including public schools.
- IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)An IFSP is the written plan for early intervention services for an infant or toddler with a disability or delay, and their family, under IDEA Part C.
On IEP Atlas
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.