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Lesson 5: Building on a Foundation 2e Learners

IDEA

Image: IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is our nation's special education law and it requires schools to serve the educational needs of eligible students with disabilities.

IDEA makes a free appropriate public education (FAPE) available to eligible children with disabilities in every state and ensures special education and related services to those children.

IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.

Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C.  Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.

For further information, visit U.S. Department of Education: Individuals with Disabilities Act About IDEA (optional).

Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA)

Each state must follow IDEA, but may also create additional laws and rules. In Colorado, the Rules for the Administration of the ECEA outline specific requirements regarding how IDEA and special education are to be implemented across the state.