The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for Children With Special Educational Needs

TLDR

In the United States, 15 % of children have a disability and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees them free appropriate public education, with pediatric health‑care providers playing a key role in supporting their health and development across early intervention, preschool, and school settings. This report summarizes the key components of the most recent IDEA and offers guidance to ensure every child receives the entitled early intervention and special education services.

Abstract

The pediatric health care provider has a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of children and adolescents in all settings, including early intervention (EI), preschool, and school environments. It is estimated that 15% of children in the United States have a disability. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act entitles every affected child in the United States from infancy to young adulthood to a free appropriate public education through EI and special education services. These services bolster development and learning of children with various disabilities. This clinical report provides the pediatric health care provider with a summary of key components of the most recent version of this law. Guidance is also provided to ensure that every child in need receives the EI and special education services to which he or she is entitled.