What is I.D.E.A?
I.D.E.A Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (also known as P.L. 94-142) is a Federal program which provides funds to states and local education agencies, ie. school districts to support education for children with disabilities. Part B of IDEA covers children ages 3 to 21. IDEA Part C provides funds for states to support Early Intervention services for children birth to age 3.
IDEA provides guidelines and protection for children to assure their right to a free and appropriate public education. The principle of the law is that children with disabilities should not be denied the same opportunities offered to everyone else. Everyone gets access to public education; and therefore children with disabilities should not be denied.