The IDEA is the federal law that establishes the public education requirements for special education. The 2004 version of the IDEA clarifies that its goal is for every child with a disability to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (“FAPE”). The IDEA establishes how to Identify Children with Disabilities and the process that school districts must follow to ensure that children with disabilities get FAPE.

The Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, is the heart and soul of what IDEA offers children with disabilities. It sets forth where your child will be placed in school, and the services that are needed to ensure he or she is provided a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The IEP is very specific about the services themselves, where they are provided and how often. It also is required to set out specific goals, with measurable criteria, to help both the parents and the district assess your child’s educational progress. Read on for more information about the Individualized Education Plan.

If you want to learn more about what FAPE means, or what the IDEA requires, of if you believe your school might not be fulfilling its obligations under IDEA, please schedule a free consultation with Marc Davies today to talk about your legal options.