Federal Regulations Governing U.S. Special Education
Summaries of the six primary federal statutes and rules that shape U.S. special education: two disability-specific laws (IDEA Parts B and C), two civil-rights statutes (Section 504 and ADA Title II), and two privacy regimes (FERPA and COPPA). Each page links directly to the primary text on ed.gov, ftc.gov, or ada.gov, cites the exact United States Code and Code of Federal Regulations sections, and flags 2024-2026 rulemaking deadlines.
These pages are educational; they are not legal advice. For compliance advice, consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
IDEA Part B
Ages 3-2120 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.; 34 CFR Part 300
The foundational federal statute governing special education for school-age children. Establishes FAPE, IEP, LRE, procedural safeguards, and transition.
IDEA Part C
Ages 0-320 U.S.C. §1431 et seq.; 34 CFR Part 303
Early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or diagnosed conditions. Delivered through IFSPs in natural environments.
Section 504
Rehabilitation Act of 197329 U.S.C. §794; 34 CFR Part 104
Civil-rights statute prohibiting disability discrimination by any recipient of federal funds, including public schools.
FERPA
Student Records Privacy20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99
Federal law protecting privacy of student education records. Grants parents and eligible students rights to inspect, amend, and control disclosure.
COPPA 2025 Amendments
Effective April 22, 202615 U.S.C. §§6501-6506; 16 CFR Part 312
FTC rule updates expanding definition of personal information, requiring written data retention and security programs for services directed to children under 13.
ADA Title II (2024 DOJ Final Rule)
Web accessibility — April 2026 deadline42 U.S.C. §§12131-12165; 28 CFR Part 35; 89 Fed. Reg. 31320
Requires state and local governments — including public schools — to make web content and mobile apps conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
This page is educational. For legal compliance advice, consult a qualified attorney. Federal regulations change; verify citations against the current version of the Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov) and the United States Code (uscode.house.gov) before relying on them.