Federal Law

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Definition

IDEA (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.; reauthorized 2004; regulations at 34 CFR Parts 300 and 303) is the primary federal statute governing special education in the United States. Part B covers school-age children (ages 3-21); Part C covers infants and toddlers (ages 0-3). IDEA guarantees FAPE in the LRE, mandates the IEP process, establishes procedural safeguards, and recognizes 13 disability categories for eligibility.

Regulatory Citation

20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.; 34 CFR Parts 300, 303

Example in Practice

A district refusing to evaluate a child whose teacher suspects a disability may be compelled under IDEA's Child Find mandate (34 CFR §300.111).

Key Research Citations

·NCES (2024) — 7.5 million students receive IDEA services
·GAO-23-105250 (2023) — School-based Medicaid under IDEA

Full bibliography available on the Research page.

Related Terms

FAPE IEP IFSP Procedural Safeguards

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This glossary entry is educational. It is not legal or clinical advice. Consult a qualified attorney or licensed clinician before making decisions that rely on this summary.