The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (PL 108-446) was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in December 2004. Since the enactment of the original legislation in 1975, children and youth (ages 3-22) receive special education and related services under Part B of IDEA. Part B is so named because it’s the second part of the law itself. Infants and toddlers (0-2) receive special education and related services under Part C of IDEA. Its four parts are:
- Part A – General Provisions
- Part B – Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities
- Part C – Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
- Part D – National Activities to Improve Education of Children with Disabilities
To read IDEA’s verbatim language can be a big help in understanding why local practices in schools and early childhood settings are as they are. Below are some helpful links to explore the actual words of our nation’s special education law.
- Get a Copy of IDEA
Does your desk need a full copy of IDEA or its implementing regulations? Here’s where! - Part C of IDEA: Early Intervention for Babies and Toddlers
Under IDEA Part C, infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-3) and their families receive early intervention services. - Part B of IDEA: Services for School-Aged Children
Children and youth (ages 3-22) receive special education and related services under Part B of IDEA. Find out all about this extremely critical part of the law.
