Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The federal law that requires public schools to provide a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities. IDEA guarantees your child the right to special education services and protections.
IDEA in context
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act comes up across the IEP process — in your IEP document, during meeting prep, and in the federal rights that protect your child. Rules and timelines can also vary by state — find your state's parent training centers and dispute options in our State IEP Guides.
If this term affects your child's annual goals, test whether they are measurable using our free IEP Goal Checker or follow our step-by-step IEP Annual Review Checklist.
Related Terms
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Your child's right to receive special education and related services at no cost to you. "Appropriate" means the education must be designed to meet your child's unique needs and help them make progress.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
The principle that children with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Your child should only be removed from the general education classroom when their needs cannot be met there, even with extra support.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A written plan created for your child that describes their current abilities, sets learning goals, and lists the special education services they will receive. It's a legal document that the school must follow.
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Write Your First Letter — Free →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.