The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.
The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to millions of eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
Additionally, the IDEA authorizes formula grants to states to support special education, early intervention, and related services; as well as discretionary grants to state educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other nonprofit organizations.
ED's Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and our grantees.
Use this searchable database to find specific sections of the IDEA statute and related regulations.
Use this searchable database to find policy letters and guidance that pertain to IDEA implementation.
Find guidance pertaining to children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private schools.
Find datasets related to IDEA Section 618, which requires each state to submit data about children who receive services under IDEA Parts B and C.
