IDEA Part C

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA ) - Part C

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed by Congress in 1994. Originally enacted in 1975, IDEA ensures that children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education, just like other children. Revised many times over the years, the most recent amendments were passed in December 2004.

IDEA is broken down into several different parts. Part C applies to children under the age of three with disabilities or developmental delays, and is based upon the idea that early intervention will allow them to "catch up" and avoid the need for further services when enrolled in school. The law recognizes the significant brain development that occurs during the first three years of a child's life. Its purpose is to enhance the development of children by making available early intervention to minimize the potential for developmental delays. Federal law mandates early intervention services for Part-C eligible children.

All content © Programs for Infants & Children, Inc. Photographs by Lisa Campbell_TM and Julie Foraker