The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is a federal law that assures a free, appropriate public education and protects the rights of students with disabilities.  Every step in planning and monitoring the student's education is protected by this law.  These steps include procedures and processes such as:

·   Notice

·   Parent consent

·   Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

·   Individualized Education Program (IEP)

·   Placement

·   Confidentiality

·   Mediation

·   Due process hearing

The U.S. Department of Education website provides comprehensive information on IDEA as well as how the law aligns with the No Child Left Behind Act.  The Georgia Department of Education, Division for Exceptional Children also provide an easy to use itemized IDEA Guidance. 

Additionally, on September 6, 2006, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs launched its IDEA 2004 website that provides a very user friendly website exclusively for IDEA information.  The site was created to provide a “one-stop-shop” for resources related to IDEA and its implementing regulations. Please click here to read more on Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004.