Least Restrictive Environment

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), each public agency must ensure that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are nondisabled; and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services IDEA §612 (a)(5).

 

IDEA 2004

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) ensures that all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and that the rights of these children and their parents are protected. It also aligns to Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

This reference document developed by the PA Department of Education provides a side by side depiction of the PA Chapter 14 Regulations for Students with Disabilities in addition to the federal regulations (IDEA 2006) adopted by reference for the delivery of special education to students and eligible children in PA.

Side-by-Side Regulations IDEA/PA Chapter 14

Customized Professional Development and Technical Assistance