Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the nation’s federal special education law that ensures that public schools serve the educational needs of students with disabilities. IDEA includes specific provisions related to special education for students experiencing homelessness. Children and youth ages 3-21 receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B. Infants and toddlers ages birth-2 and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA part C.

View the full text of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.

• View the IDEA Part B regulations.
• View the IDEA Part C regulations.
• Download Questions and Answers on Special Education and Homelessness.
• Download the Office of Special Education Programs’ (OSEP) Dear Colleague Letter on Education for Highly Mobile Children. (July 2013)
• Download the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services’ (OSERS) Dear Colleague Letter on the Education of Children With Disabilities Who Are Homeless. (August 2013)
• The Office of Special Education Programs’ (OSEP) Letter to State Directors of Special Education on Ensuring a High-Quality Education for Highly Mobile Children. OSEP Policy Support 22-02 (November 10, 2022)

Part B of IDEA: Services for School-Aged Children