About the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
In 1986 Congress passed a law to improve early intervention and services for children with disabilities. This law is now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, the District of Columbia is required to identify all children with disabilities from birth to 21 years of age. The law contains guidelines for states to follow in providing services to families with children with disabilities. By identifying children with disabilities, the District of Columbia can provide them with the support and services they need to succeed in school.
This happens in two ways:
• The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) identifies infants from birth to 3 years of age.
• The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Public Charter Schools identify children between the ages of 3 and 21. This includes DC children who do not attend public school and out-of-state children who attend private schools in the District.
Once the District identifies these children and evaluates their needs, it can then provide the appropriate services for each child. (Taken from DCPS Early Stages Website, www.earlystagesdc.org)
DC Early Intervention Program (DC EIP) Child Find Hotline
810 First Street NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
202-727-3665
www.osse.dc.gov
DC Public Schools Early Stages Program
1125 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
phone: 202-698-8037
fax: 202-535-1008
www.earlystagesdc.org
District of Columbia Public Schools - Department of Special Education
1200 First Street, N.E.
9th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
202-442-4800
www.dcps.dc.gov
