Which law mandates services for children with disabilities?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law that specifically mandates services for children with disabilities. This legislation ensures that children with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. IDEA outlines the processes and services that must be provided to eligible children, including the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child with a disability.

The law emphasizes early intervention services for infants and toddlers, as well as special education services for school-aged children. It mandates that educational institutions must work collaboratively with families to create and implement effective educational plans that support the child's learning and development.

In contrast, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) primarily focuses on preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas such as employment and public accommodations, rather than specifically addressing educational services. The No Child Left Behind Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act are more focused on ensuring accountability in education and improving academic achievement for all students, but they do not specifically mandate special education services for children with disabilities.