I was able to speak with a K-3 or preschool special education/resource teacher about IDEA legislation as part of my field experience. IDEA’s most essential aspect for educators is the IEP process. This allows each child to receive a customized education tailored to their individual needs. IDEA can be used for children aged between 3 and 21 years old. They suggested that parents need to understand that IDEA is federal law and guarantees certain rights to their children and families with disabilities, such as the right to an appropriate and free public education.
She also mentioned that speech and language impairments, learning difficulties, and developmental delays were the three most frequent disabilities they see at their school. Information about disabilities is shared by the administrator at school and the special education staff through IEP meetings as well as individual communication with parents, teachers and other family members. Following strict guidelines established by IDEA and Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, (FERPA), school records are kept confidential.