Understanding of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Many parents/guardians of students from birth to age 8 do not have a firm understanding of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), particularly Parts B and C. Often times general education teachers at the preschool and kindergarten grade levels are the first to identify potential disabilities in students and initiate the referral process. Ensuring that these teachers can accurately explain IDEA and the legal requirements of IDEA to parents/guardians using family-friendly language is a must. You have been tasked with providing a professional development session focused on IDEA for a group of preschool and kindergarten teachers to ensure they know the legal compliance requirements related to IDEA Parts B and C. Using the topic Resources and your own research, create a 12-15 slide digital presentation that can be used to educate preschool and kindergarten teachers about IDEA. The presentation should address the following: Explanation of why it is important to know and understand IDEA Parts B and C and what is necessary for legal compliance Summary of IDEA Part B including eligibility criteria and specific guidelines, procedures, and timelines that must be followed in order to be compliant with the law Summary of IDEA Part C including eligibility criteria and specific guidelines, procedures, and timelines that must be followed in order to be compliant with the law Explanation of the key differences between IDEA Part B and Part C and include discussion about when students might transition from one to the other