At a Glance
- IDEA is the federal law that provides eligible children with disabilities access to a free appropriate public education, including special education and related services.
- An evaluation helps determine whether a child qualifies and what educational support they need.
- An Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes the child’s goals, services, and supports.
- Parents are members of the IEP team and participate in decisions about their child’s education.
The Purpose of IDEA
IDEA protects the rights of eligible children with disabilities and their families. It provides special education and related services designed to meet each child’s individual needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.
Children must be educated alongside children without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate. The IEP team determines the services, supports, and placement each child needs.
Who’s Eligible?
Eligibility is determined through an evaluation of your child’s individual needs. To qualify under IDEA, a child must meet the criteria for an eligible disability category and need special education because of that disability. IDEA’s disability categories include:
- Autism
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment (including ADHD)
- Specific learning disability (including dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, among others)
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment, including blindness
Eligibility is based on an evaluation of the child’s individual needs. A child does not have to fail classes or repeat a grade to qualify for special education. Having a diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a child; the child must need special education because of a disability.
Requesting an Evaluation
If you think your child may need special education, you can request an evaluation from the school. Put your request in writing, explain your concerns, and keep a copy. The school may also initiate an evaluation request.
Before conducting an initial evaluation, the school must obtain informed parental consent. The evaluation must address all areas of suspected disability and help identify your child’s educational needs.
Evaluation Timeline in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the school generally must complete an initial evaluation within 60 calendar days after it receives written parental consent. This timeline begins with consent—not the date you first request an evaluation. Specific exceptions may apply.
Keep copies of your evaluation request, signed consent, and school correspondence to track important dates. Contact a TCFEF parent mentor if you need help understanding the process.
Developing an IEP
If your child qualifies for special education, you work with the other members of the IEP team to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The IEP is a written plan that describes your child’s current skills and needs, measurable annual goals, and the services and supports the school will provide. It also explains how progress will be measured and when you will receive progress reports.
The Role of Parents
You are an important member of your child’s IEP team. Share your child’s strengths, your concerns, and what you see at home. Ask questions and request explanations when something is unclear.
Parents have rights to participate in educational decisions and review their child’s education records. TCFEF parent mentors can help you understand the special education process and prepare for school meetings.
