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Annual Conference
Washington, DC
Oct. 31-Nov 3, 2008
Learn more about the 2008 NAEHCY Annual Conference.

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

child's drawing of a teacher and students

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), reauthorized in December 2004, is a federal law whose purpose is to improve the education of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, including those experiencing homelessness.

The reauthorized IDEA includes new provisions addressing the special education needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness and children and youth who are wards of the state.

For more information on IDEA and other legislative issues, contact Barbara Duffield, Policy Director, at bduffield@naehcy.org.

IDEA Resources

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004: Provisions for Homeless Children and Youth with Disabilities

This issue brief explains the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act that pertain to children and youth experiencing homelessness. Strategies for implementation are suggested.

NAEHCY Pro Bono Counsel Memorandum: Evaluations for Highly Mobile Students

This May 2006 memorandum discusses a school district's obligations regarding evaluations for determining a student’s eligibility for special education and related services under IDEA and focuses specifically on the issue of homeless children with erratic school attendance.

Summary of IDEA Homeless and Foster Care/Ward of the State Provisions

This summary, prepared jointly by NAEHCY and the American Bar Association's Center on Children and the Law, explains the most important provisions of the reauthorized IDEA pertaining to children experiencing homelessness and wards of the state.