The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that makes available a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. Part B of IDEA governs the education of students ages 3 through 21. In the District of Columbia, students with disabilities are eligible to receive FAPE through the end of the school year in which they turn 22.
Local regulations governing the provision of special education and related services to children with disabilities are found in Title 5, Subtitle A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). Regulations governing services provided in District of Columbia Public Schools and charter schools are found in Chapter 30 (5A DCMR §3000-3099), while regulations governing nonpublic schools are found in Chapter 28 (5A DCMR §2800-2899).
- Special Education: 5-A DCMR Chapter 30 Regulations
- Nonpublic Special Education Schools and Programs Serving Students with Disabilities Funded by the District of Columbia and Special Education Rates: 5-A DCMR Chapter 28 Regulations
OSSE posts notices of special education regulation public comment periods and final regulations in the DC Register.
Additional Information
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For questions or additional information, please email [email protected].
Special education regulations, policies and guidance are administered by OSSE’s Office of Special Education within the Division of Systems and Supports, K-12.
[Date Posted: Feb. 27, 2023]