The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the nation's special education law and was first enacted three decades ago. Through IDEA, states and local communities receive funding to provide special education for students with varying degrees of disabilities.

In exchange for federal funding, IDEA requires states to provide students with special needs a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). When the law was originally enacted back in 1975, it was in response to an increased awareness of the need to educate children with disabilities and to clearly define the states responsibility to provide the same educational opportunities for all children regardless of disability.

Why is it important for parents to understand FAPE and LRE?

According to the Committee on Education and the Workforce report, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), February 17, 2005, "IDEA recognizes that, to the extent possible, children with disabilities are entitled to the same educational experience as their non-disabled peers." The Act also states that the expense associated with the education of children with disabilities is a public responsibility just as it is with non-disabled students. Click here to view the complete Committee Report.

The most important parts of the law for parents to understand in making decisions about their child's educational placement are the concepts of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) and LRE (Least Restrictive Environment).

Simply put, FAPE means that children with disabilities are entitled to a publicly financed education that is appropriate to their age and abilities. The concept of LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) ensures that a whole host of educational  options, ranging from the local community public school to private schools, be explored one-by-one to determine which one best addresses the student's needs and maximizes the student's benefit from special education and related services.  

In New Jersey, we are fortunate to have a full continuum of options for educating students with disabilities ranging from special education programs in local community schools to very specialized Approved Private Schools like P.G. Chambers School. As a parent, it is important to look at all these options with the help of the Office of Special Services (Child Study Team) from the municipality in which you live to make the best choice for your child. 

If you and your Child Study team determine that a private school is the appropriate setting for your child, your school district pays the tuition and provides transportation to and from the school.

You can learn more about IDEA, your rights as parents, and educational options available to students with special needs in New Jersey by visiting the NJ Department of Education Website.

For More Information

For more information about the educational options for students with disabilities at P.G. Chambers School, contact Assistant Director/Principal Edee Levey at 973-829-8484.