Public law no. 94-142: Education for Handicapped Children Act (1975)

Guarantees that all children who require special education receive it.

Assures fairness in assessing and educating students with disabilities.

Establishes standards of accountability for appropriate services.

Provides federal funds to assist state and local governments in meeting provisions of the law.

Public law no. 99-457: Amendments to the Education for all the Handicapped Act (1986)

Mandates early intervention services for at-risk children aged 3 to 5 years through Preschool Grant Program.

Provides incentive grants to initiate programs for high-risk children from birth to 3 years of age (Part H—The Handicapped Infants and Toddlers Program).

Public law no. 102-119: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendment of 1991 (IDEA)

Reauthorizes family-centered programs for children from birth to 3 years of age (Part H), specifically targeting minority, low-income, inner-city and rural populations.

Mandates improved cooperation between health care and special education disciplines.

Assures, consequently, that physicians will be integrally involved in the early identification of developmental delays and of children at biologic or environmental risk. Physicians will actively participate in the formulation of “individualized family service plans” (IFSPs) and interpret results of screenings and evaluation for parents.

Public law no. 105-117: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendment of 1997 (IDEA ‘97)*

Enhances early intervention and multidisciplinary services for toddlers and infants with disabilities.

Provides for participation of children and youth with disabilities in state- and district-wide assessment programs.

Addresses discipline and behavior issues of children with disabilities.

Includes added emphasis on the participation of children with disabilities in the general education classroom and general curriculum.