A Review of Special Education Law

Children with disabilities require special education and related services that are as diverse as the individual children themselves. Special education is not necessarily a special classroom but a well thought-out program of collaborative interventions leading to educational goals set forth by a multidisciplinary team. Effective special education is guided by both state and federal laws that protect the rights of the child and encourage certain universal core principles. Special-needs children are entitled to a free and appropriate education with related services in the least restrictive environment. Pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists are in a unique position to develop a medical home for the disabled child, and in doing so must be well-versed in both case law and federal legislation as it applies to special education, in an effort to be a child's best advocate. A chronological review of case law and federal legislation, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, No Child Left Behind Act, and recent amendments, are discussed, and their relevance to physician practice is detailed.