Which act guarantees early childhood special education services for disabled children?

• A. IDEA-Part B
• B. IDEA-Part A
• C. FERPA
• D. ADA

Answer: (A)

IDEA Part B is the part that guarantees a free, appropriate public education for eligible preschool through age 21 students with disabilities. It requires the school to create an individualized education program that outlines the specific special education and related services the child will receive, and to provide these services in the least restrictive environment where the child can learn. This structure ensures that young children with disabilities receive timely, coordinated supports in early childhood and school settings, with parental input and ongoing progress monitoring.

By contrast, IDEA Part A covers general provisions and definitions, not the specific services for a child’s education plan. FERPA protects the privacy of students’ education records, and the ADA provides broad civil rights protections in many areas but does not itself guarantee a school-based special education program. Part C addresses early intervention for infants and toddlers (birth through age 2), not preschool education in the school system, which is why Part B is the choice that aligns with guaranteeing early childhood special education services in a educational context.