Every child is entitled to a free and appropriate publicly funded education regardless of whether he or she has a disability.

If a child has a disability that interferes with his/her educational progress, he/she may be entitled to special education as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Under the IDEA, special education includes a combination of an appropriate educational program to meet the child’s specific, unique individual needs as well as any related services that may be necessary to allow the child to benefit from that instruction.  Related services could include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, transportation, a paraprofessional/ aide, or a number of other services.  Your child’s eligibility depends upon his/her documented needs.