Special Education

Special education is a service, not a specific place within a school. It refers to the specialized instruction and support provided to students with disabilities to meet their unique educational needs, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

What is Special Education (Part B)?

Special Education refers to the services and supports provided to eligible children ages 3 through 21 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services are designed to meet the individual learning needs of children with disabilities so they can make meaningful progress in school.


To receive special education services, a child must:

  • Be evaluated by the public school system, and
  • Be found to have a disability in one of the IDEA categories (such as developmental delay, autism, speech/language impairment, etc.), and
  • Need special education and related services to learn and succeed in school

Eligibility is determined through a team process that includes school professionals and the family.

What is an IEP?

If a child is eligible special education services, the school develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP)—a legal document that outlines:


  • The child’s strengths and needs

  • Learning goals

  • Services and supports (like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or classroom modifications)

  • The educational setting (like an inclusive classroom or a specialized program)

Where Does Special Education Happen?

Special education doesn’t always mean a separate classroom. Services can be provided:


  • In an inclusive preschool setting


  • In a general education classroom

  • In a specialized classroom or school

  • Or a combination of these settings


Special Education is a Team Effort. Families are key members of the IEP team. They work with educators, therapists, and others to develop a plan that supports their child’s unique needs.