September 28, 2020: Part B Implementation of IDEA Provision of Services in the Current COVID-19 Environment

This update “addresses inquiries concerning “implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B provision of services in the current COVID-19 environment”.

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), within the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, issued this Question and Answer (Q & A) document dated September 28. This document is in response to inquiries concerning implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B provision of services in the current COVID-19 environment.

Download or read the Q & A document (PDF)

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/qa-provision-of-services-idea-part-b-09-28-2020.pdf

“OSEP reminds SEAs and LEAs that no matter what primary instructional delivery approach is chosen, SEAs, LEAs, and individualized education program (IEP) Teams remain responsible for ensuring that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided to all children with disabilities. If State and local decisions require schools to limit or not provide in-person instruction due to health and safety concerns, SEAs, LEAs, and IEP Teams are not relieved of their obligation to provide FAPE to each child with a disability under IDEA.”