Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is a fundamental right under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring that students with disabilities receive educational services at no cost to the family. FAPE is tailored to meet the unique educational needs of the student through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is developed in a team setting that includes educators and the child's parents or guardians.
The main components of FAPE are:
Education at No Cost: The educational services, including equipment and accommodations necessary for the student to access education, must be provided at no cost to the parents.
Appropriate Education: This includes specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of the student, alongside related services, such as transportation, counseling, or physical therapy, as required. The goal is to assist students with disabilities in making progress in the general education curriculum.
Individualized Education Program (IEP): The IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the specific educational services, supports, and goals for the student. It is created by a team that includes teachers, school officials, and the parents, and it is reviewed and updated annually to adjust to the student's evolving needs.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students are to be educated with their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible, and the environment should only be modified when necessary to accommodate the student's unique needs.
FAPE is a cornerstone of federal education law, ensuring that all students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to benefit from public education.
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