{"id":143,"date":"2024-05-30T18:08:18","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T18:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/education.delaware.gov\/legacy\/special-education\/policies-and-procedures\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T19:07:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T19:07:49","slug":"policies-and-procedures","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/education.delaware.gov\/legacy\/home\/instruction-and-assessment\/exceptional-children\/special-education\/policies-and-procedures\/","title":{"rendered":"Policies and Procedures"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The State of Delaware follows the guidelines set forth in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) of 2004, which outlines education requirements for all students with disabilities. IDEA states that public school districts and charter schools have an obligation to ensure that all students with disabilities have available to them a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Districts and charter schools are required to design special education and related services to meet each student’s unique needs. Districts and charters must also prepare students with disabilities for further education, employment, and independent living after high school.<\/p>\n

The rights of children with disabilities and their families are protected under federal and state laws. The federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is responsible for ensuring school district and charter compliance with IDEA. As a state agency, the Delaware Department of Education’s Exceptional Children Resources<\/a>workgroup assists districts, charters educational service agencies, and public agencies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Through Results-Driven Accountability, the Department:<\/p>\n