NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the primary legislation that governs the qualification for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Under IDEA, specific categories of disabilities are defined, and students must meet the criteria for one of these categories to be eligible for special education services. This law ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs.

In contrast, while the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act provide protections and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, they do not specifically define the requirements for qualifying for an IEP in educational settings. The No Child Left Behind Act focuses primarily on accountability and educational standards rather than the criteria for special education services. Thus, IDEA is the most relevant legislation for determining eligibility for an IEP.