Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): IDEA is the federal law that assists states in developing and implementing systems of comprehensive services for all eligible children with disabilities, birth through 21 years of age. Part C and Part B of IDEA support young children with disabilities receiving services in inclusive settings and natural settings and natural environments:

Regulations:

• The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (Part C of IDEA).
• Under Part C, services are required to be provided in the child's natural environment to the maximum extent possible. Relevant sections of the regulations are:
• Definitions: 34 CFR 303.12(b) and 303.18
• Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) policies and procedures: 34 CFR 303.167 (c)
• Content of IFSP: 34 CFR 303.344(d)(1)(ii) and 303.344, Note 1
• The Preschool Grants Program (Section 619 of Part B of IDEA).

  Under Section 619 of Part B, funding mechanisms are provided to ensure services to children ages 3 through 5 years in the least restrictive environment (LRE) possible. Relevant sections of the Part B regulations related to LRE are:

• General LRE Requirements: 34 CFR 300.550
• Continuum of alternative placements: 34 CFR 300.551
• Placements: 34 CFR 300.552
• Nonacademic settings: 34 CFR 300.553
• Children in public or private institutions: 34 CFR 300.554
• Technical assistance: 34 CFR 300.555
• Monitoring activities: 34 CFR 300.556
• Notice of interpretation: 34 CFR Appendix A

Natural Environments (Part C)

IDEA states that services must be provided in a location where infants and toddlers of the same age without disabilities would typically be found. This could be in the home, a child care center, a family child care location, Early Head Start, a story hour, or other community-based program. Service providers will work with you to choose learning opportunities for your child within the context of everyday activities such as bathing, changing, dressing, eating, playing, etc. Research has shown that community life provides children with many learning experiences and opportunities and children learn skills best when they are involved in these activities as part of daily life. Time spent at the playground, the library or playing with friends can encourage a child's development and positive behavior.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) (Part B)

The authors of IDEA recognized the need for preschool children with disabilities not to be separated from their peers and educated in segregated environments. The goal of LRE is to allow children with disabilities to be educated with their peers in the regular classroom to the greatest extent possible. Most children learn by modeling the behavior of peers, so it is beneficial for young children to be educated with typically developing children.