IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act gives children with disabilities the right to receive a free public education in the least restrictive environment.
Background History
1975 - Originally called the Education of All Handicapped Children Act
1997 - Name changed to IDEA
2004 - Reauthorization
(Source: National Association of School Nurses, 2002)
Who is eligible?
Children aged 3-21 with a "qualifying disability" that impedes learning. In general the school district has 60 days to evaluate a child's suspected disability once the parent has given consent. The actual number of days may vary according to local requirements.
(Source:
Who decides if a child is eligible?
Multidisciplinary Team
Parents of child with disability
Regular education teacher
Special education teacher
Representative of the school district
Plus anyone the school district deems necessary with expertise about the child
In many jurisdictions school nurses are not included in the multidisciplinary team! Although IDEA does not specifically use the term "school nurse", Congressional notes reveal that they intended to include school nurses under the ambiguous "related services" category. Also, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of providing school nursing services to a brain injured child in
(Source:
What does this team do?
Develop an Individual Education Program (IEP) that allows the child to attend school and participate fully and safely in school programs and activities.
(Source: National Association of School Nurses, 2002)
What does IDEA mean for school nurses?
This means more children with complex medical conditions will be in school. We need to advocate that school nurses be recognized as an integral and necessary part of the multidisciplinary team! These students have health considerations and they need individualized nursing assessment, planning, and intervention. Nursing input is crucial to determining appropriate school/classroom placement and services needed during school hours. Without a nurse, students are at risk for unsafe and inappropriate specialized health services provided by untrained and/or unlicensed individuals!
References
National Association of School Nurses. (2002). Issue Brief. Individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA): Management of children in the least restrictive environment. Retrieved June 28, 2006 from http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=274 .
U. S. House of Representatives. (2005). Individuals with disabilities act (IDEA): a guide to "frequently asked questions". Retrieved June 27, 2006 from http://edworkforce.house.gov/issues/109th/education/idea/ideafaq.pdf