Targeted Student Supports

Special Education Rules and Regulations

Federal Laws and Regulations

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.
- IDEA Part B Statute
- IDEA Part B Regulations
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits recipients of federal funding, such as a school district, from discriminating against individuals with disabilities.
Title II covers public entities that do not receive federal funds.

State Laws and Regulations

Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) Rules. Each state must follow the IDEA, but may also create additional laws and rules. In Colorado, the Rules for the Administration of the ECEA outline specific requirements regarding how the IDEA and special education is to be implemented across the state.
Protection of Individuals from Restraint and Seclusion Act (PPRA)

Special Education

Office of Special Education

Topic Index (Alpha Index) for the Office of Special Education
Special Education Guidance and Technical Assistance
- Role of the School Nurse: Students with Special Needs
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Initial Health Assessment (DOC)
- Planning Checklist for IHP and IEP (DOC)
Categories of Disability
Special Education Related Services and Departments
Childfind & Preschool Education
- Early Childhood Special Education Resources and Guidance
  - Early Intervention Colorado (exiting CDE)
    - IDEA Part C - (birth to 3) ensures early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
  - Child Find for Children Ages 3 - 5
    - IDEA Part B (ages 3-21) ensures children and youth receive special education and related services.
Parents Encouraging Parents

Outside Providers in School Setting

Section 504 Resources

Section 504 is part of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 that guarantees specific rights in federally funded programs and activities to people who qualify as disabled.

Title II covers public entities that do not receive federal funds.

Section 504 states:

"no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States...shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance...."

Section 504 is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR can be contacted by calling 303-844-5695. The School District is responsible for the implementation of section 504, For more information contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator for your District.

Under Section 504, a grievance may be filed with the School District or a complaint may be filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. For more information on Section 504, use the links below to access the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Section 504 | US Department of Education (exiting CDE)

Specific Illnesses and Medical Conditions Fact Sheets for Protecting Students with Disabilities through Section 504 and Title II (exiting CDE - U.S. DOE/OCR)