All children with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).  

The federal law that gives these rights is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

F = Free: A school district cannot charge for any services or supports required to provide a student with  an education.

A = Appropriate:  A 504 plan or IEP should determine the support needed for a student in special education to make meaningful progress. 

P = Public: The education program must be supervised by a public school. Parents, Teachers, Administrators and specialists (as needed) make up the public school IEP team. 

E = Education: This includes special education as well as related services like occupational therapy, behavior consultation, or mental health support.

FAPE provides a student with a special education program that meets their unique needs with specifically designed instruction as well as related services to help a student benefit from their special education program.