Menu Close

(13.1) What is the federal law that requires preschool education services?

(13.1) What is the federal law that requires preschool education services?

Public Law (PL) 99-457, passed in 1986, is a federal law that expands services for children younger than 5-years-old who need special education.  This law is now part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and makes grants available to states to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities ages 3-5.  [20 United States Code (U.S.C.) Sec.1419.]  In California, early educational opportunities are also made available to children younger than three years of age.  [California Education Code (Cal. Ed. Code) Sec. 56425 and following; Government Code (Cal. Govt. Code) Sec. 95000 and following.] See Chapter 12, Information on Early Intervention Services.