extended school year (ESY): refers to public school
services provided in summer months pursuant to an individualized education program.
free appropriate public education (FAPE): the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act requires a school
district to provide a “free appropriate public education” to
each eligible child ages three to twenty-two with a disability who is in the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the person’s disability.
Head Start: a federally funded program started in 1965
that provides a comprehensive preschool program for children from income-eligible families. At least 10 percent of enrollment opportunities are for children with disabilities, and 10 percent of families may be enrolled whose incomes are above the eligibility requirements. Early Head Start is a program that serves infants and toddlers from birth to age three.
individual program plan (IPP): a service plan developed
for persons with developmental disabilities who are served
by the regional center system under the Lanterman Act.
The plan describes the provision of services and supports
needed to meet the written goals and objectives.
individualized education program (IEP): a written
statement of educational goals and services for children
age three and older that is developed, reviewed annually,
revised, and implemented by local education agencies.
individualized family service plan (IFSP): a written
plan for providing early intervention services for an infant
or toddler, age birth to three years, and his or her family,
who is eligible for early intervention services under Early
Start.
individualized family service plan (IFSP) service coordinator: an individual who works with families and other professionals to identify, arrange, and coordinate needed services and supports for Early Start children and families.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):
federal law passed in 1991 that reauthorizes and amends
the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94142).
Most recently reauthorized in 2004, Part C of the
law focuses on early intervention services to infants and
toddlers with disabilities.