On September 30, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education released a Q&A titled Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive Environment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The Q&A is the second in a series of Q&As by the Department interpreting the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Q&A is focused on school reopening efforts and serves to clarify that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, children with disabilities are entitled to free appropriate public education (FAPE). The topics discussed in the Q&A include meeting timelines, ensuring implementation of initial evaluation and reevaluation procedures, determining eligibility for special education and related services, and providing services that children with disabilities need in order to receive FAPE.